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

Chapter 1138: Chapter 1011: Did You Get Involved?

Zhang Guoqing squinted his eyes and said with a smile, "I really admire your temper. Go ahead~"

"Did you have a hand in Cao Tianqin’s matter?"

This time, Zhang Guoqing was somewhat at a loss by the question.

He stopped in his tracks and turned to frown at Shen Zhao, "Cao Tianqin? Who’s that? Whose family does he belong to? That’s quite an impressive name!"

Seeing that he genuinely seemed unaware, Shen Zhao felt relieved, and then recalling that Cao Tianqin probably deserved what was coming to him, he laughed, "A guy who got in halfway, but he has someone backing him."

Zhang Guoqing didn’t ask who was backing this person. Some things aren’t worth asking too much about; if the other person wants to tell you, they’ll explain. If not, there’s a reason for their silence.

"Why did you suddenly ask about this person?" A flicker of intrigue flashed in Zhang Guoqing’s eyes, "Is he a colleague at your workplace? But I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a person."

That’s indeed true! When it comes to Zhou Jiao’s varied colleagues, especially the male ones, he had investigated them all ages ago, not to mention his father-in-law.

Could it be there’s actually someone who slipped through the net?

Hearing this, Shen Zhao explained, "He was transferred into the unit just before last year’s New Year, and he isn’t a colleague from our department. The guy goes where the wind blows and likes to play some under-the-table tricks."

Zhang Guoqing knew he was about to explain the reason, so he quietly walked alongside him.

"You should have been informed that your wife didn’t go on a business trip this time, right?"

There was nothing to hide; Wan Dayong was already flying high in the sky. Zhang Guoqing nodded in confirmation.

"Ever since he entered the unit, his approach has been different from ours. He accidentally roped in a few people. Zhou Jiao didn’t travel this time, seemingly because he was behind it."

Zhang Guoqing said with an unperturbed smile, "So that’s what it is. My wife came back and told me she was happy she didn’t have to go far away. I didn’t realize there were so many twists and turns behind it."

As for Zhou Jiao, Shen Zhao had to admit his admiration. She remained unfazed and seemingly uninterested in these matters. Otherwise, if she really wanted to leave, no one would dare offend the Zhou Family.

Cao Tianqin, thinking she was the soft type, actually tried to maneuver Zhou Jiao into the spotlight, only to end up hitting a brick wall.

Remembering the isolated investigation on Cao Tianqin, Shen Zhao suddenly recalled his main purpose. He looked deeply at Zhang Guoqing, "I thought you would have caught wind of it earlier. Do you know where Cao Tianqin is now?"

Zhang Guoqing guessed that if it wasn’t a big deal, Shen Zhao wouldn’t have proactively come to find him.

He shook his head slightly, "I really don’t know. Zhou Jiao hasn’t traveled for the past two or three years, and I hadn’t really thought much about it. Hearing you today, does it mean something happened to the other party, and you’re suspecting me? Brother Shen, you’re not playing fair." After speaking, he gave an exaggerated eye roll.

Shen Zhao was amused by the grievance in his words. He liked that Zhang Guoqing spoke his mind, especially with a tone that always felt familiarly intimate, like family.

"You could die laughing! Don’t say I didn’t know about this; even if I did, we’re not part of the same system. Can I really find a way to stick up for my wife?"

With a chuckle, Shen Zhao patted his shoulder, "You truly say whatever comes to your mind, does your conscience not prick you?"

He had no intention of debating whether Zhang Guoqing was capable, quietly reminding him, "I wasn’t working today but heard that Cao Tianqin was taken for an isolated investigation this morning. Better not pick your wife up from work this afternoon."

Zhang Guoqing rolled his eyes, "I didn’t do it in the first place, so why should I avoid suspicion? You know what, I actually have to go now."

Shen Zhao looked at him amused and asked, "Not going to the three o’clock meeting?"

With his finger poke, Zhang Guoqing paused, then shook his head with a laugh, "What a load of nonsense, I just hope my wife isn’t being gossiped about at the workplace."

It was Shen Zhao’s turn to roll his eyes wordlessly at him. Even not being at the office, he knew that at such a critical moment, colleagues would wish to vanish, who would dare say anything?

"Alright, it’s just this little nonsense of a matter. Don’t get involved. As a brother, let me tell you the truth, it’s not worth it. Someone is trying to use your wife’s hand to deal with some people, and if you act, you’ll fall into their trap. Don’t need me to elaborate further on the twists and turns involved, right?"

Zhang Guoqing appreciatively patted his shoulder. If he weren’t in a suit, he’d have liked to throw an arm around his neck, showing just how close they were.

"Alright, I’m heading off first, bring me a good pack of smokes later."

Zhang Guoqing shot him a sidelong glance with a beaming face, nodding in agreement. Truth be told, they had plenty of special supply cigarettes at home, thanks to both him and his father-in-law being non-smokers.

After sending off his well-informed friend, Zhang Guoqing returned to the office.

Sitting in the office with a cup of tea in his left hand and a pen spinning in his right, his mind was also spinning non-stop — quietly reviewing his father-in-law’s work arrangements during this time...

After a while, he again confirmed that it wasn’t his father-in-law making a move, but could it really be his demure wife who didn’t like initiating conflict?

And then there was also what Shen Zhao had mentioned about someone trying to use Zhou Jiao to deal with others, could she have already caught on to this?

Thinking about Zhou Jiao’s stable daily life, and her occasional doodling during leisure, Zhang Guoqing realized he might not have been attentive enough to his wife.

After the meeting ended, night had already fallen. Zhang Guoqing once again returned home under the starlit sky, and all his worries dissipated entirely upon hearing the joyful laughter of his wife and son.

That’s more like it!

Especially seeing Zhou Jiao standing at the living room door smiling after hearing him, Zhang Guoqing shared a knowing smile, complaining, "I ended up being the last one home again."

Zhou Jiao smiled and said, "You’re not the latest. Dad hasn’t returned either."

Zhang Guoqing helplessly shook his head. The higher the position, the more responsibilities, and of course, the more scheming involved, making him feel sorry for his father-in-law.

"What time did you get home today?"

"Why? Were you planning to pick me up from work? You should take a break if you have time. I find the bus pretty convenient, and I’ve bought a monthly pass, so not using it would be a waste."

What a valid reason!

Just great, a three-dollar monthly bus pass was nothing to scoff at. What an unromantic girl!

Zhang Guoqing inwardly complained while holding her hand and leading her into the living room.

"Xiao Wu’s back, go have some dinner. Another meeting today? You’re looking so thin lately with all the busyness. I asked Aunt Chen to make chicken soup for you two, have more of it."

Hearing his mother-in-law say this, Zhang Guoqing once again felt certain this was indeed a mother’s love! There’s a kind of love, defined by the constant fear you’ll lose weight. No matter how plump you look, you’re still considered thin in a parent’s eyes!

He really hadn’t lost weight. Being fed nutrients every day by his wife alongside his father-in-law, didn’t they see how his father-in-law looked younger every day, capable of taking on ten strong men?