Zhang Guoqing rubbed his head, "You just asked me what I was thinking about, and I was pondering this issue. Is it necessary to stay for two years? This affects many things, and I need to think it over carefully. As for Ping’an’s household registration, we’ll handle it when Dad gets back."
Zhou Jiao asked curiously, "Then tell me what you’re thinking, and I’ll help you figure it out."
Zhang Guoqing nodded, "I originally planned for us to get into university within three years. We have no other option but to try our utmost to get in. Now that I’ve been to the provincial city, I’m feeling unsettled. I’m anxious and want to speed things up, especially seeing you and Mom getting along well. It makes me more anxious.
I’m considering not working and having both of us study hard for a year, to take the exam next year. If all goes well, we can move to Beijing as a family in the latter half of next year, entering university earlier, and you can reunite with Mom in Beijing sooner.
Originally, my idea was for Dad and Mom to return to the Northern Military Region, and it wouldn’t matter if we stayed here for three years. But after seeing the Northern Military Region, I doubt Dad will come back. And considering your grandpa, returning isn’t a good idea, so there’s nothing much here worth holding onto. Besides my parents, there’s nothing else for us to stop for.
These two conflicting thoughts of leaving early or late have been struggling in my mind. Rationally, I know that the child is still young, we’re 18, and in two years, we’ll be 20 and Ping’an will be 2. We can attend university with peace of mind, so there’s no rush, we can take it slow. But still, I’ve been dwelling on this issue lately. Jiao Jiao, I feel like I’m too eager for quick success. I’m a bit lost, a bit impatient, and I need you to guide me."
Lin Lishan smiled as she looked at them; the young couple is really amusing, comforting and encouraging each other.
Zhou Jiao thought for a moment and then seriously said, "First, you need to determine your role. Recently Grandpa introduced you to people in high positions, why are you in such a hurry? Feeling unsettled means you’re wavering from your initial plan. Think practically about what we’d do on our own, away from Grandpa and Mom and Dad. Without those external factors, what’s the best plan for us now? How can you make yourself more outstanding, so you can progress steadily on your own, without anyone backing you up? That’s where your confidence should come from. As for the household registration issue, what’s there to think about? Move it all to the village or the town. Only by transferring it here will you be motivated and strive harder to get into university, so our entire family can move to Beijing, cutting off the backup plan of keeping the registration in Beijing. Do it for Ping’an. I am determined to get admitted."
Zhang Guoqing chuckled, "Jiao Jiao, I told you I needed to discuss it with you, listening to you calms my heart. Mom, give us two years, and I’ll definitely bring Jiao Jiao and Ping’an to Beijing to reunite with you, so you can see each other every day and shop together whenever you want."
Lin Lishan nodded emotionally. She suddenly understood, Xiao Wu saw them talking as soon as he came in and kept watching them in thought. He probably didn’t want Jiao Jiao to feel wronged and hoped their family could move to Beijing soon. This child is considerate.
Looking at her daughter, she felt proud. Her daughter is decisive, very much like her father, with a determination to succeed despite all odds. She also believed they’d reunite in two years. As for the household registration, she would discuss it with her sister-in-law, or if that didn’t work, with the child’s father. If she couldn’t even handle this, what was she doing?
Zhang Guoqing said earnestly to Zhou Jiao, "I’m heading to the provincial city tomorrow, and the day after, I’ll start talking to the principal about our university entrance exam arrangements, like if we can take the exams at the end of each term without attending classes. Then I’ll focus on reviewing, and once the house is built, we will move next spring, and I’ll sort out work matters. Before the New Year, I’ll personally talk to Zhao Dashan about joining the armed department. Once everything is confirmed, we’ll move to the county."
Zhou Jiao glanced at him with a smile, "Alright, I’ll follow your lead, you handle it. No rush, you’re joining the armed department to build connections and learn management experience."
Zhang Guoqing saw it was still early, just after four, and thought there was nothing else to do. With Jiao Jiao’s words, he understood she wasn’t planning on moving to Beijing early, so they’d follow the original plan. Mother-in-law was leaving tomorrow morning, and he considered going up the mountain now to see if he could hunt a wild boar.
"Why don’t you chat with Mom for a bit; I’m heading out to take care of something. If Mom asks, just tell her not to wait for me for dinner." Zhang Guoqing finished and left.