CHAPTER 144: CHAPTER 114: RETURNING HOME LATE AT NIGHT

Zhang Guoqing rode his bicycle and by the time he reached the village, it was already late and quiet. At the door, Mother Zhang appeared, seeing someone riding a bike from afar, she shouted loudly: "Is that Xiao Wu?"

The loud voice echoed sharply in the still night, causing the dogs nearby to bark, but to Zhang Guoqing, his mother’s voice was the most beautiful music in the world.

He furiously pedaled forward a few more times, seeing his mother rushing out, he called out quickly: "Oh, my dear mother, be careful, don’t run, stay there and don’t move."

In a flash, he rode the bike up to Mother Zhang, "Mom, it’s so cold, why did you come out? Don’t wait next time. What if you fall in the dark with no lights?"

He saw his mother not speaking, just smiling broadly. Warmth filled his heart even as the cold night wind blew, he pushed the bike and followed her into the yard. Looking at the extinguished kerosene lamp on the ground, he smiled helplessly, this lamp must have been lit by his father; his mom really was frugal, never wasting anything.

"Mom, were you worried because I wasn’t back yet? I went to school today for some business, then Zhang Yuntao and Li Qinglin followed me to the provincial city to return the car. They wanted to shop and ended up being late. We had big bowls of noodles for dinner in the county, and the chef chased us home right after, otherwise, we’d have ended up at school again. Next time, if I don’t return on time, don’t wait outside. What if you accidentally fell and no one saw you in the dark, then what?"

Mother Zhang nodded with a smile, she glanced at the books in his hand, "Hmm, hmm, I understand. Did you buy so many books again? Can you finish reading them?"

"Today I went to the county principal to ask about getting a high school diploma. You need that diploma and household registration to apply for college. It turns out, that old principal is a good man, he remembered that Zhou Jiao and I were the top two in our county exams back then, and he figured out a way to enroll me for a leave of absence. There’s still time to complete the procedures, our efforts weren’t wasted. I processed the paperwork for two people, one semester’s tuition and book fees are three yuan and two, the new books are those distributed by the school. There aren’t many old books."

Mother Zhang asked in surprise: "Do you still have to attend school?"

"No need to go to school, just pay the tuition every semester and submit leave slips. We only need to go for exams every semester. So you could say I’m officially going to school this semester. Mom, where’s Dad?"

"That old principal is really a kind person. He came here several times, encouraging your dad to let you return to school. I don’t understand these things. Listen to him, it won’t be wrong. Your dad is inside, you should check on Jiao Jiao first, she’s surely anxious."

Mother Zhang followed him into the little living room, seeing Zhou Jiao standing by the door listening attentively, she said smiling, "Now there are two high school students in our family. Don’t rush to read books; wait until you’ve recovered from childbirth."

Zhou Jiao nodded happily, her eyes fixed on the books; she really wanted to see their general contents, hearing the admission rate is very low, she wondered what the exams were like.

Zhang Guoqing settled his things and pulled his mother to sit down, taking out sheep tripe for her to see, "This is from the provincial city; we haven’t fully explored the market yet. They say there’s a night market at night selling factory seconds. There are also a few snack shops in the alley - this sheep offal soup place is buzzing with business, the queue is long, thanks to Li Qinglin who had visited it with his grandpa, he showed us the backdoor."

After he finished speaking, Zhang Guoqing took a pair of chopsticks, divided half a bowl, and stood up, "Mom, do you want to stay here or come with me to find Dad to taste this? Jiao Jiao, don’t eat now, I’ll simmer the soup when I return and let you have some."

"I’ll go with you, let’s find your dad, see if he’ll be over the moon?"

Zhang Guoqing hinted at Zhou Jiao to wait until he returned. Seeing Zhou Jiao nod, once she was in the bedroom, he chatted with Mother Zhang about family matters while heading to the main room.

