In late May, Zhou Jiao stepped onto her hometown soil once more.
She didn’t linger in the provincial city; bidding farewell to Zhang Guoqing who was about to "sell his labor," she carried the child back to the small courtyard in the county town with the farewell of Zhao Chuan Guang and his wife.
With Zhou Xiaozheng, her father, in Beijing, Zhou Jiao was living freely and comfortably. At this moment, watching Zhao Chuan Guang’s car leave, and looking at the emptiness in the courtyard, she felt a bit dazed.
Neighbors enthusiastically welcomed her, and offered help whenever needed. In the evening, Zhao Yuanyuan’s stayover finally helped Zhou Jiao dispel the coldness of the room.
The next day, Zhou Jiao did something bold—she strapped Ping’an in front, took the gifts in the trailer, and drove a tricycle speeding all the way to Zhang Family Village.
In the past, she would never have done this. But being doted on by Zhou Xiaozheng and influenced by friends in the Big Courtyard, she began to change slowly, just like Zhang Guoqing said, becoming more open and daring.
Mother and son laughed heartily along the way, leaving a trail of joyful laughter.
The villagers on their way to work heard the sound of the vehicle and looked into the distance. They only caught a glimpse of a figure in the blur. Oh, Zhang Guoqing is back. —No one realized that the person on the vehicle was the familiar Zhou Jiao.
"Son, how was it? Isn’t your mom awesome?" Zhou Jiao said happily to Ping’an in her arms after getting off the car.
Mother Zhang next door came out and saw this scene: her younger daughter-in-law, smiling all over, holding a happily laughing child leaning on the tricycle.
She quickly looked around and found no one except them. Her older son wouldn’t be back until the end of the month, so who brought the mother and child back?
She hurried up, incredulously asking, "You didn’t drive this big guy back by yourself, did you?"
Zhou Jiao stuck out her tongue and laughed, "Why is it that not seeing you for a while, you’ve gotten smarter, Mom? Quick, tell Ping’an, what did Grandma eat to become so amazing? Ping’an, say yes or no?"
"Yes..." mumbled Ping’an, echoing her words. He might not understand the meaning of such long sentences now, but whenever someone asked if something was good or not, he quickly and happily responded without any prompting.
Mother Zhang momentarily forgot her previous worries and hurriedly laughed as she took over her little grandson. She hadn’t seen her grandson in a long time, and both she and her husband missed him dearly.
After teasing the child for a while, Mother Zhang followed Zhou Jiao, who was carrying some things, back to the west room.
The room remained clean and dust-free, all thanks to Mother Zhang’s meticulous care.
"Mom, sorry to trouble you again. I won’t be leaving for a few days. I’ll head back to the county town after brother comes back. Where’s Dad?"
Mother Zhang said worriedly, "Your dad went to work today and will be back at mealtime. Also, I wonder how Xiao Wu is doing? This month has worn him out. Have you seen him since you got back? Your dad won’t let me visit him, saying the child has grown up, and it’s not good for him."
Zhou Jiao stifled her laughter. She hadn’t expected Mr. Zhang’s secrecy to cause Mother Zhang such worry. "Mom, I saw Xiao Wu, and he’s fine. He’s not doing any heavy work, just writing. He’s even gained some weight."
Mother Zhang felt relieved at this. She inquired in detail about how Zhang Guoqing was doing with his meals and accommodation. This time it was Zhou Jiao’s turn to fret, regretting her own words. How could she deceive her mother-in-law by telling lies? Luckily, Mr. Zhang’s arrival saved the situation.
"Wife, is Jiao Jiao back?"
Mr. Zhang’s voice called from outside the courtyard, and Mother Zhang quickly stood up, responding loudly as she walked, "Yes, Jiao Jiao and the child are back. Hurry inside and say hello."
Zhou Jiao held the child and followed closely behind.

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