Chapter 1356 - 1228: Returning to Beijing

Chapter 1356: Chapter 1228: Returning to Beijing

Being away for a thousand days is nice, but it’s not as hard as being at home every day.

After traveling for a month and visiting several places, seeing what needed to be seen and finishing what needed to be done, Zhou Jiao’s greatest realization is this.

It’s lively, but home is still the best!

Unlike the systematic bustle of Beijing, the special zone is all about fast-paced excitement. In terms of mental outlook, it’s increasingly moving towards money being the ultimate goal.

During this period, she also encountered Zhang Hongwei, Cao Xiaojun, and Wang Wei, these "local tycoons" in various places. The little punks from back in the day have all become refined elites.

The continuous calls of "Sister-in-law," the constant phrases of "Sister Jiao," almost made her mistakenly think she was a mob boss, but seeing them walk the right path made her feel very gratified.

From ancient times, loyalty is often found among butchers, while heartlessness is often seen among scholars.

At least she and her husband didn’t misjudge them.

Young people, strive hard! One day, the world will witness your glorious future.

Back to Beijing.

Zhou Jiao submitted two reports but originally intended to mention them to Zhang Guoqing. Eventually, for reasons unknown, she chose to keep them hidden.

She understands more than anyone how much her report could affect, maybe even lead to a bloody sacrifice if mishandled.

She doesn’t regret her actions but still worries about ruining her image in the heart of the man she loves.

In Zhang Guoqing’s eyes, she is a weak little woman who can’t even stand to look at the slaughter of a pig, even though she could kill without flinching.

She still remembers poisoning and killing two cultural relic traffickers, which led to him blaming himself for days, during which he feigned sleep to prevent her nightmares.

For a woman, having a happy family and a loving husband is more important than anything. She doesn’t want to add a blemish to them.

"Is everything okay?"

"Very smooth." Zhou Jiao tilted her head with a smile, "You missed me, right? You see, I didn’t even rest a day after finishing my work and just ran back here."

Zhang Guoqing chuckled as he patted her head, "So obedient. Did you secretly collect anything this time?"

No one knows her better than he does. Zhou Jiao blinked, "Nope, whatever you instructed, I always keep in mind."

She genuinely refrained from purchasing southern fruits, suppressing her drooling and retreating in pain, worrying about making too much noise. Luckily, the family of four now eats specially supplied food.

"Since you can buy it now with money, I won’t foolishly use space. So, no need to worry, I’ll always prioritize you."

The daughter-in-law is very obedient, Zhang Guoqing is very satisfied, tweaked her nose, "That’s the right way of thinking. Things are different now; say the word if you want anything, and I’ll present it before you. Come, I’ll show you some good stuff."

During your absence, not only Wu Yi sent a parcel back, but many others have sent parcels. Let’s see if there’s anything you like."

Zhou Jiao hesitantly touched her nose, "Or, how about looking at the gift I brought for you first."

Zhang Guoqing stopped in his tracks, chuckling and lifting his chin, gazing at her.

"Brother, I went to Zhongying Street. But I didn’t shop excessively, just exchanged some things."

"Alright, I get it." Zhang Guoqing patted her head, "It would be strange if my wife didn’t take advantage of opportunities. Did you buy a lot of jewelry?"

Zhou Jiao proudly reached into the bed, laying out jewelry and valuable medicinal materials on the sheets, boasting about how she used a small piece of double-sided embroidery and a ginseng to trade for treasures.

Zhang Guoqing echoed her praise while unobtrusively probing, secretly sighing that his wife remains unchanged, but glad she returned safely.

Zhongying Street?

Having visited the South twice, he understands this street’s hidden side better than she does.

This unruly area is relatively alright during the day; at night, illegal activities abound, only she naïvely thinks it’s a tourist attraction.

As Zhou Jiao kept talking, she ultimately couldn’t help but say, "Brother, I checked, the Zhang Family didn’t invest in the special zone. My identity on this trip was too special to cross the border."

"It’s okay." Zhang Guoqing sighed quietly, "Though we meet, we cannot recognize each other, so let’s postpone. The only ones that matter from that family are Grandpa and the old housekeeper."

As for his two yet unseen parents, they haven’t even been born yet; where could he look? Otherwise, he could look for his mom first.

But once he makes a move, how could he bear to make her an orphan?

As for his mother’s hometown, he only knows a rough area. Today’s many townships are all named after red flags; where to search? This matter can’t be rushed.

History advances step by step, one wrong move and the butterfly effect could accidentally eliminate his parents.

This mutual difficulty makes it challenging for him to decide, so how could he bear to let his wife worry?

While South still dons a long sleeve in November, Beijing has already put on cotton-padded coats, upon seeing Qu Shengmei and Yi Tangtang who hurried over, Zhou Jiao secretly felt fortunate.

The flashy Hong Kong shirts that made her hesitant ultimately proved unappealing for purchase. Guys look roguish, and girls wearing them don’t seem decent either.

"Aunt Zhou/Godmother."

"Here you are; we were just thinking of calling you over."

"Come quickly, see the gifts I brought for you." Miao Lishan beckoned, picking up four jewelry boxes from the coffee table and handing them to them.

Qu Shengmei and Yi Tangtang exchanged glances, "Wouldn’t it be too valuable?"

"Valuable, what? Just take them; they’re all fine chains, not too heavy, but the styles are nice and suitable for young girls."

The jewelry Zhou Jiao picked for them was indeed as her mom described, all thin gold necklaces and ankle chains, each weighing only a few grams,

For the more precious items, she doesn’t want to give them now. The heavier ones, like gold bracelets, are intended for engagement as betrothal gifts.

As for the antique headpieces in hand, they’re family heirlooms, meant for the sons once she passes on; a daughter-in-law is a layer removed.

"Take them, take them." Watching their hesitation, Zhou Jiao smiled, "I also have fabric for you to bring back later. Initially, I considered gifting you coats, but then thought you might not like the style."

"Godmother, then I’ll unceremoniously accept." Yi Tangtang put down the jewelry box, picked up a piece of red wool fabric, and compared it to Qu Shengmei’s body, "This color’s nice; Godmother has an eye for style."

Qu Shengmei pushed it away and smiled, "This red suits you; I’ll take gray. I already have several coats and want to make one for Ping’an."

"Then I’ll skip red too; Liu Yi brother still needs a brown coat."

Listening to the two girls’ whispers, Zhou Jiao and Miao Lishan exchanged smiles: these two are indeed both clever and considerate!

Miao Lishan beckoned to them, "Take the fabric back and look later. Quickly, sit down and have some water first."