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

Zhang Ziwen was admitted to the provincial college located in the city, saving the trouble of transferring. Compared to higher institutions, this vocational school is not very large. However, the surrounding environment is fairly quiet, with a residential area nearby, and there are several state-run cafes and supply and marketing cooperatives on nearby streets.

Overall, the conditions are not bad.

Before reaching the school gate, they saw young men and women who looked like students coming and going, and there was a banner on the school gate welcoming new students.

Zhang Guoqing whispered to his eldest nephew beside him, "Are you sure you didn’t read the admission notice date wrong?"

Zhang Ziwen also found it strange. He shook his head, "I’ve looked at it several times; I wouldn’t have made a mistake."

Zhang Guoqing patted his shoulder, "Just ask around later, you’ll find out. Don’t worry, there won’t be any issues."

After saying that, he glanced at the group of kids behind him, "You guys go in but don’t shout loudly, wander around the campus. Xi Zi, you’re the big brother, keep an eye on your younger siblings. I’ll take Ziwen to the office to handle some things first."

Xi Zi: "Don’t worry, little uncle, we’ll go in and won’t just wander around. We’ll wait for you on campus."

Zhang Guoqing nodded, taking the kids to the school gate.

He didn’t rush to go inside, first going to the duty room at the gate. Seeing an old man inside, he quickly pulled out a cigarette and handed it over with a smile, "Old man, have one."

The old man shook his hand, "No need. What do you need?"

Zhang Guoqing saw him reluctantly staring at the cigarette, ostentatiously took out a lighter to light it, and handed it over, "Don’t be polite. My child got into this school this year, the notice says the reporting date is next week, but why is the school putting up a banner? Did I make a mistake?"

The old man took a big drag and laughed, "You didn’t make a mistake. This banner was just put up this morning. I hear people from out-of-province places far away are coming over these days."

"Can we register earlier since we live nearby?"

The old man pointed in a direction, "I’m not sure about the details, but you can ask the teachers over there, they’ll know."

"Mister, what’s your surname? In the future, my child will need your attention."

"Haha, my surname is Mo. The student is what...your brother or...?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing laughed, "You’ve got it wrong. He’s my eldest nephew. I’m the youngest in the family, so my generation rank is up there. Mister, I’ll head inside first, sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all. Young man, you’d better register first; arriving early means you can pick the bed. I often hear the kids talking about the rooms being close to the toilet and all."

Zhang Guoqing nodded knowingly, placing the remaining half pack of cigarettes on the table, "Don’t mind it, this is me paying my respects to you, please keep an eye on the child for me. Thank you."

"Oh, no need..."

Zhang Guoqing had already finished speaking, pulling Zhang Ziwen into the school, waving amicably to the old man.

After walking a distance, he quietly explained to the slightly bewildered child, "Don’t underestimate the gatekeeper; these people often have the most information. One, they are older, so they have seen more and know more; if they remind you of something, it can help you avoid a lot of trouble.

Secondly, school teachers have competition, but they won’t want to guard the gate, so the old man’s position is the safest. Being safe means he’s not involved in school affairs, and he sees things most clearly.

Thirdly, if someone wants to find out about a student’s character or anything, they’ll consult the gatekeeper first. Key point: if someone from another school comes to cause trouble, he’s the first line of defense."

Zhang Ziwen exclaimed in admiration, "Little uncle, you’re really smart!"

Zhang Guoqing shook his head with a smile, "This isn’t smartness; when you experience more, you’ll understand naturally. Later, when you go in and out of the gate, don’t try to please them specially. Just treat the elderly respectfully and lend a hand with small tasks.

In school, with teachers and classmates, no matter how good their attitude is towards you, treat everyone equally. Especially in speaking, be careful not to give anyone handle. Some people like bullying, don’t confront them directly; we’ll solve it privately if there’s a problem. When encountering issues, don’t be afraid, protect your personal safety first. Safety is the priority, loose lips can sink ships, and avoid meddling in affairs. Remember these three points carefully."

Zhang Ziwen nodded earnestly. He knew his little uncle was teaching him the ways of conduct. He wasn’t a child anymore and understood that if words are misspoken, it can quickly implicate the entire family.

Zhang Guoqing patted him, "Don’t be nervous! We don’t cause trouble, but also aren’t easily bullied. Spend these years studying diligently, and after graduation, I’ll try to find a good position for you. Now, put on a smile, let’s go see the teacher."

Zhang Ziwen smiled and nodded. His little uncle’s words reassured him considerably.

"Hello, teacher." Zhang Guoqing knocked on the open door.

A bespectacled middle-aged man looked up, surprised, "Is there anything?"

"Hello. It’s this: my child got into this school this year, and the registration date on the admission slip isn’t yet here. Today, I saw the banner at the gate, so I wanted to check if registration can be done earlier?"

The middle-aged teacher set down the pen, pointing at a seat ahead, "Please sit down. Did you bring the admission notice and household registration proof?"

Zhang Guoqing glanced at his eldest nephew, seeing him slightly shaking his head, he smiled, "Didn’t bring it from home. However, I have a request I’m unsure if your school can accommodate?"

The middle-aged teacher curiously replied, "Go ahead, we’ll do our best to resolve it if possible."

Zhang Guoqing smiled at him, "I’m going back to Beijing for studies in a few days; you know the biggest concern when studying outside is the family. Can we register now, and then I take the child back for a few days, bringing him back for the start of school?"

The middle-aged teacher nodded, "No problem, even if you register a few days late, it’s fine as long as it doesn’t hinder the registration date on the notice."

With that assurance, Zhang Guoqing was relieved, worried that early registration would mean mandatory on-campus accommodation, but that problem is solved now.

"Thank you, teacher. I’ll go discuss with the child’s parents, sorry for the bother."

"No trouble. You can come anytime."

Saying farewell to the teacher, Zhang Guoqing went out and called the kids back.

"Should we register now?"

"Second uncle prepared the household registration transfer documents for me a couple of days ago, so I can make it back home today to come over tomorrow. But, little uncle..."

"It’s alright, tell me what you think."

Zhang Ziwen shyly rubbed his head, "Since the teacher said the notice date isn’t wrong, let’s wait to come later. I want to learn to grow up and manage the registration myself."

Zhang Guoqing gratifiedly patted the young man, giving him a thumbs up.

"Little uncle, I feel a bit sorry, like I’m letting down your intentions."

"Silly boy, I can’t wait for you to grow up quickly to be independent. It’s fine to register later; spend these days enjoying and getting the on-campus supplies ready."

Zhang Ziwen despondently signaled to Xi Zi for help. Why not let his little uncle handle registration earlier? He’s worried his little uncle would spend a lot on buying items.

All these years, his little uncle had supported his family greatly, his dad never hid this fact from the three brothers, always reminding them to remember this kindness, and to honor him well in the future.

How did it come to this again?