Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240: Chapter 175: Debts of Gratitude

Zhang Guoqiang carried the things to Xiao Wu’s room and heard his mother’s and wife’s laughter from afar. He felt joyful and shouted, "Mom, we’re all back."

"Oh my, where’s Xiao Wu? Why are there so many fabrics?" Mother Zhang heard the voice of her second son and hurriedly came out, surprised by the amount of fabric she saw.

Zhang Guoqiang secretly chuckled; this isn’t even that much, she’ll really be shocked later. "There’s more that they’ll bring in shortly; it’s all for making curtains and bedcovers." After saying this, he put down the fabric and turned around to go outside.

Zhou Jiao stepped forward to look at the coarse fabric and then saw her mother come in first, "Mom, where’s Dad?"

"He’s in the back, about to come over. Big sister, now that you’re all here, you have to help out. These fabrics need to be made into four sets of curtains and bed sheets and covers. Cui Lan, you help me cut the fabric later, and Juhua, you’re clever with your hands, help me sew directly. Tonight, you all need to stay up late, as I need them tomorrow."

Mother Zhang shook her head and said, "No problem, just cut and sew them directly, it’s quick. We’ll put it on the kang, you take the measurements, stretch the fabric, and the three of us will cut it, just right for Juhua to sew it. Sister, can you sew quilt covers? If not, bring them back and I’ll sew them for you."

Zhou Jiao watched anxiously from the side and hurriedly stepped forward, gesturing with her hands, "Mom, look, sew three sides shut like this, insert the quilt, and leave the remaining side to sew later. It makes washing the covers easier."

Mother Zhang listened and happily said to Lin Lishan, "See, our Jiao Jiao is smart; this way, it doesn’t take several people to sew the quilts. Sister, this is much faster, and the finished plaid set won’t be inferior to big red silk bedding."

Zhou Xiaozheng looked at his daughter’s mischievous expression and laughed heartily, "Dad knows our Jiao Jiao is the smartest; many people in the county praise you, and Dad is proud. Let me tell you something: the old Mr. Liu, who sold us our yard, wants to befriend us. He wants you and Xiao Wu to visit him often. I suggested that Xiao Wu apprentice under him, but he declined, saying he would advise Xiao Wu against forming cliques. He also gifted us the ’Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government’, which includes drawings of secret rooms and compartments. Keep it safe; he claims only he and his wife know about these."

Zhou Jiao listened, puzzled, and asked her father, "Dad, could he have intentionally sold the house to us at a lower price? It doesn’t seem so. He’d rather sell it than save it for his sons, despite having several grandchildren. Perhaps he doesn’t trust his sons and wants to befriend us, so when they’re gone, there’s mutual support. It’s chaotic; even household matters are beyond his sons’ control. How can one hope to manage more major affairs when not keeping their home? No matter how insightful he is, it’s useless. Moreover, helping in desperate times and adding to one’s embellishments are two entirely different concepts. Had he appeared two years ago and offered this book, I would have been impressed; now, it’s too late to provide any real support. Dad, don’t blame me for being realistic; I understand human nature very well and know only you are the one I truly trust in this world. Everyone has their little calculations in mind; it depends on how one chooses to think and tolerate."

Zhou Xiaozheng nodded and whispered, "There’s one more thing I need to tell you. I have twelve brothers; some have died, some have moved on, leaving just five brothers in the provincial city. They all regard me as the leader, including a man named Zhao Chuan Guang. Xiao Wu met him today; he’s someone you can trust. When I return, seek him out if you have any issues. Are you curious why, despite being brothers that Dad trusts, none of them have come to see you?"

Zhou Jiao nodded, "Over time, sibling relationships may be eroded by power and interests. Since Dad says they’re trustworthy, I believe you. As for them not visiting, I can’t figure it out; maybe the relationship isn’t strong enough, and your brotherhood doesn’t extend to our generation."