Chapter 65 - 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. I let Jiao Jiao’s mom continue her work, fearing she’d encounter danger outside the military. I didn’t dare bring back Jiao Jiao; before liberation, life was a gamble every day. In those years, being alive was a blessing; at least Zhou Jiao was safe in her village. Post-liberation, I planned to bring her back, but her grandmother was in poor health. Still, there were nannies around, and her mom came back to Beijing occasionally, so there was no shortage of people. Besides, the Big Courtyard in the military district was safe. Yet I hesitated. I didn’t know if they were still alive, or still in hiding. Was Zhou Xiaozheng the highest rank among them, thereby making Zhou Jiao the most at risk? So, I secretly decided to let Zhou Jiao stay in the countryside if she could safely remain there, at least until she grew up and could understand what danger was. As several of Zhou Xiaozheng’s good friends came to inquire from me, I didn’t dare tell anyone where Zhou Jiao was. Over the years, due to such chance errors, this child suffered a lot and endured many grievances. I’ll give you a heads-up. You’re unaware of Zhou Xiaozheng’s return, but I reckon National Day and Jiao Jiao have some sense of it, right? Her dad will come back in a month or so. The mission they accomplished this time was excellent, directly reporting to a high-ranking figure. Only a few months ago did I hear from above, they both are still alive. It’s still confidential now. Just keep this in mind and don’t spread it. Once he’s back, the old family will know." Zhou Jiao tightly grasped her mother’s hand, looking at her in disbelief, seeing her mother nod with a smile, and she couldn’t stop her tears anymore. Before, they speculated he might be alive, but this time it was confirmed. With tears streaming down, she excitedly looked at Zhang Guoqing and cheered, "Brother, my dad is really alive, truly living well. I’ve been on edge these past days but now I can finally rest easy, he’s no longer in danger." Zhang Guoqing nodded with a smile, "Yes, I said he will be fine, surely fine. He’s been worried about you." Lin Lishan looked at her daughter and son-in-law, a disbelieving gaze directed at Mr. Lin. Her father guessed right; indeed, they both figured out long ago that Zhou Xiaozheng was alive. Lin Xinsheng smiled at the couple, merely having heard a hint from his eldest son and harboring suspicion all this while, but only received confirmation a year ago. How did they guess it? Previously, there was just a subtle hint, and he held onto skepticism, never divulging it to anyone, not even his wife. "You two young ones should explain how you guessed it. As of now, only a handful of people know this news, and it hasn’t spread. Tell us how you figured it out." Zhou Jiao cursed herself silently for letting her guard down and revealing it, having barely interacted, it slipped through her vigil. She grinned at Mr. Lin, cheekily sticking out her tongue: "Grandpa, it’s a long story. First, tell us about my dad. Let National Day explain it to you himself; he came back guessing after reporting the good news yesterday. I only found out yesterday too."