Chapter 1224: 1097: Isn’t This Fate?

Miao Lishan explained to a newly acquainted female comrade, "The child and his second brother are twins. Their nicknames were given by their eldest brother, and everyone at home has been calling them May 1st and June 1st. Their eldest brother even took them to register for kindergarten. It wasn’t until the first year of high school that they switched back."The middle-aged man standing by and smiling at this turned his gaze thoughtfully towards the surrounded May 1st. If he guessed correctly, this should be the grandson of the person mentioned above.

Listening to the youths calling each other by nicknames, it was clear this dormitory was filled with hidden talents. It seemed like a conversation with his son was in order.

May 1st noticed the gaze but didn’t mind. As he told his grandpa, using a pseudonym had no real effect on him.

Not only was the circle small, but his face alone was a marker!

If anyone really intended to deal with him—whether with good or bad intentions—it would be a good practice.

"Grandma Zhou, you can rest assured and go back. Tell my aunt, I will definitely keep an eye on him."

"Grandma Zhou, we will take good care of Brother May 1st. Don’t forget to treat us to a big meal this weekend."

May 1st glanced at them, "Get lost. Who’s protecting who is still unknown."

"Are you sure? Hahaha... Little Sister Xiao Ru, Little Sister Xiao Yuyu, do you need more pointers? They’re all at nearby universities."

Miao Lishan saw them making a fuss, and cheerfully promised to invite them over to her house when they had time, saying she would have Aunt Chen prepare some good food.

Although there were three kids she didn’t recognize, judging by their relationship with her own May 1st, they must be children of familiar faces. This was good; having acquaintances around her child eased her mind.

This delay led them to pick up Zhang Guoqing after work, and it was already nightfall by the time they returned to the courtyard.

"Sister, why did it take so long? Was everything smooth?"

In high spirits, Miao Lishan immediately responded loudly, "Everything went well. They are all familiar faces. There are eight people in May 1st’s dormitory, six of whom are childhood friends."

"Oh, that’s great, what a coincidence."

"Isn’t it fate? Before going, I was worried the kid was too young and might get bullied."

Zhang Guoqing resisted the urge to laugh and winked at Zhou Jiao. His mother-in-law was truly a character. Did she realize how hard it was to get into the national political department?

"Jiao Jiao, let me tell you, there was even a parent who came to help organize the dorm. It was the parent of a student I didn’t recognize. Although they didn’t mention their workplace, I heard from the child’s mother that her husband works under your second senior brother. Can you say Beijing isn’t small?"

Zhou Jiao nodded speechlessly. Indeed, it’s small, but also troublesome. In the future, everything might become interconnected.

Miao Lishan approached, holding Mother Zhang’s arm, and suggested, "Elder sister, now that the children’s matters are settled. Tomorrow is the half-day off for Women’s Day, why don’t we head to the market together for some fun?"

Mother Zhang shook her head as they walked, disapproving, "Let’s forget it. You’re working every day—it’s rare you get a half-day off, so it would be good to just rest at home."

"Don’t say that. I even want you to accompany me to the hairdresser. It’s the one we visited before; there’s a big market nearby. We can get our hair done and then enjoy some mutton skewers before browsing the market."

"Is it that place, Eastern Market?"

"Yes, elder sister, your memory is really good."

"How could I forget, goodness, how much did we spend that year?"

Zhou Jiao watched the two women drift away, then looked at Zhang Guoqing, who shrugged and spread his hands, and smiled. So she wasn’t the only one left out.

Zhang Guoqing embraced her as they walked inside slowly, "Are you also on a half-day off tomorrow?"

"Mm."

"Have you thought about where you want to go?"

"Sleep."

"That works too; I’ll take you out to play over the weekend."

Zhou Jiao gave him a sideways glance without a clear smile. Who would accompany you over the weekend? Her sons would be back.

At the dining table, without a few younger generations bantering and teasing, everyone felt somewhat unaccustomed. Especially Mr. Zhang, who was contemplating whether to leave tomorrow or the day after.

This trip allowed him to see his youngest son living well and his three grandsons now grown into young men. There was no need to worry about Xiao Wu.

With three thousand left in hand, he originally thought of buying a small courtyard for Ping’an. But seeing Brother Zhou each have a courtyard, especially the sister-in-law always inquiring if any courtyards were for sale nearby,

it seemed Ping’an wouldn’t be shortchanged.

So he should leave the money for a few years and return it to Xiao Wu later.

As such, there really was nothing else for him to handle here.

Zhou Xiaozheng raised his cup, "Second brother, what are you thinking about, have a drink."

Mr. Zhang smiled, lifted his cup, and clinked it, "Brother Zhou, as an elder brother, it seems I never said this to you: thank you!"

Zhou Xiaozheng was taken aback, then shook his head with a laugh and downed his drink.

Mr. Zhang drank his wine and said with a laugh, "Do you know what I’m thanking you for? I won’t mention the other big and small things—I thank you for treating Xiao Wu as your son."

Zhou Xiaozheng filled his cup, smiling, "You’re not worried your youngest will end up sharing everything with me?"

"Hahaha... Who said I would share my youngest son with you? At most, half—don’t dream about more."

"And you’re not planning to stay here?" Zhou Xiaozheng paused, "You’re getting on in years; you can’t do farm work. What’s the difference between staying in town and here?"

Mr. Zhang shook his head, "The children don’t understand my thoughts. How come you don’t? It’s almost Qingming Festival, isn’t it? I can’t sit still—I want to visit my parents’ graves and say a few words."

Zhou Xiaozheng fell silent for a while after hearing this, then nodded after drinking a glass, "Then I won’t keep you. Just remember, my Jiao Jiao is not only your daughter-in-law, but she’s also your daughter."

Mr. Zhang burst into hearty laughter. He understood Brother Zhou’s meaning: he wouldn’t get hung up on nitpicking over staying at his daughter-in-law’s house in Beijing.

The Zhang family had received so many favors; if he clung to this bit of pride, he wouldn’t have agreed to let his fair little grandsons take the surname Zhou back then.

"I’ll leave the day after tomorrow. Xiao Wu will arrange tickets for me and your mother, and your second brother."

Zhang Guoqing frowned slightly, "Second brother wants to leave, and I won’t stop him. His vacation is almost over. Are you and Mother going to stay a bit longer?"

Mr. Zhang widened his eyes, "Do you dare not listen to your father?"

Zhang Guoqing felt incredulous. How did it come to this?

Zhang the Second advised on the side, "You’re so busy you’re like a dog now. It’s better for our parents to go back with me first. When your nephew’s wife gets pregnant, I’ll let your second sister-in-law accompany them back."

There was one more thing. In front of Zhou Xiaozheng and his spouse, he was too embarrassed to bring up the family issues of his big brother. Since his mother had intervened to let Huang Cuilan stay in town as a temporary worker, their old parents would certainly not stay here and might as well go back with him, so he could take care of them on the way.