In the following days, Zhang Guoqing was extremely busy. With so much capital, even converting it into gold required connections, and he needed to discreetly investigate the finances of the Zhang Family Holding Company to prepare for taking control. Additionally, he had to meet some contacts while the old man was still alive. Since he had officially acknowledged his ancestry, he also needed to meet Mr. Zhang's old friends. He left early and returned late every day, and apart from accompanying the old man, he was constantly on the move.
Zhou Jiao knew he was very busy during this period and didn't disturb him. She stayed well-fed and rested at the old house, preparing to give birth smoothly.
During this time, apart from giving Zhou Jiao a batch of gold, he also rented a large warehouse, buying plenty of reportedly safe foreign milk powder. From infant formula to adult, even pregnant women, there was enough for about ten babies, and other baby supplies like diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
Zhou Jiao didn't say anything about her husband treating tomorrow like the end of the world. In this life, she hoped for peaceful, stable years, hoping to see his smile every day.
Zhang Guoqing figured that since their space could keep things fresh and they weren't short on money, he was happy with indulging himself. Ultimately, he wanted to make up for the childhood he lacked. Perhaps young Zhang Guoqing once longed for such toys and treats like milk candy when he was at the Welfare Institute.
For someone born an orphan, this child carried his hopes—not hoping the child would become a dragon, just hoping for a real kin in this world, someone truly connected to him by blood with no suspicion or exploitation. A warm, loving home with a handsome and open-minded father, a beautiful and gentle mother, and a cute, lively baby.
Gold, food, and supplies provided him with a sense of security. As a youth, he was eager to grow up, but now he wished time would slow down, wanting to prepare the best for the baby. Besides, he planned to have more children.
Besides going for regular check-ups at the private hospital, Zhou Jiao chatted with the old man, shared funny stories about Zhang Guoqing, talked about his glory days at school, and listened to Mr. Zhang's legendary stories. Actually, elderly people knew everything, they were secretly collecting information, and now they just liked reminiscing.
The school had been notified for maternity leave, preparing to leave. Previously, she didn't have the time or confidence to shop freely, but now she occasionally indulged when going shopping with Zhang Guoqing.
Mrs. Zhou often called, urging a return to L City. Zhou Jiao had to make excuses for leaving with Zhang Guoqing. As expected, Mrs. Zhou cursed her out on the phone, only asking how they'd afford living expenses after she left her job—not showing concern about her pregnancy or if she found new work at XL after leaving. Zhou Jiao promised to continue sending money monthly, just like before.
This led to: "What's the use of raising you?"
Zhou Jiao, frustrated, replied, "How much did you spend raising me?"
After that, Mrs. Zhou redirected her calls to harass Zhang Guoqing, always expressing dissatisfaction with Zhou Jiao, blaming them for leaving L City, and being obsessed with their property there. Once she knew the property wasn't Zhang Guoqing's, she regretted marrying off her daughter, leaving the couple both amused and helpless.
Talking with her older sister over WeChat, Zhou Jiao realized they had little to vent their frustration on and often tormented her sister. Zhou Jiao didn't disclose what needed to be kept secret. Presumably, they'd settle in XL, and of course, the monthly filial stipend wouldn't decrease from them either. Beyond that, Zhou Jiao was unwilling to give more. They'd rather donate like Zhang Guoqing, who last week had donated 5 million directly to the nursing home, hoping to extend the old man's life, and reduce his pain. This superstitious gesture cheered the old man up greatly.
Like arranging surgeries for a few kids at the L City Welfare Institute, Zhang Guoqing did just as he said. Money, when it's excessive, is just numbers; sufficient is enough. He also liked making anonymous donations to orphanages and nursing homes, partly out of prayers for his family.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space