Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 375 - 287: An Accidental Rift

Not far from the Zhang Family Courtyard, at the Chen family’s place, Huang Juan put on her coat, grabbed her wallet, and quickly headed out.

She just ran back to get money and inform the Zhang Family. She happened to meet Old Wang’s wife, and the three families could go together. With so many defective items, it didn’t matter who bought them.

Regardless of the Zhang Family’s background or Mother Zhang herself, she was happy to associate with them; they were kind-hearted people. The Zhang Family had good manners, and their children were well-behaved. Despite coming from a rural area, Mother Zhang didn’t smoke and loved cleanliness, which this Southerner appreciated. She hated it when older women smoked while visiting her home.

As Huang Juan walked out, she heard Aunt Wang chattering loudly.

She frowned slightly, then smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, let’s go quickly; if we’re late, all the good ones will be picked. The end of the year is near, and various departments are preparing New Year’s goods. Before stocking up, they always clear out defective items. Although they’re called defects, the quality is quite good. The fabric may have uneven colors, but it doesn’t affect usage."

"Oh, sister-in-law, I really must thank you. You were thoughtful to remember to bring me along. Sister, will bringing us affect you? If it does, don’t take us there. Let me know if there’s anything to be mindful of."

Huang Juan smiled even more, not greedy. She whispered, "It’s fine. It’s said to be an internal employee purchase, but who doesn’t have siblings? Just take whatever you fancy. If the money is insufficient, I’ve got some. I’ll go ask Jiao Jiao for more."

Aunt Wang also laughed softly and said, "Among us three, sister-in-law has the fullest wallet; just now, Jiao Jiao slipped me a handful."

"Sister-in-law and brother are truly blessed."

After speaking, Huang Juan didn’t say anything more. She meant it sincerely. How many families have such an accomplished eighteen-year-old son? It’s rare that Zhang Guoqing resolves all the parents’ worries for them.

Nowadays, is it that easy to find a job? Spending money and effort, owing favors, all taken care of by Zhang Guoqing. Such a clever person wouldn’t be unaware that this was a losing deal. No matter how close a brother is, he’s not closer than oneself. Yet for his parents, he didn’t say a word against it.

Mother Zhang followed Huang Juan into the warehouse behind the supply and marketing cooperative, where a few people were already picking things.

Huang Juan hurriedly pulled the two of them in, saw her colleagues inside, and smiled, "How’s it going? Are there many defects this time?"

"About the same as last time. Hurry up, those people will be here soon." A female colleague, about the same age as Huang Juan, waved her over.

Huang Juan immediately went up to pick things. Mother Zhang looked at the number of items in others’ hands and knew that the prices wouldn’t be too high, otherwise, who would be willing? She didn’t bother to ask Huang Juan again but moved to the fabric and yarn piles. She picked some fabric and yarn, knowing that Zhou Jiao had been knitting sweaters recently, and their household most likely had the least yarn. As for the fabric, if Zhou Jiao didn’t want it, it could go to her eldest daughter.

"Mom, how come you’re here?" Huang Cuilan followed her brother Huang Yaozong in, turned her head, and saw her mother-in-law. She was startled and exclaimed.

Huang Yaozong nudged her, smiling, "Auntie is here too. Wow, would Xiao Wu let you buy these?" Then he nudged Huang Cuilan forward, pointing to the defective items with his finger.

Mother Zhang looked at his expression, and her anger rose. What kind of talk was that? Would Xiao Wu let her buy these? Was he mocking her youngest son, or making fun of them? Didn’t he watch his words? He was about to be a grandfather, yet couldn’t control his mouth. She had really misjudged this person! The things Xiao Wu gave them might as well have been fed to the dogs.

Especially with the eldest, Xiao Wu went out of his way to arrange work for her husband without them spending a penny. And yet! When there was something good, she didn’t even inform Jiao Jiao. Not even as good as a neighbor.

Mother Zhang noticed a few women nearby secretly pricking up their ears, looking over at them.

