Zhang Guoqing and Zhang Guoqiang got in the car and drove a short distance. Zhang Guoqing stopped and thought for a moment, pondering Zuo Lin's words and his attitude that night, analyzing Zuo Lin's good intentions. Then he thought about the Lin family grandmother in his words, and he had a rough understanding of it. He planned to go back and talk to Jiaojiao about it and let her analyze it.
Zhang Guoqiang saw Xiaowu parked the car, lost in thought, so he didn't bother him. He'd witnessed his brother Zhang Guoqing's tactfulness that night. In his eyes, Xiaowu was truly different. He was at ease around strangers, able to chime in on any conversation. Even with someone he'd just met, he could quickly become as familiar with them as if they'd known each other for a lifetime.
He had originally thought it would take at least a year or two for a temporary employee to become a regular employee, but that evening Zuo Lin announced it would only take three months, as a section officer, and suggested Xiao Wu take him to meet his colleagues tomorrow. So, how many people would Xiao Wu know? Xiao Wu said going to the provincial capital wouldn't be a problem, and that there were ways around it. This was truly an eye-opener for him.
Zhang Guoqiang kept thinking about Xiaowu's conversation, behavior, and the smile on his face that night. He found that he was really far from this younger brother. He still had a lot to learn and he had to slowly explore his own path.
Zhang Guoqing came back to his senses, started the car and drove back to his yard. "Second brother, tomorrow morning we'll go to the mountains with my eldest cousin and the others. We'll be back at the bureau around 10 o'clock. We'll finish the paperwork around 11 or 12 o'clock, and then we'll take everyone to a restaurant for drinks. You can get to know them too. You can go back to work next Monday. I've already discussed the household registration transfer with the village captain, and we'll take the paperwork back tomorrow to handle it together."
Zhang Guoqiang quickly agreed, "I'll do as you say. You can make the arrangements. We're a bit pressed for time, so we'll just take them to a place, pack up some things, and leave."
"Well, let's just say my father-in-law has something to do. Once we've completed the paperwork, tell them next Monday when you get to work, so they don't go back and tell my wife and cause any complications."
Zhang Guoqiang nodded. "I know what's going on. I've even kept it a secret from your second sister-in-law. It doesn't matter if we talk about it after the matter is settled. Hey, isn't Xiaowu the one in front? You're very close."
"Yes, it's very close. Over there are my eldest and second sisters' homes. It only takes about ten minutes to walk to my place. Zhao Dashan also lives in my area. Basically, all the cadres are in my area. My eldest sister's area is full of old residents. I bought this yard by chance. I guess Professor Liu, who sold me the house, was also interested in this."
The car drove to the gate and people were still talking loudly inside. Lin Lishan heard the sound of the car and came out to see that it was indeed them. "Xiaowu, you and your second brother are here. Go in first. Your uncles just said they were leaving and are waiting for you."
"Mom, will it be unsafe for uncle to drive back so late?" Zhang Guoqing said as he walked inside.
When the madman heard Zhang Guoqing's voice, he shouted, "Hey, our son-in-law is back. Uncle drove us from the county town to here in one go. It's quite close, don't worry. I heard that it only took you half an hour to learn to drive. Come show me how my son-in-law is so smart. Brother Guang, Xiaowu is better than you. When you first learned to drive, you couldn't tell the difference between the accelerator and the brake."
Zhao Chuangguang glared at her and said guiltily, "It's not that I can't tell the difference, I just wanted to try. Let's not talk about this anymore. Xiaowu, have you sent him away? After uncle leaves, go back and tell our Jiaojiao to wait for uncle to bring her something fun."
Feng Wei laughed and teased him, "What's so funny? It's not a bullet shell, is it?"
Everyone laughed and looked at the two of them. Zhao Chuangguang led everyone out of the house, saying as they walked, "I won't tell you rough old men, I'm going to go out and find a girl I like tomorrow. Brother Zheng, we're leaving. Just close the door. Let's all go together. We can't sleep here because we haven't finished it yet."
Zhou Xiaozheng took out the key and locked the door. "I listened to you and locked it. Be careful. We are going back too. My Jiaojiao must be worried."
Watching them get in the car and drive away, Zhang Guoqing quickly grabbed Zhao Dashan who was about to leave and said, "Uncle, please wait for me. Take the food in the lunch box back. I've prepared it." After saying that, he pulled him to the front of the car and said, "Take the box too. I'll have Aunt Cheng bring it over tomorrow."
Zhou Xiaozheng watched them finish their work and got in the car directly, telling them to come in quickly and not to be so polite. "Go back quickly and go to bed early. You must stay alert. We will conquer Daqing Mountain the day after tomorrow."
Zhang Dashan watched him start the car and quickly called out, "Brother Zheng, will you come tomorrow? I'll wait for you here."
"What are you waiting for? Go to work tomorrow and arrange things. If anything goes wrong, I'll beat you up. I'm leaving." Zhou Xiaozheng said and drove away.
Zhao Dashan watched the car drive away happily, and hurried home with the lunch box.
Zhou Xiaozheng was driving the car and asked, "Xiaowu, has Zuo Lin finished taking care of Lao Er's matter today?"
"Dad, it's settled. I'll be a section clerk and a permanent employee in three months. I'll go to the bureau tomorrow to handle the paperwork and start work next Monday."
