“Everyone, quiet down first and answer me one question. Are there any houses in the village for rent or for sale?”
Song Mianmian still had not taken off her scarf so no one had yet seen her full face.
At her words all heads turned toward her at once.
In the dim twilight the older educated youth glanced at her shabby clothing and meager luggage and the corners of their mouths twitched. Some with scorn and others with mere exasperation.
Without exception they all assumed Song Mianmian had no money at all. They had been about to give her a blunt straightforward there is nothing available. But then someone glanced over at Ye Xinya eyes lighting up and spoke loudly.
“There is nothing for rent right now. The places that used to be free have all been taken by earlier arrivals. There is just one house sitting empty but the owner will sell it only not rent it. And it is pricey a full four hundred yuan. Mind you it is a fine building a brick house put up two years back two hundred square meters of floor space with a cellar. Cement floors too and behind it a small plot of land big enough to grow vegetables.”
“It is truly a good house. Shame they will not rent. If they would I would go in for it no matter the cost.”
“It is far too expensive. If only we could pool our money and buy it together.”
The older youth grew animated talking about it. But though they appeared to be answering Song Mianmian their gazes were all fixed on Ye Xinya.
Ye Xinya naturally noticed but made no move to respond as they had hoped.
Song Mianmian however asked with genuine interest. “Could you tell me why they are selling it all of a sudden?”
“The house was built by the family’s youngest son for his parents and his elder brother. Not long ago the elder brother’s two children got good jobs in the city so the whole family is moving away.”
“You are worried there is something wrong with it are you not? Let me tell you there is absolutely nothing amiss.”
All spoke with one voice and there was no reason they would lie about such a thing.
Song Mianmian wanted to settle down quickly. She made her decision instantly. “In that case I will buy it. Captain Xiao would you help me get in touch with the owner? You will not be doing it for nothing of course.”
As she spoke she pulled a tin of preserved tangerines from her bag and held it out to Xiao Weihua.
Everyone fell silent. Including Xiao Weihua all were stunned by her boldness.
Xiao Weihua recovered quickly his earlier coolness melting into a beaming smile as he accepted the gift. “It is late and going to sort this out now will not be easy. But I will not say no to this. Come you go rest in the kitchen for now. Everyone else get settled in. And since Comrade Song Mianmian has only just arrived her first meal is on the house do not leave her out.”
With that Xiao Weihua hurried to his dormitory locked the tin safely away in his cabinet grabbed his old flashlight and set off into the dark.
He had sent her to the kitchen so she would not catch a chill waiting outside. In fact Song Mianmian was perfectly warm she was wearing several heat patches left over from Du Qinghui’s previous life. Still curious to see the place she accepted readily.
Inside she smelled steamed corn bread and pickled vegetables. Supper had clearly been ready for some time they were just waiting for the new arrivals before eating. Perhaps she thought the older youth were not entirely unkind.
She was about to sit down when Xu Mengqiu approached carrying a cup of hot tea her manner overly warm. “Mianmian take this warm yourself up and there is something I wanted to mention.”
It was too dim to make out Xu Mengqiu’s expression but Song Mianmian knew exactly what lay behind it. She could guess easily Xu Mengqiu was hoping to move into her new house rent free or cheaply before she had even signed the papers.
Hmph. Song Mianmian had decided she would live alone. Even if Xu Mengqiu were a pleasant person she would have said no. But she was not ready to argue just yet. Without taking the tea she said simply “I am not thirsty” and stepped outside.
“Is anyone here a particularly good cook?” she called out. “I would like someone to make cured meat stew with glass noodles for everyone. I will not ask you to help for free whoever does it gets a tin of fruit as a thank you.”
Before coming Song Mianmian had weighed whether to pretend to be poor and frugal or to be open and generous. She had chosen the latter. Experience had taught her people who want to bully you will not stop just because you are meek they will only take more advantage.
At the words cured meat and glass noodles everyone poured out. Their doubts vanished the moment they saw the generous portions in her hands.
“He Yun. He Yun is the best cook ask her.”
“He Yun where are you? Come quick.”
“Yes He Yun can do it I will help I will peel the garlic.”
A tall young woman stepped forward He Yun smiling warmly. “I do not need your tin. But thank you for treating us all to such a feast.” She took the ingredients and headed straight for the kitchen.
The whole compound brightened. Several brought out candles and flashlights. Song Mianmian was gently but firmly seated by the fire to keep warm.
As the meal neared completion two young men hurried in. “Quick Xiao Weihua is back with the owner. Everyone outside and lock the door. Do not let them smell the food.”
At once everyone sprang into action covering the fire with ash lidding the pots and stuffing cloth into every gap to keep the scent in. They slipped out He Yun snapping the padlock shut behind them.
Waiting in the courtyard they saw that Xiao Weihua had brought not just the owner but also Fu Hongwen the village women’s director and the accountant. To Song Mianmian’s surprise everything was handled properly contracts drawn up formally several youth asked to sign as witnesses. Grateful for the meal none refused.
The sale concluded Fu Hongwen and the others departed. The youth relit the fire and warmed the food. Yet old habits lingered. Mid meal Xie Shijiao spoke up plainly. “Song Mianmian that house is far too big for one person. Why do I not pay you rent and move in too.”
Song Mianmian saw no reason to spare her feelings. She scoffed outright.