CHAPTER 296: CHAPTER 227

Mother Zhang watched Zhou Xiaozheng come in cheerfully and shook her head secretly. Fortunately, Zhou Jiao was a well-behaved and sensible child. If she wasn’t, with a father doting on her like that, she would really worry about the child changing. She had never seen anyone pamper their daughter to this extent.

Mr. Cheng looked at him coming in with a smile all over his face and teased, "Seeing your daughter puts your mind at ease? I think you’re eager to shrink Jiao Jiao into a little girl, put her in your pocket, and take her away."

Zhou Xiaozheng said cheerfully, "My Jiao Jiao has a good nature, but she tends to overthink and not speak up when things happen. Knowing she’s worrying about me, I must take time to talk to her, lest she overthinks." After speaking, he looked at Mr. Zhang but said nothing, just watched him.

Mr. Zhang gave him a sideways look in annoyance and complained, "You just want to take your daughter to the county for a few days, right? Go ahead, go ahead. Looking at me like this, will you not even let me drink?"

"Come on, Brother Zhang, your in-law is speechless. I’ll drink a toast to you. We’ve known each other since we were kids, and I know you and Sister-in-law are sincere people. I won’t say anything false, but I estimate I’ll be leaving in a few days. Today, I have a good friend from the provincial city waiting for me in the county courtyard. I want to entrust the child to him and take her around the county for a few days, so she won’t be bullied by others. I really am uneasy leaving; please take good care of Jiao Jiao afterward. She’s still a child; although she seems sensible, she’s young, so please give her some reminders."

Mr. Zhang finished his drink and gave him a smiling glare, "Don’t worry. The child is a good kid; nothing will happen. Once you’re gone, you can take your precious daughter to the county, okay?"

Since Cheng Sijin knew Zhou Xiaozheng, it was the first time he saw the Cold-faced King express such love for his daughter, and he lowered his head, chuckling. This fellow speaks kindly, saying he’s afraid she’ll be bullied, but looking at the firm eyes and confident speech of their Jiao Jiao, you know she’s not easy to mess with. He’s really scheming to take his daughter to the county to enjoy life and put words together casually.

Lin Lishan smiled apologetically at Mother Zhang, "Big sister, sorry, this time we’re going back without any holidays until the New Year. We just want to take them to stay there for a few days first, see what they still need so we can prepare for them. After the New Year, Xiao Wu can go to work without rushing. Don’t take it to heart."

Mother Zhang lightly patted her hand and sighed, "They all say ’parents’ hearts are pitiable throughout the world’, I understand you two as a couple. No need to apologize. Once you get everything settled, you can work at ease. This child is sensible and well-behaved, I truly like her. While she’s here in the old home, I certainly won’t let her suffer any grievances. Once the child is older, I’ll have Xiao Wu take the two of them to Beijing to see you."

Old Mrs. Cheng looked at them with a beaming smile and said softly, "That’s fine; it’s a good thing your in-laws can sit together, laugh, and understand each other. It’s a blessing for our Jiao Jiao. Mother of Xiao Wu, you have future blessings coming. Just look at those three sons, all capable and filial, and the older two daughters-in-law who look good and are friendly and considerate. With a big family of grandchildren around you, both of you are blessed greatly."

Mother Zhang nodded happily, and said cheerfully, "Hearing your words has made me glad. Thinking of the hardships suffered when young, now I’ve laughed even in my dreams."

After half a round of drinking, Mother Zhang led the two daughters-in-law to prepare the meal. After lunch, it was past one in the afternoon, and the men gathered in the main room to chat, leaving Huang Cuilan and Lin Juhua to clean up. Mother Zhang, Old Mrs. Cheng, and Lin Lishan headed to the west wing toward Zhou Jiao’s bedroom.

Once inside, Lin Lishan noticed the clothes on the chair and scolded her, "Didn’t we agree to pack when Mom got here? Why aren’t you resting?"

Zhou Jiao gave her mom a charming smile and went forward to help Old Mrs. Cheng sit on the kang bed, "Aunt Grandmother, lean back on the kang and rest for a bit, let’s chat."

Then, she handed a prepared key to Mother Zhang, "Mom, I’m going to stay in the county for a few days, so I’m leaving the key to this room with you. You don’t need to keep it locked; take anything you need. I’m only bringing some clothes to change into. If the kids want candy, it’s in the outside drawer. Use the stove, my parents have a lot of coal tickets, and if there’s anything, I’ll send word and you’ll have to come to the county. Also, Big Sister is warming the house next Sunday; see if there’s anything I should prepare."

Mother Zhang watched her continuously talking with a smile and waited for her to finish, "Don’t worry about going to stay for a few days; if there’s anything, I’ll come to the county to find you. I’ve got everything prepared for your Big Sister’s event; you three brothers haven’t split the family, so it’s unnecessary to greet everyone. At the county, if you’re busy, let your Big Sister and Second Sister help you; don’t keep silent. You haven’t recovered fully, so don’t overexert yourself. Keep away from cold water or you’ll regret it. Ah, you troublesome child, let me accompany you later, and I’ll tell your Big Sister to check on you occasionally."

The more Mother Zhang spoke, the more uneasy she felt; quickly she got up and said to Old Mrs. Cheng and the others, "Jiao Jiao’s Aunt Grandmother, Big Sister, you two chat with Jiao Jiao. I’ll return to the room to prepare and join you to go to town later." After finishing, seeing them nodding with smiles, she hurriedly walked out.

"Oh, Mom, the key..." Zhou Jiao looked at her rushing out and was amused but helpless as she held the key.

Old Mrs. Cheng looked at the scene with joy and said with satisfaction, "Jiao Jiao, though you married early and into Old Zhang’s rural family, this family comes from good stock. Indeed, you’ve married well. Aunt Grandmother finally has something to tell your grandmother, that the child lives well. If you’re lacking anything, don’t worry, Aunt Grandmother will cover you. Don’t save money; take good care and nurture yourself."

Zhou Jiao got onto the kang bed, leaned against the old lady, "Aunt Grandmother, I don’t lack money. My mom gave me plenty, more than enough. You just need to accompany us young ones well."

Old Mrs. Cheng touched her hair, her eyes turning red, and whispered, "In the end, our child has suffered so much; look at you, pale and thin, and you haven’t even recovered from childbirth. If your grandfather and grandmother were here, you’d not have to do anything; they’d have had someone specially take care of you. Child, let’s go back to Beijing; there are people at home to take care of you. This time, your dad will stay in the small courtyard; there are enough people at home, and Aunt Grandmother can see you often."

Zhou Jiao suppressed the sorrow in her heart and forced a smile, "Aunt Grandmother, I want to try my own path. Going back to Beijing is quick; just wait for me. Life now isn’t demanding for me, it’s quite nice. My dad going back to Beijing has so much to handle; you and Aunt Grandfather have rich life experience, so keep an eye on my dad for me.

My dad likes to keep things in his heart; he’s habituated to it, but I’m worried. I’m afraid he’ll strain himself for me, for the Zhou Family again. Please watch over him for me. Every title is empty; as long as he’s safe and secure, that’s enough. Also, while my mom is here, urge them to give me a few younger brothers or sisters as soon as possible. I’ll raise them well in the future."