Free Web NovelChapter 1099: Chapter 972: Discussion
Thousands of miles away, Zhang Guoqing knew nothing of what was happening at Old Zhang’s family; even if he knew, it wouldn’t make a difference. His parents, sure, but how can he take care of his distant nephew as well?
Since that summer, he’s realized that his long-desired family bond couldn’t withstand the test of time and space, so he let go of his concerns.
He sees himself as a common man, putting his wife first, but his three sons are his lifeline. Now, when his life is at a successful stage, his sons can’t reciprocate with genuine sincerity.
What happens if things decline?
Whether it’s their sense of entitlement to his sacrifices, or other reasons...
It’s no longer important.
In the end, he’s repaid what he owes, supporting his parents through their elder years; they’re so far away, who will know to be grateful in the future, who even cares.
What he cares about most now is the impending final wave of madness; he understands better that the darkness before dawn is the hardest to bear—and one misstep could lead to Hell.
"They recommended you this time, how are you considering it?"
Since returning from a foreign hillside along with the old chief, Zhou Xiaozheng now sits upright at the desk in the study.
When one dies, everything is over, but there’s another outcome.
Pull out the carrot, and there are many holes, and now there’s a vacancy waiting for people to fill.
Zhang Guoqing smiled bitterly and shook his head, "I’ll stick to the routine, why are these old guys targeting me?" As he said it, he found himself ridiculous.
Now, except for his father-in-law who doesn’t want to go further, whether they want to bring him aboard or build connections, isn’t he the best candidate?
"Dad, help me push it off. I still find more interest in being a deputy; even if given a higher position, the salary remains the same, it’s pointless. The higher I rise, the more I’m afraid of falling."
Zhang Guoqing isn’t worried about leapfrogging roles, but he has to consider some issues.
These years, not only people are in chaos, but ranks are too, completely disregarding "promotion by seniority"; leaping promotions have become common.
However, there’s a saying: what should be repaid, must be repaid.
Now that salaries are frozen, promotions aren’t linked to salaries. Many go up and come down quickly; some go back to their original roles. Some return without even a position, left idle. If they get involved in anything, they’re removed and quarantined for investigation, even their lives aren’t safe. Wait a few more years, the situation stabilizes, another round of changes.
Knowing this, why bother with the upheaval? Even if he has his father-in-law as a mountain behind him, he doesn’t want to leave his father-in-law indebted; he’s just over thirty, what’s the rush?
Zhou Xiaozheng knocked on the table, "Really not tempted?"
Zhang Guoqing decisively shook his head. It’s obvious, if he wanted to rise, he would have flown freely with those brothers years ago.
Zhou Xiaozheng chuckled looking at him. Though he knew this would be the answer, he’s still pleased: being able to stay grounded is the biggest advantage.
With this kid’s aptitude and intelligence, rising doesn’t need leapfrogging. Others might not know, but he does. Started as a lone ranger making consecutive achievements, quietly climbed from lieutenant to major; if the years hadn’t been chaotic, reaching colonel wasn’t impossible.
Sure, there’s a bit of face-saving involved, at least no one dared to claim credit falsely, but it’s all due to this kid’s truly remarkable abilities. Nowadays, ranks are disregarded, but that’s the essence.
Zhou Xiaozheng pondered, nodded slightly, "Deputy position should evolve."
"Alright." Zhang Guoqing understands what that means, just unsure where his old superior will be reassigned. However, promotion is certain; with his father-in-law’s tactics, he won’t leave the impression of crowding out colleagues.
"Being a head is quite busy." Zhou Xiaozheng frowned, "Can’t avoid frequent meetings visiting grass-roots, making Jiao Jiao even more burdened."
Zhang Guoqing speechlessly glanced at him, secretly wondering: Now you realize? Otherwise, why have I been idling at the deputy head position for the past two years?
The constantly silent three brothers glanced at each other, finally having an opportunity to speak.
Ping’an stood up, "Grandpa, I’m already fourteen this year."
Zhou Xiaozheng looked at him for a while, nodded solemnly, "Hmm, if your dad and I went out and neither are home, you could hold down the fort."
With Liu Yi and May 1st immediately standing up, "We’re not young either."
Zhou Xiaozheng looked at them with their tense faces, broke into a laugh, nodding repeatedly, "Indeed not young, your dad at your age could already support his Old Zhang family’s household."
The brothers happily high-fived in celebration, looking at Ping’an.
Ping’an smilingly nodded.
The study’s atmosphere was stirred into a riot by them; how could there be any solemnity from the previous serious conversation?
Outside, in the living room, Miao Lishan glanced at Jiao Jiao, pointing at the study’s door, "What do you think your dad and they are discussing? There was no movement just now, but now they’re laughing. Men going into the study, what a nasty habit."
Jiao Jiao chuckled, following her mother’s finger to look towards the study, "Probably discussing the men’s little secrets. Mom, what color do you want for your sweater?"
"Forget it, too tiring. I have enough sweaters."
Jiao Jiao laughed looking at her, "Don’t worry, this year I’m handing everything to Aunt Chen and her old friends. I’ve checked the samples; they knit pretty well. The labor cost for a sweater is only fifty cents."
"Finally figured it out? I said earlier, spending a little money is better than suffering. You stubbornly said being known by outsiders wouldn’t look good."
Could Jiao Jiao say if it weren’t people trusted by Aunt Chen, she would still do it herself? Although many busy people in the Big Courtyard hand over to outsiders for processing, it’s still best to be cautious.
"My and dad’s old sweaters and trousers don’t need to be unraveled, you made them with your own hands."
Jiao Jiao was embarrassed, is this plan to keep as a family heirloom?
"Do you have enough tickets?"
Jiao Jiao nodded. She doesn’t lack yarn, "I’ve prepared for my in-laws too."
"Then I want a maroon sweater." Miao Lishan thought for a moment and added, "Your dad’s doesn’t need outsiders to handle, I’ll do it slowly."
Jiao Jiao stifled her laughter, nodding repeatedly. But it’s understandable; she herself didn’t plan to have outsiders knit sweaters for Zhang Guoqing and her dad. Only, is her mom sure her dad can wear the sweater this year?
"Make several sets for the three kids; they grow fast, and the old ones seem almost short now."
Jiao Jiao looked at her speechlessly. In ordinary families, having a sweater is already a blessing—does she think everyone has no worries about food and clothing? Spoiling children doesn’t work like this.
"Especially our Ping’an, make more sweaters for him. When the weather turns cold, let him wear a new military uniform outside, and let the three generations roam the city and outskirts, hahaha..."
Jiao Jiao laughed and shook her head. Her mom doesn’t fear escalating matters; recently, enough people have been asking for matches, she’s practically fatigued from all the socializing.
Especially certain individuals, behaving even more oblivious than Yi Shumin; thinking of this, Jiao Jiao’s gaze sank. Maybe it’s time to guide the kids on avoiding girls.
