Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 320 - 247

Zhang Guoqing saw off Mr. Zhang and his nephews. As he returned home, even before entering the room, he heard bursts of laughter inside, and surprisingly, his father-in-law’s voice was among them.

Mother Zhang came out holding the child, pointed inside, and whispered, "Jiao Jiao and her dad have been chatting in there for most of the day; I don’t know where they have so much to talk about. Once your mother-in-law went in with a basket of things, they haven’t stopped laughing. I didn’t feel comfortable going in. It’s almost noon; go in and see how to arrange things?"

Zhang Guoqing pulled his mother, "Come on, it’s okay. Let’s go in and see; there must be something funny going on. Let’s check it out together. Ping’an needs to be fed."

Mother Zhang followed him inside while holding the child, and saw his young daughter-in-law wearing a sheepskin coat and boots, her big eyes peeking out. Oh dear, she just talked about military coats and boots being heavy last night, and this morning rushed to buy them. She sure moves fast in spending. Thinking of those villagers wearing thin clothes in the big cold winter, what a contrast.

"This is nice. Did mom buy it? Where did she find such a style? It looks so unusual. When Jiao Jiao wears it, it’s like she’s wrapped in a small house." As soon as Zhang Guoqing finished speaking, they all laughed heartily together. No wonder they grew up together.

Mother Zhang put the grandson on the bed and fondly touched Jiao Jiao. "It’s so warm. Must be expensive! Xiao Wu’s dad has a coat that’s been worn for decades, can’t part with it every winter. You can’t find such a good one within four villages. It can be passed down as an heirloom. No wonder they’re so happy laughing."

Zhou Jiao didn’t bother to explain and nodded with a smile in agreement.

"Dad, Brother Zhou ran into me on the road just now, saying that the old man invited us all to the guesthouse for a meal. Li Aiguo and others are waiting for you there. Why don’t you and Mom go for lunch? I’ll stay at home to take care of Jiao Jiao."

Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head, "You must go. This meal is a chance for you to meet everyone. Jiao Jiao doesn’t need to go; it’s too noisy there, and she doesn’t like it."

After speaking, he packed up and picked up the basket, saying to Mother Zhang, "Second sister-in-law, I’ll take Xiao Wu over, so no need to prepare lunch for the old man and others. Jiao Jiao’s mother will keep you company and help you here. I won’t ask you to come along."

Mother Zhang quickly waved her hand, "No, you two take Xiao Wu and go together. I’ll take care of Jiao Jiao here. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything."

Zhou Jiao thought of Mr. Zhang taking the kids, and couldn’t let them eat at the eldest sister-in-law’s place. Her mother wasn’t much help either. She pushed her father forward, "Dad, don’t worry. My mother-in-law is here. Let your mom go with you to accompany Auntie and Godmother. I’ll have Xiao Wu call his sister to come over and help with lunch. Remember not to drink too much wine. Make sure to come here before heading back."

"No need for Xiao Wu to go to his elder sister’s; I know the way; I’ll call them myself. You all go early and come back early."

Zhou Xiaozheng looked at his wife’s hands, not suited for housework. Better to take her along, to avoid jokes. Seeing Mother Zhang urgently pulling her away, he quickly told Zhou Jiao, "You rest with the child first. Dad will talk to you before leaving. If you find anything missing, note it down, and I’ll send it to you later."

Zhou Jiao saw off her reluctant father. Looking at the empty room, she sighed silently. Fortunately, she still had her son by her side. Zhou Jiao quickly picked up the child to feed him, softly humming a little tune.

As he finished feeding, he kept his eyes glued to her, "Son, have you missed Mom all morning? From now on, Mommy will always be with you, even if I have to go out, I’ll let you know. Son, you must grow up quickly, so Mommy can take you out for walks."

Zhou Jiao didn’t feel at all that the child was unaware of her words. The quiet environment and gentle voice could be felt. Reciting softly to him daily made him especially calm.

From seeing coworkers bring their kids to work, she noticed that children with gentle-natured parents had more stable emotions. Impatient parents had children who cried loudly. It’s said that children take after their parents, but she disagreed. She believes the environment shapes a person, and parents are the best teachers. Her nephew in a previous life had a great temperament before three, but deviated as he grew up, all due to the elders’ imposed thoughts.

For her Ping’an, she must take him to Beijing after he turns three so he can expand his horizons. It’s best if he can learn well from his maternal grandfather. As the eldest son, he will bear the family’s responsibilities in the future.

Zhou Jiao gently lay down with the child, patting him softly when he showed drowsiness, humming a lullaby. Her mind went over the recent events repeatedly, finding no omissions.

She began to recall the situation Zhang Guoqing mentioned last night about his eldest sister’s household, slightly furrowing her brow. Remembering how Zhang Meili would always ask Zhang Guoqing to bring gifts after her marriage.

Zhou Jiao frowned deeply; such sentiment felt like a burden. She really should follow Zhang Guoqing’s suggestion to give her the old quilt left by Professor Liu, but she found it hard to speak.

Zhou Jiao glanced at the quilt covering her, letting out a long sigh. It seemed she needed to personally visit Master Fang, add some cotton to the old quilt, and refurbish it. With that in mind, she couldn’t lie still any longer. Seeing her son asleep, his little hand tightly gripping her clothes, she cautiously slipped away.

Zhou Jiao casually took out paper and pen from the space, meticulously noting down what needed to be prepared over the next couple of days. She planned to give Zhang Meili two quilts for housewarming, which was quite generous. An old set of dishes and pans for Zhang Guoqiang’s family separation. The old curtain fabric would be cleaned for their village yard. She also needed to buy some cloth at the market for the promised clothes for Xi Zi and the others, drawing some patterns for the tailor to rush the work. She didn’t plan to sew them herself since four nephews and four nieces would wear her out.

Then there was Grandma Zhou; sigh... Zhou Jiao sighed thinking of the grandmother who raised her, feeling depressed. Her dad had washed his hands of it, leaving her to clean up. She couldn’t allow her dad’s image to be tarnished at all. Year-end gifts must still be prepared. She considered making her a cotton jacket, adding four boxes of pastries, and secretly slipping her some money. Plus, identical gifts for the old clan leader’s grandson. This way, it would quell Old Zhou Family’s concerns.

Lastly, before the year ends, she needed to transform into a knitting worker. Her dad’s sweater, surely her mom couldn’t handle it. Such personal clothing shouldn’t be made by the Art Troupe girls. Don’t think she didn’t notice that the sweater supposedly knitted for Ping’an, when piled together, could fool her. That stitching probably took immense effort. Zhou Jiao chuckled to herself thinking this.

Then there was Zhang Guoqing’s sweater and pants, not that she was picky. Only two sets of sweaters, either patched up or knitted by his mom.

That handiwork wasn’t any better than her mom’s. Once spring work resumed, she wanted to cry for him once they were off. Plus, their family of three would return at the end of the year. Would she embarrass her dad?