Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 360 - 275: Moving to the County Town

The weather was getting colder by the day, and time passed as Zhou Jiao dragged Zhang Guoqing up the mountain in search of resources. With the heavy snow impending, Zhang Guoqing began packing his family’s usual luggage.

Seizing a sunny day, the new courtyard was entrusted to Mr. Zhang and his wife, who had already moved back to the old courtyard. They called a carriage and brought Zhou Jiao, their son, and a pile of luggage back to the county town.

As soon as Zhang Guoqing returned to the small courtyard in the county, he felt a sense of relief. Living in the village, his house was always bustling with people, and the main hall was always filled with smoke. Regardless of whether they had a relationship with him, visitors would latch onto him, endlessly talking about gratitude, social interactions, and small talk, which troubled him greatly.

The worst was when some women would burst into his room uninvited, sit on the brick bed smoking dry tobacco, and wouldn’t forget to hold Zhou Jiao’s hand, their loud voices waking even the sleeping child. They didn’t care about the previously distant relationship, loudly spitting as they spoke, while the children they brought along randomly rifled through cabinets and boxes.

Thinking of these chaotic days, Zhang Guoqing shook his head helplessly. In the short term, his family truly had no plans to return, nor dared to return.

In the living room, Zhou Jiao placed the child in the cradle sent by Zhao Dashan and pulled Zhang Guoqing aside, saying, "Bro, let’s stick to the original plan. Let’s start by playing the game of switching outfits."

Zhang Guoqing laughed heartily, finally making the most of their space. As soon as the carpenter informed him a few days ago, he took the opportunity to store the newly made furniture into the space, just waiting to swap everything out in the county town. They even had a reason ready, and had rehearsed on how to handle Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang.

Zhou Jiao led him to the bedroom, gently touched, and the room was empty in an instant. Watching her like a fairy wielding a magic wand, arranging new furniture without effort, clothing placed with ease, the room changed in the blink of an eye.

Despite having seen it many times, Zhang Guoqing couldn’t help but be astounded. It’s best to avoid using this space if possible, for any disclosure could spell immense disaster.

Zhang Guoqing contentedly looked at the new closed bookshelves in the study. Although it cost him quite a bit, once closed, they were inconspicuous. They planned to stay in the county town frequently going forward, attracting more visitors and envious eyes. Less trouble is better. He feared others digging up old accounts.

"Do you think we should tell my dad about these changes? We can fool others but not him. Knowing how much I love these old items, he will surely suspect something and might rush over immediately."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing nodded. They explained to others that they didn’t like old items and divided them to friends and relatives. This could fool ordinary people, but not his father-in-law.

"We must make it clear to dad. Our explanation won’t convince Uncle Dashan and Godfather either; they’ll surely mention it to dad. Just like we told dad and mom, the items were too valuable, and many are secretly envious of us. We found an excuse to hide them away for future use. Dad will help cover for us when he hears."

Seeing the study was all set, Zhou Jiao led Zhang Guoqing to the living room, nodding in agreement. Coincidentally, she needed to write to her father about their move to the county town, and the address for letters and telegrams would have to change.

Seeing her beginning to daydream, Zhang Guoqing reminded her, "Be sure not to touch the baby’s cradle. If the space collects the cradle, our son falling is no joke."

Zhou Jiao shot him a glance, then covered her mouth, muffling her laughter as she recalled dreams of him being sucked into the space, waking her up with a fright.

Finished with the main house, the two went to the kitchen to swap the table. Sensing the smell of burning coal, they looked at each other and pointed to the adjacent room with an authentic kang connected to the kitchen. It was previously occupied by the housemaid, but now they could make use of it.

Zhang Guoqing was pleased with the room, already cleaned thoroughly and very tidy. He said, "Let me wipe it again with some disinfectant. From now on, we can cook and dine, letting him rest here, and we’ll hear him if he cries."

Zhou Jiao added, "In case of unexpected visitors, we can just swap the beddings to accommodate someone."

Zhang Guoqing fetched a bucket of hot water, mixed in some disinfectant, and wiped down the room, leaving the door open for ventilation. After a while, Zhou Jiao laid down new kang mats and quilts, checked it was all fine, then placed pillows and blankets.

They had plenty of blankets, worried about stricter cotton purchase restrictions next year. After having a few old quilts renewed by Master Fang, and with the military blankets gifted by Zhao Chuan Guang, it should be enough even if they have more children in the future.

The couple returned to the living room, glanced around, smiled at each other, knowing safety was paramount. Zhang Guoqing planned to borrow a truck for cover later; otherwise, the unexplained disappearance of items would surely arouse suspicion.

After lunch, resting for a bit, Zhang Guoqing promptly went out on business.

As the year end approached, he attended every market. After a few, he gathered information on some major resellers. Smart people existed in every era. Some individuals collected grains from acquaintances for profit, and he was going to discuss delivery time and place with them.

Having previously located a grove in the East Suburb, he planned to collect goods that night. He and Zhou Jiao would push a cart there, no one would notice things already stored in Zhou Jiao’s space. Being cautious is never wrong, though the situation wasn’t tense now, he feared exposure during a famine year, taking all preventive measures carefully.

At a mud-brick house surrounded by bamboo fences, Zhang Guoqing, wearing a cotton-padded jacket, a hat, and only revealing a pair of eyes, arranged to trade in the grove at eight o’clock that night. After settling on it, he paid a deposit and hurried off.

After setting the time, Zhang Guoqing left the village, planning to visit Zhao Dashan at the Armed Forces Department. Since he and Zhou Jiao were back, he had to say hello. Besides, there was the matter of going to a neighboring province for grain they had discussed. If not going, he planned to introduce local grain sellers. If they did go, he’d need Mother Zhang to watch over the children, as he couldn’t hide things without Zhou Jiao.

Zhang Guoqing arrived at Zhao Dashan’s office. With the year ending, the department was quite idle. Seeing him, Zhao Dashan knew he was just casually visiting and gave him a stern look.

Upon asking why, Zhang Guoqing burst into laughter. He hadn’t realized Zhao Dashan and his wife were constantly reminiscing about a trip to the sea. Collecting seafood in such cold weather seemed trendy. Knowing they had already bought a decent amount of grain from the market, Zhang Guoqing felt relieved. He didn’t expect the couple to wait for him to head off together when he had time.

The two agreed to set out early with their families over the weekend if the weather remained unchanged, and enthusiastically planned the route and necessary supplies.

Upon leaving, Zhang Guoqing borrowed a truck. Returning home, with Zhou Jiao’s help, he intentionally left town in the canopy truck while others watched, circling the county, running to a village with fewer people, ensuring all was clear before safely returning home.