Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 454

Chapter 454: Chapter 343: Published in the Pictorial

A pest control campaign put Zhou Jiao back in the public eye. Her collaborative wall painting and individually planned propaganda comics have garnered widespread acclaim.

Zhang Guoqing only found out from his colleagues about his wife’s big achievement after returning to work post-holiday.

Taking the newspapers handed over by his colleagues, every one of them was full of reports. No wonder the colleagues were cheerfully asking the couple to treat them.

Zhao Dashan came out of the office, smiling, "You couldn’t have just found out, right? Jiao Jiao really made our county shine this time. Especially those series of drawings of elderly folks and kids holding mouse tails—they’ve made the provincial city aware of Zhou Jiao’s name."

Listening to his colleagues’ teasing, Zhang Guoqing smiled repeatedly, "I genuinely didn’t know. I’ve been tidying the courtyard in the village these past few days. Jiao Jiao didn’t mention anything to me beforehand. No need to say anything more; such a happy occasion, I’ll treat everyone at the canteen at lunchtime. Brother Wen, do you think my salary this month is enough for you guys to splurge a bit?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter.

Talking about salary brings a little anecdote. Zhang Guoqing is warmhearted and hospitable, having an excellent relationship with his colleagues. When he first started working, he was continuously whisked away by his colleagues for meals at the canteen. When he finally got his salary, he realized he had been eating off others’ tabs.

As a result, without informing his colleagues, he privately made an arrangement with Xiao Wang, who managed meal tickets at the canteen, to directly charge all group meals to his account. Before the end of the month, Xiao Wang loudly declared that his salary couldn’t cover the meal expenses anymore. This incident led to days of teasing from the comrades at the armed department.

Accountant Brother Wen knew Zhang Guoqing was loyal and generous, but Zhang also had a wife and son to support, so he subtly held onto his salary. Seeing him inquire now, he chuckled, "Don’t treat us to a meal; just bring wine in the afternoon instead."

Zhang Guoqing noticed the colleagues agreed with Brother Wen’s suggestion and didn’t refuse. He exchanged glances and smiles with Zhao Dashan. In his mind, he planned to bring some cured meat over.

Since Xiao Wang exposed the meal ticket incident, the colleagues were all aware and wouldn’t let him suffer. Having taken advantage often, Zhang Guoqing felt a bit embarrassed, trying to eat at home when lunch wasn’t busy.

Seeing it was time to work, Zhao Dashan joked, "Alright, everyone, let’s get to work. Xiao Wu, remember to mail these newspapers to your father-in-law for him to have a look."

Zhang Guoqing nodded with a smile. He had just sent packages and letters to Beijing a few days ago, wondering if his father-in-law and buddies in the big courtyard received them. It’s likely that godfather Zhao Chuan Guang had already mailed these newspapers to Beijing.

After the noon shift, Zhang Guoqing took the newspapers straight home. As he entered the courtyard, he noticed Zhou Jiao feeding their son egg custard, with two newspapers tossed on the side.

He bent over to pick up the newspapers, showing a playful smile to Zhou Jiao, "You’ve been sneaky, huh? Getting involved again? Thinking of going back to work?"

Zhou Jiao continued cautiously feeding the child, barely noticing the teasing tone in his voice. She simply replied, "Soon done, let’s talk later." Finally seeing the child finished his custard, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her son was such a chatterbox; the sight of people made him too excited to eat, reducing him to aaaa-ing. She’s worn out by him and doesn’t know where all the excitement comes from.

Glancing at the newspapers on the table, Zhou Jiao frowned slightly, "Let’s have lunch first. I didn’t expect this to happen. Last time Aunt Wang and a few old men asked for help, I didn’t think much and went ahead with the painting. But today Uncle Li sent over newspapers, asking if I wanted to go back to work. It’s giving me a headache."

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