Chapter 998: Chapter 871: Friends from the Past
Hard work pays off for those who are dedicated.
While busy with work and meetings, Zhou Jiao finally managed to contact the father and son from the fishing village the next day. This time, Zhou Jiao intentionally reminded them of the secret bulk purchasing aside from their public dealings.
The opening of the agricultural market led to better circulation of materials, bringing a significant convenience: abundant resources and stable prices.
Besides the official permissions for farmers to sell vegetables and fruits, the more remote the place, the more varieties of trades there are. For instance, at the grassland markets, trades restricted to coarse grains and wild goods are unavoidable.
Similarly, delicacies like freshwater crabs, lobsters, fish from rivers, and seafood from the sea became popular choices for farming families who could take advantage of their locations.
Over the years, the father became a fisherman, while the family primarily engaged in farming. The son had the fortune to become the brigade scorer. Selling items every few days, they lived quite well.
On her way to visit Grandpa Jiang’s village, Zhou Jiao first passed their fishing village. Calling it a fishing village compared to the one in Northeast wasn’t quite accurate!
Near the river embankment, there were still plenty of fertile fields.
In the summer heat, the fields were bustling with sweaty cooperative members, and mud-covered kids were running around sun-baked and dark.
Setting off early, Zhou Jiao reached their home near midday when the younger son, as arranged, led her to a new courtyard at the village entrance.
"My big brother is getting married; this is his new house. Behind the small forest is the riverbank. My brother said everything is over there, and it’s quiet here."
Zhou Jiao laughed and nodded. A boy of seven or eight speaking fluently without stopping was truly impressive! She fetched some candies from her pocket, receiving a sincere smile from the child.
"Sister, my sister-in-law is also very pretty."
This remark made Zhou Jiao smile.
Recognizing the southern-style courtyard, it wasn’t hard to guess that apart from their visible income, this family had made a fair amount secretly over the years.
An average family relying solely on a fisherman’s income, combined with work points, couldn’t have possibly built a half-brick, half-clay courtyard for the eldest son’s marriage.
Looking at the adorable lad, Zhou Jiao intended to discreetly offer some advice to their smart and diligent eldest son after the transaction, suggesting it might be time to stop.
Especially when she saw the two small boats full of assorted marine and river fish and sacks of freshwater crabs hanging in the river.
After paying over three hundred bucks, not much more than market price, Zhou Jiao solemnly warned them, and watched the young man bow in thanks after pondering her words.
She knew he understood. Could this be considered a good deed? After sending them off, Zhou Jiao continued her journey to Grandpa Jiang’s village in high spirits.
With their location differing, coupled with her intentional concealment, she didn’t want her movements to be detected. Finally, before nightfall, she arrived at the village Zhang Guoqing had mentioned countless times.
This time, she had intentionally changed into a military uniform. Yes, a military uniform! She needed to leave an impression that Grandpa Jiang’s granddaughter’s family were soldiers.
As soon as she reached the bridge, just as Zhang Guoqing had said, someone noticed a stranger approaching and first asked who and whom they were seeking, with a cautious attitude.
Once Zhou Jiao spoke in the local dialect, and mentioned Grandpa Jiang’s name, the opposing party immediately shouted to the nearby kids to notify the third granduncle.
They enthusiastically ran ahead and took two large parcels from Zhou Jiao’s hands.
After self-introducing, Zhou Jiao learned he was Grandpa Jiang’s neighbor, feeling delighted, she inquired about the old man’s health in recent years.
Every time in his letters, Grandpa Jiang only shared good news, never the bad. Even though Huang Dong and Uncle Huang often visited, the mountains and waters were far apart.
"He’s well. These past two years he has settled down at home and doesn’t love going to the city anymore. With you regularly sending parcels over, your grandpa seems to be doing well."
"He can’t stay idle and often helps out with the team. Last year, he received a telegram saying you had twins, he was so thrilled, even treated everyone to a meal."
"Why didn’t your husband accompany you back? A young girl like you coming such a long way, why didn’t you send a telegram first? We could’ve come to pick you up."
Zhou Jiao explained with a smile, "I’m here on a business trip. The children’s father is in the military and couldn’t take leave. I came here to bring my grandpa back."
"Oh, let’s not talk about it, he won’t leave. The old man is so stubborn. Every month he spends a few days chatting with your mom and the others."
Zhou Jiao realized, forcing an awkward smile. Her biological mother was still lively in Beijing. Before boarding the bus, she had especially instructed Zhou Jiao to bring more money and tickets, and buy special products to bring back.
Lying is indeed wrong!
However, just as they mentioned, whenever Grandpa Jiang was talked about going to Shangjing City, he either remained silent or changed the subject.
Once Zhou Jiao visited the paternal uncle and aunt who had always cared for the old man, then visited the team leader’s third uncle and delivered the letters, the aroma of stewed chicken filled the air as she stepped into the yard.
"Grandpa, why did you kill the chicken? Keeping it for eggs is even better." It’s not surprising she said this, rural hens were akin to small banks, besides trading for firewood, salt, vinegar, and sauces, eggs supplemented nutrition when lacking meat.
The earliest visited aunt joked while wiping her hands, saying, "This is nothing, my family still raises chickens. Your grandpa won’t lack eggs in the future."
Grandpa Jiang nodded joyfully. What’s a hen? Everything he had in the future was for this child, such small items were no concern to him.
During dinner, nearly the whole village came slowly over to join the excitement. After all, she was the clan’s grandaunt from Beijing.
Zhou Jiao’s face bloomed with smiles as she quickly scooped a few bites, and brought out candies and pastries from inside, using their dialect to bridge connections with the elderly women.
She even invited the men with some good wine to sit and drink with Grandpa Jiang.
With Zhou Jiao’s respectful demeanor, Grandpa Jiang earned great respect, enjoying the praise with a wide smile all night, without lamenting the overflow of goods Zhou Jiao had brought.
On this visit, Zhou Jiao had prepared clothes, malted milk essence, milk powder, instant foods, and snacks for the elder, but mostly lasting alcohol and side dishes.
As one ages, with no kin around, to have an animated environment, it’s best to stock some good wine to lure old company interested in sipping together, warding off some late-life loneliness.
Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, Zhou Jiao sincerely thanked everyone for taking care of Grandpa Jiang, and before leaving, discreetly gifted some fabric to her married cousins at her uncle’s place.
She understood human nature too well. Her uncle and aunt shared family love for Grandpa Jiang, but that didn’t mean the third generation held any familial affection, especially in villages where inheritance from elderly traditionally wasn’t given to married daughters.
Such a large courtyard, even if continuously recorded under her name, human greed still knew no bounds. As the next generation grows, their eyes inevitably focus on such assets.
She wasn’t concerned about such external possessions, but cared about the aftermath of leaving Grandpa Jiang to face troublesome matters in old age. She needed to create a psychological hint.
She, Zhou Jiao, wasn’t short of money, she only wanted her grandpa to have a peaceful late life. Whoever helped the elderly, this kindness wouldn’t be forgotten, maybe the future rewards could surpass this courtyard.
No one could fault her methods. Since the old man refused to return to Beijing, as his only granddaughter, Zhou Jiao needed to prepare for his settled old age.
