Chapter 84 - 73: Casual Conversation

Zhou Jiao and her daughter listened to the child’s innocent words, enjoying them. Zhou Jiao moved Ping’an inside, then shifted herself further in and tugged at her mother’s sleeve, "Mom. Take off your shoes and come up here; it’s more comfortable with someone to lean against. I can lean on you too." Lin Lishan took off her shoes and leaned against the bed, "It is indeed comfortable. I’m afraid of falling asleep; I want to chat with your grandpa when the meeting is over. He wants to take this opportunity to check out the military district situation. If your dad goes over, how would the arrangements be? If things inside are messy, we need a plan." "What are your thoughts? If he’s transferred to the Northeast, would you also have to transfer over? Is it easy to arrange for work? You’ve been at the old place for so many years and are used to it. Have you thought about how it would be here?" Lin Lishan sighed, "I don’t know either. I just want to be with your dad, closer to you all. I haven’t figured out the job yet. If your dad stays in Beijing, there’ll be no need for any transfers. But your grandpa says relationships in Beijing are complicated; we’re not sure if your dad will adapt. Returning to the Northeast isn’t good either, as it’s too close to your grandparents. It’s only 4-5 hours to the military district and just over 2 hours drive. I hadn’t thought about these issues before; I was just happy that the family could finally reunite. Now that I’ve calmed down, there seem to be many problems. I’m not sure how your dad will handle them. What do you think he will do?" Zhou Jiao pondered, "I’ve never met my dad, so I don’t really understand him. If I were him, I would seize the opportunity to request separation, using the imprisonment of my uncle and aunt as leverage. I’d leave clean, ask for nothing, and give them some pension monthly. They also have salaries, so life wouldn’t be a problem, but we wouldn’t live together. If you were in the Northeast, I think grandpa’s personality might incline him to want to follow you. He wouldn’t dare go to Beijing, fearing grandpa. This is the downside of the Northeast. There’s no need for you two to come here for me. I’ll leave in at most 3 years, target destination being Beijing. Going to college is my dream; having a high degree makes it easier to find a job later." Lin Lishan looked at Zhou Jiao, thinking, "Are you sure your grandpa would want to follow us? Given how things are, how would he live with us?" "Let me analyze for you. If the uncle and aunt don’t return, then with no sons around, it’d be reasonable to have grandpa near, right? He’s barely been taken care of by my dad for ten years. If he goes to you guys, would you maltreat them? No, your character wouldn’t allow it. At the new military district, he’d be my dad’s old man and show off. He’ll definitely find a way to go. Another scenario is uncle returns, and then we separate. Grandpa and grandma would have to take care of uncle. He’d still follow you even if you don’t accept. If he says he’s sick and needs care, you’d still have to take care of him. Oh, you’re military and have no time? No problem, just transfer him to your military hospital and have the son and daughter-in-law care for him there. Isn’t that the same? You don’t understand him. Unless my dad isn’t his biological son, he’s like sticky sugar glue—impossible to shake off. Sigh, I don’t know what my dad will think. How he’ll deal with it." "Hehe, Jiao Jiao, you make it sound quite true. I thought it’d be fine just to give money for medical expenses. I didn’t expect it to be so troublesome. Leave it to your dad; he will handle it." "Mom, let me analyze grandpa for you; there’s no need to talk about that couple. The man is like grandpa, the woman has no shame—you throw her 1000 yuan, she’d take her clothes off in the street. It’s lowering her profile too much. Grandpa isn’t smart but believes he’s the only one in the world who understands everything. He runs faster than anyone when there’s a profit and puts on an earnest appearance, thinking others don’t know, though everyone just doesn’t bother mentioning it. He values money heavily. For example, the money you send probably lands entirely in his hands. If Huang Zhaodi takes away the things, it’s because he doesn’t want to spend. These two are well aware of each other’s actions. Huang Zhaodi messes with me; he won’t say a word as long as he benefits. He loves face value, always thinking he’s from a scholarly family, preaching rules. Laughably, Old Zhou Family is where he lacks rules the most. He really likes uncle, thinks he can rely on him in old age but knows he can’t. He ultimately loves himself the most, clinging tightly to money. Once you tear the facade, he’s just another Huang Zhaodi. An old rogue, that’s what frustrates people to death. In summary, understand this—he’s selfish, conceited, deceitful, short-sighted, and dark-minded. Don’t listen to my dad speak positively about him; if my dad wasn’t confused, he would’ve long seen through him. I worry about you now. You’ve never lived in the countryside, don’t know how people can scratch each other’s heads over a few cents. I’ve calculated that when dad talks separation, he’ll definitely want grandma’s courtyard back. Fortunately, you’re smart, and have that transaction slip, bring it along when we separate. Mom, don’t laugh; I’m just worried about you. If it’s me, I’m not afraid of him." Lin Lishan laughed, "No worries, don’t be concerned. Your dad decided at the wedding; he won’t care for the elderly but will provide money." Sigh, we’ll discuss this when your dad arrives. I’ll have a proper talk with him; just worried he might be confused. Also, mom, do you have accurate news on when he’ll return? Xiao Wu said it’ll probably be this month end; I’m really worried that he might be right. Couldn’t he come back earlier?" "Didn’t mention it, your aunt is also waiting. Half a year ago, it was said he’d return soon, but surely this time it’s really happening soon. It’s already October 15, not many days till month end. Listen to Xiao Wu." Lin Lishan comforted her, though she was anxious; there was nothing she could do. "Would you need to return to Beijing to fetch him, isn’t it troublesome to travel back and forth? Why not stay here with me and wait for him? It takes days to travel back and forth." "I want to see your dad as soon as possible, and work matters need to be discussed with him first. It’s impossible to wait for him to return for a spin without a job setup. Also, I need to see your uncle." "Mom, how about I go with you to pick up dad when I turn one week old? Look at the rural women, they don’t really rest postpartum before they’re back at work. I’ll wrap myself up tight." "No way, if you hurt yourself, it’s over. Besides, Ping’an is only a week old; are you comfortable letting him out? Don’t even think about it. Once your dad returns, we’ll come here quickly." Zhou Jiao gave her mom a helpless look; life is tough, "Alright, I know, I just miss dad too much. I’ll stay at home and wait patiently. You guys handle things well before returning, don’t rush it. Safety first. Also, mom, how long are you planning to stay here? I heard from Xiao Wu that the food you brought could let my in-law’s family live off it for a year." "Not that exaggerated, just 50 pounds of rice, 50 pounds of flour, and some other items. I’ll stay until Xiao Wu returns from your grandpa, then I’ll head back. Just five days. I’ll leave on the 20th and arrive just in time for month’s end, right? I’ve instructed your aunt that if she receives the notice, immediately send me a telegram; address it to Zhang Guoqing in Zhang Family Village. During these five days, I’ll help you sort out what’s missing, but clothes are fine. I’ll have them made when I return and bring them over."