She mimicked Zhou Jiao’s slight smile and said lightly, "My Xiao Wu isn’t some great figure. Why shouldn’t I be allowed to buy these? It’s thanks to my little sister that I’m able to."

Having said that, she ignored them and focused on picking things. Anger bubbled inside her; no wonder someone like that couldn’t rise to a managerial position all their life. It was their own fault for being suppressed from above forever.

With unease, Huang Cuilan moved closer to Mother Zhang, checked her expression, and seeing no change, she smiled, "Mom, I’m planning to buy some yarn for Jiao Jiao. What color do you think looks good?"

Mother Zhang didn’t want to be seen as a joke, so she replied, "Don’t buy for Jiao Jiao. If you buy for her, she’ll just return the favor. She already gave me money a moment ago, so I’ll pick some to take back."

Afterwards, whatever Huang Cuilan said, she responded affirmatively.

Huang Juan and Aunt Wang exchanged looks, sped up their selection, and lowered their heads to stifle their laughter. They had finally witnessed a foolish act. When Old Wang’s chatty wife spills this to Zhou Jiao, they’d see how the protective Zhou Jiao deals with this idiot.

Huang Juan quickly picked what she needed, watched Mother Zhang choose what she wanted, and said, "Sister-in-law, let’s go. Jiao Jiao is waiting for lunch."

Mother Zhang and her two companions paid and hurried outside.

Once her mother-in-law had left, Huang Cuilan shot her brother an angry look. Her brother almost drove her mad with anger. He thought it was a joke, but her mother-in-law took it seriously.

Although she maintained a smile, she had been in the Zhang Family for so many years that she understood her mother-in-law. Usually easy-going, but definitely protective over her five children, especially Xiao Wu, who was her lifeblood.

Huang Yaozong cast a glance at her, said nothing, lowered his head, and continued choosing. A momentary slip of the tongue, but he genuinely wasn’t comfortable. Zhang Guoqing brought his brothers into the city but left his sister to take care of the elders at home. He really wanted to ask what that meant.

Meanwhile, Zhang Guoqing was happily chatting away. He never expected that his cautious elder brother, on the sly, concealed their father’s instructions to not help his two sisters-in-law find work, letting poor Mother Zhang nurse a silent grudge. As for Huang Yaozong’s dissatisfaction with him, who cared?

"Uncle always remembers your help. Later, my little brother-in-law told me you helped him too. If you ever need something, come find Uncle. Whether doable or not, come to Uncle first; if it can’t be done, then find other connections."

"Uncle, if you keep talking about this favor, I’ll truly be upset. It was just a chance gesture at the moment. Let’s just say it was fate between us, uncle and nephew. You both should come visit us sometime. Jiao Jiao often thinks about Aunt, saying you two are too kind, giving red packets and sewing clothes from the time she was pregnant to now. She wanted to visit you, but can’t be away from the child for long. Next time she’s in the provincial city, she’ll definitely visit."

"Didn’t you return the red packets? There wasn’t much, just a token of our intentions. Yet, you’re being courteous with Uncle. Alright, Uncle won’t keep you; go back early to accompany your wife and son, and I’ll head home too. We’ll arrange to meet in the provincial city. Keep the address safe; if you can’t find me, just report your name at the office."

Zhang Guoqing didn’t leave. Only after the other party had left in the car did he slowly walk back. He genuinely didn’t expect Liu Zhang to have such a substantial background. Accustomed to rustic names, when he first saw the name, he thought this person’s parents must be well-educated. Little did he know this gentleman would be working at a countryside grain station?

Even more unexpected, accompanying Mr. Lin for those few days, his unintentional act aided his little brother-in-law. At the time, he found this person to have righteous eyes and a sincere attitude, speaking a bit more with him.

In the end, Mr. Lin pulled them together for a chat, and who’d have thought they’d meet the man’s superior at a restaurant? The favor came so unexpectedly.