Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 873

Chapter 873: Chapter 746: Hidden Motives

After sending off Zhou Xiaozheng and reaching the work hour, Lin Lishan apologized to her in-laws, slung her bag over her shoulder, and went to work, leaving a group of people gathered in the living room.

Zhou Jiao and Zhang Guoqing exchanged a glance, linked arms with Mother Zhang, and looked at the two sisters-in-law and cousin. "How about we go to Tianmen to take some photos?"

Lin Juhua nodded enthusiastically. "I’ve been wanting to suggest this for a while."

Huang Xiaomi smiled and shook her head. "Cousin-in-law, I still need to rush to the station, you all go ahead."

"The train is in the evening, you only need to be there two hours early. Don’t refuse; come with us downtown. I promise I won’t keep you after dinner."

Huang Xiaomi wanted to say, given your pregnancy, you should stay indoors. She glanced at the other two sisters-in-law, who were both excited, and bit her lip as she looked at Mother Zhang.

Having finally conceived a child after five years, she thought it unnecessary to go out in the cold. Their visit was meant to offer comfort, not create trouble.

Zhou Jiao planned to accompany them for three days; beyond that, she wouldn’t be able to handle it physically. For the first day, they’d stroll around Beijing, visit the temple fair, and take some pictures.

Beside her, Zhang Guoqing, holding his son, called out for Aunt Chen to join them on the outing, then turned to Mother Zhang and said: "Mom, you haven’t taken any pictures in the winter here yet, and it’s a lot less crowded over there now."

Zhou Jiao quickly added with a smile, "Yeah, Mom, quickly put on your coat, we’re heading out soon."

"Should we notify your great aunt? Would it be rude if she finds us gone later?" Mother Zhang hesitated; if she remembered correctly, the old lady held some retired position and even had a car at her disposal. If she really came with a car, it would spoil her intent to foster a closer bond with her daughter-in-law.

Zhang Guoqing indicated to his son to pull Grandma along: "We should sneak out before she arrives, or else she’ll insist on joining us and tire herself out."

"Grandma, let’s go. I’ll tell you, last year, Dad and I..."

As Ping’an babbled cheerfully, the group, now wearing coats, stepped out of the door.

As they departed the Big Courtyard, Lin Juhua whispered into Zhou Jiao’s ear: "You have to register whenever you go in or out. Are you used to that yet?"

Zhou Jiao nodded with a smile, "Luckily, we’ve been at school most of the year and haven’t returned often."

"That’s about right. When we arrived last night, it didn’t feel too different, but now I’m all jittery inside."

Huang Cuilan nodded in agreement, "It’s better to live outside. Being inside doesn’t feel comfortable."

Lin Juhua chuckled, "Big sister, what nonsense are you saying. Uncle Zhou only has one daughter, Jiao Jiao. If she moves out, who will take care of Ping’an? She still has one on the way."

"Speaking of kids, it reminds me. Are you planning to go through confinement at your parents’ place this time? Your mother works every day; she wouldn’t have the time to take care of you."

"At that time, we’ll have the mother-in-law come over to take care of Jiao Jiao during her confinement," Lin Juhua discreetly pointed to Mother Zhang walking ahead.

"I think it would be inconvenient for Mom and Dad to stay in there. Jiao Jiao, don’t you have an old courtyard? Is it far from here? Maybe you should move there; it would be more comfortable for your parents."

Zhou Jiao glanced at her with a smile, "I donated it to the Women’s Federation as a workspace, so we can’t live there anymore."

"Then what about your confinement? Really at your parents’ place?"

"I’m the only one in my family. Where else but there? Besides, after the baby is born, I’ll need to continue my studies, and with Aunt Chen around, I can get by," Zhou Jiao replied, shaking her head with a smile.

Up ahead, Mother Zhang walked with her older son and grandson, accompanied by Aunt Chen, who was watching over the child. She too asked Zhou Jiao when she was due, wondering if it would interfere with her schooling.

Zhang Guoqing shook his head, "The baby is due in August, just when school is out."

"Then how will you take care of the baby? Should I take the baby home after the confinement until you finish your semester?"

Zhang Guoqing was taken aback — what a joke. Children belong with their parents, not far away and possibly neglected. If schooling meant abandoning the baby, he’d sooner drop out.

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