Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 624 - 502: Selling Pots

Another weekend arrives.

In the early morning hours, Zhang Guoqing smiled and gently touched the little domineering face of his son in the middle.

"Don’t wake him up, let’s go quickly."

"Wear something warm."

After washing up, the couple left the Big Courtyard, found a hidden spot, disguised themselves, and headed to the Black Market.

Zhang Guoqing stood at the alley entrance with a sack full of ten large pots on his back, waiting for a moment. Soon, two men appeared at the bridgehead, pushing carts while sizing things up.

"They’re here."

After speaking, he pulled Zhou Jiao close and approached them.

"Hey brother, one hundred pounds of lean meat, the rest is all processed bones and scraps, and the blood sausages are stuffed. Can I take a look at the pots first?"

Zhang Guoqing, disguised as a middle-aged man, glanced at the meat, placed the sack on the ground, and revealed the neatly stacked large pots to them.

"Thank you so much. These are good pots, even better than what we used before. Everything on the market is junk now, thank you so much."

Zhang Guoqing didn’t feel there was much to be thankful for; after all, he wasn’t giving them away for free. Watching the two leave gratefully, he picked up his things and walked away.

It’s hard to say who was losing in this trade. A large-diameter pot cost him seventeen bucks, but now it was in high demand on the Black Market, fetching at least thirty.

Currently, large pots are in short supply and of poor quality, though prices haven’t risen much. When the market stabilizes, they shouldn’t be hard to find.

Meanwhile, a hundred pounds of lean meat could sell for three hundred bucks on the Black Market. Both are rare and coveted items now. It’s unclear who’s at a loss; in the end, it’s about mutual need and willingness.

Walking a bit further, Zhou Jiao proudly boasted, "See how clever I am?"

Zhang Guoqing smirked playfully. He always thought Zhou Jiao bought all the iron pots. She bought them, but he didn’t know she mixed in some old ones too.

Zhou Jiao glanced around, seeing no one, and whispered, "What’s that look for! Our son insisted on bringing back two of our big pots. I thought, why not? So I accidentally snagged a good one from the garbage heap."

"Haha, nicely done! Better to stash it than waste it."

Zhang Guoqing absentmindedly praised her while scanning for a safe spot, where he then put down two sacks.

"I don’t plan to sell the other pots, new or old, anytime soon."

Zhang Guoqing agreed. Last time he sold pots on the Black Market, buyers almost fought over them. It’s risky business; better to be cautious.

"Alright. Keep what you like and we’ll keep the rest."

Without hesitation, Zhou Jiao stored everything away. With a thought, she packed a bag with what she wanted. She took out a bag, opened a flashlight, and looked inside to confirm it was right.

Zhang Guoqing didn’t bother checking what was inside. Knowing Zhou Jiao, cautious as always, it must be something like bones and scraps.

As for the meat and blood sausages, she wouldn’t blatantly display them.

The couple removed their disguises and, seeing nothing unusual, hurried away.

After all that, they returned home as the sky began to brighten.

Aunt Chen, preparing breakfast in the kitchen, brightened up when she saw the items in the bag, "Good bones, perfect for cooking soup for Ping’an, and it can be used as a soup base too."

Zhou Jiao nodded, "Handle it as you see fit. I’m going to lie down for a bit."

Having left at dawn, Zhou Jiao’s nerves had been tightly wound. When she finally relaxed, sleepiness overtook her.

Back in the bedroom, Zhou Jiao lay down, and not long after, Ping’an awoke half-asleep. Seeing her sleeping soundly, he snuggled into her arms and closed his eyes again.

Zhang Guoqing leaned against the bedhead, observing this scene, gently patting the child. He couldn’t help but think of when his son was first born, such a tiny bundle, waking up every morning to be fed. Now he’s finally grown; raising him wasn’t easy.

Morning light streamed through the window lattice, brightening the view. In the bedroom, Zhang Guoqing wore a light smile, gently patting his wife and son, never feeling so content.

In truth, happiness is simple... He wasn’t asking for much, just a lovely wife and child, quietly being a family. But he knew this was not easy either. After overcoming this hurdle, they would have to strive even harder.

By midmorning, the aroma of stewed dishes wafted from the kitchen, lingering in the air.

Zhou Jiao and her son began to wake up. Ping’an instinctively sniffed, then opened his eyes wide, "It smells good."

Zhang Guoqing emerged from the study upon hearing the commotion and said with a smile, "Today we have your favorite ribs. Get up quickly. Do you want Papa to help you wash your face?"

"Yes. My Papa is the best in the world."

"My son is also the best son in the world."

Zhou Jiao rolled her eyes at the overly sweet exchange between the father and son. Truly a father and son, both equally cheesy.

"My mom (wife) is the best in the world, my mom (wife)."

"Sure, I know I’m great, and so are you."

As the family of three came out, Zhou Jiao curiously looked around, "Where’s my dad? Isn’t it the weekend?"

Lin Lishan yawned as she came out, "A call came, and he was notified of a meeting this morning. He went out early. He saw you hadn’t gotten up yet, so he didn’t call you. He said to contact Secretary Chen if you need anything."

After that, she suddenly remembered something, patting her head, "Look at my memory! Xiao Wu, Old Sir Zuo seemed to be hospitalized a couple of days ago. Do you want to visit? Is Zuo Lin coming back?"

Hearing this, Zhang Guoqing exchanged a glance with Zhou Jiao and said to Lin Lishan, "Do you know what illness it is?"

"Your dad mentioned it in passing; he didn’t ask further. So, considering that Zuo Lin is closer to you, he thought you might want to visit."

Zhang Guoqing smiled, "Out of respect for Uncle Zuo, we should visit him. Besides, since they returned to Beijing, we haven’t had the chance to see them, so let’s do it."

"Silly child. Go ahead, Cheng Hongli mentioned in a letter that Zuo Lin’s family should be back in Beijing soon."

"The sooner, the better. Let’s go now. You and Ping’an can have lunch first without waiting for us. Son, a hospital isn’t a good place, and it’s inconvenient for Papa to take you to see the wards. Will you stay with Grandma?"

Ping’an nodded obediently, "Come back as soon as you can."

Zhang Guoqing rubbed the child’s fine hair, "The afternoon is yours, Ping’an."

"It’s a deal, pinky promise."

Ping’an extended his pinky, stamped it, and cheerfully waved goodbye to the couple.

As they watched them leave, Lin Lishan held the child, observing his expression.

She thought her scrutinizing glances wouldn’t catch Ping’an’s attention, but the child curiously looked at her, "Grandma, don’t you recognize Ping’an?"

"Haha... Grandma is just surprised that our Ping’an never cries or fusses for his parents or wants things like other kids. Our Ping’an truly is a lovable little treasure."

"I’m a man!"

With that, Ping’an gave himself a thumbs up. He felt he was truly awesome! His parents always said he was the best baby in the world, and they were proud of him.

Lin Lishan laughed heartily because of him.