Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 565 - 446: Sincere and Genuine

As soon as the weekend arrived and evening self-study was over, Zhou Jiao couldn’t sit still. The moment the bell rang, she picked up her bag and hurried out, so anxious that Zhang Guoqing behind her couldn’t even respond to others, closely following behind.

The snow on the dirt road, melted by the sun during the day, had turned into icy water. As more people walked on it, it gradually became a muddy, pitted path. A thin layer of ice became treacherous, and stepping on it carelessly could send you sprawling.

Zhou Jiao held tightly onto his hand, feeling a stinging chill underfoot, somewhat regretting not wearing her sheepskin boots. Dragged along by Zhang Guoqing, they finally hurried to the small train station.

"Precious girl, have your dad come pick you up, we could use the convenience."

"Daddy, I’m freezing. I’m cold, so cold." Yi Jiefang said coquettishly in a girlish tone.

Wan Dayong contemptuously kicked him, "Talking all girly, you’re giving me goosebumps."

"Brother Wan, do one too."

"Stupid Datou, you traitor with your heart elsewhere."

Faced with Wan Dayong and their jokes, she remained unperturbed. If it weren’t for them getting in the way, she would have already been on Zhang Guoqing’s back heading home.

Ever since the weather turned cold, bundled up like a bear, Zhou Jiao was teased so much by them that she didn’t even blink. She felt embarrassed to say she was still underdressed.

"Xiao Wu, how about a bet? A meal of hot pot."

Zhang Guoqing chuckled and shook his head.

"You... you... don’t dare take the challenge? Are you a man, are you tough? I haven’t even said what the bet is about."

Ding Datou winked and nudged Geng Dasheng beside him.

"What?"

Zhou Jiao looked at the bewildered Geng Dasheng, bowing her head in muffled laughter. Among the group, this poor kid was the most honest, untainted by the world.

Everyone burst into laughter at Geng Dasheng’s sudden shout. Needless to say, Ding Datou was picking on the honest guy, but always ended up losing.

Wan Dayong hooked an arm around Yi Jiefang’s neck, "What’s the bet? Tell us. This weather’s perfect for hot pot."

"How about we two bet on whether Uncle Zhou will come to the gate to pick up the precious girl?"

Zhang Guoqing gestured at Wan Dayong at these words, and those who saw it lowered their heads, holding back laughter.

"Sure thing. Feeling bored, let’s do it."

"Everyone in on it, don’t leave us out."

Yi Jiefang crossed his arms, shaking his right leg, "I bet Old Zhou is definitely outside the house."

"Haha... Not betting on the gate anymore? Oh well, I’ll take a small loss and bet. Da Yi, I’m quite the pal, right?"

Those in the know barely suppressed their laughter.

Arriving at the big courtyard, everyone pulled Yi Jiefang along as they strolled, staying far from the Zhou family’s gate, lest Zhou Xiaozheng spotted them and skinned them alive.

Yi Jiefang looked incredulously at the Zhou family gate, "Is God messing with me? Uncle Zhou wouldn’t have gone on a business trip, right? Impossible."

Zhou Jiao glanced sideways at this fool. Involving my dad, making jokes about our father-daughter duo, let’s see if you don’t lose your pants over this bet.

After Yi Jiefang spoke, he immediately laughed with joy, "That’s great. We’ll start the hot pot right away. You guys go in first. I’ll grab some meat from home and be back."

Everyone exchanged glances—could it really be?

Wan Dayong teased, "Aren’t you afraid Old Zhou is waiting at home to beat you?"

"I’m not stupid; don’t think you’ve won. Everyone quickly think of something good from your home, hurry back and bring things over, I’ll go first, see you in five minutes." He said, already running off.

Zhang Guoqing saw them all running back to their own homes and didn’t refuse. In these times, if you let them eat at your place, they wouldn’t agree.

"Take it easy, don’t rush running, careful there’s ice on the ground."

Zhou Jiao pulled him, walking home. She was eager to see their son, having not seen him for days, missing him dearly. As they neared the door, she spotted someone standing at the Lin family’s lane but paid no attention, continuing forward.

Zhang Guoqing, with sharp eyes, saw it was Lin Xuezhen and immediately ignored her, turning away, quickly bringing his wife home. It was better to have less interaction with the Lin family, lest his wife got upset.

"Dad... Mom... why did you just get back?" Their son Ping’an rushed out as the couple hadn’t even entered the living room, pouting pitifully.

Zhang Guoqing quickly set his things down, picked up the child, "What’s wrong? Missed Mom and Dad?"

"Grandma and Grandpa aren’t home."

Zhou Jiao tenderly touched his cheek. Poor child, her dad had Little Wang deliver a message to the school this morning, she had been worried about the child all day.

Old Mrs. Cheng came out and playfully scolded, "You heartless little thing, wasn’t great-grandma keeping you company? It’s cold outside, come inside quickly."

"Great-grandma is the best, I like great-grandma the most."

Old Mrs. Cheng, laughing at his flattery, "You sly little thing."

Entering the living room, Zhou Jiao saw Mr. Cheng was also there, and she felt embarrassed. Even minor issues at their place were always supported by these two elders, an unrepayable debt.

Mr. Cheng looked at them with a smile, saying, "Your dad went on a sudden business trip, your mom won’t be back for a couple of days. Will you be alright at home?"

"With food and drink, we’ll be just fine. Uncle-in-law, how about we grandfather and grandson have a drink?"

Mr. Cheng stood up, shaking his head, "I’m too old, need to sleep now. When your parents return in a couple of days, we’ll drink again. If you need anything, send someone to call me."

Zhang Guoqing nodded with a smile, escorting both elders back home. If they fell in this freezing weather, it would be a major fault on the couple’s part.

At home, Aunt Chen brought out two bowls of dumplings, "Eat up while they’re hot. These were made and sent over by Old Mrs. Cheng, save them for your late-night snack."

Hearing this, Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but frown slightly. This month a little refined grain was again spent on herself, wasn’t Old Mrs. Cheng afraid people at home would have opinions? Over time, anyone would be upset; it seemed she needed to counsel the old lady seriously.

Aunt Chen noticed this and whispered, "There aren’t many dumplings. The chief already had me send white flour over, so you can eat with ease."

Zhou Jiao heard this and smiled, "Auntie, next time you make dumplings, make sure to eat too; don’t always divide things so clearly."

"Mm, I know. Little Ping’an ate quite a bit at dinner; feed him a little less. I’m in the kitchen, call me if you need anything."

Zhou Jiao smiled and nodded.

Aunt Chen left the living room, turning back with gratitude to look at her. She was truly fortunate to have encountered the Zhou family. Compared to nannies from other families, she had really fallen into a nest of good fortune.

Thinking about the monthly food tickets they supplemented, Aunt Chen smiled with gratitude. Though the Zhou family said it was compensation for the hard work of looking after the child, she knew it was just an excuse. Every family in the big courtyard had four or five children, yet who else provided supplements like the Zhou family? The Zhou Family was upright, never looking down on the nanny like those other families.

Zhou Jiao would never have imagined that one unintended action would make Aunt Chen follow the Zhou family loyally all her life. Whatever happened in future situations, no matter how others tried to buy her loyalty, she would remain unmoved, always prioritizing the Zhou family.