Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Chapter 79: Childhood Memories

Zhou Jiao thought for a moment and shook her head, "No, I’ve never heard him mention it, but when we were young, he often brought eggs and chicken legs for me to eat. He wouldn’t let me tell anyone; he’d secretly pull me to the middle of the bridge, stand there watching for anyone approaching from either side, and if someone was coming, he’d hide it under his clothes, telling me to wipe my mouth clean and drink some water so no one would notice. I was probably only 5 then, but I remember it clearly. The first time he gave it to me, he was tempted himself and kept asking if it was tasty. Later, we ended up eating the chicken leg together. It seemed undercooked, all burnt and black from roasting."

Lin Lishan laughed heartily, "So little yet knew to stand in the middle of the bridge, aware of people from both ends, truly clever."

Zhang Meihao laughed as she said to Lin Lishan, "That’s not even the funniest part. He was really well-behaved from a young age in front of elders, but quite bossy among children. At only 4, when we all played house and pretended weddings, he wouldn’t let Jiao Jiao be anyone else’s bride. When kids in Zhou Family Village tried to snatch her from him, he fought them off, and I, being 4 years older, couldn’t pull him away. He was strong, punching the other kids to the ground and kicking, asking if they still wanted to snatch Jiao Jiao, saying she’s his. Later, my mom scolded him, and he said it was fine for the other girls in the village, but not Jiao Jiao, who was his. Our whole family was amused."

Zhou Jiao chuckled, "I remember that. Later, he also told me that kid was still wetting the bed at 6, warning me not to play with him or I’d smell of urine. I believed him back then and genuinely thought that kid reeked."

Lin Lishan found it amusing, such cleverness at a young age, "That’s why Xiao Wu has been smart from such a young age, having a sense of territory at only 4. He knew he had to keep you from mingling with others. Our Ping’an will surely be as clever as his dad in the future."

Zhang Meihao nodded repeatedly, "Of course, if his son isn’t smart when taught by him. Look at Xi Zi, following him since he was little and is smarter than other kids. Xiao Wu was always smart. Out of my grandpa’s many grandchildren, he doted on Xiao Wu the most besides my eldest cousin. My grandpa always said if the world weren’t chaotic, Xiao Wu would have become the top scorer in the imperial exam, excelling in both literature and martial arts. At 4, he saw my grandpa setting traps, and later dragged big brother to the foot of the mountain to dig pits. My grandpa was so delighted with Xiao Wu’s directing of traps that he got drunk at our house."

Zhou Jiao smiled at this. In both her lives, Zhang Guoqing was an early-bloomer, with an inherent knack for using his brains.

Zhang Guoqing came in carrying two plates of noodles, "What are you all chatting about that’s making you so happy? These two bowls are for Mom and Jiao Jiao. Eat them while they’re hot. Second sister, yours is coming right up."

Lin Lishan stood up and accepted a bowl, "We were talking about your childhood. Wondering if our Ping’an will be just like you."

Zhang Guoqing handed a bowl to Jiao Jiao and pulled out a small folding table, placing it on the kang bed, "Mom, my son will definitely be smarter than me, you can rest assured about that. Look at how smart Jiao Jiao is, with both IQs combined, it’s high regardless of how you average it."

"Haha, you can calculate it like that too, sure, if you say so."

"Grandpa asked earlier if you’d be leaving with us or sometime later? I suggest staying over there for a night, rest and we’ll leave after dinner, even if it’s late, since we’re driving, there’s no rush. If we head over now and wait for your return, it’ll be too late, and we wouldn’t feel comfortable with you driving alone."

Lin Lishan glanced at her watch, "It’s already past two, and it’ll get dark by five, we should just rest a bit and head off, get to the guesthouse early so old Mr. Lin can rest, he’ll be busy with serious matters tomorrow, too busy to get any rest."

"Alright, I’ll go and check with Grandpa about his thoughts. You stay here with Jiao Jiao, and if you need anything, I’m here. Second sister, I’ll go urge big sister, if you make a start, she’ll be here soon." Zhang Guoqing said to his second sister.

Zhang Meihao stood up and walked out with Zhang Guoqing, "No need, I’ll eat outside, Auntie, I’m heading out first, take your time eating."

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