Chapter 81: Arrangements

After mulling things over, Zhao Dashan looked up at Zhang Guoqing in surprise, then exchanged a glance with Zuo Lin. Both of them understood who was being referred to, but since it wasn’t said outright, they just glanced at the other three and kept quiet.

Old Master Lin observed everyone’s expressions and saw there was no reaction. At this point, even if they knew, it didn’t matter. He didn’t want to say anything more for now—he’d wait until Zhou Xiaozheng came back and see how he wanted to handle things. He understood what Xiao Wu meant: now that the matter had blown up, the couple from the main branch would be detained, and when Zhou Xiaozheng returned, he’d have the power to negotiate with Old Zhou however he liked. Sigh, these two kids really have it tough.

Lin Xinsheng picked up his teacup, gesturing for everyone to drink, and said cheerfully, “Respect the elderly in your own family and extend that respect to the elderly in others; care for your own children and care for others’ children as well. Our Xiao Wu did a great job. All those things should be donated to the elderly for the New Year, so they can have a better meal.”

Village Party Secretary Zhang Zhifeng patted Zhang Guoqing on the shoulder. “On behalf of the elderly in the village, thank you both. Xiao Wu, your idea is great, but as someone who’s watched you grow up, I see you as my own child. My advice is, donate everything, but if there’s anything your family really needs, keep it. You two still have to live your lives—buying things costs money, so save where you can.”

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

“This kid is great in every way, except he’s a bit too carefree. You don’t know, Old Zhao here 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 wife. Now that they have a child, have you decided what you want to do?” Zuo Lin said to Old Master Lin. Last time, an old friend had mentioned giving him a spot.

Old Master Lin smiled and shook his head, gesturing at Zhang Guoqing. “No rush, let’s wait until after the New Year. I’ll be going to a military district meeting in a few days, so I’ll take him along to meet some old friends—let them see for themselves. My son-in-law isn’t just talk. If he still doesn’t want to join the army or go to the capital, I won’t interfere anymore. I’ll hand him over to Zhao Dashan—let you keep an eye on him. The Armed Forces Department is still connected to the military, after all.”

Zhao Dashan laughed heartily and nodded. “Great, let him join the Armed Forces Department. I’ll keep an eye on him. You have no idea how helpless I feel with him—he’s right under my nose and I still can’t do anything about him.”

“You don’t know—before I left, his grandma repeatedly told me not to drag the whole family into the army, to at least leave her Zhou Jiao and her husband for company, so they can do as they please. What could I say? She’s right—Jiaojiao’s been away for so long, suffered so much, so bringing her back to the capital to keep her company makes sense.

But when I told his mother we’d bring them back to the capital, the young couple refused to go. They said they could visit her grandma, 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, work and gain experience, and maybe try for university before heading to the capital.”

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

Li Aiguo teased Zhang Guoqing, “Xiao Wu, it’s not that you can’t bear to leave your parents, you just can’t bear to split up your trio and lose your partners in mischief, right?”

Zhang Guoqing grinned. “That’s right—I can’t bear to leave. Life here is great. I’m afraid I wouldn’t get used to the capital, can’t go hunting, can’t drop by your houses for a drink or a meal. Aunt Cheng’s braised fish is the best. And I still have to drink that bottle of 1950 wine Uncle Zuo’s been hiding.”

Zhao Dashan clapped Zuo Lin on the shoulder, laughing gleefully. “You’re done for—your wine won’t stay hidden. You know why the chef at the county restaurant always says he’s glad Zhang Guoqing didn’t see the wine? Because if Xiao Wu sees it, he’ll want a share. But the chef really likes this kid—if he doesn’t see him for a few days, he misses him. The other day he even brought back a few jars of wine from the mountains just to save for him. I bet the wine we’re drinking today is one of those.”

Zuo Lin said, exasperated, “I knew he had his eye on it. Last time, he pitifully claimed his dad had never tasted a 1950 vintage. My wife almost believed him and was about to give him some, but his second sister asked a question and saved the day.”

Everyone burst out laughing. Zhang Guoqing quickly promised, “Uncles, don’t say any more—you’re exposing all my secrets! My grandpa and mother-in-law are still here. How about this: everyone gets 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, just like you always bargain with the chef.”

“Exactly! Everyone knows you’re the slyest—one bottle each isn’t enough. Two bottles each!”

“That’s wine we never get to drink! You want to keep it all for yourself? Bring it all out!”

Everyone started talking at once, gesturing enthusiastically.

Zhang Guoqing pretended to regret it, slapping his thigh. “Oh man, you see how honest I am? Would I lie to you? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have said anything. Now I’m out of luck—every time I see you uncles, I get so happy I end up giving away all my stash. There really isn’t much—just 10 bottles. We’ve already opened 3, so there are only 7 left. Is that enough?”

Everyone nodded happily and gave him a thumbs up.

Zhang Guoqing stood up, clapped his hands, and said, “Wait here, keep my grandpa company. I’ll be right back.”

He left the main room, thinking as he walked if there was anything he’d forgotten.

Back in the bedroom, he told Zhou Jiao the general outcome of the incident. After discussing, they agreed there were no problems, but the final decision would have to wait for Zhou Xiaozheng’s return.

“Jiaojiao, I’ll bring out five bottles of Grandpa’s wine to give to the five uncles. I think it’s a decent gift.”

“Grandpa Zhou has been pestering the township office to get your opinion, so now they’ve come to you. Isn’t it funny? He’d rather go there than come here—maybe he’s afraid of the Lin family? I think it’s hilarious.”

Zhou Jiao pounded the quilt in frustration. “How shameless is he? If everything Grandpa and Mom said is true, he’s lost all face. How could he dare show up? I just feel sorry for Grandma. I can’t even visit her, and I don’t know how she’s doing.”

Zhang Guoqing picked her up and sat her on his lap. “Don’t be upset. Everything is going as planned. I told them the Zhou couple would be detained for now, and the Zhou family’s belongings and money will be handled at the end of the month when someone comes with me to deal with it. I didn’t say who, but I think Zuo Lin and Zhao Dashan have guessed. No one said anything.

My thinking is, detaining the couple saves us a lot of trouble—they won’t come bothering us, especially that woman. And it gives your dad leverage to negotiate with Old Zhou. Otherwise, it’d be endless drama. Grandpa agrees. If you feel bad for your dad, I can handle it myself later without involving him—let’s just keep them locked up for now.

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 take care of it. Don’t be upset. Let’s see if Grandma comes tomorrow. If she does, I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry, just focus on your recovery.”

“Alright, put me down and 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, seeing that everything was settled and it was getting late, all got up to say their goodbyes."