She held Ruan Tinghe’s hand and gently patted it.
“Xiaohe, it’s not safe for you and the children to stay outside. Why don’t you come stay at my house? We have plenty of rooms.”
Ruan Tinghe felt embarrassed and refused. “That’s too much trouble. I…”
Before she could finish, Grandma Qin frowned and interrupted her.
“What trouble? You are A-Ze’s lifesaver! Besides, the moment I saw you, I felt close to you. If our family hadn’t only given birth to boys, I would’ve thought you were our long-lost granddaughter!”
“That’s settled then! And my eldest grandson works as a hospital director—it’ll be much more convenient for you to take the children to see a doctor!”
“This…” Ruan Tinghe looked at the three little ones. Her original plan was only to have Yin Quan remember her favor so it would be easier to seek help at the hospital later.
She hadn’t expected Grandma Qin to be this enthusiastic.
Seeing her hesitation, Grandma Qin continued to tempt her.
“We live in a cadre residential compound. There are security patrols every day—it’s very safe. You and the children will be protected there!”
“And there’s a school inside the compound. Your children look around three or four years old, right? It’ll be very convenient for them to study and make friends in the future.”
“The compound is also not far from the hospital. It only takes about half an hour by bicycle.”
A-Ze leaned over and softly said, “Sister… stay.”
Ruan Tinghe recalled her knowledge from her past life. In 1977, the college entrance examination would be reinstated next year, marking the rapid rebuilding of the education system.
The children would definitely need schooling. And what Grandma Qin said was true—the compound was far safer than outside. With the children there, she could also feel more at ease going out to earn money.
“Alright. But I won’t stay for free—I can pay rent.”
“There’s no need for rent. The rooms would just be empty anyway.”
“I must pay rent. Otherwise, I’ll just stay outside.”
“Alright, alright, we’ll do as you say.”
In the end, Grandma Qin agreed to charge a minimal rent.
Yin Quan remained silent the entire time. In front of his grandmother, nothing he said would matter anyway.
He only looked at Ruan Tinghe with a colder gaze. Although he was a doctor, his father held an important position in the military region, and several of his uncles were also soldiers. People like them were often targeted by enemy spies.
She’d better not be one.
They got into the car.
A-Ze sat in the front passenger seat, while Grandma Qin and Ruan Tinghe sat in the back with the children.
This wasn’t Ruan Tinghe’s first time riding a car in the 1970s—but it was the first time she had ridden one this clean.
There was no strange odor at all. The seats, doors, and windows were spotless.
The car was very well maintained, and judging from its model, it was definitely not cheap.
She had once thought Grandma Qin and A-Ze were poor and pitiful—but now it seemed the truly pitiful ones were her and the children.
The Yin family lived in a cadre compound, owned cars, had property, and even had a hospital director in the family…
She had really struck it rich the moment she arrived in Shanghai.
Everything was turning in a good direction. Little Treasure’s treatment would go smoothly.
Filled with hope for the future, she didn’t realize when the car had already entered the residential compound.
Grandma Qin led them to a second-floor room and pushed the wooden door open—dust immediately burst out.
Ruan Tinghe quickly covered her mouth and nose, closing her eyes. The three children followed suit, curiously peeking inside.
The room was about thirty square meters, fully furnished with a bed, a double-door wardrobe, a square table, several chairs, and two thermos bottles in the corner.
“Xiaohe, you and the children can stay in this room. Is that alright?”
Ruan Tinghe was very satisfied. It exceeded her expectations.
“Of course. Thank you, Grandma Qin.”
“As long as you don’t mind. Leave your luggage here first—I’ll show you the other rooms…”
Next, Grandma Qin took her through the kitchen, living room, bathroom…
“The room on the left on the first floor is where A-Quan lives. My husband and I stay in the right room. A-Ze stays next to us. The other three rooms upstairs are usually empty, only used when the children’s uncles or aunts visit.”
“Oh right, Xiaohe… are you brave?”
Grandma Qin suddenly grabbed her hand, looking worried.
Ruan Tinghe was confused for a moment. “What is it?”
She thought to herself: don’t tell me there are ghosts in a cadre compound?
“Ah, A-Quan brought back a lot of skeleton models and bones from the hospital. He also reads books about them—it’s pretty scary.”
“Our whole family is in the military except him. He insists on being a doctor and studying bones, and he keeps bringing them home. I don’t even know if they’re real or fake, but they look frightening.”
Ruan Tinghe let out a breath of relief.
Real or fake, she wasn’t afraid. After all, how else would she draw portraits for the deceased?
Still, she guessed those skeletons were likely medical teaching models, not real bones.
“I’m not afraid. Actually… back in my hometown, I often painted portraits for the deceased.”
She didn’t intend to hide her ability to earn money. It might come in handy later, and it was better to explain it now than be discovered later.
If the Qin family minded, she could still find another place.
Unexpectedly, Grandma Qin was only slightly surprised, then looked at her with even more pity.
She pulled her into a hug and gently patted her back, her voice full of heartache.
“Good child… you must have suffered so much before. Don’t worry. From now on, Grandma Qin will protect you in this compound!”
Ruan Tinghe’s eyes turned slightly red, her nose aching.
This was the first truly warm embrace she had felt since transmigrating.
Old Chen had been kind to her, but it was different—completely different from being held like this, comforted so warmly.
She lifted her arms and hugged Grandma Qin back, unable to speak past the lump in her throat.
A cough came from nearby, interrupting them.
Grandma Qin glared at her grandson.
“Cough what cough? Jealous? Want Grandma to hug you too?”
“I’ve checked A-Ze’s throat. He’s fine,” Yin Quan said coldly.
Then he turned to Ruan Tinghe. “Give me your identity information. I need to register it at the administrative office.”
She quickly handed over her household registration booklet and the introduction letter Old Chen had helped her obtain.
Yin Quan flipped through it, frowning.
“Why are only your names and the three children listed? Where are the others?”
“They’re all dead.”
Grandma Qin’s eyes filled with even more pity after hearing that.
But Yin Quan’s suspicion toward her deepened. He had to investigate this woman’s background.
He left with the documents.
Grandma Qin sighed helplessly. “That child has such a cold personality—how is he ever going to find a wife? He grew up with that Shen family boy, but the Shen boy is never home and still managed to get married and even have a big healthy son… sigh, when will I ever get to hold my great-grandchild?”
Shen family?
There’s a Shen family in this compound too?
No way it’s that coincidence, right?
As soon as the thought appeared, Ruan Tinghe quickly shook her head.
She must be going crazy. Same surname—there’s no need to think about that person again.
“Xiaohe, you tidy up the room first. I’ll take A-Ze to the supply store to buy some things. Do you need anything?”
Ruan Tinghe shook her head. “No, I’ll see what’s missing after I finish unpacking. I’ll buy it myself later.”
“Alright. If you need anything, just tell Grandma.”
After a few more reminders, Grandma Qin picked up her basket and left with A-Ze.