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

Chapter 1134: Chapter 1007: Grandparent and Grandchild

After washing up, the brothers of various sizes squeezed onto the heated kang, chatting here and there, eventually each finding a corner of drowsy comfort.

Mao Minghui’s gift was discovered early the next morning by the Ping’an brothers, who had risen for their morning exercises. Looking at the four pairs of handmade cotton shoes, three pairs with embroidered animal insoles, and the rows of delicate stitches...

May 1st burst out laughing: "Are these meant to be decorations in our home? They’re so beautiful, who would dare wear them?"

"No wonder Aunt loves Sister-in-law so much; indeed, very gifted and skillful."

Ping’an rarely showed his dimples, nodding in agreement. Although her craftsmanship couldn’t match up to their mother’s, the intention more than made up for it.

The words and the smiles lighting up the brothers’ faces confirmed that the gift truly touched the brothers’ hearts, just as Zhang Ziwen had assured his wife.

Although they had agreed the night before that no one needed to see them off, after the brothers had eaten dumplings made by Mother Zhang herself early in the morning, several close friends and relatives still came over...

Being the younger generation, the Ping’an brothers felt quite embarrassed as even the in-laws of Zhang Meili’s two sisters-in-law gathered at the small courtyard to see them off. Seeing Zhao Dashan and his wife arrive hand in hand in the cold before dawn made them even more uneasy.

Fortunately, it was time to depart.

But amidst the fond farewells, the atmosphere brought Mother Zhang to tears.

At the door, Ping’an held onto Mr. Zhang’s hand, listening to his grandfather’s careful instructions, occasionally nodding.

Meanwhile, Liu Yi and May 1st each grabbed onto Mother Zhang’s hand, "Grandma, this time we won’t insist on bringing you back with us. When it warms up, you and Grandpa must come to see us."

"Okay..." Mother Zhang choked on her words and just nodded. Her dear little grandsons were leaving, and once gone, she wouldn’t see them for a long time.

No longer would anyone be so thoughtful, reminding her and the old man to soak their feet every night. No longer would there be a child who stealthily slipped a chicken drumstick to her...

"Grandma, if you keep being sad, you won’t be pretty. Eat more at home, keep healthy, and when I’m older, I’ll take you on trips abroad."

Compared to May 1st’s sweet talk, Liu Yi was much more earnest.

After his brother finished speaking, he said seriously, "Grandma, Brother Xi Zi and the others are your grandchildren, and so are we. When you have time, come and see us. It’s not only us who miss you, my parents miss you too. Every time my mom eats something delicious, she always wonders what you’re eating now."

Mother Zhang, moved by his words, held back tears and couldn’t speak, only leading them to the already started car, taking a deep breath, reluctantly smiling, "Good, good children, listen to your parents more when you get back. Tell your mom and dad that your grandpa and I are doing well, so they don’t need to worry."

She pushed her little grandsons into the car and furtively reminded them, "Tell your Dad to stop constantly sending money and stuff to me. This time, the three of you brought Grandma so many nice things; they’ll last your grandpa and me a long time. When you get back, tell your Dad to save some money, and say it’s Grandma’s order. Got it?"

Mr. Zhang, embracing Ping’an, followed behind them, gently touching each grandson’s hated head, "Don’t wander outside and make sure to stay with your Uncle Wang on the road. Tell your dad not to overdo it at work. Your grandma and I lack for nothing back home, so he should take care of himself."

After listening, the Ping’an brothers bowed to Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang, mouthing words they couldn’t express. Under Zhao Dashan’s urging, they got in the car. All their heartfelt expressions lay in that bow, drawing tears from Mr. Zhang.

Watching the car round the corner and gradually speed away, Zhao Dashan patted Mr. Zhang’s shoulder. Sometimes not seeing each other often meant getting used to holding someone dear in the heart from afar.

But how could Mr. Zhang bear to watch such well-behaved, clever children leave after spending nearly half a month with them day and night?

Not just Brother Zhang, even he wished they were his own grandsons. Brother Zheng, you truly are fortunate...

At the Beijing Mansion, the Zhou Family received telegrams one after another from Zhang, Zhao Chuan Guang, and Huang Xiaomi starting from evening.

Zhou Jiao wasn’t surprised by the first two. But Huang Xiaomi’s simple message read: "Arranged with someone, pick up at 5 p.m. the day after tomorrow."

Upon reading it, she realized the children were anxious to return and didn’t match Huang Xiaomi’s work schedule. This cousin was as considerate as ever.

With these affectionate friends and relatives, it at least provided her with comfort on a day where her heart grew increasingly cold. People are not plants; they have emotions, and good people do exist.

The children were coming back...

Not only was the family excited about this news, but Aunt Chen was also joyful all night long.

In her words, without those three little grown-ups running in and out calling her Grandma Chen, she just couldn’t feel settled.

Aunt Chen was thrilled. When the first telegram came, with everyone still at work, she was so happy she forgot to notify everyone. She hurried to the warehouse to check what foods the children liked.

The rest of them couldn’t help but share Miao Lishan’s excitement.

"Finally, they’re coming back. Lately, nothing tasted good for me; normally it wouldn’t matter. But during such a big holiday, where else are kids not running around?"

She glanced over at her son-in-law, realizing her statement might have been inappropriate, she smiled apologetically at Zhang Guoqing, explaining, "Every time I come home from work, you are away at a meeting or Jiao Jiao quietly reading. Visiting the old lady’s place, the children are always crying and fussing—it’s made me miss the kids dearly."

Zhou Jiao looked at her speechlessly. Was there a need to exaggerate so much? If you miss the kids, just say so. Why find excuses?

If her memory wasn’t failing, she remembered accompanying her mother-in-law every night with coffee, wine, playing music, or something classy to keep her entertained.

On the side, Zhou Xiaozheng, ever foresighted since his wife started speaking, wisely lowered his head to study his tea, smiling without comment.

Zhang Guoqing, unable to comfort his mother-in-law, glanced at his calm father-in-law and silently refilled his mother-in-law’s tea.

He did feel somewhat guilty toward his mother-in-law.

She used to be active, either leading groups abroad or traveling extensively, or occasionally visiting the Friendship Store, grand hotels, or Western restaurants to pass the time.

Now, she was increasingly confined at home, and even her monthly salary was almost completely whisked away by his wife. Of course, his days weren’t that great either, not even his father-in-law...

Heh, he’s been watched over tightly as well.

But what could he do? That person was not only their daughter but also his beloved wife.