Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space

Chapter 1087 - 960: Human Nature

After scanning swiftly over ten lines, it was indeed as she expected. The old man candidly mentioned that he’s getting old, suggesting the younger generation discuss with their parents. But in the end, these are his grandchildren and grandsons, and he didn’t feel comfortable sharing his worries with outsiders. Hence, he’s just venting a little and wants to hear his son’s thoughts.As for Mr. Zhang, he’s still the crafty old farmer, with a bit of harmless selfishness, and is a sensible and well-meaning father-in-law.

In the countryside, people work from sunrise to sunset, facing the earth with their backs to the sky, and despite this hard work, they still often struggle to have enough to eat and find clothes to wear. His eldest son took the family out of the countryside and squeezed into the city. This is something many people have been yearning for and dreaming about, undoubtedly making him more certain of how much effort his son invested.

After all, thousands of years of Confucianism and simple folk customs have determined that Old Zhang’s family would follow the so-called "right path." What is that? The poor join the army, the rich do business, and the weak study.

But without Zhang Guoqing’s efforts for that family back then, whether in business or education, what could one hope for in these times?

Zhou Jiao knows that Mr. Zhang should be very aware of this, so there’s no way he’d let Old Zhang’s grandchildren drag his elder son down.

In-depth, it’s about not wanting to hinder his son’s future.

Mr. Zhang’s actions make Zhou Jiao think of Mr. Dai. People often say that grandchildren will have their own blessings, but who can truly let go completely?

Being a person is difficult, being an elder is even more difficult.

They also want to ease some burdens for their children, but the merciless passage of time has changed everything. They’re old and understand that their hearts are willing more than their power can provide.

"Jiao Jiao?" Zhang Guoqing saw her dazed with the letter and gently called out. Does his wife think he’s one of those self-righteous people?

Zhou Jiao came to and smiled at him, "If you want to help, just go ahead and do it. Don’t overthink it, do what makes you happy." As she spoke, she intentionally glanced at their three sons.

Ping’an immediately understood, smiled, and said, "Dad, we were just joking earlier."

"Right, whatever you want to do, Dad, we support you."

"Yes, it’s up to you, Dad."

Zhang Guoqing’s mouth twitched hearing his sons’ declarations.

Really? It’s not like he’s fragile. Besides, the path is already paved for those nephews and nieces; if they still can’t make waves, going back home sooner would be more fitting.

"Alright, you should go to sleep now."

Zhou Jiao took the letter papers meant for the kids from the letter and hurriedly sent them off. She supports so-called democracy, but never imagined sons disrespecting their father.

Compared to trivial matters back home in Northeast, the issue of child education needs more careful consideration.

"Wife, come take a look at the letter."

Zhang Guoqing deliberately first read Zhang Chunming’s letter.

As expected, this brother-in-law narrated entirely from Zhang Meili’s perspective about the various matters back home, including the father-in-law, mother-in-law, elder brother-in-law, younger brother-in-law, and even about the eldest son Zhang Ziwen’s engagement.

Not a word about the second son in the army or the remaining two kids.

His elder sister remains unchanged; however, it made Zhou Jiao a bit hesitant after perusing it.

"Silly! With Zi Wuzhen retiring to the county, I don’t even need to speak; Uncle Dashan will naturally make fine arrangements. Brother-in-law is the smart one, sure you’re close to my elder sister, he knows that well too."

Zhou Jiao thinks indeed it’s like this.

Zhang Guoqing picked out Xi Zi’s and Zhang Guofu’s letter papers first; he thought his eldest nephew would discuss this matter with him, but his elder brother is just like Zhang Meili, never mentioning it.

Zhou Jiao saw his smile once he finished reading, took the letter not to read through thoroughly, glanced over it quickly, then lowered her gaze, "Xi Zi has matured, very clever with his choice of words."

"A nephew is never quite like a son, no matter how close, eventually they’ll think about their own family."

"It’s human nature."

Zhang Guoqing laughed sarcastically, "We’ll let these letters rest for a while before responding. Lately, it’s been too busy inside and outside the house; it’s better for everyone to clear their heads."

How Zhang Guoqing deals with Old Zhang’s family matters, Zhou Jiao has no objection. Plus, she recently sent money to the two elders; she feels she’s done enough.

It’s just Mother Zhang saves every penny, each time sending their entire family’s letters in one giant envelope; it’s inappropriate not to respond to anyone, which wastes so much time replying.

If you ask me, truly unnecessary. Why so much idle chatter? Every letter asks the same — are you doing well, are the kids coming back?

What for?

Some people need a lot of interaction to deepen feelings. But as for her sons, they learned from a young age that conduct and behavior reveal intent.

So why bother.

Just like Ping An Brothers, honor their grandparents, that’s enough. They don’t care about how many sheets you send. Just half a sheet with a name and proper greetings to the elders, and it’s complete.

See, much easier and simpler.

"Big brother is alright; worthy of being born from the same parents."

Zhou Jiao chuckled noncommittally. Time, it reveals everything; who can foresee what’s right or wrong? She just hopes Zhang Guoqing doesn’t get hurt; that’s all that matters.

This foolish man is too lacking in love.

"What are you thinking?"

Zhou Jiao slightly laughed shaking her head, "Little aunt hasn’t called."

"Oh, you didn’t mention it I wouldn’t have realized. Guessing the Wen Family isn’t in a rush over this, maybe Mr. Wen has other plans. Come, let’s read the letter together."

...

At this moment, Cheng Ruzhu reminded her younger son, "Enough is enough, the recycling station? If you were the recycling stuff, that might be right."

After speaking, she walked to the door and peered out, turned back and took a few steps, using a finger to poke Wen Yu’s head, lowering her voice to scold: "Where’s your brain? So many people want to join the Art Troupe can’t find a way, yet you want a job change from your sister. You’re driving me mad."

Wen Yu nimbly pulled her arm, cheekily pleaded, "Don’t be angry, don’t be angry, I just mentioned it to my brother-in-law. Since brother-in-law said it’s not possible, didn’t I come back immediately without further fuss?"

Cheng Ruzhu laughed and tapped him, "You’ve been spoiled by us adults. I’m your mom; how could I harm you? Without your sister and brother-in-law, you brothers would have long been sent to join the queue. Behave yourself."

Wen Yu chuckled, "Is aunt asking sis for help? Mom, you should take it easy, don’t let sis handle everything, it’s tiresome."

Cheng Ruzhu amusedly looked at him, "Not afraid your grandparents hearing that will beat you?"

"Why beat me? It’s so far away; how can my sister help? She has her own life. Having more than one aunt, there’s always someone asking for help."

Cheng Ruzhu wasn’t sure whether he meant the distance between relationships or physical places, but she found herself agreeing with the thought. Yet, she wasn’t interested in discussing such matters with the cheeky boy.