Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 861

Chapter 861: Chapter 734: Returning to the Big Courtyard

For Zhou Jiao, an ancient book poses no difficulty. After flipping through it twice, life goes on as usual. Moreover, she hasn’t forgotten she’s here on vacation to accompany her son.

In the winter season, besides the kids running around energetically and fearlessly in the cold, there are more elders staying indoors, doing chores, and calling the children for meals during mealtime.

Unlike Zhang Guoqing and his father, who are out enjoying themselves, Zhou Jiao, afraid of the cold and falling, seldom goes out. Luckily, she enjoys peace and quiet without disturbance, which suits her preferred lifestyle.

She finds joy in her self-entertained, free-spirited life. In the morning, she looks at the overnight snowfall in the yard, and in the afternoon, she peeks at the winter scene in the park through the wooden window panes.

At sunset, she stands in the yard and gazes at the half-golden, half-gray wall where sparse grass sways in the winter wind.

Whenever the mood strikes, she paints an ink drawing casually.

If we set aside the morning water pipes freezing often, life undoubtedly reaches Zhou Jiao’s long-pursued "Henceforth, splashing ink and brewing tea, ignoring worldly splendor."

"Have you eaten, sir?" Zhang Guoqing’s booming voice greets people from afar, nearing his wife. Zhou Jiao puts down her brush, rubbing her hands together for warmth.

Soon, Zhang Guoqing comes over with a net bag, and seeing his wife stepping out of the study, he quickly takes a few steps forward.

"No need to support me," Zhou Jiao waves her hand, "How’s everything at home?"

While Zhang Guoqing looks around the yard, his mind elsewhere, he replies, "Dad’s return date is uncertain; the group is rehearsing for the New Year. Mom has been staying at the dormitory often. She asked you to enjoy yourself, we’re not traveling far this year."

"Don’t bother looking; our son is next door at the Tan Family’s."

Zhang Guoqing smiles, lifts the cotton curtain at the door, and lets her in first: "Aunt Chen initially wanted to come and look after us. I’m worried that once the family finds out you’re pregnant, she won’t be able to leave. So I gave her time off to reunite with family, and she’ll return before Dad comes back."

Zhou Jiao points to the lunchbox: "Did she prepare this? Did you bring anything for her to take home?"

"They’re all dishes our son likes; she’s thinking of Ping’an." Zhang Guoqing chuckles, recalling Aunt Chen’s constant instructions before he left, "I told her to take whatever she fancies from the house."

Zhou Jiao glances at him with amusement, "You’re really generous."

Zhang Guoqing smiles at her teasing. Over the years, with her trust in Aunt Chen’s integrity, plenty of opportunities existed for her to move things from the house with them both often at school. Plus, Zhou Jiao and her father’s trust must have been through several vettings.

In the living room, the stove roasted sweet potatoes emitted a sweet aroma. Zhang Guoqing moved his nearly frostbitten hands beside the stove to "warm them."

"It’s ready, shall I peel it for you?"

"I’m not hungry; let’s wait for the child to come back. What do you want for lunch?"

"Going with a hotpot of lamb is convenient." Zhang Guoqing isn’t picky with meals. Their family has a taste for dishes from all over.

"Don’t worry, just say what you want; I cherish you."

Zhang Guoqing looks at her playfully, "Mischievous, aren’t you? With no interruptions, let’s use this time to prepare confinement meals, making it more convenient later."

The more he speaks, the more he realizes how he has neglected this. Busy playing while his wife indulges in poetry and painting, life’s little details were completely forgotten.

Since he’s thought of it, he should act. Zhang Guoqing moved his thawed hands and carried Zhou Jiao into the kitchen, seating her by the stove to give instructions. With past experiences, Zhou Jiao needs little reminding.

As noon neared, Little Ping’an politely declined an invitation for lunch at the Tan Family and waved his big brother goodbye at the gate, unlocked it, and dashed into the house alone.

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