Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 532

Chapter 532: Chapter 415: A Wooden Box

The family entered the living room.

"Mom, I’m hungry." Little Ping’an said with a smile, touching his belly.

Mother Zhang glared at him and laughed, "This boy is really stubborn, just like his dad. Now you know you’re hungry."

Zhang Guoqing asked curiously, "What’s going on? Last time when Jiao Jiao wasn’t home, he wasn’t like this."

"That’s because you were home last time. This morning, your mom told him that you were coming home today, so he kept going out to wait. Seeing it’s getting dark, he got a bit anxious." Mr. Zhang understood his grandson best.

Zhang Guoqing wanted to hold the child but noticed he was wet all over, he smiled and said, "Mom and Dad, let’s change clothes first before eating. Son, have some snacks first."

Zhou Jiao saw them going inside and took the child to the kitchen.

"Mom, Grandpa is amazing..."

Zhou Jiao fed the child, listening to his proud bragging, and gradually showed a bright smile, "Little chatterbox! You shouldn’t wait by the door anymore, understand?"

Ping’an nodded, "Mom, a lot of people are looking for Dad, they even gave me candy. One old man even praised me."

Zhang Guoqing followed his parents in and heard this, looked at Mr. Zhang, who nodded. He didn’t ask any more questions; having dinner as a family was more important.

After dinner, in the living room, Mr. Zhang mentioned his plan to return to the village with his wife the next day. He hadn’t been back for a month and didn’t know how things were going there.

Zhang Guoqing saw this and offered to go with him.

"Don’t be in a hurry to return to the village. Mr. Liu, who sold you the house, has been looking for you these past few days. I guess he has something urgent. Since it’s raining, you might as well stay home and rest these days."

Mother Zhang nodded in agreement, "There are quite a few people looking for you in the county. It’s fine for me and your dad to return to the village. We’re just going to check the backyard, though I think we’re going for nothing."

Mr. Zhang wanted to discuss some matters in the village with his younger son, but after hesitating, he thought better of it. Natural disasters and misfortunes, there’s nothing anyone can do. In this weather, even he doesn’t know how much can be harvested this year.

After chatting for a few more words, seeing that the child was getting sleepy, Mr. Zhang suggested everyone rest early and talk about things the next day.

After returning to their room, Zhou Jiao washed up, held her son, and quickly fell asleep. She hadn’t slept well these past few days out, so now that she could finally lie comfortably on the kang, even in her sleep, she had a smile.

Zhang Guoqing initially wanted to discuss the next plans with her. Seeing this, he gave up.

By noon the next day, after seeing off Mr. and Mrs. Zhang, Zhang Guoqing was about to visit Mr. Liu’s house, only to find that Mr. Liu came alone, braving the rain.

Seeing Mr. Liu outside the door startled Zhang Guoqing. What on earth could be so urgent for the old man? With a worrying heart, he invited the old man in.

In the living room, Mr. Liu took a sip of tea but was slow to express his purpose.

Zhang Guoqing glanced at him. He hadn’t noticed before, but now, looking closely, he found the man had lost quite a bit of weight. It seemed life wasn’t easy for everyone.

After finishing his tea, Mr. Liu took a box from his bag, placed it on the coffee table, and gestured for the couple to open it.

Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao did not move, watching the old man. If he didn’t explain himself, they weren’t interested in opening it. It was obviously a jewelry box; they already had too many of these at home.

"These are things I acquired from others when I was young, meant to exchange with you for food. I don’t need refined grains, coarse grains will do."

Zhang Guoqing looked at Zhou Jiao in astonishment. How many times had the prices inflated?

"Ha, just this bit of talk and you’re scared? If this rain continues, prices will increase. There should be others selling in the county, but it’s a pity you can’t buy without a connection," Mr. Liu said.

The three of them spoke in hushed tones, not noticing Ping’an taking small steps forward, already about to pick up the box.

"Son, don’t touch it." Zhang Guoqing quickly picked him up.

"It’s fine, let him see. Anyway, it’ll belong to someone else soon," Mr. Liu waved dismissively, stopping Zhou Jiao from putting the box back.

"Daddy, I like the bird."

Zhang Guoqing glanced at it, seeing the child liked the box, and said with a smile, "Tomorrow, Daddy will carve you lots and lots of birds. This bird isn’t good; see, its eyes are broken."

Mr. Liu snorted disdainfully, "Even your son has more sense than you. Can you carve this Phoenix? Bird, that’s what it is! This box’s material may be ordinary, but the craftsmanship is top-notch; it’s a pity some idiot scratched it."

He then lovingly stroked the box’s surface, thought for a moment, opened the box, took out a pair of Mutton Fat Jade Bracelets and a Jade Pendant, stuffed them into his pocket, and handed the box to Ping’an.

"Old man, don’t listen to the kid, put it back," Zhang Guoqing quickly took the box from Ping’an and returned it to the old man.

"It’s not worth anything anyway. Forget it, let the child use it for small toys. Alright, I’m leaving. If you have time, help me find out if anyone has connections, and remember to keep it confidential."

Since it wasn’t anything valuable, Zhang Guoqing didn’t say much. He handed the box to Ping’an and personally saw the old man out. However, he was quite puzzled as to why the child was interested in this broken bird. They had no shortage of Phoenix or double dragons playing with pearls at home.