Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 713

Chapter 713: Chapter 588: Canopy, Fish Tank, Pomegranate Tree

After walking through the rooms, Zhang Guoqing found that Old Mrs. Cheng must have already had someone meticulously clean them before. Aside from a layer of new dust, even the storage room was spotlessly clean.

The small courtyard, though not large, had everything. The main house and the left and right wing rooms were all fitted with kangs. The south room, used as a study after serving as the living room, was simply furnished.

In the courtyard, there was a tall jujube tree on the left, under which was the entrance to the cellar. In the middle of the courtyard was a pomegranate tree loaded with fruit. At that moment, Ping’an was looking up, circling around the courtyard’s pomegranate tree.

There’s an old saying in Beijing: "Awnings, fish tanks, pomegranate trees." It refers to the unique summer scenery in Beijing’s courtyard houses. In earlier times, the houses often used pomegranate trees, symbolizing many descendants, as decorations, with fish tanks scattered among them.

Every summer, awnings were erected to block the blazing sun, allowing leisurely strolls between the pomegranate trees and fish tanks. How pleasant that was!

Nowadays, the awnings are gone, and the remaining fish tanks have been repurposed. Zhang Guoqing imagined that leaving pomegranate and other fruit trees in the family’s three courtyards was intentional, especially with seasonal fruits becoming scarce, to stave off cravings.

"Dad, there’s some here too."

Zhang Guoqing smiled knowingly and said, "When the fruit matures in a while, Grandma Wu from the courtyard over there will bring some. I’ll bring you here to pick some then."

Hearing this, Ping’an broke into a bright smile, bouncing towards the jujube tree. The half-green, half-red jujube fruits covered the branches, bending them downwards, presenting a festive sight.

"Dad, can we pick the jujubes now?"

"Wait a little longer. ’July for the red circle, August for the falling stick.’ There’s no rush to pick them now. Be careful of the hairy caterpillars stinging you."

Ping’an eagerly nodded. In a while, he would definitely come, not at all worried about his little buddies stealing them. When he came in, he noticed that almost every courtyard had jujube trees.

As people passed through the alley, they could see from outside the courtyard walls, with some trees even extending beyond the courtyard. His family’s tree was good, growing inwards, ensuring no benefits were lost to outsiders.

Zhang Guoqing chuckled. Climbing walls, climbing trees, picking jujubes, and playing soccer in the alleys—these were activities he’d let his son indulge in, forming beautiful memories for the future.

"Dad, what should we do next?"

"Let’s go back. We’ll come over again when your mom gets back."

Ping’an ran towards him, and he picked him up, looking up with a beaming smile, asking, "Dad, can you take me out to play today?"

Zhang Guoqing found it amusing, watching him ask so sweetly and softly, he couldn’t bear to say no. Walking towards the door, he laughed and said, "Sure! You pick a place."

"I knew you were the best, Dad."

Zhang Guoqing closed the door and patted him on the butt, "Stop buttering up your dad. So, where do you want to go today? Nowhere far."

"Can’t we go to the countryside?" Ping’an looked disappointed, poking him, "When Mom comes back, let’s go hunting. Grandma Chen said I’ve gotten thin."

Zhang Guoqing laughed heartily. This little rascal, thin? Wanting to practice his skills is more like it.

"Dad?"

"Okay, as long as your mom agrees, we can go anywhere."

"You’re so uncommitted."

A white-haired, spirited old man came out of the neighboring courtyard, curiously observing the father and son. Hearing the child’s innocent words, he chuckled along.

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