In Zhoujia Village in Northeast China, Zhou Xiaozheng walked out of the yard and waved goodbye to the old lady at the gate.
At this time, there were few people walking around the village. Those who were supposed to work had gone to work, and even the elderly and children were busy earning work points to supplement their family income. This was also the reason why the Zhou family was unpopular in the village. There were people who were jealous and those who looked down on them. In addition, the eldest son of the Zhou family was always showing off, so no one was willing to smile at them or give them the cold shoulder.
After leaving the village, Zhou Xiaozheng looked at the fork in the road and sized up his son-in-law, who was following closely behind him. "Come with me to the village. We don't need a bicycle. It's a good opportunity for us to talk."
Zhang Guoqing nodded, thought for a moment and asked, "Dad, you plan to handle this matter impartially, but why don't you think about grandma again? I'm afraid she's feeling bad."
Zhou Xiaozheng said nonchalantly, "It's nothing to be ashamed of. If you do something wrong, you have to pay the price. Besides, you still have to stay here for two years, otherwise my Jiaojiao will cause trouble if you are released. This is a light sentence. If it weren't for the old lady being here, she would be afraid of gossip and would not regret shooting them. After being locked up for three to five years, my Jiaojiao will go to the capital. When they are released, they will be insignificant people. With a criminal record, Jiaojiao can do whatever she wants to them in the future."
Zhang Guoqing looked at this daughter-obsessed man with amusement, "Dad, thank you. You've taken Jiaojiao to heart. That's a good thing. No matter how we deal with them, it's very difficult. Jiaojiao is too soft-hearted. She's wavering back and forth, and I'm afraid that you and Grandma will feel bad and hesitate to come to a conclusion."
Zhou Xiaozheng looked at him expressionlessly, raised his chin, and said proudly, "Well, you don't have to say thank you, she is my daughter. Even if she marries you, she is still my daughter. We are the closest, you can't do that. Tell me, how is my Jiaojiao usually? What do you like about my Jiaojiao?"
Zhang Guoqing smiled when he heard this and said as he walked: "Jiaojiao, in my eyes, is a very unusual girl. She has been different since she was little. She would not play around like other girls. She is always clean and just sits there quietly watching everyone play. If she sees someone happy, she will smile slightly, and if she is angry, she will stare at you quietly. I have never seen her angry, nor have I seen her speak loudly.
On the surface, she was good friends with everyone in the village, but I knew she didn't consider them friends. In her eyes, many people were insignificant and could not enter her heart. She just drifted away from everyone's lives.
If you want to find her, when she was little, she would either be in the ancestral hall or in the corner under the big tree at the entrance of the village. She would stare blankly into the distance by herself. She wouldn't say anything when you ask her, but would just smile at you. She is petite, soft like a kitten, and skinny, but she would never try to please her friends for something like other children, nor would she snatch food. If you secretly give her eggs, she would shake her head and refuse at the age of 4. When she sees my mother scolding the parents of the children who bullied us, she would look at me with envy and immediately lower her head. She could think about problems at the age of 4, and would tell me that my mother couldn't share with her because she would be sad to hear that. She would secretly tell me to stay away from others in the future and not to let others take advantage of her. When she was 5, she would tell me what to do and everyone would like me.
Back then, we were the only two friends, and she'd occasionally quietly reassure me, telling me not to get angry at insignificant people and just ignore them. As she grew older and started school, she'd smile no matter what she heard around her. She didn't chatter like the other girls, nor did she run around like a crazy girl. She'd just listen quietly, her eyes rolling, never really taking in what anyone said. When asked, she'd just smile and not answer. When no one paid attention, she'd just quietly walk by herself, never feeling left out, her face light and smiling.
Learning comes easily to her. She has a very good memory and can usually memorize something after reading it once or twice. But if anyone brings it up, she'll claim to have known it before. She likes to keep everything to herself and never brags or boasts about herself in front of others. Even when someone praises her, she just smiles.
After she turned 12, she had no friends at all. She never approached anyone unless they approached her. She'd just stare blankly at books—any book, but she had a good memory, and after finishing, she'd just stare blankly. Her life seemed to consist of reading and solitary contemplation. As she grew older, she stopped even telling me about things, keeping them to herself. She'd only say a few words when I pressed her, but she'd stop talking when I asked again. She never discussed herself or others. She was incredibly stubborn, opinionated, and rational, rarely letting her emotions get the better of her.
