Chapter 78: Sighs

After mulling it over, Zhao Dashan glanced up at Zhang Guoqing in surprise, then exchanged a look with Zuo Lin. Both instantly understood who was being referred to. But since Zhang Guoqing hadn’t said it outright, the two simply glanced at the other three and kept quiet.

Old Master Lin noticed the expressions on everyone’s faces and didn’t react. It didn’t matter if they knew now, but he didn’t want to say it out loud. He’d wait until Zhou Xiaozheng returned and see how he wanted to handle things. He understood what Xiao Wu meant—since the issue had already blown up, the couple from the main branch would be detained, and when Zhou Xiaozheng came back, he’d have the final say in how to discuss things with Old Man Zhou. Sigh, these two kids really had it tough.

Lin Xinsheng raised his teacup, signaling everyone to drink, and said cheerfully, “Respect the elderly in your own family and extend that respect to others; love your own children and extend that love to others’ children. Our Xiao Wu did a great job. All those things will be donated to the elderly for the New Year, so they’ll have a bit more to eat.”

Village Party Secretary Zhang Zhifeng patted Zhang Guoqing on the shoulder. “On behalf of the elderly in the village, thank you, you young couple. Xiao Wu, this is a great idea, but as someone who’s watched you grow up, I see you as my own child. My advice is, donate everything you can, but if there’s anything your family really needs, take it back. You two still have to live your lives. Things don’t come free—save where you can.”

Li Aiguo smiled and shook his head firmly. “Let’s wait until the case is closed and the inventory is sorted. Zhou Jiao will have to sign off on it, so we’ll talk then. Let’s take things one step at a time.”

“This kid’s got a lot going for him, but he’s just too carefree. You don’t know, Old Zhao saw how strong he is and wanted him to join the army to serve the country. But he said there are other ways to serve besides being a soldier. We all know he can’t bear to leave his little wife. Now that they have a child, have you decided what you want to do?” Zuo Lin asked Old Master Lin. Last time, an old friend had mentioned wanting to reserve a spot for him.

Old Master Lin chuckled and shook his head, wagging his finger at Zhang Guoqing. “No rush—let’s wait until after the New Year. I’ll be going to a military district meeting soon, and I’ll take him along to meet some old friends. Let them see for themselves—my granddaughter’s husband isn’t just talk. If he still doesn’t want to join the army or go to the capital, I won’t interfere. I’ll hand him over to Zhao Dashan instead—let him keep an eye on him. The armed forces department is still connected to the military, after all.”

Zhao Dashan burst out laughing and nodded. “Great! Let him join the armed forces department—I’ll keep an eye on him. You have no idea how much trouble he’s given me. If I can watch him right under my nose, let’s see what he does then.”

“You all don’t know—right before we left, his grandmother told me repeatedly not to drag the whole family into the army, to at least leave her with Zhou Jiao and her husband for company. Let them do whatever they want. What could I say? She’s right—Jiaojiao has been away from home for so many years, suffered so much. Bringing her back to the capital to keep her company is good too.

But when I told their parents about bringing them back to the capital, the young couple refused. They said they could visit her grandmother in the capital, but if they moved back, we’d all be so busy we’d barely see each other. It’s better to stay here for now, take good care of Old Zhang and his wife, raise the child, gain some work experience, and maybe try for college before moving to the capital.”

Zuo Lin sighed. “Good kids, all of them. Old Zhang, you’re blessed. This works too—spend some time in the capital when you can, then come back to look after the old folks. That way, both families don’t have to worry.”

Li Aiguo teased Zhang Guoqing with a laugh, “Xiao Wu, it’s not that you can’t bear to leave your parents—it’s that you can’t stand to be separated from your partners-in-crime, right?”

Zhang Guoqing grinned, “That’s right, I can’t bear to leave. Life here is great. If I went to the capital, I’d be out of my element—no hunting, no dropping by your homes for a drink or a meal. Aunt Cheng’s braised fish is the best. And I still have to drink that bottle of 1950 vintage hidden at Uncle Zuo’s place.”

