Zhou Shuren didn't dare to delay returning home from the government office, his wife was too clever. If he attempted to hide from her, she would definitely sense that something was amiss. Having such a smart wife at home made things really difficult for him; even lying was not easy.
Zhulan had been worried all afternoon and finally, Zhou Shuren came back. Muttering, she said, "Look at you, can't you send back some news whether you have any or not? You've got me worrying. Do you have any news?"
Without betraying any emotion, Zhou Shuren changed his clothes, "There is indeed some news. Rongchuan is not in Pinggang. He must be on some other assignment, an important one probably, hence the letter was written by someone else to avoid arousing suspicion."
Zhulan felt relieved; as long as she knew what he was doing, that was enough. "Then tell our daughter during dinner."
Zhou Shuren exhaled a sigh of relief; half-truths had somehow sufficed for now.
