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

After admiring the fiery red maple leaves, as the cabbage wall beside the cafeteria grew taller day by day, the chill of autumn gradually intensified.

Before evening self-study, Zhang Guoqing specifically asked Zhou Jiao to wear an extra layer. This silly girl, once she becomes interested, loves to stroll around the campus leisurely.

As he expected, after class Zhou Jiao was holding a book and started to look around in the direction of the dormitory building. Seeing this, he waved farewell to Yi Jiefang and the others.

The couple wandered aimlessly around the campus, the strong wind at night rustled the leaves on both sides of the road; Zhang Guoqing didn’t particularly find it romantic.

He just couldn’t understand what beautiful scenery there was for Zhou Jiao to appreciate in the pitch darkness unless some crazies were also wandering the yard, making it feel like a ghost movie being filmed.

Of course, Zhang Guoqing would never voice these thoughts. Since he couldn’t appreciate it, he might as well accompany her. The chill gave him a chance to clear his mind and organize his thoughts.

On the way, they saw several crazies under the streetlamp memorizing books, but Zhang Guoqing didn’t greet them. He knew these people were here seeking tranquility. Usually, patrol teams would lighten their footsteps upon seeing these students. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Watching Zhou Jiao, relaxed and pretending to mutter softly with a book, her eyes constantly darting around, and swallowing her laughter with her fist over her mouth, he chuckled.

If it weren’t for the frequent passersby, he really wanted to ask his wife why she keeps glancing at those deserted spots—was she saying she wanted peace and quiet while actually looking for an affair?

Seeing his increasingly playful wife beside him, Zhang Guoqing smiled knowingly. The once otherworldly Zhou Jiao was already quietly changing. This was pretty good!

After a loop around, the satisfied Zhou Jiao began to head back to the dormitory building. Once back in the room, she took out a plate of chicken rolls, soaked two cups of milk, and propping her elbows on the table, gazed at him.

After washing his hands, Zhang Guoqing ate while gesturing for her to speak.

Zhou Jiao shook her head slightly; she just wanted to look at him. Soon, she would be heading south with her classmates, and the man before her would be separated from her for a month.

Zhang Guoqing was very clear about his wife’s thoughts. If it wasn’t for accumulating skills to better protect her, he wouldn’t want to be separated from her.

Fortunately, this time Yi Jiefang and the others were going along, easing some of his worries. He didn’t want to mention this unpleasant topic; to be together forever in the future, he had to give it his all.

Freshen up and rest.

Before sleep, Zhang Guoqing hugged his wife in his arms and couldn’t help but remind her a few times: "Without me by your side, don’t go out alone. Don’t get excited even at tourist spots; I’ll accompany you later."

Zhou Jiao softly agreed, feeling a bit guilty.

This time she would indeed sneak away from the unit, and perhaps quite frequently. She had heard that her group would stop in Jiangcheng City, staying there for a day to rest before changing to the train to Lingnan City, and she planned to use the excuse of visiting elders to leave. Moreover, in Lingnan City before heading to the internship site, she had to sneak away.

The hidden rooms couldn’t wait any longer; who knows if there would be free time at the end of the year. Compared to the excuse of going on vacation with Yi Jiefang, this internship was the best opportunity.

Opportunities should not be lost; time never returns.

It was inevitable someone would doubt why during the New Year, she and her husband had the leisure to head south, given her grandparents had lived there long-term.

"Also, don’t visit some places yet; wait for me to go with you. In short, your safety is more important than anything. Remember what Dad instructed."

Zhou Jiao blinked and laughed, "Won’t come back with fewer hairs, why don’t you count them these days?"

"Silly wife!" Zhang Guoqing kissed her on the forehead, "Avoiding wild men. Prepare more sedatives these days; if something happens, act without hesitation. Better wrong than having a lucky mindset."

"Stop joking." Seeing the worry in his eyes, Zhou Jiao comforted him with a pat, "Don’t doubt my intelligence, I won’t act rashly."

Zhang Guoqing rubbed her silky hair silently.

"Don’t forget Aunt will also be in Lingnan at that time? If I don’t do well there, she’d definitely drag me home. Plus, Da Yi and the others are there; no one can bully me, and Dad would definitely send people to protect me secretly. See, I’m absolutely fine! Besides, this time, I’m planning to show off a bit, let those people see—even if Zhang Guoqing isn’t here, his wife can represent him. What’s this? It’s the mutual accomplishment of the couple."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing chuckled. This girl had been in the lab since school started; she must have gained some insights. Wasn’t she planning to be the behind-the-scenes hero earlier?

"This time I’m planning to team up with Da Yi and a few others to work on a formal paper, I cannot lose more than you. No matter if my future work uses professional knowledge or not, I must end perfectly before graduation."

"Don’t let it become widely known, or it’ll be hard for you to change careers later."

The moonlight shone through the window, reflecting on Zhou Jiao’s smiling face, "Brother, you should have faith in me."

Zhang Guoqing teased, "Really no faith. Lin Zi has been writing several letters already; you could at least give your husband some face, right? Or should I directly give him Hu Xiaohui’s news, let him come and find her himself."

Without mentioning Hu Xiaohui, Zhou Jiao was fine; bringing her up made her angry. Who knows if that girl was back from the trip. Time was approaching winter; she felt she let down her buddy Li Qinglin.

"I left her a message, saying I’d gone to the hometown and even wrote down the address. As long as the letter reaches her, she’ll surely understand. Let’s wait and see!"

Zhang Guoqing pondered momentarily and said softly, "Lin Zi should at least meet her once and talk things over to make a decision. It’s just Lin Zi likes women like her who are annoying in such dealings!"

Hearing this, Zhou Jiao knew he was upset on Lin Zi’s behalf. After a moment, she said, "These days I’ll find time to check if she’s back yet."

"Just as you said, let’s wait and see. Who knows if she regrets now."

Zhou Jiao nodded, not saying more. She understood this man sympathized with his buddy; she could relate. Yet, in terms of regret, it probably wouldn’t happen.

Entangled and chaotic. After so much time, Hu Xiaohui should have received her letter. Some matters she had to decide herself; if she really couldn’t let Li Qinglin go, she could apply for a relationship report from the organization, not worrying that Uncle Li’s family background wouldn’t pass. Previously, she specially mentioned playing with the small companions at home in her heart and intentionally brought up the Li Family, could that silly girl not understand?

"Don’t worry about it, maybe she’ll visit you at school in a few days."

And Zhang Guoqing was indeed right!

The next day during lunch, that petite girl waved enthusiastically at Zhou Jiao—wasn’t it Hu Xiaohui?

Upon Zhou Jiao’s hint, Zhang Guoqing took a closer look. After greeting the other party, he deliberately left space for the girls to chat privately.

Meanwhile, Zhou Jiao didn’t talk much; seeing the other girl come in travel-worn, she surmised she had just returned from a trip. Grabbing two lunches, she led Hu Xiaohui to a quieter place to dine.