Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 339 - 261: Realizations (2)

No wonder her father said she lacked insight. Right now, she just wants to find her father and talk about her feelings. Zhang Guoqing spoils her, but these truths can only be taught by her father. If the in-laws say it one more time, she really won’t have the face to face them.

Zhang Guoqing sent Doctor Zhou home, then went straight to his room and smelled a faint scent of disinfectant in the air, nodding in satisfaction.

Thinking about the follow-up to this matter, he furrowed his brow slightly and paced around the room.

With Zhou Jiao’s personality, she would definitely think about the outcome afterwards. He could imagine that this time she must be blaming herself for her actions. Maybe in the future she’ll become more rational and mature, but will Jiao Jiao be happy that way? If she maintains too much vigilance against adults, and can even turn a cold eye towards children, standing idly by, does she still have emotions?

If only the father-in-law were here. He could talk to him. Zhou Jiao’s psychological issues are extremely severe, too extreme. Usually, they are hidden well, but at critical moments, all of her weaknesses are exposed. She trusts children unconditionally, a fact he discovered in his past life. No matter how much she detests her brother, before her little nephew turned five, she would fulfill every request. In her mind, children over five crossed a line she had drawn.

In the past it didn’t matter, what time was that? He protected her, it was just spending a bit more money. But in the future, when they return to Beijing, the situation will become even more tense. He’s afraid he won’t be able to protect his wife, even more afraid she’ll get hurt. At this moment, he suddenly doesn’t want to return to Beijing anymore; living a stable life in the county town sounds good.

Zhang Guoqing leaned powerlessly against the stove, continuously pondering about the extent he needed to reach to protect the woman he loves. How to equip her with a shield for safety.

Footsteps sounded from outside, Zhang Guoqing wiped his face, smiled at the mirror, and turned to go outside. He needed to lift his spirits and comfort that silly woman well, and also cleanly handle the aftermath of this matter so people wouldn’t turn to her for help, making her feel even more guilty and regretful. Zhang Guoqing might not have other skills, but he could protect his woman.

As soon as Zhang Guoqing came out, he saw his mother pulling him, talking about what Zhou Jiao said and her reaction, all of which he had expected. He nodded and comforted her briefly, smiling as he led her back to the main room.

When Zhou Jiao saw him appear, a flash of joy passed in her eyes, and she looked at him uneasily.

Seeing her like a child who did something wrong, anxiously looking at him, Zhang Guoqing felt a pang of pain in his heart.

Why should his Jiao Jiao be like this? He quickly gave her a thumbs-up and exaggeratedly laughed, "No wonder you’re my wife, truly amazing! Saving one life is more meritorious than building a seven-tier pagoda. Well done! I checked the room, it’s all disinfected. Good job."

Zhou Jiao revealed an excited smile, then in an instant, her face dimmed and she said in a low voice, "But I still didn’t think it through carefully. I’m afraid there will be quite a bit of trouble in the future. I should have found mom back then. But upon hearing the child was only two, I impulsively acted."

Zhang Guoqing smiled at the family in the main room, "I’ve always felt our family’s good fortune is blessed by our ancestors. I often want to do something for the clan, but could never figure out what to do. Jiao Jiao’s actions this time were a bit reckless, but they gave me an idea. Mom, dad, brothers, sisters-in-law, I have a thought, I’d like to share with you all."

Seeing everyone waiting for him, Zhang Guoqing sat down and squeezed Zhou Jiao’s hand.

He slowly proposed his idea, "Besides a few households, Zhang Family Village is developed together by ancestors from afar. We are closer than those clansmen a thousand miles away. Our family’s days are better, there must be many envious of us.

In the future, when it comes to ancestral rituals and road repairs, and if the clan faces any issues, they’ll look to us. Instead of having them come to us, we might as well take the initiative to do something for everyone.

For many years, the village hasn’t had a doctor; people endure minor discomforts, and it’s too late for hospital visits. Hunters meeting with major bleeding are too far from towns and counties to be rescued in time. In the freezing winter, those with fevers and headaches can only endure until they get to the hospital.

I want to donate some medicine, and let Zhang Qingmu, Grandpa’s grandson, open a small clinic in the village. Zhang Qingmu has never been in good health; earlier years he learned some medical skills and has some ability. With this, the village will have a doctor, the village will give him work points, and others will pay him money; he won’t have to struggle with farming. Do you think it’s feasible?"

Mr. Zhang nodded repeatedly and after Zhang Guoqing finished speaking, he asked him how much the medicine would cost. Upon learning he could buy common medicine from Aunt Ye at the county hospital and Zhou Jiao could prepare herbs, he saw it wouldn’t cost much and agreed without hesitation.

Finally, after the family discussed thoroughly, Mr. Zhang proposed, Uncle Zhang took the lead, and the donation of medicine would be delayed, waiting until the clinic was established to proceed, initially focusing on whether Zhang Qingmu would earn work points or personal income.

Zhou Jiao listened quietly, understanding that this was a plan he specifically proposed to mitigate future troubles. Like this, today’s events would have less impact, and even if someone sought help, she could refuse more smoothly.

In the evening, lying on the stove, Zhang Guoqing and his wife spoke softly, from Zhang Guofu’s gains to the vacant small courtyard in the county, finally talking about today’s events. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Zhou Jiao spoke about her insights, starting from childhood bit by bit to her experiences before meeting Zhang Guoqing. It was her only time earnestly recognizing herself.

From Mr. Zhang’s stories, she discovered there was so much she needed to learn. The interpersonal relationships which couldn’t be learned from books made her very fearful.

Since coming here, she realized there were many things she hadn’t noticed, the way she handled matters was often crude and straightforward. Many times, she forgot where she was, using her usual perspective and experience to view others.

For instance, the most terrifying thing was planning to give that child a bag of rice, a basket of eggs, and several pounds of sugar tonight, without feeling it was overly generous.

Zhang Guoqing listened and sighed with understanding. He recalled laughing endlessly under the covers until she hit him out, and then told about a time he bought something, the other party gave him a bamboo basket filled to the brim, and he asked how much it cost. When told one yuan, he suspiciously asked if it was enough, until someone nearby looked at him like a fool, and he suddenly realized, this one yuan was not the old one yuan. Ever since, he paid attention but often forgot after getting into the groove of buying.

Recently, at Zhang Meili’s banquet he got carried away, forgetting Chinese cabbages cost just a few cents, and casually said wanted five yuan’s worth. When told they didn’t have that much, he pointed at the cabbages on the ground, very upset that they weren’t selling to him. When everyone looked at him like he was crazy, he was scared to realization.

Often forgetting what year it was. The couple’s lives had just taken small steps, and the days ahead were still very long. The future would bring more events and encounters with all kinds of people.

In old age, surrounded by children and grandchildren, Zhang Guoqing would hold his white-haired wife’s hand, often reminiscing about the initial terror felt as a couple. Recalling this night’s conversation, it was from that day onward he would take her everywhere he went, afraid he might carelessly lose her.