Chapter 472 New Year
After eating the New Year's Eve dinner, Zhou Jing accompanied Gu Jia for a walk. After changing clothes and going out, Zhou Jing supported Gu Jia and said, "Will it be uncomfortable to go up and down the elevator?"

"It's okay to hold your stomach."

Now Gu Jia can only take the elevator when going out, and walking up the stairs is even more inconvenient.

When they got in the elevator, Zhou Jing put his arm around Gu Jia's waist, and Gu Jia held her stomach to reduce the impact on her stomach when the elevator started and decelerated.

"Spring is coming soon, and it's obviously not as cold as it was a while ago."

Coming outside, Gu Jia felt the air outside. This winter was long for her, and spring was finally coming.

"It's the beginning of spring. In about half a month, the flowers and plants will start to revive." Zhou Jing took Gu Jia's arm and said, "Have you seen wild peach blossoms and Rhododendron flowers?"

"I haven't seen it. When does it bloom?"

Gu Jia shook her head.

"Wild peach blossoms are around March, and red holly blossoms are around June and July."

"I can't go back this year. When I go back next year, how old do you plan to let the kid go to school?"

Gu Jia was helpless. Even after the child was born, she still had no freedom and had to breastfeed. She had too much water and didn't want to feed the child milk powder. She was not confident in any brand of milk powder because the child was too fragile and could not withstand the harm.

"The older the birthday, the more likely they are to go to kindergarten when they are four or five years old. Anyway, there is no need to make children too tired during their childhood."

Zhou Jing is working hard to start his own business but he can't let his children focus on education from an early age.

Gu Jia smiled and said, "Let the children compete with their fathers?"

"Just go to school normally. You didn't sign up for extracurricular tutoring classes when you were a child, but you still got into college." Zhou Jing continued, "How are you going to educate your children?"

"I won't force my child to study, since he has you as his father anyway. But I don't want him to study abroad. He has to get into a decent university in China. Will you let him study abroad?"

Gu Jia’s requirement for her children is that they should have good character. As long as they have good character, it doesn’t matter how bad their academic performance is.

"It depends on the situation. Students studying abroad will not be left alone abroad. The company will go abroad."

Zhou Jing did not object to his children studying abroad. It was not a bad thing to see what the world was like with their own eyes. Otherwise, it was easy to be misled by the media and books. Zhou Jing had been fooled by some magazines in his previous life.

Gu Jia sighed softly, it was too early to talk about the child's education.

"I hope the little one can inherit our strengths."

Gu Jia said while touching her belly.

"Maybe he's a genius."

Zhou Jing was very curious about the talents of his child, who was reborn.

On the evening of New Year's Eve, the community square was quieter than usual. Maybe some people went elsewhere to celebrate the New Year. There were only a few people in the community square, and children were playing with firecrackers and fairy wands, making crackling sounds.

"The New Year in the city is so quiet. Last year's New Year in Tangdu was even quieter than here. Did you buy fireworks in your hometown this year?"

Gu Jia recalled that on the sixth day of the first lunar month last year, she was at Zhou Jing’s hometown and set off a lot of fireworks at night.

"I simply bought a few. When I was a kid, I would go back to the countryside during the Spring Festival and do a lot of things. I once set off firecrackers and blew my fingers open. The most dangerous thing was to pick up unexploded firecrackers, take out the gunpowder from them, put them into small firework paper tubes and set them off as cannons. They were very powerful and could blow a dog bowl 20 to 30 meters high."

Zhou Jing recalled his childhood, during which he had blown up dog bowls and ice cream during Chinese New Year, and even broke a water tank at his grandmother's house.

"Boys are so naughty. Are all boys naughty when they are young?"

Gu Jia got a headache just listening to this.

"Nine out of ten boys are naughty. Boys between the ages of five or six and ten are ignored by dogs. Do you still hope to have a son?"

Zhou Jing rubbed Gu Jia's belly and smiled.

"It's your son anyway, so keep a close eye on him."

