Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Chapter 29: National Day’s Heartache

After eating buns and noodles, paying the bills, and tying the two cloth bags onto the back of the bicycle, he carefully pedaled home with a bamboo basket packed by the master chef. It was indeed getting late, estimating he would be riding back in the dark.

Hurrying along the way, he didn’t dare to waste any time. What was supposed to be a half-hour journey took 40 minutes by bicycle, carrying the wine. He felt ashamed for not accurately judging the time, realizing he still needed to buy a watch.

Entering the courtyard, it was quiet; only the main room had shadows and sounds, probably the family returning from work for dinner. Zhang Guoqing looked at the large and small bags in his hands, decided not to go into the main room, but went directly to his room to put things away, see his wife and child, and then head to the main room to eat.

He directly parked the bicycle under the eaves of the west wing, put down the things at his room’s doorstep, locked the bicycle, and quietly entered the bedroom. He saw Jiao Jiao softly chatting with their son, babbling away, looking somewhat silly and clearly bored.

"Oh, son, you’re not asleep, huh? You knew Daddy was back? Daddy brought persimmons, pears, and wild fruits for the baby. Too bad the baby can’t eat them yet. Grow up quickly, and Daddy will take you and your mom to pick wild fruits in the mountains. In our Daqing Mountain, wild fruits are abundant year-round, much better than other mountains."

Zhang Guoqing spoke with a smile, poured hot water, washed his face, and declared to Zhou Jiao with pride, "I saw ’bitter girl’ today, thought you liked them, bought some for you. Later, I’ll ask Mom if we can blanch them in boiling water so you can ease your cravings."

Zhou Jiao immediately perked up, joyfully said, "They can only be eaten hot, even then they are not suitable. The son is still little, I’ll bear it, can’t risk it. Give them to me, I’ll hide them away first, and eat after the confinement month. This thing’s sweetness comes only after frost. We don’t grow them at home, though Elder Uncle’s family has two plants. I can’t compete with the kids for it. Now, it’s just right - saved for a slow enjoyment. By the way, why did it take so long? Wasn’t it only shopping? Did something hold you up? Is everything okay? Is there turmoil in the county now?"

Zhang Guoqing handed her the dilapidated bag containing the persimmons, pears, and some wild fruits. Seeing her keep it well and still eyeing him for an answer, comforted, he said, "All is fine. Now you can still see people selling fruits on the streets, the same as what you saw last year. But today, I saw some new slogans, indicating the People’s Commune is forming, likely after the new year. The current production team might agree to reform. The anti-rightist movement is intense, and slogans are everywhere in the county. We stay out of these matters. I came back late asking the master for wine, haha. Did you eat tonight? What did you have? Anything particular you’d like, have Mom prepare it."

Upon hearing, Zhou Jiao thought for a moment and shook her head, "Forget it, whatever stew, lacking salt still tastes the same. Bringing out more things causes unease. Tonight, I had Mom’s braised pig’s feet and a bowl of noodles. I used a small bowl to let Mom have some, had to persuade her to eat. The pig’s feet and noodles were tasteless too, but for our son, I pushed through. After Mom went out to wash diapers, letting me rest, I secretly ate the confinement meal."

Listening, Zhang Guoqing pursed his lips, wanting to say something but held back. A big family dining with one ladle of food makes anything special well-known, which is a downside. The stove must be installed somehow, so she doesn’t have to sneak confinement meals, feeling like a thief, hard to digest too.

"If they say anything, don’t mind them. Even if they’re eating coarse bread, there’s nothing to be upset about. We use our own money to buy things, maybe some secret complaints, but don’t need to mistreat ourselves for others. Be friendly with those who are nice, less with those who aren’t."

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