"Is this the position Zuo Lin originally planned to give you? Not bad. Lao Er, remember to get along well with your colleagues when you go to work. When Xiao Wu comes to the county town next year, you'll have no problem at all. Xiao Wu will take Lao Er over there tomorrow to visit and let everyone know that your second brother is working at the bureau, so everyone can be considerate."
Zhang Guoqing smiled and said, "Dad, Zuo Lin also asked me to take my second brother to get acquainted with his colleagues. Dad, Zuo Lin is being kind. Is he thinking about his eldest brother's situation? If you help, will it have any impact on you?"
Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head and comforted him, "It's okay. Zuo Sen is a smart man, and we are the type who get to know each other through fighting. Zuo Lin is friends with you because he sees hope in your future. Their family has a good reputation and is quite upright. He did a good job by not directly mentioning the second brother's matter at the table today. Zhao Dashan in the county town can be confided in, and Zuo Lin is a good friend. Zhao Chuangguang who came from the provincial capital today can be confided in, and the other four can be friends. Especially Zhao Chuangguang, your uncle Guang, he looks sloppy and unsophisticated, but he is the most loyal. With our relationship, he is the most sincere to you. His family has developed well in recent years. If you have any problems that cannot be solved, just go to him. If you don't go to him, he will get angry. If he is not doing well in something, you should also remind him."
Zhang Guoqing listened carefully and replied, "Dad, I've remembered everything you said. Jiaojiao also reminded us not to put everything out in the open. Zuo Lin is a smart man. I took my second brother to see him, and he knew what was going on. If he really wanted to make friends, he'd understand without having to say anything. If it works out, it's fine. But if it doesn't, it'll be embarrassing and awkward for us in the future. Just as Jiaojiao expected, he really did want to make friends."
Zhou Xiaozheng smiled and praised, "She's worthy of being my precious daughter. Isn't she smart? She must have said that she supports her bottom line and principles. If things can't be done, she will handle it, right?"
Zhang Guoqing smiled and nodded. Worried that Zhou Xiaozheng, who was driving ahead, couldn't see, he said, "Well, Jiaojiao said it. Dad, you expected it. You're really a father and daughter. You understand her. She said that once it's done, she told my second brother not to say I was involved. If anyone asks, just say it was Uncle Chen who asked Zuo Lin to do it. Uncle Chen is my second brother-in-law's father."
By the way, my second brother is good at writing and calculating, and he's very careful. He was also lucky. He just happened to have an opportunity and gave it a try. I didn't expect it to work out. When I go back to work next year, it won't have much of an impact.
Jiaojiao doesn't like to attract attention, so she keeps a low profile whenever possible. They always say to be low-key in life and high-profile in work. Don't treat everyone as fools. If you think others are fools, they might actually think you're the real fool. I also think it's good to be low-key. There's no need to live under the spotlight and exaggerate every little thing.
Lin Lishan said with a smile, "Our Jiaojiao wants to keep a low profile, but it's not possible in this county. Even Xiaowu, when I went out with Hongli today and mentioned that I was Xiaowu's mother-in-law, they were all very polite. The quilt-tender even gave me someone else's wedding quilt first."
Zhou Xiaozheng smiled after hearing this, "Then you're quite impressive. Jiaojiao's so-called low profile means quietly living her own life, keeping things to herself, and not being too flamboyant as if others don't know. She doesn't show off her wealth, doesn't compete with others, and doesn't stand out from the crowd. Her low profile is a form of self-cultivation. Today, Mr. Liu praised her for her talent and asked her to practice calligraphy and play chess more often. Xiaowu, when Dad comes back to find a set of high-quality Go, you two can play chess with them when you're free. That's a really good idea."
Zhang Guoqing asked curiously, "Dad, did Mr. Liu sell our house at a low price because he knew our background? That won't do. I'll find a chance to make it up to him later."
"Shanshan, hand the book in front of you to Xiaowu. Xiaowu, you'll understand after reading it. The old man had his doubts until he saw Zhou Jiao's name during the transfer. Then, when we went there with Zhao Dashan today, he was sure. This is a gift from him. I'll tell Jiaojiao the details when we get back."
Zhang Guoqing took the book and understood immediately, "Dad, this old man is old but his heart is young. He puts everything on the table and wants people to feel uncomfortable refusing him. Jiaojiao won't agree to what he asks for and hopes for. Since the courtyard is a normal transaction, then we should just keep dealing with it normally. We don't like to get too involved with old and sophisticated people."
Zhou Xiaozheng laughed heartily after hearing this. "Zhao Dashan said you'd definitely be afraid of trouble, and it's true. Learn a little over the next two years, and don't let anyone guess your thoughts. That'll be enough. There are plenty of people like Mr. Liu in the capital. You can treat them as a challenge and practice on your own. Communicate with Jiaojiao and her anytime, and see how you handle such an old man. When you return and encounter such an old man, you'll have a better idea."
"Haha, Dad, I understand. Just watch. We're finally here. Mom, I think we should just leave these homespuns in the car. You should go to bed early and find someone to do it for you tomorrow."
Seeing Lin Lishan hesitating, Zhang Guoqiang quickly said, "Xiaowu, have you forgotten that your second sister-in-law uses the sewing machine very smoothly? She can sew curtain fabrics and bed sheets in straight lines very quickly. Come on, let's move in." After saying that, he moved in first without waiting for anyone to refuse.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
