Platform 1 of the provincial capital railway station. Snowflakes drifted from the sky. Zhang Guoqing brushed the snow off his coat and watched the train depart. He waited until it disappeared from view, then turned and walked out.
Coincidentally, Liu Ming was also on this train to Beijing. Seeing him, the buddy was unexpectedly delighted. But upon learning that Zhang Guoqing hadn't informed him about his son's full-month birth, he scowled in dissatisfaction, saying he didn't consider him a close friend. Finally, Zhang Guoqing arranged for him to meet him for drinks in the provincial capital at the end of the year, and his face finally brightened.
Zhang Guoqing knew his mother-in-law and her companions were traveling to Northeast China with so many bags and so little luggage that he couldn't hide it from Station Master Zhang at the train station or the military district's vehicle rental office. Before their arrival, he'd specially loaded the car with two small bamboo baskets and a basket of red eggs, just in case. Whenever anyone brought up the topic of their visit, he'd stuff the red eggs into their mouths, believing the more courtesy, the less blame.
After leaving the station, Zhang Guoqing, carrying a small bamboo basket, went straight to Stationmaster Zhang's office. After a few pleasantries, he saw that the other party was busy with official business and put down his things and looked for an opportunity to leave.
After sending the telegram, Zhang Guoqing drove back to the military district. Several soldiers at the military district administration office were already familiar with him, and as soon as they saw him, they knew he was returning someone's car. After completing the return paperwork, Zhang Guoqing left a basket of red eggs and headed to the nearby quartermaster's office.
Before I reached Zhao Chuangguang's office, I saw him running downstairs, waving and shouting, "Xiaowu, godfather is here."
Zhao Chuangguang was a warm and friendly person with good interpersonal relationships. When his loud voice sounded, many people came out to watch the fun.
Zhang Guoqing smiled awkwardly at the soldiers who were watching.
Zhao Chuangguang ran over, took Zhang Guoqing's hand, and proudly introduced him to them as his son-in-law.
After chatting with everyone for a while, Zhao Chuangguang pulled him upstairs and said, "Godfather will show you around. Next time, go straight upstairs. Have those women gone home?"
Seeing Zhang Guoqing chuckle and nod, he happily said it was a good thing to leave. It should have been left a long time ago, and he had to trouble his daughter to accompany them.
There were people in the office waiting for him to handle business, so Zhao Chuangguang casually threw a book to Zhang Guoqing and told him to do as he pleased. He then made himself some tea and waited for him to get off work and go home together.
After finishing his official duties, it was almost time. Zhao Chuangguang took something from the drawer and stuffed it into his trouser pockets. He put on his coat and said to Zhang Guoqing, who was engrossed in a book beside him, "Stop reading. Take the book home and read it later. Come on, go home with your godfather. Knowing you were coming today, your godmother went out to buy groceries early. Let's go to the old man's after dinner..."
After leaving the gate, Zhao Chuangguang took him to the family compound in less than 20 minutes. Before reaching the door, he saw Huang Huimin standing at the door, smiling.
"I think you're almost there by now. Xiaowu, come in quickly. Have those people from the capital gone back?"
"I came here after sending them away. Godmother, what delicious food did you cook? It smells so good!" Zhang Guoqing smelled the fragrance before he even entered the door.
Huang Huimin said with a smile: "Isn't it you who has a new son-in-law? Godmother specially stewed a chicken for you. You must eat more later."
As soon as you enter the living room, you will see food and wine on a table.
Zhang Guoqing gave her a thumbs up, "It's delicious and tasty. Great cooking, godmother!"
"Hurry up, sit down first and have a few drinks with godfather. Don't look at us, there are only three of us at noon, and your two brothers are eating at school. Try your godmother's cooking first." Zhao Chuangguang saw that he was reluctant to sit down and was looking at the door, and knew that he was waiting for someone.
