“Sister Xiuxiu, you can have these bottles of soda~ My backpack is already full.”
“Keep working, I’ll come find you after I get settled.”
Fang Xiuxiu was worried she might be deceived, which was why she offered to go with her. While claiming it was to familiarize herself with the route, her true intention was to protect her—ready to whisk her away at the first sign of trouble. She genuinely had Wen Zhile’s best interests at heart.
“Sister Xiuxiu, I’m off now.”
“Grandma, let’s discuss the rent.” Wen Zhile supported Qu Jinghong as they walked to the roadside.
Qu Jinghong never intended to charge her rent: “No need, I’m just happy to have you here.”
“Even if you’re happy, I should still pay rent. How about two hundred a month?” Wen Zhile’s tone was exceptionally sincere. “Grandma, I’ve never rented before and don’t know the rates. Your place must be more spacious than a hotel. The hotel I stayed in cost five yuan per day, so staying with you shouldn’t be less than that. Otherwise, wouldn’t I be taking advantage of your kindness? If two hundred is too low, just say so—I have money.”
Qu Jinghong was slightly taken aback. She hadn’t believed the girl when she claimed to have money, but now she was convinced. However, did she have a bit too much cash?
There must be a reason, just like when she suspected the girl before her might be her biological granddaughter. Despite her doubts, Qu Jinghong didn’t show it.
“If you really insist on paying, ten yuan will do.”
Wen Zhile: ! Grandma is so kind.
The middle of the street wasn’t the place for haggling. After a moment’s thought, she agreed directly and promptly hailed a taxi: “Grandma, let me help you into the car.”
The trip to Mudan Hutong cost one yuan. As soon as the car stopped, Wen Zhile paid the fare.
Qu Jinghong helplessly put her money away and got out to introduce the girl to her home.
Her home was a single-courtyard Siheyuan, quite spacious with four main rooms and three side rooms. Qu Jinghong occupied one main room herself, reserved one each for her son and daughter-in-law and another for her daughter and son-in-law, leaving the remaining main room for her granddaughter.
But Wen Nuan had stayed there only a handful of times, and those were during her childhood.
Qu Jinghong’s gaze lingered on that room as she said to Wen Zhile, “Xiao Dai, you’ll stay in this one.”
She led Wen Zhile over.
“This room is regularly cleaned, and the bedsheets were changed last month… but no one has stayed here since. If you mind, I can change them for new ones.”
Wen Zhile looked at the bed.
She recognized the bedding set—it was her grandmother’s own sheets. She knew exactly what this room was meant for.
“It’s fine, Grandma, I don’t mind.”
She took ten yuan from her backpack: “Here’s the rent.”
After Qu Jinghong accepted the money, she began unpacking her belongings, first placing her textbooks on the desk, then setting her old clothes and shoes by the bed.
That was all she had.
Qu Jinghong had assumed her backpack was full of clothes, but it turned out to be textbooks.
Even in such circumstances, she remembered to bring her books, showing how much she valued her studies.
Thinking of her own granddaughter, who perpetually ranked last in her class, Qu Jinghong sighed inwardly.
“If you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll get it for you.”
“Okay, Grandma, I’m heading out for a bit. You rest now.”
Wen Zhile planned to visit a nearby supermarket.
When she returned, she had bought all her daily necessities, along with a piece of pork freshly cut from the market, a box of traditional Furong Gao pastries, and a live fish.
Altogether, it cost thirty yuan.
The gate of the Siheyuan was open, and Wen Zhile walked in with light steps: “Grandma, I’m back. Shall we make dumplings for dinner tonight?”
Qu Jinghong, who had been sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool air, rose with a smile: “Sure.”
“Heping, this is the young lady renting my courtyard.”
Tang Heping looked at Wen Zhile, who noticed her and smiled before speaking.
Qu Jinghong introduced her: “Xiao Dai, this is my daughter-in-law, surnamed Tang.”
Only then did Wen Zhile speak up: “Hello, Aunt Tang. My name is Dai Zhi.”
“Oh, Xiao Dai is so pretty.”
It was a pity she looked sallow and thin—if she were fairer and plumper, she could surely stun everyone.
Tang Heping was the director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at the military general hospital, and her professional instincts kicked in. With one glance at Wen Zhile, she already had an assessment in mind.
She stepped forward to take the items from the young woman’s hands and placed them in the kitchen. Upon returning, she got straight to the point: “Xiao Dai, let me check your pulse.”