Gu Jia still hopes to have a son, but the first thing she wants to fulfill Zhou Jing's wish is a daughter.

"Didn't we agree that you would play the tiger mom and I would play the loving father?"

Zhou Jing said with a smile.

"You can't ignore it when it's time to be strict."

Gu Jia observed the children in the community square and found that the boys were indeed more naughty than the girls.

After walking around the community for a while, Zhou Jing and Gu Jia went home and watched TV with their father-in-law and mother-in-law in the living room.

"Eat some fruit."

Mother Gu cut the watermelon and brought it to the living room.

Gu Jia picked up a piece of watermelon with a toothpick and ate it, saying, "Why aren't winter watermelons as sweet as summer ones?"

"Plants synthesize sugars through photosynthesis, and there is insufficient light in the greenhouse."

Zhou Jing’s explanation was simple and clear.

"The knowledge base of liberal arts is too narrow. No wonder there are more science students in higher-level universities."

In life, Gu Jia sometimes feels like an illiterate compared to Zhou Jing.

"Dividing education into arts and science is a deformed form of education. It is inevitable that the division of subjects will be abolished in the future."

Father Gu leaned against the sofa, looked at his daughter and smiled.

"Although the division between arts and science is a bit extreme, without the division, it would be more tiring to study so many subjects, and it would also lead to poor learning of all of them."

It was already hard enough for Gu Jia to study six main subjects at the same time, and she simply couldn't keep up with studying nine subjects.

"There is no strict division of subjects, but students can choose their own subjects. For example, they can choose three out of the six subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, politics, history and geography. Some students have no choice but to choose liberal arts because they are not good at physics and chemistry. They can give up one of politics, history and geography and switch to biology. This way, there is no liberal arts and science, and the three elective subjects are all tested separately."

Zhou Jing picked up the herbal tea, took a sip and said.

"This method is good. I was very good at biology, but my chemistry score was not outstanding, but it didn't drag my score down. If I had to choose three out of six, I would choose chemistry, biology, and one from history and politics. The only problem is that the class division is more complicated."

Gu Jia felt that Zhou Jing’s approach was more reasonable.

"There is no need to divide the classes. Just follow the model of the first year of high school. You can take all the courses. If you take courses that are not related to you, you can study other courses. If you encounter knowledge that interests you in courses that are not your own choice, you can also listen to it."

Zhou Jing continued.

"This is also good, and can better take care of students' interests."

Gu Jia nodded and said.

“Education reform will move in this direction in the future.”

Dad Gu picked up the teacup and said.

Gu Jia looked at the news and said, "It would be great if foreign languages ​​could be made into elective courses. Science and engineering talents like Zhou Jing would be qualified to go to any 985 university. At least, students with specialties in certain subjects should be given relatively relaxed opportunities."

Zhou Jing patted Gu Jia's thigh and said, "Now there are universities that have independent enrollment. If you have won national competition awards in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, you can apply for independent enrollment in related majors of a certain university. If it is a 211 university, you may be admitted if you reach the first-tier score in the college entrance examination."

“The probability of winning a national competition is too small.”

"The seemingly ideal approach may not be applicable in reality. If schools or local education bureaus were to recommend students with special talents, there would be no fairness at all. Instead, it would undermine the fairness of the college entrance examination."

Although Zhou Jing is considered a student with special talents in mathematics, physics and chemistry, he does not support opening special channels for them. Even if there is such a policy, true students with special talents may not appear on the list of special channels.

"Yes, the biggest problem in reality is that ideals are difficult to implement. Dad, do you think Zhou Jing is suitable for a career in politics?"

Gu Jia sighed.

"Very suitable."

Father Gu really thought about guiding Zhou Jing to pursue a career in politics.

Gu's mother was about to make the dumpling fillings, and Zhou Jing said, "It's quick to make dumplings for four people, so let's make them tomorrow morning."

"Don't be busy at night."

Gu Jia also grabbed her mother.

"I'll chop the meat."

