CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 25: NI DUAN DISPELS DOUBTS (PART 4)

Mr. Zhang sighed. His wife didn’t understand the underlying meaning. This young couple was seeking his advice. Jiao Jiao’s father would definitely want to take their family of three with him when he returns. In Beijing, there are big houses and household registration for the whole family; the work is easy. But he couldn’t bear it. If there’s a way to stay in the city, it’s good too. It’s closer, and he can see them whenever he wants.

"What are you thinking? They must be considering you moving to Beijing with the whole family; there are no issues with the house and jobs there. Life in the countryside isn’t as good as in the city. Working in the fields is so tiring, you can’t save much money in a year. As much as your mother and I can’t let go of you, you also have to think about your future."

Zhang Guoqing thought for a moment. He had considered this. It’s not hard to move into the city, but he was worried about their situation afterward.

"Dad, I haven’t discussed this with Jiao Jiao yet. I’ll first share my thoughts, but mainly I want to see how the Lin Family acts. Currently, I’m considering the worst-case scenario for the Lin Family. You have to see people to know what they’re like. I’ll wait and see what my father-in-law says when he returns. Initially, I don’t want to go to Beijing. I’d like to wait a few years and see how things go. There are so many activities every day; who knows what Beijing is like. If we move to the city, we can settle in the county or city, there’s no need to go so far. I don’t want to rely on the Lin Family. If they collapse, it’ll be problematic. It’s better to seize the opportunities ourselves.

I’ve never told you this before, because I had no background, I couldn’t get in. I actually want to join a government department. Money can be earned slowly. Power is what protects the family. Factories look good now, but workers have no power. Look at the County Public Security Bureau; they have good salaries and benefits, haha."

"That’s also okay. There’s no rush. Let’s wait until we meet the people and then discuss it. At that time, you can see what’s suitable. I’ve noted what you said today. Wife, don’t tell anyone about this."

Zhang Guoqing took the opportunity to give his father a wink without his mother and Jiao Jiao noticing, indicating that some things needed to be said privately. It was their secret father-son signal. Mr. Zhang smiled. He understood that Xiao Wu was informing him about this matter; if there were no plans, it would be strange. He guessed it was due to women talking too much.

Zhang Guoqing told his parents to drink water; otherwise, the brown sugar water would get cold. In the afternoon, he would go to the city to buy more malted milk, which is not polluted now and can be stored, and he would also buy some adult milk powder for the family to drink. "Dad, Mom, I went to see Big Sister’s house today; it’s really crowded. Last time when Jiao Jiao and I went together, we couldn’t even move our butts. Second Sister heard that there was a family moving to the provincial city; that courtyard is much bigger than Second Sister’s, closer to 1000 yuan. Second Sister said she had 200 on hand to lend, but it wasn’t enough. Big Sister only has around 400 to 500, about 300 short. Originally, Big Sister wanted to borrow from our family, but Big Brother-in-law disagreed, saying that it wasn’t good to borrow before the family separation. Second Sister regretted it for a long time. Hehe, I went to see that courtyard; Big Sister has three nephews, enough for them to live even after marriage. Second Sister wanted to borrow from her mother-in-law but was scolded by Big Sister so much. Hehe... "

Zhou Jiao immediately understood his intention, wanting her to speak up in front of his parents to gain their favor. "You should take money over quickly so that Big Sister can buy it. See how much is lacking and bring more over. Houses there are in high demand. Big Sister’s outer room is both a dining room and a living room during the day, and at night it’s a folding bed for the three children to sleep on. When they grow up, it’ll be even harder to sleep. Winter is approaching, buy it early, and they can discuss matters with Second Sister because they’ll be close by. Tell Big Sister there’s no rush to repay the money; we don’t need it urgently. They can repay when they can."

"It won’t take long. I heard from Second Sister that Big Brother-in-law can earn 58 from their salaries, and they get 15 from rent. They can repay within a year. I was thinking of agreeing to it, but since you’re the smart one managing the household now, I had to discuss it with you first. Right, Mom and Dad? Couples should discuss things, not keep secrets from each other."

Mother Zhang patted Zhang Guoqing. This child only knows how to be playful. "Jiao Jiao, Mom initially saved some money to use after the family separation next spring. We can’t let your two brothers live in empty houses. Lend this money to your Big Sister first. Don’t worry about them not having the money to repay. If her mother-in-law hadn’t been hospitalized last year, she wouldn’t be short of money now."

Zhou Jiao nodded. She had no objection to Zhang Guoqing lending money to Big Sister, and she had great trust in his judgment. There was no fear of them not repaying. His deliberate gesture in front of his parents was also part of the plan. If they didn’t repay, even Mother Zhang would have a word with them.

Mr. Zhang lifted the child and handed him to Jiao Jiao. "Alright, when you have time, go to the city and give the money to your brother-in-law directly. Our Little Ping’an is awake now; you, Jiao Jiao, clean up a bit. Since there’s no work in the afternoon, I’ll also find the old master to talk about picking some people. Let’s finish building the house before the snow falls; otherwise, it’ll be troublesome."

He said this while walking outside, always feeling uncomfortable in his daughter-in-law’s room. With nothing left to discuss, he changed into different clothes in the main room and sat down. Reflecting for a moment, he smiled silently. His father was really tenacious. Unfortunately, he didn’t enjoy good fortune. This kid truly had more luck; when he married, he hadn’t expected his father-in-law to be alive.

With this father-in-law, things were different. No matter how good the Lin Family was, they were separated by a generation, and the Lin Family’s descendants were many. Just as he thought, he couldn’t tell how sincere the Lin Family was, but Jiao Jiao was her father-in-law’s only daughter, and that was genuine.

Fortunately, this kid has his head in the right place and can stay calm. If it were someone else, their emotions would have been obvious long ago. Remembering his instructions to Jiao Jiao made him laugh.

This was a psychological game. He remembered what the old clan leader said when he was young: Those who achieve great things often don’t show their emotions, and skilled people are good at reading expressions, judging people’s characters based on their expressions, and adjusting the way they interact accordingly.

Seeing from today’s conversation, he really grew up and had more skills than his father. Just a few empty envelopes led to such realizations. Old Sir Zhou really didn’t outsmart this kid; truly confusing when involved.

Hearing Jiao Jiao’s decisive decision to forgo those expensive items without hesitation, understanding the balance, and acting quickly; her actions followed his words immediately. Generally, a man would need time to consider. Those 28 parcels; thinking about it made him sympathize with the Zhou Family. All the wisdom in the Zhou Family was in the second branch. The old man wasted his eldest son on raising him. No wonder he enlisted early but didn’t become a general. He focused only on immediate interests, sensing disdain from Xiao Wu’s words.

Seeing Xiao Wu’s slight wink, there must be more to discuss with him later. This kid always came up with ideas when he winked like that.

"Dad, are you in? I saw you. Let’s go together." Zhang Guoqing glanced at his father and touched his forehead. Touching his forehead was an instinctive response.

Mr. Zhang put down his pipe, adjusted his clothes, and walked out with his hands behind his back. "Tell me, not staying in Beijing, staying in the county, do you have any plans, or did you notice something? Let me know so it’s easier to handle when your father-in-law comes."

Zhang Guoqing followed the wall edge of the west wing to the window, vaguely hearing the sounds inside. The house’s soundproofing was quite good. "Mom, Dad and I are going out together." He heard a muffled response from inside and quickly pushed the bike, following his father.