Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Chapter 37: Heart-to-Heart Between Husband and Wife (Part 1)

Zhang Guoqing escorted his mother back to the main house. After watching her go inside, he returned to the west wing, fetched some water to wash his face and freshen up. He used a warm towel to wipe Jiao Jiao’s face and hands.

After tending to his wife’s postpartum meal, Zhang Guoqing didn’t even bother to put out the lamp before lying down with her, "Jiao Jiao, do you want to sleep?"

"I don’t want to sleep, I napped a bit during the day."

"Then, let me tell you about some things. You mustn’t rush; I’ve already set a trap, just waiting for someone to walk into it tomorrow."

"Alright, go ahead, it’s probably about those issues with the Zhou Family, right?" Zhou Jiao touched his face, lying on his chest.

"Don’t make trouble, just seeing but not tasting is torture, I might punish you." Zhang Guoqing teased her by nibbling on her ear.

Zhou Jiao playfully punched him a few times, "Just say it, try to keep it brief. I also want to discuss schooling with you."

"How did you come up with the idea of attending school? It really wasn’t part of my plan, but you’re smart, wife! A diploma really matters if you want to enter politics. Let me think... the college entrance exams stopped in ’66, so preparations should begin by ’64.

From ’58 to ’60, we were preparing, planning to get ready for university in ’60-’61. How about this, around ’60, depending on the situation, we either advance or delay the preparations by a few months to get ready for Beijing University’s entrance exam. By the time Ping’an is 3, he can go to nursery school, so the whole family can focus on studies without any burden.

In the three years before ’60, for two years of high school, you can go back to school next fall if necessary. I’ll work for 2-3 years, preparing for the entrance exams while building my own network of connections, adding future university contacts. Once we graduate, we can consider where to work. I’ll tell you something very important, and you can plan meticulously to add any necessary details."

Zhou Jiao gazed at him sideways and smiled, "I’m listening. Schooling matters are settled like this, but you still need to consult with the school teachers. If it’s feasible to work while studying, then go for it."

"It’s doable, actually, as long as you have equivalent qualifications, the unit can provide certification, and you can register for university. You don’t have to register in your local area, last year you could sign up in major cities like the provincial city, Beijing, or Shanghai. Here’s what I think: first join the county armed forces department. The head there is savvy, working under him is beneficial, and most importantly, the armed forces manage military recruitment. In the coming years, joining the army will be tough; this department is like a wedge, linking the government and military. Once I’m familiar with it, I’ll find a way to move my second brother to the county public security bureau. After 2-3 years, when we leave, he’ll have established himself, as he’s quite sharp. As for my older brother, he’s reliable and knowledgeable, but his education is too low; I don’t plan to arrange anything in the county for him, just a position at the township grain station, where Madman is already. It helps having someone familiar, and it’s near home, allowing the eldest to keep the family grounded. Our parents will feel at ease having him there. My second brother should be able to handle things in the county, as we have relatives there."

"The idea is good, but executing it will be hard. Many people in the city are waiting for jobs; you need to start as a temporary worker to shift to permanent. If your brothers can get into a unit, even as temps, it’ll take effort and owing favors, potentially becoming leverage against you, unless you arrange both their jobs before starting yours. Maybe recommend your second brother first, then ask your eldest brother’s brother-in-law to step in, it’ll be less conspicuous. Also, if you don’t want to give anyone leverage, showcase advantages, like knowing how to drive, which sets you apart from many. By the way, how did your brother-in-law join the textile factory back then?"

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