"No. Co in first." Zhang Guoqing ran into the living room, placed the child on the small bed, and handed him over. "Little brother, watch him. I’ll go move things."
The little one saw Ping’an babbling and waved at him happily. "You go do your thing. Little An’an, your uncle really misses you. You heartless little rascal didn’t even take uncle to play with you."
Zhou Jiao ca in and saw the two talking past each other like a chicken talking to a duck, happily chatting away, making her chuckle.
"Eat sothing to fill your stomach a bit. You can open the stuff later." As soon as Huang Hui Min entered the house, she began to set out breakfast and quickly said this when she saw Zhou Jiao unwrapping packages.
Zhou Jiao replied without lifting her head, "Godmother, you all eat. I’m not hungry."
"If you’re not hungry, drink so porridge. Go wash your hands and have so with us," Huang Hui Min said, and seeing her get up with a smile and run to wash her hands, she happily remarked how well-behaved and obedient her daughter was.
The eldest winked at Zhang Guoqing and quietly said, "Brother-in-law, see how much mom and dad dislike us."
Zhang Guoqing ruffled his hair and laughed, "Brother-in-law cares for you! Eat up, so you can see what fun things I brought you." This ti back, he and Zhou Jiao bought quite a few gifts that the two younger brothers would like.
Zhao Chuan Guang happily watched the kids. He didn’t rush them to the table, and when he saw Zhou Jiao serving porridge to him, he imdiately said, "Jiao Jiao, this ti you must make dumplings for Godfather. Every ti your uncles communicate with , they can’t stop bragging. You must make lots to make them jealous."
"Got it! Godfather, the uncles asked to bring you a ssage, urging you all to quickly co up to Beijing for a gathering. By the way, Uncle Wang said he hasn’t seen you in years and reminded you not to forget what you owe him." Zhou Jiao said with a smile.
"He didn’t tell you what I owe him? That guy still rembers I owe him a al. Sigh... after more than ten years, he’s finally relocated back. Once your dad cos back, the brothers can reunite again. Tonight, your Uncle Madman and the others are inviting you to dinner. Rember to tell them to make them happy."
Huang Hui Min swallowed her bun and continued, "Initially, the four families wanted to invite you separately. I suggested they combine it. Today, a few of your aunts wanted to pick you up, but I told them not to take the day off and co over at noon. If they co early, we mothers won’t have ti to chat."
"Godmother, you really understand us. Combining the four families is a great idea. This period of daily dinners has beco overwhelming for ," Zhang Guoqing quickly said.
"I heard you’ve been quite the sensation at the Beijing Mansion! You must have t many bigwig figures this ti, right?" Zhao Chuan Guang teased with a smile.
Zhang Guoqing pointed upwards and laughed, "I’ve t the top one! Thanks to my dad, I got to know the rest gradually. Godfather, aren’t you considering transferring to Beijing?"
Zhao Chuan Guang smiled and shook his head. He could still make things happen here, but going there would an nothing. Here, he could still stay close to the old place, and a few brothers could complent and support each other.
Zhang Guoqing nodded in understanding, "My dad said you’ve been graciously accommodating." Sotis, no need to say too much; in many ways, it’s indeed appropriate for him to stay here.
Zhao Chuan Guang shook his head with a smile. He inquired about how the couple had been feeling about their ti in Beijing. What were they doing in the South? Upon learning that the Cheng Family truly treated Zhou Xiao with sincerity and cared for the couple, and noticing that Zhang Guoqing did not ntion the Lin Family, he did not probe, assuming that so conversations are best left for private discussions.
"So far, they’ve indeed treated us sincerely. But you should still be cautious; big issues often arise from small oversights. My current concern is that your dad values emotions too much and might beco unsuspecting and fall into a trap."
Zhang Guoqing pointed upwards with a smile and lightly shook his head. His father-in-law told him to reassure Zhao Chuan Guang. He only had one leader, probably anticipating the other’s concern.
Zhao Chuan Guang understood, and his heart was finally at ease. He wasn’t worried about anything else with his Brother Zheng, just concerned that with no close family around, a suddenly appearing aunt might gain all his trust, leading him astray. Those people are sharp as tacks; isn’t everyone calculating in so way?
After breakfast, Zhou Jiao helped Huang Hui Min tidy up, and the two of them held the child and headed to the room for a chat.
In the living room, Zhang Guoqing took out two packages and tossed them to the Zhao family’s two brothers, telling them to check them out in their room. Everyone has their favorites; he couldn’t treat other uncles’ children with the sa equity. Before others arrived, he gave the gifts, knowing these two little rascals were smart enough not to show off.
Zhao Chuan Guang paid no attention to his wife’s laughter or his sons’ cheers from the room. He led Zhang Guoqing into the study.
"Last week, Zhao Dashan ca over and ntioned you should be reporting in these days. Zhao Yuanyuan helped you with the registration and fee at school. What’s your plan next?"
"We’ll go finish the registration first thing tomorrow, sticking to our original plan."
"The day after tomorrow, you two head back. I’ll take you to et so people. Besides that, rember to pay New Year’s visits to a few of your godmother’s uncles. Just get acquainted with them; you don’t need to connect deeply."
Zhang Guoqing nodded with a smile. Both father-in-laws were indeed iron brothers, speaking in exactly the sa manner.
Thinking about Liu Zhang’s status, he finally reminded, "Godfather, Liu Zhang from the Comrce Bureau is not simple. Keep that in mind, don’t let it show."
Zhao Chuan Guang tapped his forehead lightly with a smile, "Did you find out many people’s true colors this ti over? Wait, let show you a booklet."
Zhang Guoqing took the small booklet, glanced through it, and found that he knew most of the people listed. The intermingling relationships seed particularly intricate. A pile of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and so on.
"You didn’t need to know these relationships when you were not working. But now it’s different. Just get a rough idea of them; they’re still small fry and don’t require much effort. Later, when they gather before you, you’ll have an idea," Zhao Chuan Guang instructed, pointing at his own head as a hint.
Zhang Guoqing suddenly recalled the notes several comrades gave him before leaving. He had sorted them on the train, and pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket, he looked for matching points.
"Godfather, these are the contact addresses the big courtyard buddies gave , saying if anything happens, I should seek them out. Help figure out their connections."
After half an hour, the two laughed heartily.
Who would’ve thought? Those few scraps of paper really made an impact. Comparing both sides, it beca clear who was close to whom in secret.
With Zhang Guoqing’s family planning to return to the county the day after next, and with tomorrow’s visit to the Huang Family, ti was tight. Zhao Chuan Guang decided to take the child to visit old friends today.
After finalizing the plan, Zhao Chuan Guang told his wife not to prepare lunch for the two of them, promising to be back before dinner. He and Zhang Guoqing changed clothes and set off to visit friends.
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