When I turned 16, I seriously thought about my future life, and suddenly realized that if I wanted to hold onto her, to stay with her forever, it would be incredibly difficult. She was too aloof, too arrogant, and even to me she was just a friend, never shy like the young wives in people's jokes. I tried hard to find a way, but I couldn't. She never invested any emotion in others, and to me, she was just a brother, which was a rare occurrence. Besides her grandmother, she spent her days reading and occasionally chatting with me.
When I heard that I was among the candidates for the military recruitment, I felt that I absolutely could not leave. If I left, Jiaojiao would be even further away from my life, so I refused. I ran to find Jiaojiao. In the ancestral hall's small room, she was squatting alone in the corner, her arms crossed, embracing herself, staring blankly with no expression. Seeing this, I felt even more that my choice was right. I didn't ask her what was wrong. It would be useless to ask, as she wouldn't tell the truth. When she woke up and realized that I was relieved, I told her that I had given up the military quota. She was very angry and said a lot of things that were beneficial to joining the army. That was the first time I saw her angry, and I was very happy. Being able to make her angry meant that I was someone she cared about. I couldn't help but tell her that I didn't want to join the army. If I left like you, who would care about her and accompany her in the future?
At that moment, she stared at me with wide eyes, then lowered her head and remained silent. A long moment passed, so long that I became discouraged. Then, in a hoarse voice, she told me that if she chose me, she would not allow me to betray her. If I changed my mind, I could tell her upfront, but she would never allow, nor would she forgive, telling her afterward. If I chose her, she would be the one, an orphan with no one to rely on, no food to eat, no farm work, and no money. She would never allow anyone to oppress her. She told me to go back and think it over, and to talk it over with my parents. If they agreed, she would formally invite a matchmaker to propose marriage.
I told her to wait. I was so excited that I didn't think about why she suddenly agreed, or why she asked me to come to propose. I was about to start high school, so there was no rush. But I happily shouted, "Wait for me!" and ran home. I didn't sleep during the days leading up to the proposal. After we agreed on the wedding date, I didn't ask her again. If she didn't say anything, she must have a reason not to. When we get married, she'll be by my side, and I'll just protect her well.
After we got married, she would laugh out loud in front of me, act like a spoiled brat, lose her temper, and act out. She seemed to be alive again, very bright and alive. Even in front of others, she would still smile quietly and behave like normal. But I was still very honored that she trusted me, and I was glad to marry her.
She's kind and empathetic, often saying that life isn't easy. But she has her limits. She's sensible and generous with her in-laws, but she's not foolishly giving away everything. She'll even complain to me privately. She values friendship and affection, and isn't pushy about money. She seems casual about everything, but she has high standards. She's very low-key, avoids getting into trouble, doesn't listen to gossip, and hates gossip. She possesses a sense of dignity and pride.
Those unfamiliar with her might perceive her as having a good temper, but that's simply because she doesn't care. If her bottom line or principles are crossed, she'll fight back with all her might. She's patient, but that doesn't mean she's impulsive. Her kindness doesn't mean she's easy to bully. She possesses means, wisdom, a steady hand, and a cautious approach, all guided by her principles. She often says, "When I don't care, it means I don't care. But when I do care, it means I'm really serious."
Dad, you'll slowly discover that Jiaojiao is a very kind girl, very soft-hearted, and very protective of those she loves, just like a hen protecting her chicks. She's been the happiest lately. She says she's the happiest person in the world, having a father who loves and cares about her, and a mother she can confide in. She's easily satisfied and very grateful. She's always grateful to everyone who treats her well. Haha, Dad, you have the best daughter in the world, and I have the best daughter-in-law in the world. When Ping'an grows up, she'll be the best mother in the world.
Zhou Xiaozheng listened silently, watching the man before him—no, it should be a boy—as he spoke of Jiaojiao. His eyes lit up, his face brightened, and he kept on talking, sometimes frowning, sometimes smiling, sometimes regretful, sometimes admiring. This little guy, it was so annoying to him. He was just talking about his daughter, and he was happy to listen. Silly, is this the steady and wise man in the eyes of the old man? Just a little brat.
"Well, as soon as she was born, I knew that my daughter was incomparable to anyone. You don't know, when her mother gave birth to her, the doctors praised the child for being smart and knowing to wait for me to come back before coming out. Other children were born like red monkeys, but she was very beautiful, looking delicate and fragile, and would break at the slightest touch. She never cried or made a fuss. There were always children crying in those family compounds, but she never cried. When she was almost one month old, she knew when her diaper was wet, she would hum, and when she was hungry, she would smack her little mouth. She is very smart." Silly dad Zhou Xiaozheng mode started, having forgotten that he had just despised his son-in-law.