After hearing this, Zhang Guoqing did not refuse and walked forward to pour three glasses of wine.
After the meal, Zhang Guoqing also learned that the other four uncles lived not far away, and they had not returned yet. Because he had to go to the old man's house in the afternoon, Zhao Chuangguang did not greet them.
After dinner and a short rest, Zhao Chuangguang and his wife took Zhang Guoqing to the old man's yard.
Mr. Zhao Luocheng and his wife do not live with their sons. Every weekend, their sons and daughters bring their grandchildren to the courtyard to spend time with them and enjoy the joy of family.
The Zhao Family Courtyard must have been renovated later. Mr. Zhao is from the south, and after decades in the north, his southern customs haven't changed much. The courtyard looks ordinary from the outside, but once inside, his preferences become apparent.
In addition to some flowers and plants in the front yard, there are Taihu stones from somewhere and placed in the yard.
Zhang Guoqing raised an eyebrow. Seeing Taihu rocks in the north in the dead of winter was quite strange. He wondered if he should go to the backyard to see if there was a rockery or pond.
Mr. Zhao Luocheng heard the sound and waited for them at the main door. Seeing Zhang Guoqing's smile, he pulled him in enthusiastically.
After the nanny left with the tea, Mr. Zhao asked Zhang Guoqing with a kind smile, "Xiaowu, right? I call you by your nickname too. Last time, I didn't know you had such a connection to our family. Why didn't you bring Jiaojiao and the child with you? I heard Jiaojiao follows her grandmother, and I want to see my old friend. Go back and tell her to hurry over."
Zhang Guoqing nodded respectfully, "I'll definitely tell her. She also wants to come visit you. When the child grows up, she will come here more often."
"That's right. You must come over and visit us often. Your father-in-law hurried back to Beijing this time. How is everything going? Any news?"
Zhang Guoqing talked about the telegram he received from his father-in-law yesterday.
Mr. Zhao was overwhelmed by this, happily declaring that Heaven had finally rewarded Zhou Jinyu and his wife's patriotic heart. He then spoke of Zhou Jinyu's youth, his days in Jiangnan, and lamented that he had been born at the wrong time. Finally, he discussed the relationship between the two families and the history of the Zhou family.
Zhang Guoqing listened to the old woman's recollections, feeling anxious. He had come today not only to visit the Zhao family but also to learn more about the Gu family. Last night, Zhou Jiao had revealed what Old Lady Lin had done. He was worried that there might be more to the Gu family's affairs, and that Lin Lishan might eventually be implicated.
Zhou Jinyu was no ordinary person. With Gu Mingzhu, whom he had raised as his own son, the couple abandoned the Gu family and went into hiding, just to avoid bandits? He couldn't understand it no matter how hard he tried.
If it were him, with the Gu family's vast wealth as his backing, he could have carved out a path for himself by spending all his money. He could have avoided disaster by spending all his wealth, so there was no need to leave his hometown.
How far had things gotten to the point where they'd risked everything to flee? Why hadn't anyone from the Gu family stepped forward to help? Old Lady Cheng's words were vague, but it was easy to hear her hatred for the Gu family's side branch.
His father-in-law will definitely investigate what happened when he returns to Beijing this time. He doesn't know if the outcome will hurt his mother-in-law. Thinking of the innocent Lin Lishan, Zhang Guoqing couldn't help but shed tears for her.
Zhang Guoqing couldn't help but interject, "Grandpa Zhao, why did Grandpa take Grandma with him? All those properties were left behind. It would have been better to give them to someone powerful than to leave home."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhao sighed deeply.
After a while, he saw his eldest son and his wife waiting for him. "I wasn't in my hometown at the time, so I don't know the details. Later, I heard some speculations from fellow villagers and old friends. There are many rumors, who knows the truth? Rumors are not to be believed! Everyone said that Zhou Jinyu was gone, but who knew he was still alive and took Gu Mingzhu away.
