Chapter 88 Couple's Cups
Jiang Zhizhi's thinking was simple: the two of them were a married couple whose marriage application had been approved, so it was normal for them to live in the same bed.
Seeing Zhou Xiye's bewildered expression, she realized that although there were many scandalous affairs in this era, most people were very conservative, and many married couples kept their distance when they went out.
Most marriages still rely on matchmakers, with arranged marriages and silent unions being the norm. Free love is extremely rare and often leads to gossip and criticism.
Zhou Xiye didn't think too much about it, assuming that Jiang Zhizhi was complaining that the cot was too narrow, and explained in a deep voice, "Make do for two days, it will be better when we get back to the family compound."
Jiang Zhizhi seemed quite interested in the family compound: "Is the family compound made of apartment buildings or single-story houses?"
Zhou Xiye thought for a moment: "The conditions are a bit poor. The houses allocated to the family compound are all old houses, located near the mountains, but the environment is still okay."
As he spoke, he placed Jiang Zhizhi's handbag on the stool by the bed, and then took out the thermos and basin from the mesh bag and placed them next to his washbasin.
Jiang Zhizhi wasn't afraid of the poor conditions; in fact, she was even a little hopeful: "Won't snakes, insects, rats, or anything like that crawl into the house?"
Zhou Xiye could hear the subtle anticipation and excitement in Jiang Zhizhi's words, and he was a little puzzled as to why she seemed quite happy.
Previously, some family members from the city who had come to the military compound originally planned to join the military because the conditions were too harsh, but they all left in the end, preferring to endure the pain of being separated from their husbands rather than suffer from the harsh environment.
With Jiang Zhizhi and her belongings added to the tent, it seemed to instantly become much warmer and more vibrant.
Zhou Xiye looked at the two tea mugs placed side by side on the three-tiered table. Jiang Zhizhi's tea mug was a size smaller, with red peony flowers printed on the white enamel mug. Together with his military green tea mug, it had a touch of playfulness and vibrancy.
Just like her, she burst into his life with a lively, playful, and assertive energy.
Jiang Zhizhi also came over, not noticing what Zhou Xiye was looking at. She touched her pocket, thinking about taking something out of her pocket and giving it to Zhou Xiye.
As a result, Zhang Zhao shouted a report loudly outside, his voice filled with excitement.
Zhou Xiye had a headache and called Zhang in.
Zhang Zhao came in with a bunch of reeds, smiling broadly. He walked past Zhou Xiye and smiled at Jiang Zhizhi, saying, "Hello, sister-in-law. On behalf of our entire brigade, I welcome you. We were in a hurry and didn't find any wildflowers, so I just picked a bunch of reeds to welcome you."
Jiang Zhizhi was startled by his address of "sister-in-law," and figured Zhou Xiye must have said it in private. She smiled generously and reached out to take the reeds, saying, "Thank you, you're so kind."
Zhang Zhao immediately chuckled and said, "Sister-in-law, now that we're all on the same side, can you teach us those moves later?"
Jiang Zhizhi's smile froze. She should have been more aloof towards Zhang Zhao!
Zhou Xiye patted Zhang Zhao's arm: "Have you packed everything? Have you finished writing yesterday's study report? Show it to me in a bit."
Zhang Zhao groaned, "Hey boss, wasn't it supposed to be due on Friday? Today is only Wednesday."
Zhou Xiye said seriously, "I see you're quite free, so I'll hand it in early. I'll have Wang Changkun come find me in a bit."
Zhang Zhao left dejectedly, regretting that he hadn't come to curry favor!
Jiang Zhizhi was overjoyed to see Zhang Zhao humiliated. She had already decided that if Zhou Xiye asked, she would say that Jiang Zhenhua had taught him.
Zhou Xiye didn't mention it: "I'll take you to have breakfast first, and then we'll take a walk around the neighborhood."
...
Bian's mother was angered by Zhou Xiye's attitude. She returned to the guesthouse and became angrier the more she thought about it. She had originally planned to go back and find Zhou Xiye's mother, Fang Hua.
But now, she can't wait to go back.
He borrowed the guesthouse's phone and called the Zhou family, launching into a tirade against Fang Hua.
Fang Hua was shocked to hear that Zhou Xiye was involved with a country girl: "Qinglan, are you telling the truth?"
Bian's mother sneered, "Why would I need to lie to you? Do you remember that woman who was involved with Lao Zhou before? I think this little village girl looks a lot like that woman."
Fang Hua was stunned for a moment. When she had just given birth to Zhou Xiaochuan, there were rumors that her husband, Zhou Chengzhi, had an unusual relationship with a female reporter. Some people even said they saw the female reporter spend the night in Zhou Chengzhi's office.
She argued with Zhou Chengzhi about this for a long time, until the female reporter was transferred, and then things finally calmed down.
But this matter remains a thorn in her side, causing her pain whenever it is brought up over the years.
Because of this incident, her relationship with Zhou Chengzhi became strained, and they have been sleeping in separate rooms for years.
Bian's mother knew she had hit Fang Hua's sore spot. Fang Hua had never met the female reporter, so if she said it looked like her, then it did! She didn't forget to add fuel to the fire: "Fang Hua, I know you've been concerned about this matter all these years. I have another concern now, which is that this girl is a bit younger than your Xiao Chuan. Could she be that woman and Lao Zhou's child?"
She sighed heavily, "Oh dear, I'm really worried. If it's nothing, that's fine, but if there really is something between them, then wouldn't that mean...?"
I've said everything that should and shouldn't have been said; now it's up to Fang Hua to decide what to do.
Fang Hua was indeed very angry. Hearing this, he didn't have time to think. A surge of anger rushed to his chest, and he felt like his heart was about to explode. He took a few deep breaths and said, "Qinglan, are you still over there? I'll go and check on you in the next couple of days."
Mother Bian was satisfied: "If you want to come over, I'll wait for you here for a few days. If anything happens, I can help you out."
Fang Hua thanked him and hung up the phone. He was furious and wanted to confront Zhou Chengzhi, but he stopped at the door of the study.
At this age, what's the point of making a fuss? Let's wait until we go to northern Gansu to see what's going on.
Holding his breath, he turned around and went back to his bedroom to pack his luggage.
...
Bian's mother hung up the phone with a hint of smugness. They were all a bunch of idiots!
Bian Xiaoxiao was a little worried: "Mom, will Aunt Zhou believe it?"
Bian's mother sneered: "There's nothing that I, Wang Qinglan, can't do. If she doesn't believe me, I have ways to make her believe me. Zhou Xiye wants to be with that village girl? Dream on."
Bian Xiaoxiao was still worried: "Mom, Xiye is very smart. What if he blames us later?"
Bian's mother's eyes were cold and sharp: "He dares!"
Bian Xiaoxiao was frightened by her mother's ferocious expression and remained silent for a while: "That technician, does he really look like Uncle Zhou's lover?"
Bian's mother said with a hint of pride, "There was no such thing as a lover. Back then, when it came to promotions, we had to choose between your father and Zhou Chengzhi. In terms of ability and merit, Zhou Chengzhi had a better chance than your father. So, I only mentioned the female reporter to Fang Hua a few times, and she went to her workplace to make a scene."
"Because of this incident, Zhou Chengzhi was investigated, which delayed his promotion opportunity."
Think about it, Zhou Chengzhi didn't divorce Fang Hua because of this incident, nor did he make a big scene when he went back.
Who knows, he might actually have something going on with the female reporter!
After saying that, he looked at Bian Xiaoxiao and said, "This little village girl won't listen to reason, so let her taste the consequences of not knowing how to be virtuous."
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