CHAPTER 298: CHAPTER 229: RETURNING TO THE NEW HOME

In the main room, Zhou Xiaozheng glanced at his watch, planning to take the kids home early. It was late, cold, and dark. Moreover, he supposed Zhao Chuan Guang was already impatiently waiting in the county.

Finally, finding a moment of respite in their conversation, he looked over at Mr. Cheng, stood up, and said, "Brother Zhang, we’re heading back to the county first. Once it gets dark, it becomes too cold, and it’s inconvenient with the elderly and children. We’ll leave first. If you need anything, have Xiao Wu send me a letter or telegram. When you have time, come visit Beijing with Sister-in-law."

Mr. Zhang quickly held him back, "Brother Zhou, why don’t you stay the night at our place? You haven’t even warmed the seat, and you’re already rushing off. How is that alright?"

Zhou Xiaozheng laughed heartily and persuaded him, "We’re all family; what’s this about warming seats? It’s precisely because we don’t stand on ceremony with you that we eat and leave without any formality. When there’s time, let’s all gather and chat slowly. Right now, we really have matters to attend to; someone is waiting for us in the county."

Mr. Zhang helplessly glared at him and turned to Mr. Cheng and the others, saying, "Uncle Lin, Uncle Cheng, with things to do, I won’t detain you any longer. Next time, make sure to stay at our place, and we’ll continue chatting."

Mr. Cheng came forward, patted his shoulder joyfully, and said, "Once I retire, I’ll definitely come around more often. Several of our families are in Beijing, so make sure to visit us regularly. Old Lin has already said to come over for drinks when you’re there, don’t forget."

Mr. Lin nodded cheerfully, "It’s settled then; we must come. Once you’re ready to leave, send a telegram in advance. I’ll personally come to the station to meet you."

Zhang Guoqing watched the group heading towards the door, then swiftly walked to the room. Upon entering, he saw his mother-in-law and Zhou Jiao already packed and waiting to depart.

"Jiao Jiao, congratulations, you’re liberated," Zhang Guoqing grinned and bowed slightly to her.

Zhou Jiao hurriedly glanced outside, then looked at him.

Zhang Guoqing nodded understandingly, took the bags and luggage from their hands, "Where’s Great-Aunt? Don’t get so excited that you leave without our son."

Lin Lishan burst into laughter, "Your Great-Aunt is with Ping’an. She fears Jiao Jiao might run off and forget her son."

"Mom, I’m still assured with you. Otherwise, Jiao Jiao might toss our son like a package. You take care of your grandson. Jiao Jiao will support Great-Aunt, and I’ll escort you throughout."

Once Zhou Jiao and the others went out, Zhang Guoqing moved the luggage back inside, checked the stove, and seeing no issues, confidently left the room.

Ahead at the big courtyard gate, it was crowded, with the Zhang Family busy saying goodbyes. Mr. Zhang happily chatted with Mr. Lin and the others, but finally, it was Zhou Xiaozheng who pulled him into Mr. Lin’s car so they could continue talking on the way back to the county, or these two might have chatted till nightfall.

Zhang Guoqing was driving behind with a car full of ladies, occasionally glancing at the cheerful Zhou Jiao, laughing to himself. She seemed truly liberated these days. Watching her eyes light up at the roadside scenery, humming tunes from The East Is Red to The Waters of Honghu, she seemed in a great mood.

"Jiao Jiao, how about a Kangding Love Song?"

Zhou Jiao giggled, and after a while, she started singing, "On the galloping hills, there’s a swirling cloud... The moon~ curved~, letting you swirl under."

Old Mrs. Cheng and the others joined in harmony from behind, finishing the song.

Lin Lishan quickly applauded, happily praising, "Jiao Jiao, when you come to Beijing, help mom sing a song on stage. What else can you do?"

Zhou Jiao quickly waved her hand, "Mom, don’t think your daughter is good at everything. I just know some basics. Please don’t push me to show off."

Zhang Guoqing disagreed, "Mom, don’t listen to her. She knows a lot. If I have to say, even the leaders of your Art Troupe would invite her on stage."

"Oh, Xiao Wu, tell mom. This kid likes to keep things hidden. How can she show her excellence if she doesn’t reveal it?"

Zhang Guoqing burst out laughing, "She just prefers not to show. She’s incredibly talented; you’d never guess her strongest suit? Her language skills. Her Russian and English are good enough to converse easily with anyone. She secretly learned these by listening to others. As long as you find someone speaking a language and let her listen for ten days to half a month, she’ll speak it fluently."

