No matter how enjoyable a vacation is, it always comes to an end. With the journey back to Beijing approaching, Zhang Guoqing decided to make a solo trip to his hometown to visit his parents first.
Yi Jiefang, Wan Dayong, and Geng Dasheng hurried to Zhou’s small building, their eyes lighting up as they stared at the astonished Zhang Guoqing.
"What did you say? Going to my hometown?"
Geng Dasheng was the first to sell out the two next to him, "That’s right. Da Yi said you can hunt and there’s meat to eat, so Brother Wan decided we should go with you."
Zhou Jiao, standing to the side, smiled with her lips pursed and secretly gave them a V sign.
Yi Jiefang winked at her and then said seriously, "Xiao Wu, once the school year starts, we won’t have time to go out. It’s a perfect opportunity to travel together; don’t you want to see how things are outside now?"
Zhang Guoqing rolled his eyes at him—sounded better than it was.
Wan Dayong threatened, "Do you believe that if you leave first, your wife will follow us right after?"
"Zhou Jiao wanted to go to the South, right? Just in time, we can take the military train tomorrow night. Let me tell you, that’s my stronghold, and I’ll make sure you eat well and drink even better there."
Zhang Guoqing was absolutely exasperated by this rascal, Yi Jiefang. The South still had that wild man Yi Zhe; was the little white rabbit going to fall into that trap? He glared at the three fiercely and raised his hands.
The three happily stood up to high-five in celebration.
"Hey... don’t get too happy too soon, I’m not responsible for dealing with logistics. You have to handle if there are any spots available, and while you’re at it, arrange one for my wife too."
Wan Dayong laughed heartily, "No need for your reminder, I’ve already got someone before I came." With that, he tossed a letter to him, "These are acquaintances from major grasslands in your hometown. Brother here will take you young couple on a wild tour."
Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but laugh. This ’wild tour’ had become a catchphrase that everyone now uses.
Taking the letter, Zhang Guoqing glanced at it and tossed it back to him, saying disdainfully, "You’re something, you’re impressive, even more than your grandfather. Just don’t come running to my house if the old man beats you up again."
Everyone laughed uproariously when they saw Wan Dayong jumping angrily.
When the time came to depart in the evening, Zhou Jiao had a word with Zhou Xiaozheng, who surprisingly responded with just an ’oh’, without further comment!
"Dad, aren’t you supposed to be reluctant to let me go, telling Jiao Jiao not to go too far?"
Zhou Xiaozheng patted her head, laughed, and said, "You’ve been playing wildly this summer, how can I hold you back? Go ahead, take the opportunity to see more of the world while you’re young."
Zhou Jiao, smiling, patted his back flatteringly, "Dad, you’re the best."
"As for Ping’an, you need to explain clearly, otherwise, he’ll be upset if you don’t take him out."
Zhou Jiao couldn’t stop laughing, "He’s busier than me. I asked if he wanted to go to the hometown, and he said he’s too busy, that we’ll talk after he’s done with his friends."
Zhou Xiaozheng laughed along, "The kids have us, you can go worry-free. When you see Xiao Wu’s parents, send them my regards. Invite them to Beijing for a stay when they have time."
Not far out, the couple saw Zhang Dazui and Yi Jiefang with the other two—both husband and wife rolled their eyes at them without shame!
At a distance from the main gate, Yi Jiefang asked quietly, "Was that really Old Zhou’s laughter just now?"
"Genuine without a doubt!"
"Darling, share your secret with us on how to get Old Zhou to laugh out loud?"
Zhou Jiao gave them a sidelong glance, "A secret, huh? I’ll tell you—not a clue."
Along the way, the five people avoided other little friends secretly starting the train, beginning their journey to the Northeast.
In the small courtyard living room in the county, Mr. Zhang lay on the wicker chair with his eyes closed, listening to opera on the gramophone, humming along occasionally, lightly tapping the armrest.

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