CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 97: NATIONAL DAY RETURNS

In the following days, Lin Lishan drove around collecting and mailing local specialties, while busy taking care of Zhou Jiao with five meals a day. As the day of separation approached, Lin Lishan was even busier. Taking advantage of having a car, every afternoon after Zhou Jiao fell asleep, she would go out to search for postpartum supplements for her.

When Zhang Guoqing’s homecoming day arrived, after lunch, Zhou Jiao couldn’t afford to take a nap. The mother and daughter chatted idly in the house, occasionally paying attention to the sounds in the courtyard.

At the provincial city train station, Zhang Guoqing, together with the old leaders from the military district, saw off Mr. Lin and the others, declined everyone’s invitation to stay, and eagerly headed home.

After getting off the bus from the provincial city to the county town, Zhang Guoqing didn’t rush back to the village.

He took a detour and ended up with more packages on him, hurrying home. When he finally stepped onto the land of Zhang Family Village, he thought about how soon he would be back in that familiar home, seeing his parents, wife, and son. He felt very excited.

In the past few days, following behind the old man, he met many people, made many connections, and gained a lot. He wanted to have a good talk with Zhou Jiao and share his feelings.

Before reaching the front door, he saw a group of people bustling around the foundation not far away. His father was working hands-on, and his two brothers were in their shirtsleeves after taking off their coats. His mother was helping to fetch water with the sisters-in-law.

Seeing Zhang Guoqing, Mother Zhang happily shouted and ran over, scaring Zhang Guoqing to rush forward and hold her.

Afraid that his mother might fall.

From a distance, it looked like the mother and son were rushing at each other with excitement and embracing.

The men working nearby watched from afar, amused by the mother and son’s affectionate display, laughing heartily at such an interesting sight.

Zhang Guoqing hurriedly supported his mother, complaining, "Mom, please don’t run, what if you fall? I can’t fly, just wait here."

Mother Zhang looked up and down at her youngest son, afraid he had lost weight from being outside these days. Hearing the concern in his words made her heart swell with joy. Look, her youngest son cared about her.

"It’s okay, I’m careful. Have you eaten? I’ll make you some noodles. Just now, your mother-in-law was stewing chicken soup on the stove. Come in quickly with me."

Zhang Guoqing followed his mother’s steps while greeting everyone, seeing his uncle and younger uncle helping out. He quickly pulled his mother and took a pack of cigarettes out of one of the bundles.

Seeing his father also coming towards him, he said, "Mom, wait a bit, Dad’s coming, let’s see what he says."

"Dad, I’m back. I’ll come to see you after I eat, don’t worry, everything went smoothly. I came back right after seeing off the old man at noon." He said to Mr. Zhang, who was all smiles, and handed him a pack of cigarettes.

Mr. Zhang looked at the cigarettes in his hand. Daqianmen? Oh dear, this extravagant son. Just took it out so recklessly, one pack gone. He gave him a fierce glare from behind others.

After glaring at him, he realized and burst into laughter again, "Then go eat first. Come over after resting, no rush. We are all keeping an eye on things here."

Zhang Guoqing and his mother returned home, handing one of the bundles to his mother. Then he took the remaining ones to the west wing, worried that Zhou Jiao and the child were sleeping and it would be bad to shout. Just before reaching the small living room, his mother-in-law Lin Lishan came out.

"Jiao Jiao, it really is Xiao Wu who has returned. Xiao Wu, come in quickly, Jiao Jiao has been counting the days since last night and said you would come back today, waiting eagerly for you."

After speaking, Lin Lishan left, giving the couple space to talk. She went to the kitchen to check with Mother Zhang about what to prepare for him to fill his stomach.

Zhang Guoqing chuckled silly, watching her leave. Without bothering to freshen up, he quickly stepped into the inner room, set the bundles down, and arrived at the heated brick bed.

Seeing Zhou Jiao eagerly gazing at him, he also felt as if he hadn’t seen her for ages. Ever since they got married, the couple hadn’t really been apart for long except for work. These past few days he had often thought of her, and now he was glad to finally see her.

"Jiao Jiao, did you miss me? I came back right after sending off Grandpa, couldn’t stay in the provincial city for even a moment longer. Next time, it will be more fun if we go together. Have you been unaccustomed these days? Has our son been good? I’ll change clothes first, I’m all covered in dirt and dust now, so I don’t dare hug you yet. Just wait for me for a minute, I’ll be right back." He said, blew her a flying kiss, then grabbed clean clothes and a towel from his bag and went out.