Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221: Chapter 157: Mr. Liu (Part 2)

Mr. Liu picked up the paper and motioned for him to follow him into the study. The study was lined with books on two sides, in various conditions. A calligraphy painting hung on the wall. After they entered the study, Mr. Liu smiled mysteriously, spread out the paper, picked up a fine brush, marked a small dot in the bedroom area, and another black one at the innermost part of the study. He thought for a moment, took a blank piece of paper, and wrote that only he and his wife knew about these secret places and they could be used with confidence.

Zhou Xiaozheng understood the old man’s purpose from the moment he entered the study. After finishing reading, he nodded, cupped his hands to thank the elder, and carefully folded the paper, placing it in the pocket of his inner clothes.

The old man nodded with satisfaction, indicating that he could leave, and took out an ancient book from the shelf, saying with a smile, "Take this book to your son-in-law. I reckon he might already have it, but my copy is the earliest edition. Let him return it after he’s finished looking at it, I want to test him."

Zhou Xiaozheng received the book with both hands, noting the four big characters "Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government." Although his expression didn’t change, he was shocked inside—this old man was indeed extraordinary. He had insight into Xiao Wu’s future path and was planning on frequent interactions. Nonetheless, there were still questions to be resolved, "Old man, do you know who we are?"

Mr. Liu smiled and nodded, "At first, I didn’t know. You always called Xiao Wu, so rest assured that I didn’t sell you the courtyard at a low price on purpose; back then, it was about finding a good owner for it. When it was time to transfer ownership, Xiao Wu filled in Zhou Jiao. Observing the staff’s attitude and comparing it with your military uniform, I understood—a golden baby. Today, Zhao Dashan brought you over, making it even clearer. Hehe, I’m not senile yet."

Zhou Xiaozheng smiled awkwardly, "Sorry, sir. I was being too suspicious."

The old man waved his hand kindly, "No, this is a father’s most normal reaction. You have a good daughter and a good son-in-law. You must be curious why I’d give this book away? Your child isn’t aimed at the military. Now he’s still young and needs honing. He’s good material, but his initial environment was too low; it’s rare for a farm family to produce such a kid. Some people are born talented; good planning leads to the right path, veering off leads to becoming a hero."

Zhang Guoqing is known all over the county, not because of the golden baby, but for himself. Anyone who has interacted with him speaks highly of him. A few of my old friends lament that he left school early to marry and got stuck in rural life. But people, it’s all about timing; if it’s meant to rise, it will rise. What’s rare and precious is this kid has a heart like an empty valley, is sincere with people, and holds a pure heart. Many are excellent, but not everyone is recognized in dealing with people and things."

Zhou Xiaozheng pondered secretly; the old man in front of him was calm and wise, becoming better with age. It would be great if he could guide Xiao Wu. Yet he had not met few skilled in disguise over the years. Judging by his family background and conversation, he wasn’t just an ordinary professor. Many things only get understood with time. However, "Old man, since you admire my child, do you plan to accept him as a disciple?"

Mr. Liu signaled him to sit down and then said, "I can’t be his teacher. He can frequently visit for discussions. I would advise him, if he wants to go further, not to take anyone as a master—I even less so. You, Zhou Xiaozheng, this Northeast Tiger, should understand that no one should form alliances unless they’re tired of living."

Zhou Xiaozheng nodded, "Being in this position, I can’t act freely. How can one stay outside of it?"

"Maintain integrity, speak less and observe more, go with the flow—your golden baby has already achieved that," the old man said to him. After a pause, he sighed, "We old fellows, including that young man in the county Dai, all see the potential in the golden baby. According to Dai, this golden baby has a heart like a treasure, a clever mind, and is good at concealing herself, staying low-key. Isn’t Wang Baiwan from the county outstanding? Built his wealth from scratch but ended up high-profile, and it was over. His wife always advised him to blend into the crowd. He was so stubborn, couldn’t tolerate others, and wasn’t compromising. Only after his beloved wife passed did he realize he was too late, and all was lost."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify