Chapter 1175: 1048: Looks Like They’re Trying to Stir Up Trouble Again

"I heard that the First Department Store has set up a separate gold jewelry counter this time. Uncle Da Yi was so excited when he heard the news that he even went to queue."Zhang Guoqing looked at his youngest son speechlessly, as if saying, "Did you just remind me of that?" Da Yi is always boasting about small things at our place, and it seems like he has spoiled his son!

He knows even more. On the opening day, people gathered around in layers upon layers, but there were more onlookers than actual buyers.

This also shows that after the Great Cultural Revolution ended, people’s pursuits in life have changed significantly. They are no longer limited to food, clothing, and necessities—they’ve started seeking pursuits on a spiritual level.

However, it’s still too early; we have to wait a bit longer. But he could buy some beautiful coats for his wife first, which she can wear later.

"We’ll leave first. You might want to watch a movie sometime," Miao Lishan said, then invited everyone to leave, as she didn’t want to embarrass her daughter Jiao Jiao.

The group hurriedly got into the car and drove away quickly, leaving Zhang Guoqing laughing quietly as he pulled Zhou Jiao into the car.

This car was assigned to him by the authorities, but he didn’t like being chauffeured around and preferred driving himself. Although he hadn’t given his wife gold jewelry, he hadn’t forgotten small surprises.

Occasionally, he finds time to pick up his wife after work, and sometimes takes her to pick flowers...

Can a little kid understand the fun in it?

Looking out of the car window, Ping’an restrained his smile and fell into deep thought, his right hand instinctively tapping on his knee—once, twice...

The rhythm was noticeable enough that Zhou Xiaozheng couldn’t ignore it; it seemed like trouble was brewing.

He glanced sideways at Liu Yi.

—Also absentmindedly echoing his grandmother. Upon careful observation, Liu Yi’s left hand on his lap occasionally tapped his knee.

A glitter flashed in Zhou Xiaozheng’s eyes, causing him to smile inadvertently.

It was just as he expected!

Once home, he deliberately went straight into the study, looking at the three little tails trailing behind him. As he calmly removed his military cap and placed it on the desk, he released the coat clasp.

The four of them sat down quietly as if facing off against each other, without speaking a word. After Aunt Chen brought tea and closed the door behind her, they exchanged glances.

Ping’an nodded his chin towards May 1st.

Seeing this, May 1st immediately straightened his lazy body and sat upright, looking at Zhou Xiaozheng, grinning before speaking, "Grandpa, there’s something I’d like your advice on."

Having composedly picked up his tea, Zhou Xiaozheng asked casually without lifting his head, "Didn’t we agree on it last night?"

"Hehe, Grandpa, you’re not being honest."

Zhou Xiaozheng chuckled upon hearing this; knowing that with this mischievous kid around, he had to refrain from taking a sip, or else he’d embarrass himself. "Go ahead, I’m all ears."

"You see, besides brother preparing for the college entrance exam, do my younger brother and I have plenty of free time?"

Hmm, not bad. When it comes to serious matters, it’s little brother; otherwise, it’s just ’Second this, Second that!’ But Zhou Xiaozheng wasn’t ready to play along at that moment. He wanted to see what plans the three of them had.

"Bored? Alright, I’ll send you to the military camp."

May 1st studied his expression, then laughed slyly, "Grandpa, could we make a deal and be upfront about it?"

Zhou Xiaozheng looked at him with interest, then at the other two kids, nodding slightly with restraint.

Seeing this gesture, the three brothers exchanged smiles and immediately straightened up, with May 1st being the first to speak, "We want to do a big business."

He squinted his eyes, "We have some initial funds. Now we just want you to confirm if it would impact our family."

Zhou Xiaozheng put down his teacup and tapped the table with his finger. "Speak!"

"Antique collection!"

Zhou Xiaozheng contemplated for a moment, then asked, "Who proposed it first?"

The three brothers wouldn’t hide anything from him, May 1st replied, "Me! Chaos breeds gold, prosperity breeds antiques. Even the state has set up a gold jewelry counter, now they’re discussing wrongful convictions."

The implication of his grandson’s words was clear to Zhou Xiaozheng. He was well aware of the national situation.

For instance, why did he vote in favor when the college entrance exam was restored?

During those ten years, many true enemies were indeed captured, but there were also fabricated accusations and wrongful convictions. Right or wrong? That’s for future generations to judge.

But one thing can’t be denied.

In those ten years, not only were waves of talents and experts from various fields targeted, but the prolonged suspension of the college entrance exam also disrupted talent cultivation and continuity, leading to a gap in talent and a shortage of new professionals.

And the matter of wrongful convictions raised by his grandson.

With some individuals being rehabilitated, discussions have started at meetings. Despite differing opinions, popular sentiment inevitably prevails; it’s just a matter of time, with the majority eventually deciding.

Thinking of the colleagues’ performances at the meetings, Zhou Xiaozheng furrowed his brows, then relaxed, looking at May 1st with relief, "As long as no precious artifacts are lost abroad from your hands, there should be no impact."

"We understand this part."

"Grandpa, we aren’t just doing this to make money. If we really wanted to make money, given our family’s status, some simple gestures would have people eager to curry favor."

Ping’an and Liu Yi nodded in agreement.

"Previously, the three of us traveled across the country, and found many places and people who didn’t recognize treasures. Ming and Qing official kilns used as pickle jars, precious copper coins being drilled for shuttlecock games, and many scrap collection stations... How wasteful is it to ruin them this way?"

Zhou Xiaozheng laughed and waved to stop him; if he let the child keep talking, he’d never finish. Didn’t he already know that saying so much was just a prelude?

"You saw the big courtyard today and want to confirm a site?"

May 1st touched his head, showing eight gleaming white teeth as he smiled pleasingly, "You figured it out?"

Zhou Xiaozheng glanced at him; if he couldn’t see through this, he’d have wasted his time. Next, he forecasted they might ask for a few retired military dogs.

If he guessed right, the so-called funds were already accounted for; there was even a small trade not mentioned. Ambition indeed; they didn’t want to rely on the adults.

"Grandpa, when adopting the military dogs, can we join in? Like humans, they need to fit our liking and match well, right?"

Seeing May 1st’s mischievous eyes, Zhou Xiaozheng controlled his laughter and didn’t disappoint him, agreeing decisively, "Alright, and do you have enough funds?"

"Enough..." May 1st hesitated, then smiled, "Grandpa, we didn’t do anything illegal, just utilized the price differences between the North and South, earning some money."

With this said, Zhou Xiaozheng understood.

Back then, he too at that age carried wild ginseng to Hai City, building a considerable fortune. If not for joining the military, becoming immensely wealthy wouldn’t have been an issue.

Indeed, worthy of being his grandson!

"Starting last year until now, it’s been my uncle from the Northeast, Wang Qingjin from the Northwest, Yi Xiaowei from the South, Gong Bo from Hai City, plus us three brothers, seven people dabbling a few times..."