Zhao Dashan clapped Zuo Lin on the shoulder and laughed, “You’re done for—your wine won’t stay hidden much longer. You know why the chef at the county restaurant always says he’s lucky Zhang Guoqing isn’t around when he drinks? Because every time Xiao Wu shows up, he wants a share. But the chef really likes this kid—if he doesn’t see him for a few days, he starts to miss him. The other day, he went into the mountains and brought back a few jars of wine just to save for him. I bet the wine we’re drinking today is one of those.”

Zuo Lin rolled his eyes. “I knew he was eyeing it. Last time, he pitifully claimed his father never tasted 1950 vintage. My wife almost fell for it and was about to give him some, but his second sister asked a question and saved the day.”

Everyone burst out laughing. Zhang Guoqing hurriedly promised, “Uncles, let’s not talk about this anymore—you’re exposing all my secrets! Give me a break, my grandpa and mother-in-law are still here. How about this: I’ll give each of you a bottle of my grandpa’s good wine?”

“That’s too little. First, tell us how much you have. We’ll split it half and half—didn’t you always say that’s fair with the chef?”

“Exactly! Everyone knows you’re the slyest. One bottle each isn’t enough—make it two!”

“That’s wine we never get to drink! You just want to keep it all for yourself. Come on, bring it all out!”

Everyone started talking at once, gesturing excitedly.

Zhang Guoqing put on a regretful face and slapped his thigh. “Oh man, I’m too honest for my own good! If I’d known, I wouldn’t have said anything. Now you’ve cleaned me out. I really don’t have much—just ten bottles. We already opened three, so there are only seven left. How’s that for generosity?”

Everyone nodded in satisfaction and gave him a thumbs-up.

Zhang Guoqing stood up and clapped his hands. “Wait here and chat with my grandpa. I’ll be right back.”

He left the main room, thinking over if there was anything he’d missed.

Back in the bedroom, he told Zhou Jiao the general outcome of the incident. After discussing it, they agreed there were no issues, but the final decision would have to wait until Zhou Xiaozheng returned.

“Jiaojiao, Grandpa brought ten bottles of wine. I’ll take five out for the five uncles. It’s a respectable gift—no problem there.

Grandpa Zhou kept going to the township office asking them to check with you, so they came. Isn’t he funny? Why not just come here himself? Maybe he knew the Lin family was visiting and didn’t dare? Haha, I think it’s amusing.”

Zhou Jiao pounded the quilt in frustration. “He’s got some nerve! If everything Grandpa and Mom said is true, he’d have no face left. How could he still show up? I just feel bad for Grandma. I can’t even visit her—I don’t know how she’s doing.”

Zhang Guoqing went over and picked her up, settling her on his lap. “Don’t be upset. Everything’s going according to plan. I told them the Zhou couple would be detained for now, and the Zhou family’s property and money will be dealt with at the end of the month—someone will come with me to handle it. I didn’t say who, but I bet Zuo Lin and Zhao Dashan have guessed. No one said anything.

Here’s what I think: detaining that couple keeps things simple for us—they won’t come bothering us, especially that woman. And it gives your dad leverage to negotiate with Old Man Zhou. Otherwise, it’d be endless trouble. Grandpa agrees. If you feel bad for your dad, I can handle it myself later without involving him. For now, let’s just keep them locked up.

They want to see what you’ll say, but Grandpa says you’re too soft-hearted, so there’s no need to ask you. Someone will come back and handle it eventually. Don’t be upset. If Grandma comes tomorrow, I’ll figure something out. Be good—just focus on your recovery.”

“Alright, let me down. Go deliver the wine so they can head home early. I’m fine, don’t worry.”

Zhang Guoqing took a small box, packed five bottles of wine, and brought it to the main room. After he set it down, Lin Aiguo and the others saw that everything was settled and, as it was getting late, all got up to say their goodbyes."