After having noodles, we saw off our relatives and friends.
A simple yet lively first birthday celebration quickly came to an end.
In the living room of the Zhang Family Courtyard, at this moment, Zhang Guoqing was holding his son, while Zhou Jiao was recording the gifts received.
"The biggest regret is that Dad didn’t come these two times. Son, remember, you must never become a soldier in the future. It’s fine to play with the wooden gun Grandpa gave, but don’t take it seriously..."
Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but laugh at Zhang Guoqing’s ramblings.
"You really shouldn’t laugh. If Ping’an joins the army in the future, we might not even know how many times we’ll see him in a year. Son, just thinking about it makes Daddy’s heart ache..."
Zhang Guoqing played with his son on the bed, pretending to fall down in anguish.
Which made Zhou Jiao burst out laughing.
Instead of worrying about their son’s future, it would be better to worry about himself first. If it weren’t for her dad’s strong opposition, Zhang Guoqing would have been a soldier brother long ago.
Zhou Jiao shook her head, closed the notebook, and thought of the old man still at the guesthouse, "Grandpa’s sudden visit this time, I bet even my dad didn’t expect it. What do you think we should do?"
"I don’t know. I can’t bring myself to be harsh when looking at his face."
"Godfather isn’t being loyal, just sneaking away like that. Tomorrow I don’t want to accompany Grandpa and them to the provincial city."
Zhang Guoqing frowned and thought carefully.
After a while, he shook his head, "We really ought to go and take a look tomorrow. I suspect that Grandpa’s biggest purpose in coming this time is still planning to see an old friend."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiao immediately sat up straight and said solemnly, "Who else does he want to transfer? It’s not possible with Lin Aiguo! Someone from the Lin Family must stay in Beijing, and he is the most suitable candidate. Lin Aidang just transferred, so it’s not possible either. Then it only leaves the two grandsons—Brother Li Sheng. Do you think it’s necessary?"
Zhang Guoqing said in a low voice, "It’s very necessary. Lin Dingsheng’s training quota suddenly disappeared, his dad got transferred, and his mom has a blemish. Do you think he really plans to rely on his own little skills?"
Zhou Jiao shook her head. No matter how much Lin Dingsheng is cultivated, he can’t compare to Xiao Zhou, let alone be mentioned in the same breath as outstanding high-ranking officials like Fang Fei.
It’s not that she looks down on Lin Dingsheng. As someone Mr. Lin regards as a successor, Lin Dingsheng lacks the courage of a leader and the responsibilities a man should have.
When the Lin Family had issues, both of Lin Xuezhen’s sisters knew to send letters of apology to ease the relationship between the two families. But Zhou Xiaozheng and herself had never seen a word from Lin Dingsheng."
What skills does Lin Dingsheng have? On the day he dared to change the concept in front of her dad and switch the topic to borrowing and repaying money, she already no longer thought highly of that so-called excellent child."
The more Zhang Guoqing thought about it, the more he was sure of Mr. Lin’s intentions. Otherwise, why stay in the provincial city after everyone returns to Beijing the day after tomorrow? And why have Zhou Jiao accompany him?
Lin Xinsheng’s grandson, Zhou Xiaozheng’s nephew—Lin Dingsheng?
The couple exchanged a glance, realizing this identity indeed had the capital to take shortcuts in the Northeast Military District.
"Perhaps when we were in Beijing last year, the old man already had plans for the two families to push Lin Dingsheng up. Otherwise, when the elders in the Big Courtyard were pushing me to join the army, he wouldn’t have mentioned anything in front of me. If I’m not a soldier, then who benefits from Dad’s resources? It’s just that he didn’t expect the family enmity to deepen so much at the time.
Currently, Lin Dingsheng returning to Beijing is not suitable, and even Mr. Lin can’t influence Dad, so the best way is to transfer Lin Dingsheng to this military district.
He figured that no matter how many rumors there are outside, as long as Mom is in the Zhou Family for a day, outsiders will think differently. Also, he figured this opportunity and our character. This time for our son’s birthday, he just happened to make you accompany him to the provincial city. You can’t refuse him, can you?"
"Come in quickly. I was just about to find you to discuss something." Lin Lishan opened the door, and upon seeing them, was happily excited.
The group entered the room, greeted Mr. Lin, and all looked toward Lin Lishan, waiting for her to speak.
Lin Lishan stroked the Ping’an in her arms and smiled, "Would you want to delay going back by two days? Last time we left in such a hurry. We’ve come to the Northeast twice, and yet know nothing about it. Shall we take a walk this time? Delaying by two days is just taking one day off; it should be fine, right?"
Cheng Ruzhu glanced at her sister-in-law Liu Ting, and she herself thought it was okay. Usually, there’s nothing on Saturdays at work, and taking a day off doesn’t matter.
Seeing Liu Ting nod, she smiled happily, "Whatever you say. What’s the plan? Huang Hui Min did say today that she’d take us out tomorrow."
Hearing this, Zhou Jiao quickly followed up, "With three days, do we want to go a little farther? I went to D City last time. It’s really a good place. There’s a big port with everything from north to south and east to west."
Mr. Lin glanced at Zhou Jiao, seeing she was full of enthusiasm. He figured the child was suggesting this without ulterior motives, definitely not deliberately avoiding the provincial city.
Cheng Ruzhu was somewhat moved by Zhou Jiao’s suggestion, looking at everyone, she hesitated a bit.
Mr. Lin, seeing this, said, "How about we go back to the provincial city to eat now? Once there, you can discuss with Zhao and his wife further. It’s best not to go too far, as it’s inconvenient with the child."
Everyone agreed to the old man’s suggestion.
In the county, many actions were inconvenient. Everyone urged Zhang Guoqing to quickly go back and bring Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang to the provincial city for dinner, and stay for a few days.
Listening to everyone’s urging, Zhang Guoqing looked at Zhou Jiao and saw her nod slightly. He smiled and bid everyone goodbye before leaving.
To celebrate his son’s birthday, he had taken enough leave, and initially planned for the family of three to have a trip alone. Now it seems that won’t be possible.

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