Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21 - 11: Deep Sibling Affection

Zhang Guoqing was cycling, planning to first take a look around the county town to see if there was anything needed at the supply and marketing cooperative. Then he had to notify Second Sister before work started at eight, and drop by Grandpa Zhou's house with some things. The old couple was probably anxiously waiting this time.

Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao went to middle school in the county town. As he rode towards the supply and marketing cooperative, he bumped into a few acquaintances and exchanged greetings before each went on with their business.

Zhang Guoqing was warm-hearted and would try to help whenever he could, never splitting groups into cliques. He was too shy today to announce he'd just had a big, healthy son — otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to get away without stopping for a chat.

The supply and marketing cooperative hadn't opened yet, so he headed towards the textile factory. Luckily, the two older sisters lived nearby — if not, it'd be tough.

Eldest Sister lived in a dormitory building allocated by her work unit, just one big room divided into two. The outer room doubled as a living room and dining room, and they slept there at night. Rumor had it they were looking to buy a house; he didn't know how much they were short, but he planned to ask if needed?

The hallways were bustling with people making breakfast early in the morning. Someone sharp-eyed spotted Zhang Guoqing and called out, "Meili, your younger brother is here."

Eldest Sister Zhang Meili hurriedly ran downstairs. The 28-year-old looked very young, a natural beauty even by 21st-century standards. She had become a full-time worker, earning 22 yuan a month, while her husband, a mechanic, earned 36 yuan, supporting their four children. The eldest was 11, and the three older ones were already in school, with a precious 4-year-old daughter. They still sent 5 yuan a month to her in-laws for support and often bought things for her family. It was tough, especially with their children still young — they couldn't live without buying a house when the kids grew older.

Zhang Guoqing smiled at those around him and then said to Zhang Meili, "Eldest Sister, Mom sent me to share the good news. Last night, Jiao Jiao had a big, healthy boy, haha."

"Oh my, well done, Little Brother. I'll come by after the baby's bath ceremony." Zhang Meili was delighted too.

Zhang Guoqing nodded, "Alright, I won't go up and cause a fuss. Let's chat later. Just tell Brother-in-law I won't be going up, and remember to bring the kids home. I'm in a rush to relay the news to Second Sister."

"Sure, be careful on the road. Get home early and don't dawdle." Zhang Meili waved as she watched her little brother ride away before heading upstairs.

Her husband was helping their precious Yaya dress, wondering why his brother-in-law didn't come up.

"Why didn't Xiao Wu come up? You seem so happy this early. Could it be his wife had the baby?"

Zhang Meili gave Zhang Chunming a thumbs-up, praising him, "You're so smart, Zhang Chunming. Your name wasn't wasted on you. Last night, Jiao Jiao had a big, healthy boy, and he hurried to give the good news to Little Sister. We'll all go back for the baby's bath ceremony and visit the child's grandparents."

Zhang Chunming laughed heartily and called out to their three sons still in bed to get up. It's getting late; they'd be late for school.

Zhang Guoqing cycled past two streets to the eastern outskirts of the county town, where the county public security bureau and high school were. The environment was good, and security wasn't a problem. Most residents here were families of the public security bureau and women's federation, plus some old residents. The area was all small courtyard houses, no tall buildings.

Second Sister Zhang Meihao lived in this bungalow area. The courtyards here were all standalone. Second Brother-in-law's family had only one son, living with his parents after getting married. With four people earning wages, their living conditions were the best.

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