Chapter 1294 - 1166: If I Say So, Then It Is

Chapter 1294: Chapter 1166: If I Say So, Then It Is

The winter sun shone on Mr. Zhang, making him drowsy, as he was used to taking afternoon naps. Soon, he began to snore lightly.

Seeing this, Zhang Guoqing chuckled. Just a moment ago, his father was still looking toward the direction of Daqing Mountain, worried about his grandchildren’s safety, and now he was asleep.

He then sighed silently; time waits for no one, and his father was truly getting old.

Zhang Guoqing, lost in thought as he stared at his father’s face, soon heard a commotion in the backyard. He quietly stood up, silently thinking that his wife wouldn’t let him have peace of mind.

——She was just chatting with his mother in the living room, why did she run to the backyard?

Zhou Jiao was about to ask him to come over to handle the wild game. Seeing him appear, she was overjoyed, raising her hands like a beckoning cat and waving at him.

Zhang Guoqing was amused by her gesture and quickly ran to her, "Missing your man that much?"

"Such cheek!" Zhou Jiao cast him a sidelong glance, nudged her chin toward the back, "Look, isn’t my son impressive? In less than half a day he brought back so much game and said there’s more out there."

Zhang Guoqing chuckled and patted the hat on her head, "Yes, yes, your son is indeed impressive! Why didn’t they call me over to help?"

Zhou Jiao shrugged, "As soon as they put down the stuff, they ran off, saying Ping’an is still waiting over there. Don’t worry, if nothing else, our silly sons have plenty of strength."

Zhang Guoqing dared not agree with this. It wasn’t wise to provoke a protective mother.

He squatted down, checked each piece of game for fatal spots, then nodded with satisfaction, "Not bad, the kids have truly mastered the skill."

Zhou Jiao smiled, squatting beside him, "I think I’ve heard you say that several times."

"Wife, give me the tools first; before they freeze into ice blocks, they’d better be dealt with quickly." Zhang Guoqing glanced around and pointed to the spot in front of him, "You might not understand this, but it’s another affirmation for the kids. With their hunting skills, they won’t have to worry about going hungry in the future."

"Once animal protection laws come out, this skill won’t be much use." Zhou Jiao took out a set of "slaughter" tools, "Should I go boil some hot water?"

How can it be useless?

As long as his son remains a soldier, it’s still quite practical. But Zhang Guoqing dared not voice this to scare his wife; of course, she couldn’t possibly not think of it.

But it’s the holidays, best not to bring up these topics.

Zhang Guoqing followed her words, smiling as he replied, "No need, I’ll deal with what I can first, and use hot water for the rest later."

"Okay." Zhou Jiao rolled her eyes and squatted there with him for a while, then left while his attention was focused on cleaning the game.

She knew Zhang Guoqing cared for her, but who was Zhou Jiao? An unquestionable tough woman! Moving a pot onto the existing rack was simple.

Luckily she didn’t say it out loud, otherwise, it’d be embarrassing. People like Lin Juhua would laugh till they cried.

Zhou Jiao looked at the two stoves in the kitchen, one was radiated by the heat from its "brother" beside it, making it too hot; what to do about it?

Standing there, Zhou Jiao frowned slightly, should she simply take out a pot from the space, claiming it was just bought this morning? But Xiao Liu, the witness, was present!

"Tough woman" Zhou Jiao wandered back to the backyard, at the makeshift stove, discreetly moved a pot onto it and added water.

"Bro, this pot was brought back by the kids!"

Zhang Guoqing was amused at her sudden comment, looking where her gaze directed, he burst into laughter. So this was the origin of the so-called scapegoat!

"Why laugh? If I said it, it’s true." Zhou Jiao glared at him in annoyance, "Remember?"

Zhang Guoqing hastily nodded repeatedly, "Alright, if you say it’s the sons’ pot, then it must be their pot. Hahaha... my precious wife..."

Zhou Jiao glared at him and joined in the laughter. There were plenty of excuses; dealing with her mother-in-law was no problem.

As for outsiders?

Must she explain to anyone?

With a big pot, once the hot water was ready, Zhang Guoqing handled the boar and other game quickly. By the time Ping’an and Liu Yi returned with more game, the work was nearly complete.

Zhang Guoqing could hardly bother complaining that he was becoming a specialized butcher, "Kids, don’t hunt them to extinction; at least let them celebrate the New Year too."

Ping’an put down the things and nodded happily, "Dad, leave it to me, you and Mom go rest first."

"Never mind, your father’s only use now is this." Though Zhang Guoqing said so, he couldn’t bear to let his son work hard, "Come back quickly for dinner."

No one knew better than him how miserable it was to bite on hard dry food on the mountain in the cold weather.

"Alright. Our trio cooked soup at the log cabin for lunch. No more talking; Liu Yi and I need to hurry back, Wu is waiting there."

"Be careful."

"Okay."

Once Ping’an finished speaking, Liu Yi quickly asked, "Dad, there’s another wild boar and two roe deer over there. Should we leave half for the village?"

Zhang Guoqing laughed casually, "Just do what you feel is right. I’ll go to the mountain pass to meet you later and make sure nothing gets exposed."

"Got it. See you in half an hour." Liu Yi, hearing this, happily waved at Zhou Jiao, pulled Ping’an along, and left through the back door.

After they left, Zhang Guoqing made a round through the area, inspecting for any unusual signs. He promptly made Zhou Jiao store away things in the space.

He didn’t leave much behind. If anyone found out his three sons could gather so much from the mountain in less than a day.

The result would either be working for others or drawing hatred.

When it involves his sons, he has to act cautiously.

After cleaning, Zhang Guoqing swept away the traces on the snow-covered ground and extended a hand to Zhou Jiao: "Come, I’ll take you to enjoy the northern scenery."

Zhou Jiao smiled widely at him, reaching out to place her hand on his.

"After the New Year, I’ll take you to the hot springs."

"You just arrange it."

"So obedient."

After a quick freshening up, the couple didn’t disturb the sleeping Father Zhang or Mother Zhang. Xiao Zhu, who went to the provincial city, and Xiao Liu, who went to the county town, should be back soon, and will remind their father sun-bathing to sleep warmly.

Sunbathing, in winter, this scene is common in the countryside.

Using sunbathing to pass the lengthy winter has not only become a lifestyle habit for them, but also a unique countryside scenery.

Stepping out of the courtyard, strolling along the countryside path, one can often see elders in groups of three or five, squatting or sitting under the wall, letting the sun shine entirely on everyone.

They huddle their bodies, occasionally taking a puff from their pipes, chatting about everyday life. Of course, topics naturally include his father’s happy later years.

In essence, happiness depends on how one perceives it.

As Zhang Guoqing saw, these elderly folks, with faces full of peace and tranquility, basking comfortably in the sun’s caress—wasn’t that a form of happiness?