Lu Tingting ran off crying, but it didn’t make Lin Nian feel any better.
The series of recent events made her realize a serious problem—she had to move as soon as possible.
The current apartment building was overcrowded, security was poor, and it was a long way from the night market.
Before, living quietly with her children, she hadn’t thought much of it.
But now, having caught Lu Tingchuan’s attention and having offended people like Lu Tingting and Zhao Hong, she couldn’t be sure they wouldn’t try to sabotage her behind her back.
For the sake of her children’s safety, and to make running her business more convenient, moving had become urgent.
When she told Su Xiao her plan, he immediately gave it two thumbs up.
“You should have moved ages ago! That old building is so uncomfortable!” Su Xiao was an action-oriented person. He immediately used his connections to help Lin Nian find a suitable place.
Thanks to his efforts, within a few days, Su Xiao brought good news.
“Nian Nian! I found a perfect place for you!” Su Xiao said excitedly, pulling Lin Nian along. “It’s on the outskirts of our family housing area. There’s a row of single-story houses for retired officials, and one of them is available for rent!”
Lin Nian followed him and soon found the house.
It was an independent house with gray bricks and tiles, and best of all, it came with a small fenced yard.
In the yard, a medium-sized osmanthus tree stretched its branches, and a small patch of vegetables had been planted in a corner.
Inside, the layout was excellent: two bedrooms, a bright living room, and a kitchen several times larger than the shared one she currently used.
Sunlight streamed through the clean windows, casting warm patches of light on the floor.
Lin Nian only needed one glance—she had fallen in love with it.
This was everything she imagined when she thought of “home.”
The landlord was an elderly retired officer surnamed Wang. His son had been promoted in a northern unit, and the couple needed to move to help take care of their grandchild, which was why they were eager to rent the house.
Mr. Wang admired Lin Nian for raising two children on her own and offered a fair rent.
“As long as you take care of the house and live well, that’s more than enough,” Mr. Wang said with a smile.
Lin Nian felt a warm wave of gratitude.
Without hesitation, she decided to rent the house.
“Mr. Wang, I’ll take it! We can sign the contract now!”
“Good, good!” Mr. Wang was pleased and went inside to fetch the prepared lease agreement.
Lin Nian stood in the yard, watching An’an and Ningning playing, her face showing a sincere, joyful smile.
She began imagining planting loofahs and tomatoes in the yard and building a swing for the kids.
In the big kitchen, she would experiment with new dishes.
Life ahead seemed like a beautiful painting slowly unfolding before her.
However, just as Mr. Wang came out with the contract and Lin Nian was about to sign, an untimely voice shattered the moment.
“Oh, this yard is nice, very quiet.”
Lin Nian’s smile froze.
She turned and saw Lu Tingting, arms crossed, walking in with two of her fellow troupe girls.
She didn’t look at Lin Nian at all, instead heading straight to Mr. Wang and saying in a commanding tone:
“Grandpa, I want this house.”
Mr. Wang was momentarily stunned. He pointed at Lin Nian: “But… Lin Nian has already decided to rent it. We even have the contract ready.”
“Contract?” Lu Tingting sneered, glancing at Lin Nian with disdain. “Signed? If not signed, it doesn’t count.”
She pulled out a stack of brand-new bills from her small purse and waved them in front of Mr. Wang.
“I’ll pay double her rent.”
“And I’ll pay a full year upfront.”
Hearing this, not only Mr. Wang but even Su Xiao was stunned.
“Lu Tingting! What do you mean?” Su Xiao ran over angrily. “There’s a first-come, first-served rule! Lin Nian saw it first! You’re deliberately stealing it!”
“Stealing?” Lu Tingting laughed as if it were ridiculous. “Su Xiao, you’re a nurse—have you lost your mind? This is fair competition! Highest bidder wins! Don’t you understand such a simple rule?”
Her eyes were filled with malice and revenge as she stared at Lin Nian.
“Some people just can’t handle it—if you don’t have the means, don’t try to act rich.”
She wanted to use money to humiliate Lin Nian, to make her feel inferior.
She wanted Lin Nian to be unable to stay, to have no home, and to be forced out of the military district like a loser.
Lin Nian remained silent.
She just calmly watched Lu Tingting, observing her twisted, vengeful expression.
Her anger burned quietly, growing with each moment.
She could tolerate Lu Tingting insulting her—but she would never allow anyone to destroy her children’s sense of home.
This yard was the safe haven she had chosen for her children.
No one was going to snatch it from her.