Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 460 - 349: Father and Daughter’s Birthday

May 2nd—Zhou Xiaozheng and Zhou Jiao’s shared birthday. Eighteen years ago, this day welcomed the most precious daughter into Zhou Xiaozheng’s life. Similarly, forty-two years ago, his mother, in the depths of despair from losing her lover, gave birth to him.

That morning, father and daughter stood before the graves of Zhou Jinyu and Gu Mingzhu, burning paper money with heavy hearts. This was their private time for healing, and once they returned to the foot of the mountain, everything would start anew.

"Those who are gone are gone, the living must continue"—after the tears and the pain, life must go on.

Upon returning to the foot of the mountain, the driver took them to the restaurant. By then, the private room was filled with three tables of people, all quietly awaiting the arrival of the father and daughter.

Aside from the Cheng Family, Zhao Chuan Guang and his wife, and several of Zhou Xiaozheng’s life-and-death friends, the Lin Family was notably absent. Whether this was arranged by Old Mrs. Cheng or because Lin Lishan hadn’t invited them, Zhou Xiaozheng and Zhou Jiao did not inquire.

Mr. Lin was out on business, perhaps to avoid this banquet. Without Mr. Lin, the Lin Family seemed even more distanced from the Zhou family.

The banquet was entirely organized by Old Mrs. Cheng and Lin Lishan, and it wasn’t until this morning, before Zhou Xiaozheng and his daughter left, that they were notified. Everything was expected, yet unexpected.

"You’re here, come and eat noodles first. Longevity noodles to live long and happy every day," Old Mrs. Cheng smiled as the pair entered.

"I’m so sorry for being late. When did you all arrive?" Zhou Xiaozheng lightly supported the old lady and greeted everyone.

After sitting down, Zhou Jiao focused on her mother Lin Lishan’s reaction. Seeing no unusual behavior, she didn’t bring it up.

Zhou Xiaozheng symbolically took a bite first, then quickly put down his chopsticks and said, "Everyone, don’t be polite, we’re all family here. Aunt, serve the dishes, please."

"Brother Zheng, we’re in no hurry. You and Jiao Jiao finish the noodles first. The noodles made by the older generation will grant you a long life."

Listening to everyone, Zhou Xiaozheng noticed that a few brothers had come alone, "Why didn’t you bring your families? These days, Ah Guang and your sisters-in-law will need your hospitality, I will go south and return quickly."

"The wives and sisters-in-law couldn’t get off work, we’ll all meet again tonight. Brother Zheng, remember to be there on time tonight."

......

Last night, everyone gathered, and the itinerary for the coming days was set. After the birthday banquet, tomorrow the whole family, except for Lin Lishan who had to arrange for the group’s performance tasks, would head south with Mr. and Mrs. Cheng to visit and pay respects to the old home in Jiangnan.

Returning to Beijing, facing the Lin Family would be a matter for later. Zhou Jiao noticed her parents didn’t mention visiting Mrs. Lin and Gu Ruyi, so she pretended not to hear or see anything.

At this moment, watching Zhao Chuan Guang making a scene to propose a toast, Zhou Jiao’s mind was already made up. Taking advantage of her godfather and godmother staying at the guesthouse tonight, she planned to follow them and return home late to avoid the three Lin Xuezhen sisters.

As the banquet was halfway through the drinks, the atmosphere became even more harmonious and lively. Zhao Chuan Guang, naturally lively, led everyone to relax and joke around.

Particularly, the gift from Zhang Guoqing made everyone burst into laughter. Even Zhou Jiao didn’t know when Zhang Guoqing had prepared the wood carving—a childhood scene of her in a princess dress riding on her father’s shoulders, with her father holding a candied hawthorn in one hand. It brought a smile to her face.

Zhao Chuan Guang clapped and lifted Ping’an, laughing, "Baby, do you think the little sister is pretty? Do you like her? Xiao Wu, shake out everything in that bag. Let me see what else you have?"

"Godfather, your eyesight is really good." Zhang Guoqing smiled in response. He carefully unwrapped the newspaper, revealing a set of egg carvings of the five family members’ portraits and a set of colorful clay sculptures.

"Oh, this idea is great. It’s more interesting than taking a group photo. Wife, how about us getting a set too? Xiao Wu, did you prepare this when you went to D City last time?"

Zhang Guoqing nodded and smiled at Zhao Chuan Guang. With so many people present, he didn’t explain that he had prepared some only for his godfather’s family due to the lack of photos from the others. These crafts took time; he paid upfront, and they were sent over. Zhao Chuan Guang and his parent’s two sets would take another half a month to arrive.

Huang Hui Min was currently focused on the women’s table. The two daughters-in-law from the Cheng Family were concerned about Zhao Chuan Guang’s meeting schedule and were inviting her to go shopping. They were discussing yesterday’s grand May 1st festival and she regretted coming a day late. Hearing her husband asking her, she smiled at him and then turned back to continued listening.

Seeing her regrettable expression, Lin Lishan thought she was like her, and whispered in her ear, "I also want to go to Jiangnan; I plan to set off on the 6th. You stay and have fun for a few days, and we’ll go together."

Huang Hui Min was surprised at first, but then she realized and found it amusing and exasperating. She didn’t need to wait a few days to go to Jiangnan. Her sister-in-law lived in Hai City, so she could go anytime. However, she was indeed tempted by the idea as it promised a lively time with many people.

"Then we’ll go together after Ah Guang’s meeting is over. Later, let’s set a meeting point with Brother Zheng."

Lin Lishan’s eyes curved into crescents with joy.

At the other table, Zhou Jiao faced all the red envelopes and gifts and quickly returned the red envelopes, accepting the presents. She cheerfully and carefully opened the gifts, constantly expressing her gratitude.

Today was the only birthday gathering in her two lifetimes. In her past life, aside from Zhang Guoqing celebrating with her, she never celebrated her birthday. For others, a birthday is a day for family joy and celebration. But for her, that day marked her entry into a life of hardship. What’s there to celebrate?

But now, with May 2nd being the same day in both lives, having her father made everything different. She felt grateful to the heavens, to Grandma Gu Mingzhu, for letting her feel the warmth of family on such a day.

What touched and cherished Zhou Jiao the most were the two bowls of longevity noodles personally prepared by Old Mrs. Cheng and the necklaces with her and her father’s photos embedded.

Longevity noodles, she had eaten and made many. Aside from Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Xiaozheng, no one had ever taken the trouble of personally preparing them for her birthday. Old Mrs. Cheng’s noodles represented strong family affection.

At that moment, she thought of Grandma Zhou far in the Northeast and Zhou Xue in prison. For seventeen years, everyone intentionally forgot May 2nd. And on September 9th each year, when Zhou Xue received the red-shelled eggs from Grandma Zhou, how did she feel facing the self-satisfied her?

She shook her head with a smile at Grandma Zhou’s face filled with guilt. Year after year, getting used to it, she thought it didn’t matter anymore. But life hadn’t taught her the social ways, nor how to understand the depths of people’s hearts.

Zhang Guoqing, sitting beside her, squeezed her hand gently.

Once Zhou Jiao became aware again, she smiled at him. This man understood her so well, noticing even the slightest anomaly. Thinking of how he visited Grandma Zhou monthly, she smiled brightly again—what a silly man!