Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Chapter 54: Receiving the News

Zhou Jiao listened and smiled at the old man, saying, "Grandpa, I’m also very happy. I grew up with your stories since childhood. Because of a good grandpa, I received a lot of kindness and care. Of course, the main thing is having someone standing up for me, so I could stand tall. We are true family, no need for formalities. I’ve taken everything you’ve said to heart, and I won’t resent my mom. It hasn’t been easy for her. As a mother myself, I understand her. Many things just coincidentally led us to be separated for so many years. But my mom is still my mom, she gave birth to me and raised me, and for seventeen years, she’s been searching for my dad, waiting for him alone. This alone is enough for my respect and to move me.

There are many forms of maternal love, and just because my mom couldn’t care for me herself doesn’t mean she was negligent. If my dad were by her side, she could have stayed with me and accompanied my dad peacefully. She wouldn’t have had to wander alone, searching for my dad’s traces. She couldn’t come see me in person, and while others might question her, I understand that beyond the difficulties due to war and transportation, her heart was always yearning for my dad. My dad was her faith. She valued my dad immensely, and that is enough for me. Valuing him makes her a great wife and mother in my eyes.

Grandpa, don’t feel guilty either. Even though I never received many things over the years, I still want to thank you and the family. Having those things allowed me to stay peacefully in that home. Enough with the thanks and formalities, Grandpa, how many days can you stay this time?"

Lin Xinsheng laughed heartily, feeling pleased by the praise from this granddaughter he met for the first time. She resembled her grandmother and was also pleasing to listen to. Unlike the other girls at home who seemed to avoid him like the plague, calling his Jiao Jiao a clever child who was proud to have him as her grandpa felt right. He knew it wasn’t his fault but rather those kids at home who didn’t get along with him.

"Good, good; you truly are your grandmother’s granddaughter, so well-spoken, and you even resemble your grandmother the most. Your grandmother always looked at your photos and said she missed you. Whenever you and National Day have time, bring the kids to visit her. She can’t handle the northern climate. I have to head to the military district tomorrow evening; orders can’t be delayed. We won’t be able to return. Your mother can decide how to go back herself."

After speaking, he looked around, signaling Xiao Zhou and his men to keep an eye on the surroundings and prevent outsiders from entering. Mother Zhang sent her two daughters-in-law to the kitchen to prepare dinner, taking the kids outside. The brothers glanced at Zhang Guoqing for a nod on whether they should also go out. Zhang Guoqing shook his head, signalling them to stay put as there was nothing to say to outsiders, and the two brothers weren’t talkative anyways.

Xiao Zhou returned, nodding slightly before leaving. Only then did Lin Xinsheng speak: "Don’t be nervous. National Day, you and your brothers should stay. National Day’s father, this is about Zhou Jiao’s dad, my son-in-law Zhou Xiaozheng. Didn’t I just say a big event happened when Jiao Jiao’s mom planned to come over? This is it. Some time ago, I got word from higher-ups that my son-in-law and eldest son are still alive and on a mission.

Actually, besides Old Sir Zhou intentionally preventing Zhou Jiao from returning to Beijing, why did I also never visit Jiao Jiao? Why did her dad’s friends never appear? Jiao Jiao must have suspected. Before my eldest went on a mission, he leaked a hint, and I’ve always suspected that he and my son-in-law were on a secret mission. Sadly, no matter how much I investigated secretly, I found no leads. Yet someone was watching my eldest son’s children, making me aware of it. Plus, Jiao Jiao’s mom kept saying her husband wasn’t in trouble and was still alive. People said she was crazy, but I knew my daughter; she had some assurance.

The situation was complicated. Someone hinted at me secretly to protect Zhou Xiaozheng’s daughter. They both had unexplained disappearance; with people like them, even if they had an accident, they wouldn’t notify the family unless there was a last breath. I couldn’t tell anyone, not even my wife beside me.

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