These words shocked not only Song Xinran but also Huang Yun.
Good heavens, such a nice house for only 180 a month?!
When she had chatted with the previous tenant, she'd asked about the rent. The tenant had complained bitterly, saying it was 230 per month! The landlord wouldn't budge on the price. They were new to town back then and didn't know better, only later realizing they'd been overcharged—the highest rent for similar locations was only 220.
Huang Yun had seen the place before, but it was so cluttered she couldn't tell if it was good or bad, thinking they might have paid too much.
But seeing it today, she realized it wasn't expensive at all—it was clearly a great deal!
When they first came to view the house, Huang Yun had assumed Wan Mei would charge a high rent, especially since Wan Mei had spent money on repairs afterward. She'd even worried Song Xinran couldn't afford it.
But upon hearing the price, Huang Yun almost thought she'd misheard—it was way too cheap!
In their area, two-bedroom apartments never went for less than 200.
Song Xinran was also astonished; the price was far lower than she'd expected.
She said sincerely, "Sister Mei, are you serious?"
Wan Mei replied, "Of course. You know this price is quite low, so I need to be clear upfront: the lease is for a minimum of six months, and I hope you'll take good care of the place. Also, the security deposit is 300, which I'll refund when you move out if there are no issues."
Hearing this, Huang Yun grew hesitant again. A 300 security deposit was more than a month's rent.
What if Wan Mei didn't return the deposit? They'd end up losing more. Besides, Wan Mei had a history of not refunding deposits.
Unexpectedly, Song Xinran decisively agreed, "Okay, Sister Mei, 300 deposit it is."
Wan Mei, rarely encountering someone so straightforward, added an explanation, "Don't worry, miss. I'll detail the deposit terms in the contract and refund it in full upon move-out if everything's in order."
Song Xinran smiled, "I know, Sister Mei. I can tell you're very straightforward. I'll take good care of the house, so I'm not worried about that."
A smile finally appeared on Wan Mei's face. They agreed to sign the contract and get the keys in the afternoon, after which Song Xinran could move in.
Thrilled, Song Xinran said to Huang Yun outside, "Sister Yun, thank you so much for today. I couldn't have rented such a great place without you. It's almost noon—why don't you stay, and we can grab a bite outside?"
Huang Yun looked concerned, pulling Song Xinran aside, "Xinran, you need to think this through. 300 is no small amount for a deposit."
And there was room for manipulation—once the money was handed over, whether it got returned was up to the other party.
Song Xinran laughed, "Sister Yun, I know you're looking out for me, but I really love this house. Besides, Sister Mei's rent is very low—I'm already getting a good deal. A higher deposit is fine; I can't expect to benefit from everything."
Nothing in life offers only advantages; if it seems that way, one should be wary of a trap.
Although she hadn't known Wan Mei long, Song Xinran could tell she wasn't the petty type. The high deposit was just to protect the property, and since Song Xinran intended to care for it well, she had no concerns.
Huang Yun thought it was reasonable, and when she looked at Song Xinran again, she felt she was a wise and decisive person, which subconsciously increased her fondness for her. "Alright then, since you'll be moving nearby later, just call me if you need any help."
Unable to persuade Song Xinran otherwise, Huang Yun ended up having lunch with her at a local restaurant.
They ordered one meat dish and one vegetable dish—Twice-cooked pork and Stir-fried Green Vegetables—for a total of 13 yuan.
After the food was served, Huang Yun said, "Eat while it's hot. I suggested eating at my place, but you insisted on coming here, saying you wanted to try the restaurant's flavors. Well, now's your chance. This place has been open for years and does great business."
Song Xinran smiled. She was actually preparing for her future restaurant venture by sampling local dishes and understanding popular tastes.
She picked up a slightly curled slice of meat and put it in her mouth. Her tongue was first greeted by the rich flavors of fermented bean paste and other seasonings. The lean meat was firm, while the fatty parts were juicy.
She then tried the accompanying vegetables in the Twice-cooked pork. The green garlic shoots were slightly overcooked but of good quality, with a fresh aroma that cleverly balanced the greasiness of the meat.
Overall, in Song Xinran's opinion, the dish was barely passable—perhaps just a notch better than the canteen at the glass factory.
The biggest issue was the stir-frying of the meat. Properly prepared Twice-cooked pork should have each slice curled into a "lantern shape," rich but not greasy, with the meat's aroma blooming as you chew.
This requires some knife skills—slicing the meat neither too thin nor too thick, ensuring uniform pieces that curl slightly when stir-fried. However, the restaurant's slices were uneven, resulting in a lackluster texture, with some pieces too tough and others overly fatty.
As she ate, Huang Yun asked, "Is it to your taste? This restaurant's cooking is among the best in town."
Not wanting to be entirely honest, Song Xinran replied, "It's alright."
Huang Yun sighed, "I can never achieve this flavor when I cook Twice-cooked pork at home. Restaurant chefs really have their tricks."
After a moment's thought, Song Xinran said, "Sister Yun, once I've moved in, I'll cook Twice-cooked pork for you to try."
Huang Yun perked up, being quite a food enthusiast herself. "From the way you talk, it sounds like you're quite skilled in the kitchen."
Song Xinran modestly replied, "Just edible, really. But since I enjoy it, I often experiment. To be honest, Sister Yun, I came to town to rent a place so I can set up a stall selling food."
"Selling food is a good idea—low cost, and as long as it tastes decent, you can make money," Huang Yun affirmed.
