Free Web NovelChapter 1053: Chapter 926: Journey to the North
This matter indeed turned out as Zhou Jiao predicted. On the next day at work, under the expectant gaze of the counterpart, she explained the difficulties, subtly hinting at the harmonious relationship between those units and their department.
Afterwards, she distanced herself from the situation. There was one thing the other party said rightly that day; it all stemmed from the parents’ failure to act. But if the cause is found and still cannot be resolved, then it’s fate!
She didn’t have much interest in observing outsiders battling fate. Shortly thereafter, however, something of interest to her occurred...
As the saying goes, "Minor Heat, Major Heat, steaming above and boiling below," around the "Major Heat" period of July 23 is the hottest time in Beijing, and also when mosquitoes are most rampant. Especially after several consecutive rains, the weather becomes humid and muggy, making mosquitoes even more aggressive.
Meanwhile, her godfather Zhao Chuan Guang came to Beijing for a business trip due to a task. He arrived, busy with reunions with brothers, busy with meetings, and busy returning home...
Similarly, he was busy taking the Ping’an Brothers back to the hometown.
Thus, the long-discussed trip finally took place in the gap between the sons leaving home and the parents going on a business trip, as she joined Zhang Guoqing’s itinerary to embark on a journey north.
This time, the couple didn’t plan to head straight to their hometown; they had money and leisure, and just happened to have a small car that had been idling for a while, so they were excited to tour around en route and happily reunite with their sons who were having fun at their hometown.
The train had only been running for a few hours when they left their traces at a city stop. Was it unfamiliar? They indeed hadn’t visited this place before, but wasn’t this their goal?
Before setting out, Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao laid down three rules— firstly, they wouldn’t play "robbery" this time; wasting time in unfamiliar places wasn’t safe. Secondly, they should mind their own business, focusing primarily on touring while picking up some trash. Lastly, all actions would be decided by him.
Listening to this, she nodded repeatedly in silent agreement, as this was also her concern, just with different subjects. Of course, for the sake of next-time benefits, she would obediently not refute.
Seeing the situation, big cities aren’t easy to navigate!
Seeing this, the couple didn’t linger long in the local area, even buying something required queuing for half a day, so they regrettably headed to a small county below.
But the problem is, you think small counties are easy to navigate? Once strangers appear, enthusiastic locals have already begun to inquire and trace them; if it weren’t for having a military officer’s certificate and letter of introduction, Zhou Xiaozheng might have been required to personally come to pick them up.
This time compared to the nearby big cities, the shopping queue situation was a bit better, allowing them to purchase some local specialties, and meanwhile, the military uniforms were quite welcomed.
Walking and stopping like this, this couple had quite some fun, and even ventured into rural areas, taking a look at those educated youths and cattle-pen prisoners.
All excuses were Zhang Guoqing’s nonsense babbling. Regrettably, for safety, they couldn’t be without outsiders by their side, crushing their plans to offer some charity.
Traveling along, seeing how serious mutual defense among people had become, the couple didn’t wish to dampen their spirits and thus resumed their journey, especially as Zhang Guoqing intended for his girl to happily stroll all the way back home, not to let them be regarded foolishly!
For their second stop, they chose Liu Sanyuan’s hometown. Besides being close to their hometown, the vicinity boasted vast grasslands, and the local households added more benefits.
Having acquaintances indeed eased many matters.
Over the years, Liu Sanyuan corresponded with Zhou Xiaozheng and Zhang Guoqing through letters. Back in ’65, this fellow went to Beijing for a meeting on behalf of his unit and gathered merrily with them.
Upon the couple’s arrival, this foodie spared no expense, eager to meet, and didn’t even attend work, immediately taking them to a restaurant for a feast.
This guy remained lively and hospitable, not forgetting to pat his chest ensuring they would savor delicacies every day for those days. His character was precisely why Zhou Xiaozheng enjoyed maintaining friendship.
Only after Zhang Guoqing repeatedly assured he wouldn’t be courteous did he relieve the warm invitation to stay at his home.
How to say it? From Zhou Jiao’s perspective, strangers being overly enthusiastic made her uneasy, giving her a strong urge to withdraw.
After visiting Liu Sanyuan’s parents and wife the following day, she was the first to propose departing. What is irresistible hospitality; she finally experienced it. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
Leaving this city, Liu Sanyuan’s family’s warmth prompted Zhang Guoqing’s heartfelt remark, also kindling her thoughts. This time, the couple resolutely decided to visit the furthest regiment to see brothers and sisters.
In this world, there are acquaintances met only once, and friends who went wild and played together in youth; neither should be rejected, as each relationship is scarce.
Perhaps one day, one moment, they might vanish into the sea of people. Taking advantage of youth, seizing opportunities, and letting whims guide them, they wished to accumulate more memories.
The train raced rapidly, heading north! Heading north! Continuously heading north! Countless trees and telegraph poles slid by, confronting one unfamiliar station name after another...
The train stopped at a small station beside the national border. The first to welcome them were mosquitoes. Those mosquitoes were large and dark, biting humans like needles, even able to pierce khaki cloth clothing.
They arrived during the wheat harvest season. In the boundless wheat fields, two groups of people were busy, one being the operators of combine harvesters (later, it was learned this was the Russian translation for harvesting machinery).
The other group comprised ordinary farm workers and educated youths, assisting those adept at operating semi-automatic combine harvesters in breaking through harvesting channels.
Upon arrival, the small companions at the field barely managed reunite and hug momentarily before hurriedly diving into farm work to seize the good weather.
It was said the workdays started at 3:30 a.m.; in the evenings, finishing time was unseen, requiring working for 15 or 16 hours under the scorching sun, which suddenly made her regret coming this way.
How would she retell her family what she had seen and heard upon returning? How many mothers like Jin Lijuan awaited at home in this world?
