Chapter 1228 - 1101: Father and Son

Chapter 1228: Chapter 1101: Father and Son

Zhang Guoqing chuckled to himself. He knew the kids would be unaccustomed, and Zhou Jiao probably saw it too, but she didn’t say anything, pretending to visit the children on other pretexts.

"Every morning, the cafeteria serves only steamed buns, pickles, and corn porridge. As for lunch and dinner, they call it meat dishes, but the meat is so sparse you can count the slices. You wouldn’t believe how plentiful Commander Tang’s soup is; I’m afraid to be too conspicuous. My brother says even our dog, Hu Niu, lives better than us."

Zhang Guoqing burst into laughter when he heard that. His dog’s living standards were top-notch.

"You wouldn’t be silly enough not to try the small eateries outside, would you? I remember there was a high-priced restaurant near the old united cafeteria. Don’t know if it’s still there after so many years?"

May 1st laughed, "We’ve been there; a group of us have been visiting once a week, planning to try every restaurant within two stops nearby."

"Alright, if you’re short on money or tickets, let me know."

"No need. Apart from buying books, I don’t spend much. Plus, with everyone pooling together, we don’t lack resources. If I act too generously, it might disrupt the team’s harmony."

"Son, are you sure you’re not being stingy?"

"No, those guys hoping for my mom to visit at intervals. You should persuade her not to come. Not only is she tired, but I’m also worried about her safety."

"Okay, I’ll accompany her from now on." Zhang Guoqing then asked, "Have you seen Shi Tou and the others recently? Wonder if they’ve found a house yet?"

"There are many school activities, so I can’t visit frequently. But I did go before going home last weekend. They seem pretty busy.

Sister Mai Sui says her foundation is weak, and she’s trying hard to catch up. Looks like she’s quite dedicated; she’s holed up in the library every time I visit university.

As for Brother Shi Tou and his wife, they needed to visit the Zuo Family that day. By the way, I’m talking about Grandpa Zuo’s place; he’s back now. Did Mom tell you?"

Zhang Guoqing nodded when he heard that.

"It’s not easy to find a standalone courtyard. In the university, except for esteemed old professors, many teachers live in apartments. But I asked around; I can see if I can find someone to inquire about a courtyard?

Though, they seem not in a rush to buy a house now, saying they’ll look if needed later. I gather the wife intends to discuss with Grandpa Zuo, so I said nothing more."

Zhang Guoqing smiled approvingly, "That’s wise; the Zuo Family is her maternal home. It’s best not to involve oneself when in-laws are concerned—I’ll mention it briefly to your second uncle in my reply."

"That’s my thought too, considering she’s our cousin’s wife, albeit distantly related."

From May 1st’s perspective, Brother Shi Tou needn’t bother with this. The money’s from his second uncle’s family; why involve the Zuo Family? Zuo Lin just transferred over, and it’s not like he can perform miracles.

But each person has their own way of life, so it’s not his place to comment.

If it were him, he wouldn’t care if the courtyard was run-down or if the location was slightly off—he’d just buy it first, then decide whether to rent or not.

With the commotion over the past decade or so, well-preserved courtyards are becoming scarce. Like antiques, prices are set to rise in the era of prosperity and peace.

No, you don’t even need prosperity; the prices have already gone up considerably.

Too many people are flocking to Beijing.

As father and son walked along, Zhang Guoqing attentively monitored his surroundings, his hearing easily picking up discussions from various corners.

From what he gathered, there seemed to be a clash between senior worker-peasant-soldier students from before and the first batch of students after the resumption of the college entrance exam in the small Yan Garden.

Though they were engaging in verbal battles, they seemed to be having a good time.

This suggests that the sharp clashes between those holding to the legacy of big-character posters and struggle sessions and the new students can actually be managed.

Regarding this issue, Zhang Guoqing quietly advised his son to maintain peace, being cautious not to become a scapegoat.

Despite being confident in the intelligence of his three sons, the father always worried about the impulsiveness of young blood.

May 1st winked in acknowledgment.

After discussing these topics, Zhang Guoqing inevitably brought up the issue of romantic conduct.

May 1st was not yet an adult, but given his family’s favorable conditions, his tall and handsome appearance, Zhang Guoqing worried about unwanted attention.

"Don’t mind that your mom and I got married at seventeen or eighteen. We had reasons—she was under difficult circumstances, and we were childhood friends; she was always meant to be my wife."

"You, like your elder brother, mustn’t think about finding a partner before you’re twenty-five. After graduating from college, feel free to have fun with life, and no one will object."

This statement carries a trendy message, and of course, serves as a reminder.

Zhang Guoqing doesn’t mind if his son becomes a dragon or phoenix, but if he wants to get involved in romance, the bottom line is after college graduation. At that point, as long as the girl is willing, he can do whatever he wants.

Not many can remain faithful to marriage throughout their lives, especially impulsive young men. But once married, there’s no room for divided loyalties.

At this point, May 1st nodded seriously, "Dad, relax. I plan on pursuing a career in politics, and I’ll never leave room for scandal over conduct."

Got it!

His silly son hasn’t been swayed by his friends, not grasping the deeper meaning behind the words, which is just fine. May have inherited his good genes; Zhang Guoqing felt secretly pleased.

At sixteen, do you understand such things?

What a joke!

After walking around, Zhang Guoqing largely understood his three sons’ situations, feeling much relieved, so he offered a few more words of advice before departing.

"Zhou, was that uncle just now?"

A somewhat familiar voice rang in his ear, feigned with sweetness, reminiscent of a young nightingale freshly out of the nest, filled with rawness.

Who is this person?

Although May 1st didn’t pay much attention to campus beauties or talents, given his memory and the person’s persistent attempts to meet him by chance.

He knew who she was.

Apparently, she’s some talented girl from the Chinese department.

Bah!

He felt embarrassed for her.

His mother and Aunt Lu, the two Beijing jewels, would never arrogantly claim to be talented, yet someone has the cheek to wear such a hat proudly.

What a big white lotus flower!

Ping’an glanced around—good, people were fairly distant.

He instantly smirked sarcastically, squinting at her, "Do you know who I am? Since you know, don’t hover near me. Can your background withstand scrutiny?"

May 1st looked at her with her tearful, coy demeanor, shook his head, and walked away. Such a pity, if her eyes weren’t marred by impurities, what a sight they would be.

May 1st knew what he represented; everyone loved power, yet why don’t these women think ahead? Not to mention his status as a young lad, do they even fit the age?

Do they believe there’s no investigation for those who approach him? Do they really think his grandpa would let any random person get close to him?

He’s genuinely a good kid, always giving face to people, smiling all day. But, it’s a shame too many can’t see the reality.