Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 349 - 267: The Zhao Family of the Provincial City

Platform No. 1, provincial city train station. Snowflakes fluttered in the sky, and Zhang Guoqing brushed off the snow on his coat, gazing at the train departing. Watching until the train disappeared from view, he turned to leave.

As it happened, Liu Ming was also taking the train to Beijing. This guy was surprisingly delighted to see him, but expressed displeasure at not being informed of Zhang Guoqing’s son’s one-month celebration, insisting that he wasn’t considered a true friend. Finally, Zhang Guoqing agreed to meet him in the provincial city for drinks at the end of the year, restoring the smile on Liu Ming’s face.

Zhang Guoqing knew his mother-in-law and her companions came to Northeast with many bags, so it was hard to hide from Station Chief Zhang in the train station and the management office for borrowing a car from the military district. Before coming, he had specially packed two small bamboo baskets and one basket of red eggs in the car, just in case. If anyone mentioned it, he would offer them red eggs to stop the conversation; after all, more gifts never hurt.

Leaving the train station, Zhang Guoqing carried the small bamboo basket directly to Station Chief Zhang’s office. After a few pleasantries, he noticed the official was busy and quickly left after dropping off the items.

After sending the telegram, Zhang Guoqing drove back to the military district. Several soldiers at the district’s management office were familiar with him, knowing immediately that he was returning a borrowed vehicle. Completing the vehicle return procedures, Zhang Guoqing left a basket of red eggs and headed to the nearby quartermaster’s office.

Before he reached Zhao Chuan Guang’s office, he saw Zhao already running downstairs, waving and shouting, "Xiao Wu, I’m here!"

Zhao Chuan Guang was warm and friendly, with good relationships. With his booming voice, many people came out to see the commotion.

Zhang Guoqing gave a sheepish smile to the curious soldiers.

With a few strides, Zhao Chuan Guang reached him, proudly introducing Zhang Guoqing as his godson-in-law to the onlookers.

After chatting with everyone for a bit, Zhao Chuan Guang pulled him upstairs, saying, "Godfather will show you around. Next time, just come straight up. Have those women gone home yet?"

Seeing Zhang Guoqing laugh and nod, Zhao happily said it was a good thing they left. They should have left earlier instead of tiring his daughter by making her accompany them.

Others were still waiting for him to handle official business in the office, so Zhao casually tossed a book to Zhang Guoqing, telling him to feel free while he went to make tea, asking him to wait until Zhao was off work to go home together.

Once he finished his work, Zhao realized it was time. He grabbed some items from the drawer, stuffed them into his pants pocket, put on his coat, and told Zhang Guoqing, absorbed in his book nearby, "Stop reading and take the book home to read. Let’s go, follow your godfather home. Knowing you were coming today, your godmother went out early to buy groceries. We’ll eat and then go to the old man’s place..."

Outside, Zhao Chuan Guang led him on a walk that lasted no more than twenty minutes before reaching the family courtyard. Before they reached the door, Huang Hui Min stood there with a cheerful smile.

"I estimated you two would get here about now. Xiao Wu, come in quick. The Beijing group went back, right?"

"Sent them off, then came here. Godmother, what delicious food have you cooked? It smells wonderful!" Zhang Guoqing asked, already smelling the aroma before entering.

Huang Hui Min chuckled and said, "Aren’t you the new son-in-law visiting? Godmother specially stewed chicken for you. You should eat more later."

Entering the living room, a table was already set with wine and dishes.

Zhang Guoqing gave her a thumbs up, "Looks and smells great. Godmother is so skillful!"

"Quick, sit down and have a few drinks with godfather. Don’t just stand there, it’s just us three at lunch; your two younger brothers ate at school. Try your godmother’s cooking first." Zhao Chuan Guang saw Zhang Guoqing’s lingering look at the door, knowing he was waiting for someone.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing did not decline and poured out three glasses of wine.

After eating, Zhang Guoqing learned that the other four uncles lived not too far ahead but were not home now. Since they planned to visit the old man in the afternoon, Zhao didn’t inform them.

After resting for a while following the meal, Zhao Chuan Guang and his wife took Zhang Guoqing to Mr. Zhao’s courtyard.

Mr. Zhao, Zhao Luocheng, and his wife did not live with their sons. Every weekend, their sons and daughters would bring the grandchildren to the small courtyard, gathering to accompany them and enjoy familial warmth.

The Zhao family courtyard seemed to have been renovated later. Mr. Zhao was from the South and had lived in the North for decades, but his southern habits hadn’t changed much. While the outside of the courtyard was ordinary, stepping inside showed his preferences.

Besides the flowers and plants planted in the front yard, somehow, a Taihu stone stood in the courtyard.

Zhang Guoqing raised an eyebrow upon seeing this. On a cold winter day, seeing a Taihu stone in the North felt quite interesting, and he wondered if there was a mock mountain and pond in the backyard.

Mr. Zhao, Zhao Luocheng, heard the noise and waited at the main room’s door for them to come in. Seeing Zhang Guoqing, he smiled and warmly took him inside.