Zhou Xiaozheng looked at a place not far away, thought for a moment, and asked him, "Do you still want to join the army now? You should know that you have an advantage over others if you join the army, and there will be no obstacles to your advancement. The road will be much smoother, and you will have more opportunities than others. To do anything else, you have to work hard on your own."
Zhang Guoqing shook his head. "I've considered all of this, but now that I have Jiaojiao and my son, I've decided not to join the army. I don't dare let them leave my side. Jiaojiao is sometimes too soft-hearted and doesn't stay by my side, and I worry about her. Besides, if I have to leave them for my future, I don't want to. A soldier means no freedom. I work hard for them. I don't worry about the future, I just want to be able to protect them."
Zhou Xiaozheng nodded approvingly. "Then tell me why you insist on staying here for two years. Wouldn't it be better to go to the capital with us earlier?"
"There are many reasons why I can't leave now. The most important one is that I didn't think of relying on the Lin family to go to Beijing. I may be your son-in-law, but the Lin family is still a layer away. I want to get into university on my own. With a high degree, I will have confidence. The Lin family can take advantage of their situation, but I don't want to rely on them to get ashore.
There are many things I can tell you directly, as you are my father-in-law. Jiaojiao is so happy, I can't pour cold water on her. If you really sacrificed the Lin family, would they appear in front of Jiaojiao? I have deduced many things, and after finding the 28 packages this year, I knew you must have made great contributions.
I have to think the worst about many things. If I rely on the mountain and it falls, what am I? The son-in-law of the son-in-law of the Lin family is a shrewd person. Even if I go to Beijing with you now, I still rely a lot on the Lin family. Dad, I am not at ease even with you in Beijing. The water is too turbid and it is not easy to swim.
Over the next two years, I plan to study how those departments manage people and how they view and handle policies. Once I gain grassroots work experience, I'll get into university and make some friends there. That's when I'll build my network.
Furthermore, after two years in this county, I also wanted to stabilize my own rear. I didn't choose the Public Security Bureau, but the Armed Forces Department, because I wanted to see the connection between the government and the military. I hope I can protect my wife and son. I don't have to worry about other people's opinions and can live the life I want.
Zhou Xiaozheng patted his shoulder after hearing this. "That's right. The fact that you think that way shows that you see through a lot of things. The Lin family isn't considered a big family in the capital, but they've always been integrated into it and have some influence. Old Master Lin is a good man. He's a straightforward person coming from a military background. But he has an old lady who's quite resourceful and comes from a wealthy family. She basically has the final say in the Lin family."
As for your dad, I'm not at the point where I'm being bullied. Don't worry, your grandpa has explained your thoughts. I understand what you mean. But don't worry, your dad isn't stupid! He's not someone who can be manipulated just because someone wants to! I've even got the imperial sword that Jiaojiao requested. I'll give it to Jiaojiao so she can rest assured. When we get back to the capital, you'll know I can protect you. You can do whatever you want. Dad has several friends who have moved into administrative positions."
"Well, Jiaojiao is very careful about her steps and always plans ahead. She's good at strategy. Since you asked for it, it will be useful. We can keep it as a family heirloom for us."
"Haha, you are worthy of being my daughter. How about it, have you picked up a treasure? It's a good thing for you, kid." Zhou Xiaozheng said proudly, and then glared at him hatefully.
Zhang Guoqing sensed that his father-in-law had secured his favor. "Dad, they say a son-in-law is half a son. You've also gotten a bargain. You have a daughter and a good son like me. And a grandson, don't be so ungrateful."
Zhou Xiaozheng was helpless. This kid was so thick-skinned that he would just climb up the bamboo pole.
"Dad, we're here. Who should we talk to first? The last people who came were County Magistrate Li Aiguo, Commune Secretary Zhang Zhifeng, Zuo Lin from the County Public Security Bureau, Li Dawei from the Township Police Station, and Zhao Dashan from the Armed Forces Department, who retired from Grandpa's regiment."
"Let's go directly to the commune secretary, Zhang Zhifeng. We won't have to go to the police station. This place is fine. Let's go down to the county town and see the county officials. We can also mention this matter while we're at it. That'll be considered an explanation."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
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