"I'll chop it."

Zhou Jing got up and went to the kitchen to chop the meat.

Mother Gu sat down again and looked at Gu Jia's belly. She was very happy this year.

I planned to eat mutton dumplings on the first day of the new year. The meat for the dumpling filling was thawed in advance and it was a piece of lamb hind leg meat.

Putting the large chopping board in place, Zhou Jing first cut the large piece of mutton into small pieces and then chopped it.

"Chopping dumpling stuffing is a physical job. With a man like you, I don't have to worry about making New Year's Eve dinner."

Gu Jia came to the kitchen and tied an apron for Zhou Jing.

"No need to stand here, go sit in the living room."

Zhou Jing held a knife in each hand and chopped the meat on the chopping board with even force.

"Stand for a moment. How much do you want to chop it into?"

Gu Jia accompanied him in the kitchen.

"Use chopsticks to pick up the strands one by one." "It's not only a physical job, but also a test of patience. Do you want water or herbal tea?"

Gu Jia looked at the boy and said.

"Herbal tea."

Zhou Jing said as he chopped the meat.

Gu Jia took a bottle of herbal tea from the table, opened it and placed it on the kitchen counter.

After more than ten minutes, Zhou Jing had chopped the dumpling filling.

"Okay Xiao Zhou, take a break. I'll clean up."

Mother Gu walked into the kitchen and said.

The Spring Festival Gala started on time at eight o'clock. Watching the Spring Festival Gala during the New Year is just for fun. After ten o'clock, Mr. and Mrs. Gu went back to the bedroom to rest. Zhou Jing and Gu Jia didn't stay up late either. They took a shower and went to the bedroom.

"Eight days left."

Leaning on the bed, Gu Jia looked at her belly. The due date was one day closer.

"Did you have a lot of fetal movements today?"

Zhou Jing kissed Gu Jia's belly and said.

"Almost. Judging from the feeling of fetal movement, it should be head down."

Gu Jia said with a smile.

"Little one, don't roll over. Stay like this until you are born."

Zhou Jing sat on the bed and rubbed Gu Jia's legs.

"Did you hear what Dad said?"

Gu Jia patted her belly gently.

After massaging Gu Jia's legs for a while, the two went to bed early.

"If I want another one, I'll want it when I'm thirty-two or thirty-three."

The previous few months had been very torturous, but Gu Jia felt that it was almost over. Ten months had passed without any surprises, and she still wanted a child, preferably a son and a daughter.

"Thirty-two years old means a difference of three years, so it's thirty-two years old."

It doesn’t matter if Zhou Jing wants one or two. Since Gu Jia wants it, he certainly won’t object.

I’m just afraid that plans can’t keep up with the changes. I don’t know if Gu Jia will still want Zhou Jing after his scumbag behavior is exposed.

"Then let's set it at 32 years old for the time being. The baby will be born in January or February when she is 32, in winter."

Gu Jia planned her life simply, sweeping away the confusion of the past few years. She found a boyfriend, got married, and had a child, all within two years from last year to this year. Everything happened suddenly, yet ideally.

When Gu Jia was 32 years old, Zhou Jing was 26 or 27 years old. Gu Jia hoped that she could maintain good physical condition in the next two years.

After lying in Gu Jia's bed for a while, Zhou Jing returned to his own bed and tried to fall asleep.

The next day, New Year's Day, when Zhou Jing and Gu Jia woke up at around six o'clock, Gu's father and mother had already gotten up. They all went to bed early and got up early.

"In 2012, I finally turned ."

Gu Jia looked at the ceiling and sighed. This year was very special for her as she was officially turning 30 and was about to become a mother.

Although she felt a little anxious and sad about turning 30, fortunately it was not the worst case scenario, because she would get married and have children, and the three major tasks of life would be completed. If she had not met Zhou Jing, Gu Jia would probably still be single. Not only would her parents be anxious if she had not started a family at the age of 30, but she herself would also be anxious.

"Any comments?"