In the main room, Mr. Zhang was sitting on the kang bed, holding a pipe, stretching his neck now and then to look outside. Knowing that Zhang Guoqing would surely come to him once he got home, he had been waiting in the main room. His Xiao Wu had a habit since childhood, no matter where he came home from, he would greet his parents.

Seeing Zhang Guoqing come in with a tray, Mr. Zhang frowned slightly, "Keep stuff for yourself in the future, don’t keep serving your dad everything. You’re busy every day; remember to replenish yourself. Don’t get complacent just because you’re young and healthy now."

Zhang Guoqing nodded with a smile. What he does with it is his choice; the gesture from his dad was what mattered. He used chopsticks to take a few pieces of sheep tripe for his dad and mom. He watched them earnestly, waiting for their opinion on the taste. He truly thought this tripe was chewy yet tender, the flavor moderate, not too salty or bland.

Mother Zhang chewed carefully, swallowed, then said: "This is really good; we can’t make this. Owners of such shops are craftsmen, they have secret skills, not shared."

Mr. Zhang shot a sidelong glance at his wife. This woman, only ever says the food is ordinary. Otherwise, wouldn’t Tian Wu keep bringing stuff from the provincial city if he hears it’s good?

Looking at his younger son’s expression, he was eager to know if it suited their taste; if so, he figured he’d have someone bring it tomorrow. This son who squanders yet he felt pride and worry, luckily married right, or the earnings wouldn’t keep up with the spending pace.

"Alright, it’s quite tasty. This isn’t something to eat often, just to try the flavor. Your mother’s cooking is the best, see how your dad never tired of it after all these years."

Zhang Guoqing laughed heartily, "Indeed, I think mom’s dishes are the best, look how well-grown and strong we are, and my sisters are all blooming. Dad, any instructions for me? If not, I’ll go rest now. Still have to get up in the morning."

Mr. Zhang shook his head, hastily waving him off, "No tasks. Around here, anything needing you will be heard. Go rest, there’s no need to wake early, no work at home, no need to rise before the rooster."

Mother Zhang watched him leave the main room, exhaling a breath. Mr. Zhang curiously eyed her, unable to fathom what could make her sigh. Their son was filial, daughter-in-law obedient.

"What’s the matter? Something worrying you?"

Mother Zhang sighed softly, replying softly: "I’m just thinking, if Xiao Wu gets into college, won’t he be away so we won’t see him?"

Mr. Zhang laughed, coughing, pointing at her with a smile, "You’re worried for no reason, just like Xiao Wu said. Worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet. Even if they do pass, watch them convince us to join them, surely. Haven’t you noticed Xiao Wu not acting grown-up yet, always finds us first, going and returning? He hasn’t thought of not having us around. Bet when they live in the county, they’ll find excuses for us to help out?

I’ve guessed their minds. Plan after the separation is for us to officially stay with the eldest, so as not to burden the eldest. But secretly they’ll surely pull us over to theirs. Just with Xiao Wu and Jiao Jiao’s temperament, if they’re eating fine rice, would they let us have cornbread with the eldest’s family?

As for them getting into college, we can visit Beijing whenever we’re free, Jiao Jiao is already in the Big Courtyard, can’t be worried about having no place to stay, right? Don’t like it there, we return home and see the eldest and the second, why worry? They’ll buy train tickets, the train comes right home."

"Haha, you’re right, no need to worry. Visit whichever son’s place, stay a few days and see the grandchildren, oh my, I truly was muddle-headed."

Mr. Zhang chuckled softly shaking his head, comforting her, "Relax, your youngest son has arranged everything thoroughly for the family, won’t let us worry. As long as you know in your heart, don’t reveal outwardly. He’s more meticulous than anyone in handling things, what’s there to worry about. Others have conflicts with daughters-in-law, but our family Jiao Jiao is so filial. Since Xiao Wu’s already said to arrange things, can she be clueless? Jiao Jiao surely understands and supports Xiao Wu’s actions. It shows this daughter-in-law is truly good."