Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 350 - 267: Zhao Family in the Provincial City (2)

After the maid left with the tea, Mr. Zhao asked Zhang Guoqing with a kind smile, "You’re Xiao Wu, right? I’ll call you by your nickname. I didn’t know last time that you have such a connection with our family. Why didn’t you bring Jiao Jiao and the child along? I heard Jiao Jiao takes after her grandmother. I would like to see the descendant of an old friend. Let her know to come over when she has the time."

Zhang Guoqing nodded respectfully, "I will definitely pass on the message to her. She also wants to visit you. Once the child gets a bit older, we’ll come more often."

"That’s right. You must come by often. Your father-in-law went back to Beijing in a hurry this time. How are the things going? Any news?"

Zhang Guoqing shared the news he received in a telegram from his father-in-law yesterday.

Upon hearing it, Mr. Zhao became very excited and happily exclaimed that heaven had eyes and didn’t let Jinyu and his wife’s patriotic hearts down. Then he talked about Zhou Jinyu’s youth, life in Jiangnan, and lamented that Zhou Jinyu was born in a wrong era. Finally, he spoke about the relationship between the two families and recounted the history of the Zhou family. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Zhang Guoqing listened to the old man’s recollections with anxiety in his heart. Aside from visiting the Zhao family today, he also wanted to learn some things about the Gu family. From what Zhou Jiao told him last night about what Mrs. Lin did, he worried that there might be more hidden truths regarding the past events of the Gu family that could implicate Lin Lishan.

Zhou Jinyu was not an ordinary person, and with Gu Mingzhu, whom he raised as a son, the couple gave up the Gu name and went into hiding just to avoid bandits? He couldn’t understand it.

If it were him, with the immense wealth of the Gu family as a backing, he could use money to pave a way out. Even if all the family wealth were spent, it would still be a way to avert disaster, not a reason to leave home.

What exactly happened back then that made the couple gamble everything to flee? Why didn’t anyone from the Gu family clan come forward to help? Old Mrs. Cheng spoke vaguely, but it was not hard to hear her resentment towards the collateral branches of the Gu family.

His father-in-law’s return to Beijing this time is certainly to investigate the events of the past years, but he wondered if the results of this would hurt his mother-in-law. Remembering the innocent Lin Lishan, Zhang Guoqing couldn’t help shedding a tear for her.

Zhang Guoqing couldn’t help but interject, "Grandpa Zhao, why did Grandpa and Grandma leave in the end? All those properties were left behind; wouldn’t it have been better to donate them to those in power rather than leave home?"

Mr. Zhao sighed deeply upon hearing this.

After a moment, seeing his old friend and his wife waiting for him, "I wasn’t at home at that time, so I don’t know the specifics. Later, I heard some speculations from town folks. There are many rumors, who knows the truth? Rumors are not to be trusted! They all said Zhou Jinyu was gone, but who knew he was alive and took Gu Mingzhu with him.

Even Liu Qinglian couldn’t probably determine the situation regarding the Gu family. Even though she followed the couple, what would a foster daughter know about the Gu family’s matters?

As for why didn’t they donate to the authorities to ensure safety? I think he wouldn’t do that. For him, buttering up to those above was worse than death. No one had invited the two brothers back to the public sphere, but they didn’t like the ways of the authorities. They refused to take an official path. If the two brothers had power in their hands, how could the Zhou family end up in ruin? The Gu family matters are really complex. Let’s see what your father-in-law uncovers!"

Zhang Guoqing nodded and decided to wait for his father-in-law.

Seeing that the afternoon work hours were approaching, Zhang Guoqing declined Mr. Zhao’s invitation to stay and planned to bid farewell. But he was pulled back to the apartment complex by Zhao Chuan Guang and his wife.

Zhang Guoqing looked speechlessly at the excited Zhao Chuan Guang and then at the transformed motorcycle in the warehouse. Watching him touch the vehicle, he felt a shiver down his spine. This man is a true enthusiast of tricycles.

"How is it? This was assembled by my godfather himself. My godfather is always at the military district and has no time to accompany it. You can take it back with you, and it will be convenient to go anywhere with it."

Seeing the pride and reluctance in him, Zhang Guoqing wondered how he could have the courage to take it back. The godfather treated it like his child, not just giving birth to it but also raising it, and now he’s worried about not having time to be with it.

"Godfather, there’s no need. I don’t have many places to go usually; a bicycle is enough. This vehicle is too impressive, I’m afraid if I take it out, it might get impounded."

Zhao Chuan Guang laughed heartily and said with pride, "Impressive, right? Don’t underestimate it based on its age. I’ve modified it, making it fuel-efficient and sturdy." He paused, looked around to make sure no one was listening, and whispered, "Those brats always want to borrow it. I’m worried they might misuse it and cause damage. Just take it; no one would dare impound it."

Zhang Guoqing whispered, "Godfather, is this government property or personal?"

"Your godfather’s own. I’ve collected all its parts myself. Silly boy, if there were an issue, would I hide it at home so openly? Just ride it back. When the weather is clear and there’s no snow, you can take Jiao Jiao out for a ride. If there’s no fuel, don’t ask others. Godfather has got you covered."

"Alright, I’ll take it back first then. Let me know if you need it." Seeing his resolute face, Zhang Guoqing decided to take it back for now and return it later.

Huang Hui Min carried out a pile of things to the doorway but didn’t see them come out, anxiously urging them to hurry up.

Seeing the items on the ground, Zhang Guoqing immediately understood. He was expected to take the vehicle and haul these things back. In this cold weather, could he refuse the gifts and go home without facing the wind? He really wasn’t interested in the tricycle; what if the tank freezes halfway, who would he turn to?

"Godmother, surely you’re not asking me to take all these things back? I came empty-handed, and now you want me to return laden, doesn’t that mean you don’t want me to come again?"

Huang Hui Min laughed, "Godmother will pay attention next time. Please take them back this time. There’s no choice, they’re all for Little Ping’an. If you don’t take them, who will?"

Seeing that work hours were approaching, Zhao Chuan Guang hurriedly loaded the items into the vehicle’s cargo bed while urging his wife to get ready to leave for work.

Zhang Guoqing didn’t snap out of it until he drove out of the provincial city. How did he foolishly get led into this pit by Zhao Chuan Guang? Zhao Chuan Guang rode up and urged him to get on, saying he was nearly late for work. He obediently got on, and what was the result? Oh, right, both he and the vehicle were abandoned by Zhao Chuan Guang. His father-in-law told him not to be too polite with them, but isn’t this too much? Too casual?

The snow was falling, and Zhang Guoqing hunched his shoulders, riding the vehicle with a mind full of thoughts, watching as a big car whizzed past him wishing time would roll back to before he left home this morning.