Chapter 1050: Chapter 923: Father and Three Sons
The four of them—father and sons—huddled closely together, affectionately bonding for a long time... Zhou Jiao glanced at Zhang Guoqing, then left the room first, going downstairs to stand guard and tidying up the specialties they brought back.
Upon her departure, not only did Zhang Guoqing understand, but the Ping An Brothers also restrained their mischievous smiles and settled down, waiting silently for their father to get to the point.
As for his three sons, Zhang Guoqing was very satisfied with them. They were perceptive, exceptionally intelligent, and had strong-willed natures. So young and yet they knew to get up early every day to practice martial arts.
With a family such as theirs, it wasn’t impossible for them to turn out spoiled, especially with a grandmother who indulges them and constantly instills them with a refined lifestyle.
Though the children learned many Western etiquettes, they knew how to keep them hidden; could speak several foreign languages, yet never uttered a word outside...
Of course, all of this was due to their inherent good genes and could not be separated from the guidance of parents and elders. He himself was happy to educate his sons, helping them better adapt to society.
May 1st shook his hand with anticipation in his eyes, saying, "Dad, you caught those bad guys, right? My dad is amazing!"
Did he have to sound so certain? How could his small mouth be this articulate? With such praise, could he, as a father, dare to hide the truth?
"How did you guys guess?"
May 1st glanced at his two brothers, then gestured with his thumb towards himself, giggling gleefully.
Liu Yi immediately rolled his eyes at him in disdain, muttering under his breath, "Idiot!" Then, looking at Zhang Guoqing, he asked, confused, "Dad, why didn’t you let those little brats starve for a few days before sending them home?"
Zhang Guoqing felt a thrill in his heart. He hadn’t expected his second son to resemble his wife the most in temperament. He immediately asked without showing any emotion, "Why say that?"
Liu Yi furrowed his brows, "The show of strength wasn’t enough, and the punishment was too light! If those adults caught us brothers, they wouldn’t be so gentle."
For a child of only four or five to say such things, Zhang Guoqing did not comment on whether his thoughts were right or wrong. He looked towards Ping’an, "Why don’t you tell them why Dad acted that way?"
"Firstly, we didn’t have enough time—don’t forget this was a secret operation. Secondly, Dad went to a place that isn’t easily accessible from the city. Thirdly, this is the most crucial point: unless you can eliminate the issue entirely, any warning can only serve as a warning without causing casualties."
"Although Dad took action, there’s no evidence to catch him, but those bad guys tied up in the square should be able to guess it was our family who struck.
The masters behind those bad guys will undoubtedly notice, like chess opponents knowing each other’s moves without acknowledgment. Dad’s maneuver was to inform the other side.
Whatever they plan to do, I know. If they reach out, they should be prepared to face consequences, but if I don’t expose them, it doesn’t mean I’m incapable. Look at how your kids can also fall into my hands."
Zhang Guoqing nodded upon hearing this, smiling at his three children. "That’s pretty much what your eldest brother meant. I’m openly telling them they can play their games, as long as they’re careful not to target our family, everything can be discussed."
Seeing his second son still looking displeased, he laughed and continued, "Liu Yi, if Dad really lets those children get hurt, it means tearing their faces, setting up to fight to the end. Killing a few of their dogs wouldn’t be a concern, but if it escalates, think about whether our family would get involved in it?"
"Dad, are you just going to let those people off?"
"Let them off? How is that possible! Whether or not they came up with the idea, the feud is noted! Now is a time when they’re thriving; we need to avoid confronting them head-on to preserve our strength. Wait for it, when the time is right, action can be taken naturally."
Liu Yi nodded sternly, "A gentleman waits ten years for revenge. When we grow up, you and Granddad won’t have to worry about not having anyone to support."
Zhang Guoqing’s lips twitched at his words, momentarily speechless. Should he agree with his son’s prophecy, or worry about his son looking down on his abilities?
Ping’an reminded from the side, "When you see those people, act friendly, don’t let anything slip. Especially you, Liu Yi, keep your thoughts to yourself."
"Big Brother?"
Seeing his brother’s dissatisfaction, Ping’an laughed disinterestedly, "I know you guys are smart, but that doesn’t mean you can be careless. Check the pendants Mom gave you every day before going out, don’t assume you’re safe in the Big Courtyard."
Zhang Guoqing saw the twins lower their heads to look at the pendants on their necks and laughed silently, patting his eldest son’s head. Truly has the demeanor of a firstborn, he had no worries about his children’s future.
May 1st saw his father smiling and winked at his brothers, then tilted his head onto Zhang Guoqing’s arm, "Dad, I admire you the most. When the uncles were talking about those things, how could you not even change your expression?"
Zhang Guoqing laughed and patted his small head, "Little rascal, if your father couldn’t handle this bit of disguise, how could he venture through the underworld?"
"A good buddy should be upfront, right? If you keep this up, you’ll have no friends."
"I treat my friends pretty well, didn’t you see me bleeding to entertain? By the way, do your buddies know you’ve hidden a box full of snacks?"
The three brothers, seeing him pretend disdainfully, couldn’t help but giggle, exchanging glances before suddenly rushing to him, tickling, pinching noses, they messed about into a chaotic heap.
Downstairs, Zhou Jiao heard the unrestrained laughter and Zhang Guoqing’s loud pleas for mercy, smiled and shook her head, then walked out of the living room towards the front door.
Her man really was a big kid!
Under the night sky, besides the distant footsteps of the patrol team, the Big Courtyard was peaceful. Looking at the glowing lights of the nearby courtyards, she anxiously wished her parents would return soon. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
The trouble targeted at her family had temporarily concluded; how many challenges lay ahead, Zhou Jiao didn’t know, but she had never so urgently hoped to leave.
Tonight was the time to inform her mom about Lin Dinghui’s covert assistance. She didn’t want her mom to negotiate with the Lin Family too much, but out of respect, she didn’t want to hide it.
"Mom, you’re back? Why is it so late?"
"I went out for a bit." Miao Lishan, tired, broke into a smile seeing her daughter under the streetlight, "Why are you waiting outside? Is your dad not home yet?"
"Mom, it’s not like that. I’m specifically waiting for you. Dad won’t be home before nine." Zhou Jiao took her bag, wrapped her arm around her, and walked home.
"Alright, alright, mommy wronged you."
"Mom, are you very busy lately?"
"Not really, it’s just that there are more people coming down for guidance from above."
Zhou Jiao nodded understandingly, "Then be careful."
The mother and daughter both knew the implication of these words. Some words, some matters are not to be discussed too much outside. Miao Lishan smiled and patted her arm.
Work, isn’t it always like this, just follow instructions from above, if someone enjoys picking faults, let them do it; she’s not any Tom, Dick, or Harry. If those people want to mess with her, they’ll have to see if her family agrees!