Zhou Jing pinched Gu Jia's face and said.

"I hope time will stop and let me wait for you here for a few years."

Gu Jia tied her hair and said.

"I'll help you realize it when I invent a time machine."

Zhou Jing stretched and got up, took the basin on the stool at the end of Gu Jia's bed to the bathroom. The basin was clean, as Gu Jia did not get up during the night.

In the living room, Dad Gu was watching the news early in the morning.

It’s not that Mr. Gu likes watching the news very much, but given his current position, he needs to keep abreast of current affairs, especially those in his own province.

After going to the toilet, Zhou Jing washed his face with cold water and went to the bedroom to help Gu Jia get up.

Gu's mother was making breakfast in the kitchen. Today's breakfast was very simple. She squeezed soy milk and heated up steamed buns. They had eaten too much meat and fish recently, so no one was hungry. It was just right to drink some soy milk and eat some vegetarian food for breakfast.

"No need to wait for Jiajia, Xiao Zhou can eat first."

Mother Gu poured the soy milk and brought the leftover cold dishes from last night to the table.

Zhou Jing didn't take any action first, but let his father-in-law sit down first.

"It's snowing outside, the first snow of 2012."

Gu Jia sat next to Zhou Jing and said with a smile on her face.

"Auspicious snow indicates a good harvest, which means this year will be a bumper year."

Mother Gu looked at the young couple and said.

"The steamed buns mom made this time are pretty good."

Gu Jia picked up a steamed bun with chopsticks and said.

“It’s called Chinese sugar-free bread abroad.”

Zhou Jing said with a smile.

"That's much more elegant. Is it really called that abroad?"

Gu Jia soaked the steamed buns in soy milk and ate them.

"do not know."

Zhou Jing said casually.

"The food culture is not as rich as our country's. I went to Europe to study for two months a few years ago and I couldn't get used to Western food. The biggest problem when I go abroad is eating."

Dad Gu smiled and said.

“It’s okay to have Western food once in a while.”

"."

After breakfast, Zhou Jing made dumpling fillings while Gu's mother kneaded the dough.

The meat for the dumpling filling was chopped last night. Zhou Jing cut four scallions, cut them into chopped green onions and put them into the meat filling. He then added salt, pepper, chicken essence, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and other seasonings, stirred them evenly and the dumpling filling was ready.

"omnipotent."

Gu Jia looked at the boy and said with a smile.

Zhou Jing washed his hands and pinched Gu Jia's face.

It's a good thing to be happy about the son-in-law's cleverness and dexterity. Gu's mother is worried that her daughter will be lazy and gluttonous while her son-in-law can do everything. "Did Jiajia do nothing before she got pregnant?"

"No, I usually don't ask Zhou Jing to do housework when I'm not pregnant."

Gu Jia is a little lazy and gluttonous in front of her mother, but she is not really lazy. She knows how to be a woman.

Gu's mother kneaded the dough and woke up for more than ten minutes to start making dumplings. Gu's mother rolled out the dumpling skins while Zhou Jing made the dumplings. Gu's father came to the kitchen to help make the dumplings. Three people were enough, so Gu Jia could take a rest.

“Dad makes beautiful dumplings.”

Gu Jia couldn't sit still, so she did what she could in the kitchen.

"I learned how to make dumplings when I was in the army. I spent five years in the army, and dumplings were our New Year's Eve dinner at that time."

Dad Gu said with a smile.

“I admire soldiers the most.”

Gu Jia couldn't help but imagine how high-spirited her father was when he was a young soldier.

The first dumplings of the New Year are also the first meal of the New Year, so it is quite ceremonial. Gu's mother washed seven coins, one for each person in the family, and also prepared coins for Zhou Guozhong, Wu Suqin, and the baby in Gu Jia's belly.

“Why seven coins?”

Gu Jia didn't understand.

"Just pack as many as there are people in your family."

Mother Gu explained.

"I see, little guy, I wish I could have two more."

(End of this chapter)