CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 89: ANOTHER VISIT TO THE PROVINCIAL CITY (TWO CHAPTERS IN ONE)

Zhou Jiao didn’t know that someone was discussing her tonight. She didn’t think she was that extraordinary. Even if she knew, she would just laugh it off.

Her son had just fallen asleep after breastfeeding, and her mother-in-law was also resting early on the kang bed outside.

Zhang Guoqing hadn’t been home all night; Zhou Jiao couldn’t fall asleep either. During the day when he left, it didn’t feel like much. But now, as night deepens and everything outside is quiet, any little noise startled her.

The wind from the north scratched against the window paper, rustling constantly. Occasionally, a dog barking made her heart skip a beat. She knew she lacked a sense of security; with him, her heart would be at ease.

Her mother-in-law habitually extinguished the oil lamp, and she didn’t stop her. From today’s words, she knew that people’s lives were still tough. She should pay more attention later, not to be too extravagant. Things bought should also be put away to avoid drawing attention. This rural area isn’t without danger; it’s just that she, living in one place for so long, hasn’t seen what the masses see. She silently warned herself to live inconspicuously.

At this moment, she didn’t realize that it’s not her reluctance to keep a low profile, but rather the attention her parents and husband paid to her that made her stand out.

In the darkness, she opened her eyes, contemplating her future path, the life she would lead. Life would get better, but she still had to prepare more, just in case.

Thinking of her grandmother’s past words, then remembering the elders in the village sighing while recounting stories, she instinctively became tense. If that day came, she couldn’t imagine eating grass roots. What kind of life would that be? She couldn’t depend on others; her mom was extravagant, with a childlike attitude. When a true famine comes, she would need to prepare a lot, with more people to worry about, she’d have to prepare even more.

Early the next morning, reveille sounded, Zhang Guoqing and Xiao Zhou started running along the runway, exercising alongside the soldiers. After the workout, their bodies felt very refreshed. They had breakfast with everyone at the military without going to the cafeteria at the guesthouse.

Watching these lovely people, witnessing the crowd full of passion, his heart was unsettled. He felt he had fully integrated into this era. He was proud and happy for his country, and deep within, there was no selfish desire for personal gain emerging.

He thought perhaps if life were to restart, many things should be pondered deeply. He wanted to go back and discuss his feelings with Jiao Jiao; only she could understand him.

Lin Lishan, with Xi Zi, accompanied the old man for a meal, then went back to the room to tidy up her belongings. Bidding farewell to the old man, with Zhang Guoqing’s help, she easily placed all the items purchased last night into the car, checked the time, and waited at the door for Fang Jianmei and her son to arrive.

"Xiao Wu, go upstairs. Don’t wait any longer. Your grandpa will be leaving shortly. Go early and stay by your grandpa’s side for the next few days. Last night, your grandpa praised you; you did well. Do what you want, if anything goes wrong, don’t worry, mom knows some contacts. You just go about your business with peace of mind. If there’s anything missing here, and you can’t go out, just tell Xiao Zhou; let him find someone to help you bring it, you don’t need to go out yourself. Go upstairs, you see that mother and child, that’s Fang Jianmei and her little son. You don’t need to know her, Xiao Fei is your buddy, go on up."

Zhang Guoqing understood that after getting acquainted, it was difficult to refuse help when they came asking. With Xiao Fei at the Fang family, that was enough. Their level didn’t reach his welcoming.

"Alright, mom, I’ll go up. Be careful driving yourself, and also tell Jiao Jiao so she doesn’t worry, I’m doing well, I’ll be back in a few days. Xi Zi, listen to grandma, tell her if you want to buy anything." After finishing, he watched Xi Zi nod in agreement, then seeing that the others were approaching, he went upstairs.

Lin Lishan watched from afar as Fang Jianmei approached. She directly opened the car door to let Xi Zi in, and slowly drove over.

"Get in quickly, let your son sit in the back with Xi Zi. You come to the front so we can talk, and you can direct the way."

Fang Jianmei originally wanted to come earlier to meet the old man, but since the car was here, she could only get in, "I haven’t even spoken to the old man yet, you’re too anxious. Why not leave all this stuff at the guesthouse? You won’t go back to the military district, will you?"

"Haha, I got up early, wanted to go to your house to pick you up. Seeing you from afar, I drove right over. The old man will be here for a few days, you’ll have plenty of chances to meet him. I’ll drop you off then go right back. The kids are waiting at home, they’ll be worried if I’m late." Lin Lishan drove the car, replied with a grin.