A month had passed since Zhou Xiaozheng said "very soon" that day, and the first snow of the year had arrived. The lake was frozen in chunks, hiding the tumultuous waves beneath.
Perhaps it’s because the city was in constant motion, or maybe because Beauty Liang was riding high in her life, busy waving the flag and shouting slogans.
In any case, the enigmatic situation had sparked the curiosity of many, leading a good number of people to start choosing sides eagerly, wanting to share in the spoils.
None of this concerned the Zhou Family. Zhou Xiaozheng continued attending various meetings with his usual unhurried demeanor; Miao Lishan was still indulging in her model plays as usual; Zhou Jiao observed her surroundings in silence, living her laid-back, retired life.
As for Zhang Guoqing, apart from the logistics department being as busy as ever with coordinating supplies, he too began retreating to his home as the cold set in.
——To accompany his wife and son.
"Xiao Wu, get out here!"
At the shout of Yi Jiefang from outside the door, Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but chuckle. What a pair of good buddies! They were inseparable at work and now here he was at their door, could he be her love rival?
"What’s with the yelling?" Zhang Guoqing replied loudly, feeling a bit speechless.
This pair of brothers were something else, making Aunt Chen hurry to respond in the courtyard, "Get inside quick, you must be freezing?"
"Aunt, you’re the best," Yi Jiefang sweetly saluted her, "Not freezing, just hungry. Aunt, is there something good at home? Give me some."
Aunt Chen nodded with a smile.
Once Yi Jiefang came in, Zhang Guoqing gave him a sideways glance, "Bumming food and drinks here again?" Though his words said otherwise, ignoring the hot tea he handed over would undoubtedly break up the friendship for good.
Yi Jiefang took off his coat, accepted the tea, took a sip, and set it down on the coffee table, letting out a breath, "Finally warming up, I was almost too frozen to make it back."
"Why wander around aimlessly on a weekend?"
"Had to deal with something for Da Zhi." Yi Jiefang looked over at Zhou Jiao after speaking, "Sis, I came across something today, want to head into town with me?"
Zhang Guoqing kicked him, but he dodged and pointed his finger, "Friendship over!"
"Where’s Uncle Zhou?"
"My dad’s working overtime."
Yi Jiefang laughed heartily, hugging him around the neck, the pair of brothers roughhousing, making Zhou Jiao shake her head. These two were a match for the Liu Yiwu May 1 duo in her family!
After the ruckus, the two "big boys" finally sat down.
"Guess what I saw?"
Zhou Jiao glanced at him and shook her head.
Zhang Guoqing, on the other hand, gave him a disdainful look, "Trying to keep us in suspense again, say it if you want."
"Really not guessing?"
"Not interested!"
"Really? On my way back, passing by the Liang Family, that Liang Family..." Yi Jiefang paused, lifting his teacup again.
Here we go...
Zhou Jiao and Zhang Guoqing exchanged glances and continued playing chess calmly.
"Hey, I’m saying, you two should stop."
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