In late May, Zhou Jiao stepped onto her hometown soil once more.
She didn't linger in the provincial city; bidding farewell to Zhang Guoqing who was about to "sell his labor," she carried the child back to the small courtyard in the county town with the farewell of Zhao Chuan Guang and his wife.
With Zhou Xiaozheng, her father, in Beijing, Zhou Jiao was living freely and comfortably. At this moment, watching Zhao Chuan Guang's car leave, and looking at the emptiness in the courtyard, she felt a bit dazed.
Neighbors enthusiastically welcomed her, and offered help whenever needed. In the evening, Zhao Yuanyuan's stayover finally helped Zhou Jiao dispel the coldness of the room.
The next day, Zhou Jiao did something bold—she strapped Ping'an in front, took the gifts in the trailer, and drove a tricycle speeding all the way to Zhang Family Village.