Old Mrs. Cheng was not surprised, her brother-in-law spoke five languages, picking up Jiangnan dialects after only hearing them a few times. But Lin Lishan was greatly shocked, "This kid, I didn’t know she had such talents. What else? Xiao Wu, tell mom."

Zhang Guoqing amusedly glanced at Zhou Jiao and seeing no objection, continued, "Besides her language skills, she figures things out herself. Take musical instruments, she can play the suona, erhu, harmonica - anything commonly seen. What her school’s music teacher knows, she knows. If you find someone playing the piano, show her twice, and she’ll probably reproduce it exactly. Her calligraphy even the school principal praises, but she never shows off outside. It’s much better than those on couplets. There are many other talents; when you discover them, you’ll feel like you’ve birthed a genius."

Lin Lishan laughed heartily, turned to Old Mrs. Cheng and asked, "Auntie, did she inherit this from her grandfather?"

Old Mrs. Cheng smiled and nodded, "It’s likely more than this. It’s good Jiao Jiao can endure loneliness, don’t broadcast it outside. Fame is tiring and not a good thing. Being too talented isn’t favorable for her future development, keeping low profile is wise. As they say, ’a tree that stands above the forest, the wind will destroy it; a pile of earth high above the shore, the flow will be turbulent,’ this lesson has been in our family since her grandpa, we must always remember it."

After saying this, the old lady sighed and instructed Zhou Jiao, "Great-Aunt has witnessed your grandfather’s excellence, but he was too sharp, and no one wanted to approach. Talented people don’t like living in his shadow, and mediocres harbor jealousy. What does heaven envy genius? Your grandpa is a living example. If you want to walk your own path, you must hide a bit, be discreet, stay low-key. When you can stand strong without fear, when you’re powerful enough, you can act as you please.

Great-Aunt suspects you know even more, you’re smarter than your grandpa. He was truly successful as a young man, smoothly sailing, which led to excessive arrogance. You have suffered much; it’s a good thing; at least your perspective has lowered, more realistic. In this world, how many talented ones actually succeed, just like Liu Bang and Xiang Yu.

Your grandma, raised by her father’s education, developed a stubborn character, never conceding in anything. But as a woman, it’s too exhausting and burdensome.

Great-Aunt only realized these truths after so many years. You’re a girl, take adequate rest, look around, always remember that contentment brings happiness. "

Zhou Jiao earnestly responded, "Great-Aunt, I remember it all. I always tell myself, the sky is vast, and I am small."

"You’re not small, you have Xiao Wu, and Xiao Wu has you; you two are a perfect match. Neither of you can be small. Great-Aunt isn’t telling you to always be low-key and hold everything back; if you must, show a bit to stabilize the scene."

Seeing they were approaching Zhang Meili’s courtyard, Zhang Guoqing smiled and didn’t continue the topic, "Mom, ahead is Big Sister’s house. Next Sunday, they’ll be hosting a housewarming. We need to start preparing."

Mother Zhang listened happily to Zhou Jiao and Old Mrs. Cheng’s conversation, suddenly hearing her son’s voice, she snapped back, looking at the courtyard behind, "It’s really close to your Second Sister’s house."

"Yeah, just two houses apart; you can hear them if you shout. Once they finish work, I’ll take you to see them."

"Sure, I need to talk with your Big Sister, have her keep an eye on you all. Xiao Wu, remember Jiao Jiao hasn’t completed her confinement; don’t go shopping everywhere, and she shouldn’t touch cold water. What about your meals?"

Zhang Guoqing laughed, "Mom, don’t worry. If we start feeling inconvenient, we’ll immediately return to the village. It’s only a few days until the baby’s full month, and we’ll have to go back."

Zhang Guoqing stopped the car, "We’re here. Mom, take care of Ping’an, I’ll handle the things here. You all go directly inside. Jiao Jiao, go check out the study and the canopy bed, you’ll absolutely love it."

Just as he finished speaking, Zhou Xiaozheng came out briskly, "Aunt, Sister-in-law, come inside quickly. Jiao Jiao, dad will take you in to see if you like it."

Zhang Guoqing watched as his father-in-law took Zhou Jiao directly inside, smiled helplessly at Old Mrs. Cheng and the others. They had already witnessed it, and they all exchanged smiles and went inside as well.