Even Liu Qinglian probably couldn't be sure about the Gu family's affairs. Although she had followed them, what could an adopted daughter know about the Gu family's affairs?
As for why he didn't offer himself to the powerful Bao Ping'an, I don't think he would have done that. It would be better to kill him than to have him curry favor with the higher-ups. It's not that no one asked the two brothers to come out of retirement, but they couldn't stand the authorities' approach and were determined not to pursue a career in politics. If the two brothers had power, how could the Zhou family be destroyed? The Gu family's affairs are very complicated. Let's look at your father-in-law!"
Zhang Guoqing nodded and could only wait for his father-in-law.
Seeing that the afternoon work schedule was approaching, Zhang Guoqing declined Mr. Zhao's invitation to stay and planned to leave and go home. In the end, Zhao Chuangguang and his wife pulled him back to the family compound.
Zhang Guoqing looked speechlessly at the excited Zhao Chuangguang, then at the battered sidecar in the warehouse. Seeing him touching the sidecar, a chill ran down his spine. This guy was a true tricycle enthusiast.
"How is it? This was assembled by my godfather himself. He's in the military area every day and doesn't have time to take care of it. You can drive it back. It will be convenient for you to go anywhere with it."
Zhang Guoqing looked at his proud yet regretful expression. How could he have the courage to drive back? He treated the child like his own son, gave birth to him, and raised him. Now he was worried that he didn't have time to accompany him.
"Godfather, no thanks. I don't have anywhere to go usually, so a bicycle is enough. This bike is too impressive, and I'm afraid it will be confiscated if I drive it out."
Zhao Chuangguang laughed heartily and said proudly, "Isn't it impressive? Don't underestimate this car because it's old. I modified it to be fuel-efficient and sturdy." He paused for a moment, looked outside, and seeing no one was around, he whispered, "Those brats always want to borrow it. I'm putting oil on it, but I'm afraid they'll mess around and wreck it. You can drive it back without worry. No one dares to confiscate this car."
Zhang Guoqing whispered to him, "Godfather, is this public or private property?"
"Your godfather owns them. I matched them all myself. Silly boy, if there's a problem, would your godfather dare to hide it at home? You ride back first. When it's sunny and there's no snow, you can take Jiaojiao for a walk. If you run out of gas, don't look for anyone else. Your godfather will have it ready for you."
"Okay. Then I'll drive back first. Let me know if you need it." Zhang Guoqing saw his determined face and thought it was better to drive back first and return it later.
Huang Huimin carried a bunch of things to the door, but they didn't come out for a long time, so she urged them to hurry up anxiously.
Zhang Guoqing looked at the things on the ground and immediately understood. Was he supposed to drive the car back with the gifts? In this freezing weather, could he just forgo the gifts and ride back in the car without being exposed to the wind? He had no interest in the sidecar. If the gas tank froze on the way, who would he turn to?
"Godmother, please don't tell me to take all this stuff back. I came here empty-handed and you let me go back with a full bag. Don't you want me to come next time?"
Huang Huimin laughed, "Godmother will definitely pay attention next time. You take it back this time. We have no choice, it's all our little Ping An's. If you don't take it back, who will use it?"
Seeing that it was almost time to go to work, Zhao Chuangguang stepped forward and directly moved the things into the truck bed, while shouting to his wife to get ready to go to work.
Zhang Guoqing didn't realize what was happening until they'd driven out of the provincial capital. How had he been led into this mess by Zhao Chuangguang? Zhao Chuangguang had hopped on his bike and urged him to get on, saying he was running late for work. He'd obeyed, and what happened? Oh, right. Zhao Chuangguang had abandoned him, bike and all. His father-in-law had told him to be polite, but wasn't that too much? Too casual?
Snow was falling from the sky. Zhang Guoqing shrank his neck and rode his bike with a lot on his mind. He watched the big car whizzing away and really wished time could go back to the morning before he left home.
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