Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 521

Chapter 521: Chapter 405: Spring Drought

If someone had told Zhou Jiao in the past that there was a spring drought in the Northeast,

she would definitely have scorned the other person’s intelligence.

The large areas of snow in the Northeast during spring, along with the visible rivers everywhere—are these decorations?

Now, she is ashamed of her ignorance.

In Zhou Jiao’s imagination, the Northeast had heavy flooding, avalanches, mudslides, and it wouldn’t easily suffer from droughts. But reality taught her a lesson.

After the New Year, time flies. As the weather warms and the snow melts, spring plowing becomes everyone’s hope in farming families. No matter how tiring it is, when thinking of the joy of harvest, what’s the big deal about tilling the earth?

After two autumn rains last year, it hasn’t rained since, leaving the Old Captain worried, clinging to his long tobacco pipe. Especially since hearing that it has been dry within the pass, he walks along the riverbanks back and forth every day.

Whenever the newspapers report a lack of rain somewhere, Zhou Jiao’s heart tightens with worry. The only comfort is that the water level in the family’s well is low but still provides clear and drinkable sweet water.

Nobody in the county is paying special attention to the farmers’ harvests, nor has anyone noticed that the surrounding villages are planning to significantly reduce rice planting areas this year.

Zhou Jiao holds her son’s hand, standing in line at the street corner. The small square piece of tofu makes everyone involuntarily smile. Huang Juan in front of her whispers with a sigh of relief that she can finally have fish head tofu soup tonight.

Zhou Jiao understands her excitement. Since the beginning of the first month, soybeans have not appeared on the ration cards, and for the past few months, no one has had even a bite of tofu. How could one not be happy?

She squats down to hold her son, looking at his smile. She must admit, she is truly a blessed person. She cannot imagine how their family would live without their resources.

Carrying the small piece of tofu she bought, Zhou Jiao follows Huang Juan slowly home.

"Jiao Jiao, when are your father and mother-in-law coming back this time?"

"They’re worried about Xi Zi and the others, so they should be back in a few days. Are you looking for them for something, Aunt Juan?"

Huang Juan shakes her head with a smile, "It’s nothing. I just want to know where there’s a lot of wild vegetables. I plan to dig some when I’m off work. Your mother-in-law has experience with that, but you don’t."

Zhou Jiao chuckles silently. She’s indeed not good at it. A few days ago, when she returned to the village, she didn’t see a single wild vegetable nearby. Though she knows there are plenty on the mountain, she doesn’t dare go without Zhang Guoqing by her side.

"I’ll tell her when she comes. In a while, the wild vegetables will grow fast, so don’t worry about not finding any."

Huang Juan nods, inwardly amused. This kid still thinks the wild vegetables are quietly waiting to be picked. By the time they go there, there won’t be any left.

Before Huang Juan turns to leave and goes inside, Zhao Yuanyuan rides over on her bicycle.

Zhou Jiao curiously watches her.

"Let’s talk inside first. I’m dying of thirst," Zhao Yuanyuan says, already pushing her bike into the courtyard.

In the living room, Zhou Jiao sets Ping’an down, letting him play on his own. She waits until Zhao Yuanyuan drinks two bowls of water before speaking up.

"Taozi and the others are organizing a trip outdoors, and they asked me to come to inform you all."

Zhou Jiao shakes her head, "Xiao Wu still has to work, so I’m not going."

Zhao Yuanyuan stomps her feet, pointing at her anxiously, "You haven’t even asked where we’re going before refusing. Isn’t that insincere? What work does Xiao Wu have on the weekend? You have to go this time!"

Ping’an refuses to be left out, chiming in, "I want to go too."

"Good boy, little darling! Auntie will take you to see the world."

Zhou Jiao shakes her head with a smile, "Now’s not a good time for outings. Let’s talk about it in summer."

"Don’t give me that. In summer, you all will probably be heading back to Beijing. Darling, do you want to go or not?"

"Do you think I’m Mother Teresa?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing laughs heartily—it’s good that she has this awareness.

The couple teases and plays around with their son, not expecting a real saint to show up.

"Jiao Jiao, try eating these wild vegetables first. If you like them, I’ll dig some more for you in a few days. Don’t go foraging with others yourself; Ping’an is still young, and the fields aren’t safe. Remember?"

Zhou Jiao looks at the basket of wild vegetables Zhang Meili brought over, looking helplessly at Zhang Guoqing. Well, take a look at your saintly sister.

Zhang Guoqing looks at the basket of well-prepared tender wild vegetables and can’t help but laugh, "Sister, you didn’t leave the old stuff for yourself and give all the good ones to us, did you?"

Zhang Meili proudly shakes her head, "I found a good spot this time. My second sister and I dug enough for all three families to have a meal. I’ll go look again when I’m off work."

Zhang Guoqing listens, feeling embarrassed.

"Sister, don’t go looking anymore. Over the weekend, I’ll make a trip to the mountain. As much as you want, you can have it, and you can even choose your side dishes. You’re working and still foraging wild vegetables; haven’t you noticed you’ve lost weight?"

Zhou Jiao quickly follows up, "Exactly. Sister, rest well when you’re off work. Don’t keep neglecting to take care of yourself. If you lose too much when you’re young, it won’t recover when you’re old."

Zhang Meili doesn’t want to continue talking with these two kids. If they keep talking, she won’t do any work at all. People need to work hard when they’re young; otherwise, they won’t be able to move even if they want to when they’re old. She still wants to work a few more years to save money for the kids.

"I’m leaving. Don’t go to the mountain if there’s no need; it’s dangerous up there. Just let your sister know if you want any wild vegetables. You just take care of the children. Don’t go to the mountain unless it’s necessary, alright?"

Ping’an sees her leaving, takes small steps to her, and blinks his big eyes, "Auntie, bend down."

Zhang Meili was about to pick him up when she heard his request and squatted down immediately. Unexpectedly, the child stuffed a candy into her mouth, making her pick him up excitedly, laughing joyfully.

Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao exchange smiles. No wonder they say children’s hearts are the purest and most transparent.