Chapter 962: Chapter 835: Implicit Meaning

"Godfather, I got a three-day leave, but unfortunately, I can’t go back to see you and godmother. How have you both been recently? I miss you and godmother so much."

"Yesterday, your godmother was planning to visit you and the kids by the end of the year. Xiao Wu hasn’t started working yet, and you just have three days off, so don’t rush back. We’ll find a time to visit you."

"Uh, you might not be able to come before the end of the year."

Zhao Chuan Guang paused for a moment and immediately asked, "Where are you now?"

"At the post office. It’s hard to make a phone call at home because Liu Yi and May 1st always want to join in. With these two kids around, making a call is no easy task."

"Godfather, Liu Yi and May 1st can recognize quite a few characters now and can count, but unfortunately, the two brothers can’t count in sequence yet."

"Oh?" Zhao Chuan Guang asked with great interest, "Then tell me, what big words do these two little treasures recognize? As for numbers, they’re probably still too young and only interested in a few. Once they’re older, it’ll naturally be no problem."

"Haha... My dad says the same. The two brothers now face the copybook every day, from top to bottom and then from right to left, recognizing only four or five characters, and they enjoy it. Liu Yi keeps chanting 124597, and May 1st likes to start counting from 98753421."

Zhao Chuan Guang quickly jotted down the two sets of numbers with his steel pen.

"Godfather, I heard from Ping’an that he’s planning to send you a letter, probably dragging it out for the quickest one or two months delay, but the letter will surely be sent."

"Alright, don’t rush the kid. Is Little Treasure going to start primary school this year?"

"Planning to start next year. He wants to spend a year first with his two younger brothers in nursery school. Once they’re used to it and all is well, he’ll start school. But how can things go according to his wishes? Still, I’ll let him be. As long as the kids are safe and sound, that’s the most important thing. Don’t you agree, godfather?"

"My daughter is smart. Postponing a year is fine; the child’s still young and not of school age yet. You all stay safe over there."

"Alright. Godfather, find time to visit the village with godmother. The fruits in the yard should be ready for harvest."

"No problem, I was just about to find your father-in-law."

"I’ll call you again when Brother comes back to work. I’ll hang up for now, and please tell godmother that I miss her."

After putting down the phone, Zhao Chuan Guang touched the two groups of numbers, burning them before leaning back to rest. After a while, he pulled out a cigarette from the pack and lit it.

Inside the rings of smoke, the face that often carried a smile now looked unusually serious. If Huang Hui Min saw this, she would surely guess he was contemplating important matters.

And indeed, Zhao Chuan Guang was.

From the moment he received Zhou Jiao’s call, he sensed the underlying meaning, especially since they had a string of secret codes between them.

Outsiders might only hear Zhou Jiao joking with twin children’s innocent words, but Zhao Chuan Guang understood. His daughter was worried about him.

Thinking of this, Zhao Chuan Guang suddenly smiled.

After work, like always, Zhao Chuan Guang drifted home, parting with his colleagues.

It was summertime, and the days in the Northeast were longer, with daylight stretching from four in the morning until after eight in the evening, much like daytime.

At the dinner table, Zhao Chuan Guang mentioned a call from Zhou Jiao but didn’t discuss anything else. After a few casual chats with his wife, he mentioned his plan to visit his in-laws in the town.

Huang Hui Min nodded in agreement, "I have prepared some things with my sisters-in-law, so you can take them to Brother Zhang and his wife. Tell them there’s no need to be so courteous."

Mr. Zhang, in recent years, apart from the winter months, would regularly send fruits, vegetables, and local specialties over. She was looking to return the favor.

Zhao Chuan Guang shook his head with a smile, "It’s no use saying it. The others told him too, but Brother Zhang always says it’s Xiao Wu’s respect to the uncles. He’s a sincere person."

When Zhao Chuan Guang drove to the town, before reaching the courtyard, he saw Mr. Zhang with red armbands, patrolling the street with some old sisters and brothers.

"Brother Zhang, haven’t you finished work yet?"

Mr. Zhang saw the car stopping and, hearing his voice, realized it was Brother Zhao, and burst into laughter, "I was just about to head back. It’s been some days since we’ve met. Finally, I see you."

"You wait a moment; I’ll say goodbye to them, and we’ll head home."

Watching Mr. Zhang cheerfully bid farewell to the others, Zhao Chuan Guang thought of Zhang Guoqing.

Equally polite and enthusiastic. Truly like father, like son!

Mr. Zhang’s mother was thrilled by Zhao Chuan Guang’s arrival and hurried to inform her two sons to come and accompany Uncle Zhao. Zhao Chuan Guang, however, declined, saying he had important matters, leaving no time to advise the younger generation.

He didn’t say much more, pulling Mr. Zhang along to drink with Zhao Dashan. Whatever needed to be reminded, he would, but the degree of realization was up to them; he didn’t want to divulge too much, implicating his daughter.

"What made you think of coming over today? Not busy recently?"

Zhao Chuan Guang was about to leave, "Is this a lack of welcome? Then I’ll just leave."

Zhao Dashan, knowing his antics, grabbed his arm and pulled him into the living room, "Alright, brother, I misspoke; I’ll penalize myself with three glasses, deal?"

"Not a chance! Everyone knows you’re scared of your wife and don’t dare to drink."

"We won’t speak ill of each other’s wives, alright?" Zhao Dashan rolled his eyes dismissively and changed the subject, "Have you got work tomorrow?"

"Yes, I do."

Hearing this, Zhao Dashan understood there must be something; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a non-weekend visit to town, filling his heart with both concern and gratitude.

Cheng Hongli set the table with food and drinks, then left, leaving only the three of them inside.

After a few idle conversations, Zhao Chuan Guang casually said, "This year might be colder than usual; get everything ready in advance."

Mr. Zhang glanced at Zhao Dashan, finding the comment odd, considering it was still summer.

Zhao Dashan raised his glass, "Here’s to you, brother."

Zhao Chuan Guang knew his companion got the hint and jokingly cursed, "You fool, just one drink?"

"No need for formalities between us; maybe tomorrow I’ll treat you to a big restaurant in the provincial city? How’s that, buddy?"

"No need for ceremony." Zhao Chuan Guang hesitated for a moment, then continued teasing, "Red Pepper is different; aren’t you afraid she’ll tally with you?"

"Don’t you know my wife’s nature yet? She’s..."

Zhao Chuan Guang interrupted, "It’s good you understand. Come on, Brother Zhang, have a drink. I’m very happy Xiao Wu opposed his brother entering the finance room before; how’s the elder brother doing now?"

By now, even if Zhao Dashan were slow, he would understand. Still, he believed he was loyal to the nation and the title of a soldier, so he wasn’t worried.

Mr. Zhang nodded repeatedly, "I heard from Uncle Chen that he’s doing well. I never expected him to be as capable as Xiao Wu, and now life is very good."

Zhao Chuan Guang laughed, "They say those who know contentment are always happy, and Brother Zhang understands this profound meaning. Come, here’s to you."

After half a round of drinks, Zhao Chuan Guang excused himself for leaving, citing work the next day.

At the gate of Zhao Dashan’s house, watching the car leave, Zhao Chuan Guang pulled Mr. Zhang, who seemed lost in thought, back inside.

"Did you understand?"

Mr. Zhang nodded, "Not completely, but I get the gist."

"Good, as long as it doesn’t involve you. Once Xiao Wu officially starts working, the family should hang the military family home plaque."

"That’s your jurisdiction, so I’ll leave it to you."

"There’s no need for formalities between our two families." Zhao Dashan waved dismissively.