Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space

Before returning home, Mr. Wang finished buying the expensive items like ginseng and deer antler, and also bought some local specialties like monkey head mushrooms and red pine nuts.

When Mr. Wang ran out of cash and fished out a small yellow fish, Zhang Guoqing stopped him. For this reason, he specially lent him a thousand yuan.

Zhang Guoqing didn’t accept the gold Mr. Wang handed to him. He even said, "Gold in chaotic times, antiques in prosperous times. Keep these for passing down the family!"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Wang paused his raised hand and, without saying a word, carefully put away the small yellow fish. It wasn’t that he was unwilling to repay; besides the cash he brought this trip, there was more at home that he could repay the kid with once he returned.

What really made him uneasy was the meaning behind Zhang Guoqing’s words. Given his current background and influence in Beijing, he wouldn’t utter such words without any reason if there was the slightest hint of trouble.

These words made him lower his voice and speak with deep meaning. That indeed was interesting! Besides, this time the young couple had spent so lavishly. If it’s said to be all for relatives, that would only fool a child.

Who the hell would be so bored to bring a baby to rough it in remote areas just to buy fifty thousand worth of ginseng? 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Especially since this young couple isn’t the type to show off, nor unaware of the complexities of the human heart? Could they trust the character of those relatives and friends? Not even Zhou Xiaozheng would agree!

Mr. Wang secretly decided: His grandsons wouldn’t be arranged to work in the factory anymore, they would stay safely under his watch.

In the provincial city, Zhang Guoqing used the excuse of visiting Zhao Chuan Guang to part ways with Mr. Wang and his son. After seeing them off on the bus, the family went to the post office to send a large package.

Apart from the valuable ginseng, Zhang Guoqing tried to send out anything that could be mailed. It was necessary to spend these postage fees for a future source of resources.

The family didn’t rush to the military district to see Zhao Chuan Guang and went to the lodging house where they had stayed before, using a student ID and an introduction letter to register the room.

"Do you think mom and dad will bring the baby over?"

Zhang Guoqing nodded, "They will, Uncle Wang gave the letter to dad, he’ll come over tomorrow. He’s aware of the promise we made to the kids. Besides, Ping’an hasn’t really visited the provincial city properly, we can play for a couple of days, then we also need to go home."

Zhou Jiao smiled. He referred to the home in Beijing; it seems the three of them have settled into life in Beijing.

"Dad, should we go to your second granduncle’s? And why hasn’t Aunt Yuan come to play with me?"

"We’ll visit your second granduncle before going back to Beijing. If your grandfather comes over tomorrow, it’ll be too crowded. As for Crazy Zhao, let’s wait and see what’s up."

Ping’an giggled happily. If Aunt Yuan knew about this nickname, she’d go after his dad!

Zhou Jiao packed the luggage, putting items in the space she could, leaving a few visible ones. Hearing this, she shook her head and said, "Better not visit that young couple. They are probably attending summer internships."

Zhang Guoqing was indifferent, "Okay, you decide."

After freshening up and changing clothes, it was time for dinner.

As they left the state-owned dining establishment, it was still bright out. Zhou Jiao suggested Zhang Guoqing handle his business while she planned to take their son for a stroll to see if there was anything interesting.

Zhang Guoqing looked around: "Then don’t go too far you two, when it gets dark just hang out at the night market, I’ll find you there after I’m done."

"Alright, go ahead, be careful."

Zhang Guoqing patted his pocket, indicating she could be at ease.

Though there was no market to visit, the renowned night market in the provincial city was bustling. This market had now changed its name to the old goods trading market.

No one dared to stir up trouble, the place really only had some household items and used goods to exchange, including defective items. And on the surface, you couldn’t blatantly express disdainful remarks.

Under the dim streetlights, both sides of a street had broken tables, broken chairs, and even broken water tanks, along with some broken bowls. If it weren’t for occasionally spotting a few unevenly dyed cloth pieces, you’d think you’d walked into a recycling station. Yet, the people walking around were still enthusiastically squatting down, examining and bargaining softly.

Holding her son, Zhou Jiao quickly glanced around. It wasn’t until they reached the end of the street that they saw something of interest. She approached and pushed at a small child’s wooden horse in the corner.

"Comrade, you’ve got a good eye, don’t underestimate it as an old item, but the material is excellent. If you repaint it, it’ll look new."

Zhou Jiao chuckled and asked, "Oh? What material is it?" She didn’t believe the person could name it, not noticing their disdain for the item.

"Mom, don’t get it, I don’t like it, look it’s cracked, and see there are cuts all over. Surely someone wanted to chop it for firewood but thought it wasn’t worth burning."

"Wow, this is a family heirloom passed down generations. What is the child blabbing about? Those aren’t cuts; it’s just from kids being naughty. You can repaint over it."

Zhou Jiao frowned, holding her child and turning to leave. How dare he talk about her son, even if it were gold, she wouldn’t take it!

"Hey, don’t go... I’ll give you a discount..."

Zhou Jiao couldn’t be bothered with people like this, ignoring the person and continuing forward.

Ping’an turned and squinted his eyes at the person.

"Don’t bother with these people!"

"I know. Mom, is it really valuable? Did they miss a treasure?"

Zhou Jiao amusingly patted him, "Sort of, it’s a very special wood called snake pattern wood. It comes from the primitive forests of South America. You guessed partly right earlier; it’s too hard to chop for firewood. Its hardness is great, and without special tools, the wood can’t be split. Also, this type of snake pattern wood has low oil content, making it prone to cracking if not maintained properly."

Ping’an recalled the appearance, it indeed had snake skin patterns. Since his mom identified it, she must be right.

"Is it very expensive?"

"Not too bad. Its condition isn’t great, but rarity increases its value. This should have been a tribute from the Ming Dynasty, made into a hobbyhorse for a favored imperial grandson."

Hearing this, Ping’an reacted! He quickly whispered in Zhou Jiao’s ear, "Mom, let’s go back. If they call us, we’ll buy it then."

"Do you like it? We also have such wood at home."

"That person is annoying, let’s get revenge."

Seeing his interest, Zhou Jiao nodded. As long as her son was happy. She didn’t immediately turn back, patting him and continuing a bit further before nonchalantly slowing down to turn back.

"Comrade, take another look, it’s perfect for your son to play with. Our family passed it down generations, really good stuff."

Zhou Jiao was speechless looking at him. He had the gall to say it, yet she felt embarrassed to hear it. Ancestors’ heirloom, fooling ghosts? She feigned impatience and asked, "How much?"

"Ten yuan!" he replied, watching her face closely.

Zhou Jiao laughed. This guy, really... "Don’t talk nonsense! Pork costs just a few cents! Name a sincere price, who would be fool enough to spend ten yuan on this broken wood?"

The man laughed awkwardly, rubbing his hands, "Comrade, what do you think is reasonable? We truly can’t manage; we wouldn’t part with this heirloom otherwise."

Zhou Jiao glanced at other shabby furniture on the ground, smiled at him, "Two yuan, not a penny more. Yes or no, just say the word."

"A bit more..."

Zhou Jiao immediately turned to leave.

"Okay, okay, your price it is."

Handing over two yuan, Zhou Jiao carried the wooden horse, leading her son far away. It was truly exhausting, but seeing the child’s joyful smile, it was all worth it.