Chapter 1359 - 1231: Overseas Inspection

Chapter 1359: Chapter 1231: Overseas Inspection

Once Qingming passed, spring quietly vanished in the blink of an eye, and early summer arrived, with more farmers coming to the city to sell vegetables and more private stalls popping up.

The flamboyant Hong Kong shirts that Zhou Jiao disliked were once again all the rage in the streets and alleys.

She continued to stick to her style, and fortunately her three sons inherited her taste, having little interest in these fashionable items, which indirectly affected her two future daughters-in-law.

However, she didn’t oppose young girls wearing colorful bat shirts.

Unfortunately, these two girls didn’t fancy them either.

They imitated her style, wearing either a long dress or a white shirt paired with altered blue jeans, which often led people to tease them as the three sisters.

Thus, while keeping an eye on foreign stock markets, Zhou Jiao specially ordered some clothes for them, like light-colored puff sleeve shirts and denim overalls and skirts.

Interactions between people indeed require frequent contact for feelings to deepen over time. In this way, she felt greatly fulfilled despite the lack of a daughter.

Before the height of summer approached, she received a notification that the opportunity for her long-awaited travel abroad to Europe and the US for research had finally arrived.

After signing the forms and promises, Zhou Jiao didn’t inform May 1st in advance this time. First, because the itinerary was not public, and second, she worried he would leave school on his own.

This overseas research group was heading to countries in Europe and the US, not only for friendly visits but mainly to study the economic development of Western countries to provide insights for our country’s modernization.

On the trip, besides the restrictions from rules, there didn’t seem to be much free time for her to reunite with her family, and being able to leave the group for a day would already be lucky.

"Bring more chili sauce and meat sauce, and if you have time, buy more at Chinatown for him. Remember to have him come home once during winter break this year."

"The dried mushrooms and fungus have just been sent; bring more of the dried beans your mother-in-law sent. These can’t be bought abroad, and May 1st really likes them."

"Did you pack the sweaters and wool pants inside? Remember to greet Aunt Lan at the embassy and thank her in person for taking care of our May 1st."

"Don’t forget Ping’an’s items for May 1st. Is there anything else?"

Miao Lishan, hands on her hips, looked at the luggage in the living room. "Is it too much?"

Zhou Xiaozheng and Zhang Guoqing, both knowing the secrets she carried, watched Miao Lishan, busy as a bee, with smiles on their faces.

"Mom, it’s not too much. I’ll take it there first and send it to May 1st when I arrive; it’ll be quicker." Zhou Jiao pulled her down onto the sofa. "While I’m not home, remember to eat on time and take care of yourselves. I’ll be back in a month."

"By the way, be sure to bring the camera and take many pictures of our May 1st’s daily life, including the school and dormitory. They say two people per dorm, and I wonder if it’s good."

Zhou Jiao nodded with a smile. Departing tomorrow morning, she wouldn’t find peace at night, with the elders giving instructions and later the two little ones returning needing her attention.

At the time, it was right not to go abroad for a year to study. If away too long, she couldn’t let go of everything both at home and outside. Plus, she had to instruct the two girls to visit and accompany their grandmother when she wasn’t home; otherwise, her father and husband would be busy with work, and her mother would be lonely.

The next morning, Zhou Jiao reluctantly saw them off to work before taking her two future daughters-in-law to the airport to join other members of the research group.

This research group heading abroad consisted of twenty people from various units, including six women, among whom was her long-time partner Hu Xiaohui.

This guy was likely not only privately employed but also assigned as her guard.

At the moment, she quietly teased Zhou Jiao, smiling, about always having guards whenever going out.

Zhou Jiao purposely brought along Qu Shengmei and Yi Tangtang. Besides the children’s filial piety, insisting on seeing her off at the airport, she also had a personal motive: introducing the two kids to everyone.

This differed from other kinds of research groups.

The twenty members came from various systems, each having beloved young ones coming to see them off. Forming connections was just networking; the mountains didn’t move, but the water did, and everyone needs help at some point.

Zhou Jiao felt herself growing more worldly; if it were twenty years ago, such behaviors would have been contemptible, but now, she sought to remain true to herself.

She introduced her colleagues to the children one by one, waiting for these younger members to get acquainted, as the broadcast announced the time to enter the gate for boarding.

Waving goodbye to Zhou Jiao, Qu Shengmei and Yi Tangtang exchanged smiles. These two clever ones understood her intentions, saying goodbye to the men, and joined the other girls on the transfer bus.

Ping An Brothers viewed the girls beside them as always somewhat foolish, an observation essentially inherited from their father, but whether Zhou Jiao or the two girls present, none were simpletons.

A smart woman, capable outside yet knowing when to show vulnerability before her beloved man, plays dumb, otherwise how would he feel she needs protection and open his heart to learn to care for her.

Sure, did Zhang Guoqing and his three sons understand?

Only they knew in their hearts.

Just like May 1st.

At this moment, he watched Little Jiu, who had traveled from a city away to see him, her long eyelashes cast down, hiding the peculiar colors in his eyes.

"Silly girl, what time did you set off?"

"Got on the bus at dawn."

May 1st furrowed his brow. New Haven’s current security was poor; he wanted to say a few words to her but couldn’t bear it, gesturing for her to walk around campus with him.

If it were before, he’d first ask whether she’d had breakfast, but suddenly, he chose silence.

He didn’t know how long the deep emotions in her eyes could last, nor did he know what her choice would be when he graduated and returned home.

His family background wouldn’t tolerate a partner who loved the flamboyant world, nor would he tolerate a future wife who prioritized herself.

"Sheng Mei and the others are engaged; it’s really nice."

May 1st understood her intention but chose to interpret it differently, joking, "Did you write a letter? I sent two gifts to them, wonder if they received them?"

Little Jiu glanced at him sideways, "Yes, mentioned Aunt Zhou in the letter. What did you send them? I’m just thinking of getting a gift."

"Hehe, save your money for college expenses; it’ll cost quite a bit." May 1st said, waving to classmates greeted during their chat.

"Zhou, are you free this weekend?" A blonde girl ran up, glancing casually at Little Jiu. "Ruirui’s birthday party."

"Beautiful girl, I’m truly honored. See you this weekend!"

"Want to have lunch together?"

May 1st shrugged, waved his hand, "Bye-bye~"

"Alright then, my prince charming. Bye-bye~"

Little Jiu watched the departing blonde girl, clicking her tongue, "Who’s this? Last time wasn’t she shorter?"