Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space

Chapter 1073 - 946: Backdoor?

Back door?If she remembers correctly, this door leads to the courtyard wall.

Zhou Jiao turned her head to look at the side door, over a meter wide, then at the big front door, pondering the purpose of this door...

In an instant, she felt both eerie and strangely excited.

She thought, if nothing exciting is happening in Beijing, there must be something interesting here.

Zhou Jiao concealed her delight, looking at the pile of antique wardrobes, wooden boxes, stripped-down screens, and other miscellaneous items, she paused for a moment before decisively collecting them into her space.

Indeed, there’s an empty spot behind, unlike the dusty warehouse, this area shows signs of boxes having been piled up. Judging by the dust, it was cleared not long ago.

Zhou Jiao’s eyes gleamed, she put back the pile of items, even abandoning a pair of round stools she discovered. If her guess was correct, everything here was marked intentionally by someone mindful.

Gently wiping away traces of footsteps, Zhou Jiao cautiously returned to the original warehouse, signaling to Zhang Guoqing who was talking to someone.

"Oh, done?"

Zhou Jiao smiled lightly, nodding as she watched them slowly come over, pointing at a pile of old newspapers and a few comic books, "Along with the wood you chose, it should be enough for mom and dad for a while."

As Zhang Guoqing walked, he handed the cigarette box he just opened to Zhang Le, laughing, "Why did it take so long with just these old newspapers and books?"

"Picking carefully, some items aren’t suitable to be leaked out."

Zhang Le winked at his colleagues, See? I told you, she is particular. "Bro, keep this fine tobacco for yourself."

Zhang Guoqing waved his hand, "Come now, don’t you see that I don’t smoke? This was something I brought back from visiting an elder yesterday, you need to smoke less, these are bad for your health."

"Hehe, then I’ll accept it. Bro, I’ll help you load onto the cart. Do you want to pick a few more?"

"It’s enough; two elders don’t use much, plus we have coal balls. Quickly, help me weigh the load."

Before leaving, Zhou Jiao resisted the urge to glance back, only when out of sight of the two lads escorting did she gently exhale.

Zhang Guoqing’s low voice questioned by her ear, "How is it, plenty? Wow, even in Beijing I haven’t seen this much."

"Plenty of counterfeits."

Startled, Zhang Guoqing raised his eyebrows, "Are you sure you didn’t mistake anything? Honey, not that many were faking yet."

"Experts in this field usually also indulge in fakes," Zhou Jiao sighed softly, "To protect beloved items, sometimes you have to do what must be done. Painting over furniture or porcelain is not a foolproof method, unlike calligraphy or paintings."

Nitpicking herself, Zhang Guoqing nodded to comfort her, "Aren’t there five major buying stations? In the coming days, I’ll take you around each."

Unable to hold back a laugh, Zhou Jiao initially wanted to discuss her discovery, but seeing more and more people on the road, she could only wait until they returned.

"Are you thinking of finding clues at other buying stations?" Zhang Guoqing almost knocked over the teacup. His wife indeed had a daring spirit, did her father know?

Zhou Jiao rolled her eyes at him, glancing outside, "Lower your voice. The kids might hear you."

Is that the point? Zhang Guoqing frowned, "If your thoughts come true, it might involve something significant. Honey, we’re leaving in a few days, is it necessary to get involved?"

"Even if we catch the ringleader, what can we do? If one dies, another takes their place. If these people didn’t have protection, who would dare act so boldly? Don’t stir up trouble unnecessarily."

Zhou Jiao quickly waved her hand, going further would make her a saint, but wasn’t she just curious about who’s behind this? And, hm hm, maybe make a little profit along the way.

"I didn’t plan to get involved, otherwise I would’ve already pulled you to Zuo Lin," Zhou Jiao playfully scolded, "We head back to our hometown, and a major case erupts here. Do you think I’m that foolish?"

Zhang Guoqing suspiciously looked at her expression, "Then do you mean to play one against the other?"

Zhou Jiao chuckled, "Can you speak properly?"

That’s an acknowledgment! Zhang Guoqing lowered his eyes, pondering back and forth, it indeed seemed feasible. But before that, a thorough arrangement needed to be made.

The vehicle, his wife had; manpower, the couple was enough. Whether or not there’s a harvest, he might as well let his little girl have some fun.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Guoqing looked up at Zhou Jiao, whose eyes were shining. He lovingly patted her head, "I’ll first go inquire about the other five recycling stations, you wait for me."

"Approved then?"

Zhang Guoqing smiled and nodded, "Because you are my wife. I’ll handle the arrangements; you rest well at home first, later tonight I’ll take you for a stroll."

Only returning before dinner, Zhang Guoqing had been gathering information. As for Zhao Dashan and Zuo Lin, he wasn’t going to seek them out.

But those he dealt with before, the small-time traders, had some use. Of course, directly interacting with these people, Zhang Guoqing couldn’t expose his identity.

If it weren’t for them remembering his generosity from before, after so many years, they wouldn’t even raise their eyes.

Fortunately, after taking a round and spending a high price on some trinkets, they turned out to be worthwhile. Zhang Guoqing gathered various inside information, and by piecing together from their scattered remarks, he deduced that indeed there’s a group engaging in a big operation.

"These people really have some nerve," Zhou Jiao clucked her tongue. From what Zhang Guoqing relayed, she did not doubt its authenticity.

Through the ages, those most informed are always these small figures lurking in the shadows, relying on whispers they stand as merchants, it’s no coincidence, haven’t you seen most captured during public trials are these minor soldiers?

"There are two options now: one, return to the last black market and deal directly with that bearded man; second, use Xiao Liu’s connection at the third recycling station."

Remembering the bearded man, Zhou Jiao shook her head. She trusted her instincts, having more dealings with him would bring no good. Furthermore, trading coal for resources was easy, but if proposing to exchange for now-taboo antiques and calligraphy, huh, wouldn’t surprise if lives were lost over it.

Agreeing with her judgment, Zhang Guoqing nodded, "Then tonight, let’s go watch Xiao Liu, since rumor is circulating, this person will either escape or face trouble soon."

"Mm, ultimately track their hideouts. I guess they first gather things to one place then ship to the docks. Bro, shouldn’t these people face some..."

As Zhou Jiao spoke, she gestured at her neck. This time she wouldn’t foolishly report or capture anyone, for when they’re back in Beijing, what if someone secretly moves things?

Whether to issue a warning or teach a lesson.

Nothing induces fear more than death!

Zhang Guoqing quickly slapped down her hand, sternly gazed at her, glaring in reproach, "Why make such ominous gestures?"

Zhou Jiao cuddled up to him, rubbing her shoulder to appease, "See? Red now, oh dear, poor cabbage patch..."

Amused, Zhang Guoqing looked at her, knowing his own strength... you sing more, then sing you were orphaned at three...