Song Xinran poured a glass of water for Huang Yun. "Actually, I was a bit worried before. I used to work at the town's glass factory and noticed that most street vendors were older folks. I was afraid there might not be much money in it or that no one would bother."
Huang Yun said, "You must not have been at the right place at the right time. Take the school gate, for example—there are tons of vendors every day after school!"
Leaning closer and lowering her voice, Huang Yun added, "There are definitely people making money, but they keep it quiet. If you've never bought from them, you wouldn't know—the prices aren't cheap, and the students love buying snacks."
Song Xinran smiled warmly. "Sister Yun, thank you so much. Even though I've decided to sell food, I've been feeling uneasy. Hearing your words has put my mind at ease a little."
Song Xinran had visited the town several times, but she always left before the students were dismissed from school, so she naturally had no idea how bustling it could get. Usually, there weren't many vendors in other areas, and they mostly sold things like rice candy and biscuits.
Huang Yun paused, lowering her voice further: "Business is good near the school, and it's profitable. All the small vendors have banded together and are very hostile to outsiders. But I only heard this from others, so don't take it as absolute—don't be afraid."
Song Xinran smiled; she thought nothing was as frightening as poverty.
After the meal, Huang Yun took Song Xinran for a walk around the town, pointing out which spots usually had many vendors. However, it was mid-afternoon, and no one had set up their stalls yet.
"You'll understand once you move to town." Huang Yun ended each explanation with this phrase.
Song Xinran listened with growing excitement and motivation, feeling as if gold was scattered everywhere, making her eager to start collecting it right away.
In the afternoon, Song Xinran withdrew five hundred yuan from the bank, signed a rental contract with Wan Mei, paid 480 yuan, and received the keys before Wan Mei left.
Song Xinran sat on the cool chair in the living room. The afternoon breeze drifted in through the half-open window, fresh and refreshing.
Her gaze swept over the square wooden table, the four matching stools, the clean and even floor, and the snow-white ceiling. A faint smile touched her lips—this would be her and Song Yu's home for a long time to come.
She stood up and inspected the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, recalling how Song Yu had said he was a little scared of pigs when bathing. The little one had shivered his shoulders dramatically when saying this, his eyes wide open, looking both pitiful and adorable.
If she placed a bathtub in the bathroom and bought two rubber ducks, Song Yu probably wouldn't be afraid anymore.
Song Xinran couldn't wait to bring the little one here. Would he like their new home?
On her way back, Song Xinran bought another pound of meat. Huang Yun insisted on charging only the cost price. Song Xinran thought that once they moved to town, she would have to make more dishes and treat Huang Yun to several meals.
On the way home, Song Xinran mentally tallied her expenses: she had spent 27 yuan today, leaving 17 yuan in small change. She had withdrawn 500 yuan from her savings passbook for rent, leaving 20 yuan. Now, she only had 37 yuan in total for daily expenses, and half of her savings were gone.
Although her money was dwindling, the future seemed increasingly promising.
Song Xinran carried the meat and walked briskly toward home. Before she got close, a four- or five-year-old girl ran over, glancing at her furtively as if she had something to say but didn't dare.
In high spirits, Song Xinran recognized the girl and asked with a smile, "What's up, little one?"
The girl approached her and whispered, "Song Yu is kneeling in the yard."
Then she dashed away.
Song Xinran froze, her brow furrowing instantly. She rushed home in quick strides.
Song Yu wasn't in the front yard. The main door was slightly ajar. Song Xinran strode toward the house, and as she drew nearer, she suddenly heard shouting from inside:
"How can you break a cup just by carrying water? You're four years old and still can't do anything right!"
"What on earth is going through that pig brain of yours? I spent several yuan on that cup!" It was Cai Yongde's voice, rough and furious.
Another child's voice chimed in: "Make him pay for it! If he has no money, sell him off!"
A child's whimpering sounded: "Don't sell me, wuwu…"
Song Xinran's expression changed abruptly. She rushed forward in two steps and pushed the door open.
Cai Yongde was sitting on the sofa, facing a pile of broken porcelain fragments, his face filled with extreme anger.
Cai Yang was curled up nearby, holding an orange in his hand, his mouth smeared with juice as he ate, watching television with great interest.
As for Xiao Yu…
He was kneeling on the cold floor, his small body trembling with sobs. Hearing the noise, he fearfully raised his head, his eyes filled with terror.
When he saw it was her, his sobs intensified immediately, and he whispered: "M-Mom."
Song Xinran couldn't describe the feeling in her heart at that moment—it was like being pricked by fine needles. She pressed her lips tightly together, walked over to Xiao Yu in a few steps, and picked him up.
The child was probably too frightened—his legs couldn't support him, and his whole body had gone limp.
Seeing her suppressed anger and dark expression, Cai Yang immediately rolled off the sofa. Frightened, he quickly ran out the front door to find his mother.
Cai Yongde's eyes also showed a moment of panic, wondering why Song Xinran, who usually returned around five or six, had come back two hours early today.
"Xinran, you're back so early today," Cai Yongde said.
Song Xinran didn't answer him, only lowered her head to comfort the sobbing child.
Cai Yongde felt somewhat embarrassed. He cleared his throat lightly: "Xiao Yu is already four years old and still broke the cup. He's been living with our family, and as his uncle, I was just educating him for his own good."
Song Xinran looked up and gave him a cold glance: "You don't need to educate him for me. From now on, I'll take care of Xiao Yu myself. I'm taking him away right now."
Author's note: