Chapter 1366: Want to Go Out?

Chapter 1366 -1238: Want to Go Out?

Returning from an international business trip, not only do I have numerous reports to submit, but I also need to quickly handle public affairs that were delayed, and of course, attend countless meetings.

The trip only lasted a month; if it were longer, Zhou Jiao really wouldn’t have any interest in going abroad for personal matters. It seriously delays her leisurely lifestyle.

Was this trip effective?

It definitely was, considering there were plenty of reports to submit.

From agricultural development, industrial advancement, to the overall economic development of Western countries, the team of twenty people, each with their perspective, could easily compile books.

The issue is summed up in two words: learn from others.

Different systems mean longer sessions deliberating over details in meetings.

Of course, this concerns official matters; it’s not something that can be decided immediately since it’s about the country’s big plans, and it’s up to a few key leaders to make the final decisions.

Compared to others, a sudden opportunity during this trip left Zhou Jiao surprised and delighted.

She seemed to be getting closer to her personal goals.

Indeed.

She was invited to a meeting of the economic research department.

This recognition of her personal capabilities was more thrilling than amassing immense wealth.

According to her father, she had already entered the national think tank, albeit still as a rookie, but everyone starts as rookies, and who doesn’t want a say in things?

Thus, Zhang Guoqing recently saw his wife working diligently, heading to work early, staying late, occasionally even speaking in her sleep.

He guesses that during meetings she must adhere to the principle of ‘less talk, less mistakes’, but some words seem to spill into her dreams, mumbling continuously.

Look at her pitiful state! When will she be able to slam a table in dissatisfaction like him, glare fiercely, and make everyone shudder?

To alleviate his wife’s pressure, Zhang Guoqing really gave it his all; though he scorns people who wield pens, they aren’t as straightforward as soldiers.

Yet, it’s still possible for him to help her shift her focus a little.

“Wife, how about this weekend?”

In the study, Zhou Jiao put down her pen and looked up at the man leaning in the doorway, “Where to?”

“Take a walk, it’s the best season of the year for a hike.”

Zhou Jiao smiled apologetically at his reminder. She pleaded during the Qingming season for him to take her up the mountains for photographs in the golden autumn.

He remembered, but she forgot.

“I’ve been too busy lately, neglected you. Bro, just the two of us this time.”

“Okay. I’ll carry you up the mountain.”

Zhou Jiao laughed and nodded. Actually carrying her up is impossible, but occasionally hitching a ride on his back is no problem.

By the weekend, Zhaojin Xiangshan in late autumn, with layers of vibrant foliage, footsteps drifting over the soft bed of fallen leaves, breathing in the fresh air, it’s simply rejuvenating, breathtakingly beautiful.

Looking at his beautiful wife smiling radiantly beside him, Zhang Guoqing seized the chance to muse aloud.

“Do you like it? I’m sorry I don’t have more time to spend with you outdoors. Sometimes I wonder why people focus so much on striving, only to miss the beautiful scenery along the way?”

A wind blew, Zhang Guoqing plucked a leaf off her shoulder, “Like this maple leaf, no matter how beautiful and vibrant, it still reaches its end when the time comes.”

“That’s the way it is in life too.”

“Stay positive.” Is his wife pessimistic, or is he not articulate enough? “People are indeed different from leaves; leaves witness the mountains and waters from the start, but what about us?”

Zhang Guoqing held her hand and placed it in his pocket, “Busy! When young, occupied with having children, once they grow up, busy with work, finally settled, yet still busy.

I often miss those few early years when Daqing Mountain was our paradise, and that little yard was our home, lining up after receiving a paycheck, drinking with friends when idle.

Simple yet delightful, and coming here made things more complicated; year after year, telling myself the next phase will be free, but the result is still busy…”

“Feeling stressed?”

Zhang Guoqing shook his head, “I’m alright, just you. Wife, ‘strive’, this word doesn’t suit your life rhythm; as long as I’m here, there’s no need to rush, we’re almost fifty, enjoy life well, the remaining time should be composed, leisurely.”

Zhou Jiao chuckled at him. Can she say she’s not exhausted, can she say her current life state is quite good?

Yet she really couldn’t, this man still inherently has a macho attitude, still wants her to focus on him, less energy on work, more concern about him.

In this regard, she indeed needs to reflect.

In a home, if husband and wife both strive ambitiously, inevitably he gets neglected. Though an aunt can cook, and there’s a light waiting for him when returning late.

But in both his and her heart, truly feeling loved is when someone waits at home, that’s the real home, the most heartwarming and anticipated one.

“I was rushing a bit, thankfully you remind me. Bro, I won’t work overtime anymore. When we’re free on weekends, we’ll take a walk, just the two of us.”

“Not accompanying your daughter-in-law?”

This complaint-filled tone made Zhou Jiao laugh instantly, “No, they’re just accompanying mom. Once dad has time, we’ll go out as a family.”

Zhang Guoqing glanced at her sideways: he wants time for two, why pretend to be oblivious?

“Have you considered this role? As a mother-in-law, can’t you try spending less time with the daughters-in-law? All your limited time is occupied by those two girls.”

Zhou Jiao blinked, indeed he has a point.

Several weekends, it’s either her parents around or those two girls staying by her side, but what can she do? For family harmony and to benefit their two sons, she must take the chance to give the kids some guidance, so when they enter the family, she can slowly step away from household chores, right?

“Hmph, wishful thinking! With your mindset, you’ll struggle to let go of the sons, and eventually, the grandkids too; add work, I’ll be abandoned by you sooner or later.”

Zhou Jiao struggled to suppress a smile, “No, you’ll always be number one in my heart.”

Zhang Guoqing raised an eyebrow, “Is that even worth mentioning? Who else can accompany you for a lifetime? But remember, what did you say to mom?”

Zhou Jiao rolled her eyes, she said a lot to her mother-in-law?

“I knew you’d forget.” Zhang Guoqing stopped walking, glanced at her, “Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes. This time, it’s not just about saying it casually.”

Zhou Jiao pulled him along, continuing forward, laughing, “Okay, I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Did you notice the difference between our two cousins? One conveniently left the youngest in Beijing, the other, like a caretaker, constantly worries the daughter-in-law can’t take care of the grandchildren.

Just observe whose children are most capable? Even Aunt would praise the older aunt if she were alive; protecting little chicks under your wings, can they succeed?”

Zhang Guoqing said, squeezing her hand lightly, “That’s how we’ll be too, just watch and observe. The more you manage, the more entangled you’ll become.”

Zhou Jiao agreed temporarily. Because, yeah, she intends to see him get slapped in the face when that time comes!

Pity she didn’t record this as evidence just now!