Zhang Guoqing didn’t know his parents’ thoughts. For their safety, he had reduced and reduced again, even preventing Zhou Jiao from leaving some supplies in the village.
Hunger to the point of turning green in the eyes—people lose humanity at that stage. He’d rather mail things frequently than leave hidden dangers. The village is no safer than the county town.
The car sped along, bypassing the provincial city center and went straight into the military family courtyard.
"Godfather, shall we visit Grandpa and Grandma first?"
Zhao Chuan Guang shook his head after hearing Zhou Jiao’s words, "They are now in a sanatorium and told me beforehand to head straight to Beijing. They’ll visit Beijing by the end of the year; you’ll see them then."
Zhou Jiao didn’t visit the Big Courtyard as often as Zhang Guoqing. As the car slowly drove in, she quickly noticed the passersby and the environment had greatly changed since last time.
In the family courtyard, few people were moving around, and no children were seen playing; the usual noise was now a quiet scene.
The youngest, Zhao Lihui, quickly dashed out upon hearing the car, complaining, "Sis, you finally came. I’ve waited so long. Dad, why are you so slow?"
Zhou Jiao smiled, "Ping’an, quickly call your little uncle, and behind him is your big uncle."
Zhang Guoqing tossed him a bag, "No need for your help here, you brothers take Ping’an inside first."
Zhao Lihui saw his brother already cuddling Ping’an and going inside, sniffed the bag, and pulled a long face, "Brother-in-law, you’re going to Beijing. How am I supposed to survive?"
Everyone laughed heartily at his antics.
Just before entering the living room, Zhou Jiao was pulled in by Huang Hui Min and pressed onto a chair, "Eat some noodles quickly. Why didn’t you come sooner? You’re leaving tomorrow; when will the two of us meet again?"
"I’ll come back during winter and summer breaks. Godmother, if you’re not working, come see me..." Before she could finish, Zhou Jiao saw Zhao Xiaodi gulping, so she quickly ran into the kitchen.
Indeed, aside from two leftover black buns, there were only two bowls of noodles for herself and Zhang Guoqing. She didn’t bother checking the rice jar; she knew the previous delivery had likely been given to the elders.
Feeling a twinge in her nose, Zhou Jiao complained, "Am I really your biological daughter? Why didn’t you tell me if the house was lacking supplies? You’ve been sending things here continually, look at how much the two brothers have thinned."
Huang Hui Min chuckled, hugged her, and led her out, "We all eat at the canteen now, that’s why there’s nothing at home. We’re not starving, your brothers aren’t thinner! They eat meat every day, it’d be weird if they thinned. Don’t worry, my dear daughter!"
Zhou Jiao skeptically glanced at her, having seen the black buns. Seeing her smiling face, she thought to ask the two little guys later.
As noon approached, Zhou Jiao took out a package from her luggage, "Don’t go to the canteen today, Xiao Hui, help your sister grab bowls and chopsticks, taste your sister’s cooking."
"Sis, don’t. Take it on the road tomorrow."
"It’s meant for you to taste. It’ll be spoiled by tomorrow. Be good, quickly help out." Zhou Jiao said while untying the package.
Zhao Lihui glanced at their mother, and seeing her nod and smile, he happily exclaimed, "Hey... I’m on it."
After lunch, Zhao Chuan Guang took Zhang Guoqing out, and Huang Hui Min went to a meeting.
Zhou Jiao took the opportunity to have the elder brother, Zhao Liyao, watch the child, while she took the younger brother out, "Xiaodi, tell your sister why your little friends aren’t around?"
"Hehe, sis. Do you want to know something? Just ask, I’ll tell you everything."
Zhou Jiao patted him, "Smart! Is it true you seldom have enough to eat at home?"


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