CHAPTER 295: CHAPTER 226: THE FAMILIAR LITTLE KEY

Zhou Xiaozheng smiled with relief, "At the end of the year, we will head to Beijing to pay our respects to your grandparents. Let them see that not only does our Jiao Jiao look like your grandma, but she’s also even smarter."

Zhou Jiao grinned proudly at him, not forgetting to praise herself, "Dad, you should say our family has strong roots; we don’t have anyone who’s not smart."

"Haha, exactly, our family has strong roots and everyone is smart. I’m rushing off this time and don’t know when I’ll be back. You must be careful. If there’s trouble, remember to find your Uncle Zhao Chuan Guang. If things get serious, head to Beijing. With Dad around, even if you commit murder, I’ll take care of it."

Zhou Jiao laughed heartily, "Dad, your daughter isn’t the type to start a fight without cause. Don’t worry, your daughter is smart. You need to be careful on your way back and don’t get complacent. Once you’ve handled the matters, send me a telegram with just the word ’good’. No need to say more."

Zhou Xiaozheng patted Zhou Jiao’s head gently and said softly, "Your granduncle is the second in command of the military district. He assured me that the Gu family’s issues will be cleaned up by them as a couple. My trip back is just for a walk-around to let everyone know that the Beijing Zhou Family is still around. Rest assured, with him there, nothing will be amiss."

Seeing Zhou Jiao relax, Zhou Xiaozheng sighed with relief and took out the key given to him by Old Mrs. Cheng, "This is the key to the wicker chest. Keep it safe. I’ve set all the luggage passwords to zero. The keepsakes left by your grandparents are all inside the wicker chest. You must guard them well."

After speaking, Zhou Xiaozheng stood up and placed his suitcase from the wardrobe on the table. Before opening it, he saw Zhou Jiao seriously opening the wicker chest, measuring its width inside and out, and said with a smile, "Don’t ponder over it, your old man checked, there are no false panels. I’ve thought of everything you’ve thought of, unless you take the whole chest apart, wait till everyone leaves to dismantle it. If you’re interested, examine the seal and this small key."

As Zhou Jiao heard him, she took out the key and looked carefully, feeling it seemed familiar — as if she’d seen it somewhere before?

Zhou Xiaozheng watched her with a smile, not in a hurry to open the chest, just seeing how smart his daughter could be.

Zhou Jiao hurried over to the wardrobe, opened a secret compartment, and using its concealment, took out the small key her mother left her. Comparing the two keys, she looked at her father in astonishment, "Dad, did they not notice or did they pretend not to know? Also, what was the original password for the luggage?"

Zhou Xiaozheng looked at her with pride and joy in his eyes, "My daughter is truly smart. Your great aunt probably knows this is a special key but can’t guess which bank it belongs to. She discreetly gave it to me while avoiding your granduncle and cousin.

The password to the luggage is my birthday, April 18 — 418 as the three digits — told to your great aunt by your grandma. There must be a letter hidden in the wicker chest. I suspect the seal and the Gu Family’s jade pendant are connected.

Don’t do anything now; tonight, in the county, you and I will open the chest together, without your mother and Xiao Wu knowing. The key is to use tools, and not let others notice once disassembled."

Zhou Jiao excitedly nodded, "We don’t care about the money, but finding grandma’s letter would be great. I’m sure she left a backup plan, knowing the Zhou Family’s selfishness wouldn’t let you go to great aunt’s. Maybe great aunt forgot, or grandma hinted at something she didn’t notice."

"Hmm, my daughter is truly smart. Alright, tonight everything will be revealed. Quickly pack two sets of clothes. Leave everything else. Missing anything, let Xiao Wu come back for it. Dad will take you both to the county for a couple of days, but tomorrow I must return to Beijing. Don’t come back unless necessary. As for Ping’an’s one-month celebration, it seems I won’t make it. We’ll celebrate as a family in Beijing at the end of the year. Is there anything else you need Dad to handle?"

Zhou Jiao thought for a moment, shook her head, and said, "Nothing more, just reluctant for you to leave. Dad, wait in Beijing for me." Saying that, she lowly hung her head and fell silent.

Zhou Xiaozheng sighed and gently touched her head, reluctantly saying, "Why not follow Dad back to Beijing this time, and come back after the New Year? Otherwise, you both don’t need to apply for college; Dad will arrange for you to join the Art Troupe with your mom, and find a good department for Xiao Wu?"

Zhou Jiao embraced her father tightly, leaning against him, whispering, "No, I’m your daughter, I cannot let myself back down. I must make you proud. I’m the granddaughter of Zhou Jinyu and Gu Mingzhu; I can’t tarnish their reputation. From me onward, our Zhou Family girls will uphold the literary legacy, and boys will inherit grandpa’s aspirations."

Zhou Xiaozheng suppressed his reluctance and comforted, "Good, then Dad will await your return to Beijing. Once settled there, we’ll let Xiao Wu return home first, and you stay by Dad’s side."

Zhou Jiao released him, jokingly saying, "Dad, if Xiao Wu hears this, he’ll definitely say you’re not treating your son-in-law fairly, but I like hearing it."

"My daughter is undoubtedly the priority. That boy didn’t have a chance; his stroke of luck was what saved him. Otherwise, wait till you return to Beijing; there will surely be a flock behind you." Zhou Xiaozheng teased as he saw her back to her usual state.

Zhou Jiao remembered another matter. She took out two courtyard deeds, looking at him, "Dad, submit these along with the donation letter from grandparents. See if we can reclaim our ancestral home."

Zhou Xiaozheng laughed heartily, ruffling her hair, "Dad’s archival records show land titles under a daughter’s name on ** Road ** area. Likewise, under the wife’s name. Dad’s got it all sorted. Don’t feel guilty towards Grandma Zhou. The house deeds she gave are invalid; I handled them with effort. The old couple knew well; they’d have reclaimed them ages ago. The gold Grandma left and our efforts have repaid the upbringing debt. Visit occasionally during holidays, and I’ll send annual funds for her support."

Upon finishing, he whispered a few words in her ear, causing her to nod with delight, mouth agape. He couldn’t resist patting her head.

Zhou Jiao hurriedly clutched his arm, "Dad, don’t forget to check on the land of our ancestral home." She remarked that her dad was indeed remarkable, explaining this year’s absence after receiving news.

"Got it. Upon returning to Beijing, I’ll take you to see it. I’ve been out for a while, time to head back. Pack well, keep valuables on hand. I’ll have your mom come over to help pack Ping’an’s stuff. Stay focused, and Dad will be at ease."

"I understand. Dad, quickly grab a bite to eat. Have Mom accompany great aunt. All of Ping’an’s clothes are in the wardrobe, no need to pack." Zhou Jiao grabbed her father’s arm, escorting him until he entered the main house before hurrying back to her room to pack.

Thinking about the upcoming trip to the county, Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but hum a tune, quickly packing her son’s milk powder, clothes, and belongings. She then fetched four new coats from the wardrobe, storing their attire neatly. As for valuable items, they were safely secured. After tidying up, she glanced at the pile on the chair and chuckled to herself; these cannot all fit in her space.