Chapter 1322 - 1194: Northeast Hometown 1

Chapter 1322: Chapter 1194: Northeast Hometown 1

The scorching summer, Zhang the Second received a call from Zhang Guoqing and his son a thousand miles away, and upon learning that his little nephew was going abroad to study, he was so happy that he couldn’t stop smiling.

As soon as he arrived at the unit’s dormitory building, he greeted Lin Juhua, and didn’t even bother to have dinner first before hurrying overnight to the county town.

When Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang heard the news, their feelings were a mix of surprise and delight.

The surprise was that their grandson, barely 20 years old, was going abroad alone. Could he manage it? It’s such a long way; when would he arrive?

The delight was from understanding how much of an honor studying abroad is; just look at how envious people from the provincial city are whenever someone mentions going overseas...

Times have truly changed.

In past years, having overseas connections was a disaster.

"Dad, Xiao Wu originally planned to come back for May 1st, but heard that the child still needs to prepare some documents, so he can’t return for a while. He wants you and Mom to go over and stay for a bit."

Mr. Zhang nodded repeatedly, "Definitely, we can’t delay the child’s important matters; it’s best for me and your mom to go. Plus, it’ll be good to see your brother’s family."

"Child’s father, shall I pack our things?"

Mr. Zhang waved his hand, "No rush, first prepare something for the child to eat. He’s certainly come back straight after work. We’ll stay here tonight and leave tomorrow morning."

Mother Zhang promptly patted her clothes and walked out, saying, "You two stay here, I’ll be quick."

"Mom, just keep it simple." Zhang the Second pulled his father to sit on the kang, "Dad, excited, right? This is the first in our family, wait, no, the first in the whole county."

"Hahaha..." Mr. Zhang slapped his thigh, "Will we make tomorrow’s bus? Your mom and I need to get there early to spend more time with the child."

"The day after tomorrow, Xiao Wu has already arranged it so you and Mom don’t have to sit all the way to Beijing." Zhang the Second thought for a moment, "Should we have Juhua accompany you?"

"No need! We’ve been on that bus so many times; we know the people on it." Mr. Zhang paused, then continued, "How’s your wife doing with her cooking lessons?"

Zhang the Second chuckled, "She’s getting there; the youngest loves having her cook now that he’s home for the holidays. Mai Qing also wants to learn, always saying she isn’t cut out for studying. I’m debating whether to let her."

Speaking of this granddaughter, Mr. Zhang felt a bit troubled too. It’s not that she can’t study; the child is just focused on quickly making money as a go-between.

The other three children in Zhang the Second’s family could all get into university, so why can’t she?

"Make her focus on studying. Look at Shi Tou; he graduated and got a job with the petroleum bureau. Mai Sui is at Beijing’s central hospital, such good opportunities! Let her study; even if she can’t get into university, at least having a high school diploma will make it easier to find a job."

"Alright."

"I’m not worried about you and Xiao Wu."

Zhang the Second’s eyes flickered, then he smiled, "Dad, my big brother doesn’t need worry either. He’s holding his own in that situation, and Xi Zi and his job are going well, nothing for you to fret over."

"I’m not worried about him; he’s over fifty now, what’s there to worry about?"

Zhang the Second just smiled noncommittally and changed the subject, "I rushed back and haven’t had a chance to say a word to my brother yet, but I’ve sent Juhua over to his house."

"That’s alright then!" Mr. Zhang instinctively picked up his long pipe and tapped it, "Should you sell your courtyard?"

The courtyard Mr. Zhang mentioned was the one Zhang the Second had in the county town; given its good location, many had been asking about it lately.

"What do you think is best?"

"I’d say sell it! We have a courtyard in the village, the dorm room in the provincial city is too small; it’s better to pool some money to buy a courtyard for Little Tao too."

"Dad, Beijing’s courtyard prices have gone up again."

"That’s why I told you to prepare early. When Little Tao graduates, he’ll probably work in Beijing like Shi Tou; you got his brother a place, so you need to be fair."

Zhang the Second glanced outside, then lowered his voice, "Dad, even if I don’t sell here, the money is enough."

Mr. Zhang squinted his aging eyes knowingly and quietly asked, "Shi Tou gave you all he earned?"

"Yes, May 1st helped him earn quite a lot, and he gave it all to me."

"And his wife didn’t mind?"

"No, that girl we raised is good. She said May was for my sake, so the money should be handed over."

"Hehe..." Mr. Zhang murmured approvingly, "That girl..."

"I won’t let Shi Tou and his family lose out. I already told Little Tao that his big brother is helping him find a courtyard now. I haven’t hidden the family finances from him."

"Mai Sui hasn’t mistreated her siblings; remember to mention that."

"I understand. I’ve also said that her dowry will be generously provided in the future."

"How’s the male classmate she spoke about last time? He’s graduating this year; if it’s suitable, we should proceed quickly."

"I was about to bring that up. The eldest wants to introduce him to me at New Year’s, but I checked with Shi Tou and the others, and they all say he’s a good guy."

"That’s good." Mr. Zhang wrapped up the topic, then switched subjects.

Zhang the Second quietly listened to his father talk about the small matters in the village and county, occasionally responding. He understood somewhat that the old man was lonely.

Once his father was done and visibly tired, Zhang the Second pressed once more, "Dad, you and Mom should move to the provincial city; I’m very busy with work now and sometimes can’t come home to see you on weekends."

"I’m not used to it."

"How could you not be? The courtyard Xiao Wu bought is in a great spot, close to Uncle Dashan’s house and Uncle Chen’s house, just five minutes away, and there’s a big cinema right after you step out, the park’s nearby too."

Mr. Zhang hesitated but shook his head, "No, here I can go to the village whenever I want, go to your place easily too. If I’m in the provincial city, if your uncle has something to discuss, he’ll have to wait until the next day."

"What business would they have with you? If they miss their old pals, can’t they stay there for a few days?"

"You wouldn’t understand."

Mr. Zhang didn’t want to admit another reason for staying was because all his belongings were in the basement. Besides, if he went to the provincial city, his old friends would be at work, what fun would he have?

"Alright then, let’s talk later." Zhang the Second sighed quietly in resignation, "How long are you planning to stay on this trip? From the look of it, Xiao Wu and Jiao Jiao don’t want you to come back."

Mr. Zhang immediately laughed, "Don’t listen to him. Your mom and I stay there, then what about home? He thinks one thing one moment, another the next; ignore him."

He had written recently suggesting hiring someone to take care of him and your mom. We’re not incapable; why hire a housekeeper? Seems that silly boy has a bit of money on hand and is starting his antics again."

"I think hiring help is good; when the weather turns cold and we’re not around, what if Mom falls on her way out? We brothers don’t lack a little money, why not split the cost?"

Mr. Zhang glared upon hearing that, "Don’t be absurd."