Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 570 - 451: Only Those Who Care, Feel Pain

Before leaving, Old Mrs. Cheng handed Zhang Guoqing two parcels. As rushing to catch the train, he didn’t have time to refuse multiple times, nor was it convenient to open them on the train.

Now, after finishing the noodles, Zhang Guoqing opened all the luggage he brought back, startling Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang. Earlier, they were busy greeting their oldest son and hadn’t looked closely.

"Xiao Wu, why so many things?"

Zhang Guoqing shook his head with a smile, "Those two bags are from Aunt Grandma for you, the rest are from my father-in-law. These old clothes were given by my buddies from the Big Courtyard."

Mother Zhang laughed and cried, patting him, "You silly child, how did you have the nerve to ask? Our family doesn’t lack clothes."

Zhou Jiao knew these old clothes were meant for the villagers. Some families with better conditions wouldn’t let their nieces and nephews wear hand-me-downs, so after Zhang Guoqing found out, he took all of them.

"I just told everyone that whoever had unwanted old clothes, give them to me, and who knew they spread the word and sent everything to our home. I’ve selected some to bring back, tomorrow I’ll give them to Third Grandpa to distribute."

Mr. Zhang nodded with a smile. There’s no shame in being poor, kids are thoughtful enough to do their part for the village.

"I need to pick some good ones to keep for later use."

Zhang Guoqing didn’t stop her, as long as his mother was happy.

Mother Zhang was indeed very happy, especially seeing the dry goods the couple bought without using food coupons, she was even happier—grinning widely.

The family chatted for a while, then Zhang Guoqing took two boxes of preserved fruit and two boxes of pastries, leading Zhou Jiao to visit neighbors. Since they’re back, maintaining good relationships is a must. Distant relatives aren’t as good as close neighbors, with his parents still in their hometown, they relied on neighbors for extra care.

As news of Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao returning spread, by evening, people came rushing into the small courtyard. At this time, there was an unspeakable admiration for Beijing.

In the living room, everyone gathered around photos, enough stories were shared about Beijing, and they cheerfully chatted until dispersing before dinner.

Now, only the large family remained, Zhou Jiao finally sighed in relief. Too many people, everyone speaking one after another, while lively, she wasn’t accustomed to the smoke-filled house.

Compared to Zhang Meihao, who was only two months pregnant, Lin Juhua was already showing, visibly thinner, yet still bright and cheerful.

Zhou Jiao saw her wanting to help in the kitchen and quickly grabbed her, "Second Sister-in-law, you and Second Sister should sit down. We’re here to help, no need for you to be in the fray with a belly."

"It’s fine. I’m still working at the office as usual, no problem. I’ll go with you, leaving the men to chat with Dad here."

Mother Zhang led the women to the kitchen, and the children followed them. Rather than listening to adult conversations, they preferred going to the kitchen, hoping to grab a bite.

Zhou Jiao patted her head, realizing she still had things for the kids, "Xi Zi, go find your Uncle Xiao, he has a lot of goodies kept for you."

The kids jumped up joyfully, rushing like a gust of wind into the living room to find Zhang Guoqing.

Zhou Jiao watched, shaking her head amusedly. Even the youngest, Mai Sui, ran excitedly, which showed how scarce life was for the kids.

In the kitchen, Mother Zhang directed her daughters-in-law and daughters to cook, very frugally using only one-third of the cornbread with soaked wild greens.

Zhou Jiao watched her hesitate for a long time before cooking two meat dishes. Now she understood why her mother-in-law said they wouldn’t finish the food left for them. If it weren’t for Zhang Guoqing and her visiting, Mother Zhang wouldn’t have been willing to add even one meat dish.

She didn’t interfere; it wasn’t right to dominate the host’s role. Maintaining her mother-in-law’s authority was crucial! Better to influence privately, providing more resources, than to contradict in front of the sisters-in-law. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Mom, sit down and rest for a bit."

Mother Zhang shook her head with a big smile, "I’m not tired, I’m just thrilled seeing you all home. You should rest for now, I’ll call you for dinner."

Zhou Jiao felt a little embarrassed. Mother-in-law, that’s a bit biased, isn’t it?

"I’m not tired from traveling, just right to chat with you. Mom, should we visit Uncle’s home?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Meili laughed, "Since it’s the New Year and you weren’t back before, a visit is a must. Last time Aunt mentioned wondering how you both are doing."

Mother Zhang nodded, "Tomorrow we’ll go pay respects in the village, then visit your uncle before leaving. They understand you’re busy; they won’t mind."

Zhou Jiao felt relieved, just needed a topic change. The uncles’ homes needed visiting earlier, these times good relatives who can help should do so.

"Going back to the village, Third Grandpa will be overjoyed. Did Xiao Wu time it knowing the village plans to hunt before the year ends?"

Zhou Jiao chuckled silently. Lin Juhua mentioning reminded her of the annual village hunt, although who has time to remember such trivial things.

Zhang Meili concernedly said, "Xiao Wu hasn’t hunted for over half a year, might be rusty, better not climb the mountain. What if something goes wrong in the cold? Juhua knows when the village plans for the mountain hunt, right? We should avoid it, delay returning to the village."

"Kids’ dad mentioned this week. Last mountain hunt didn’t catch anything big, so Third Grandpa plans to send more people this time."

Zhou Jiao listened to their conversation, scheming her own thoughts. They couldn’t stay long in their hometown before leaving for the provincial city, truly lacking time to accompany everyone on the mountain for a few days. The initial plan was to openly bring meat back to Beijing during this home visit. Seems like further discussion is needed.

Seeing Zhang Meili blocking, Mother Zhang nodding repeatedly, but others not commenting, Zhou Jiao smiled internally. Seems everyone aimed their craving for meat on her husband.

You care for your man. Yes, saving baby formula, saving food tickets. Still, Zhang Meili was most thoughtful, adding extra gifts for the eldest sister this time.

In the living room, Zhang Guoqing chatted with everyone, gathering some information. Finding his parents well as described brought peace to his heart.

As for how his two older brothers were handling life, he didn’t care much. If even working at the grain store and police station couldn’t support their families, then they’d be hopelessly inept. Besides, both couples were dual-income.

After hearing Zhang the Second privately communicate some matters, he smiled.

There are no fools in this world. His parents could produce such a clever brother, besides his exceptional self, it made no sense for his eldest brother to be dull. Simply accustomed to obeying parents and wife before, but living in the city for so long finally enlightened him.

No trick or scheme from the Huang Family would work if his brother ignored them entirely. Every family lacks a bite, not just the Huang Family.

His elder brother handled it beautifully this time! The idea of dining at the workplace was excellent. If Huang Cuilan wished to support, let her—if she could bear hunger, who could stop her show of filial piety? Before three months, she already couldn’t endure it.

Facing his brother’s disdain towards Sister-in-law, Zhang Guoqing offered no extra comment. As long as she fulfilled her duties towards Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang without causing trouble, other’s character concerns weren’t his problem.