Daily Life in the 70s
Chapter 212: Renting a House

Chapter 212: Chapter 212: Renting a House

Shen Yiqiu pondered for a moment, "Aunt Fan’s house is indeed nice, and it’s close to ours, it’s just her temperament..." When she got to the end, she hesitated as she looked toward Mrs. An.

Mrs. An, with hair that had partially gone gray, was being supported to sit against the wall on the small bed near the room’s edge. Perhaps it had been some time since she had chatted with others; she seemed very enthusiastic about her eldest daughter-in-law’s family, vigorously analyzing the housing situation in and around the courtyard for Yang PeiMin.

As for her daughter-in-law’s concerns, Mrs. An had her own opinions, "The Fan family, although a bit odd in temperament, is close to us. If there’s any issue, we can easily help out. Except for that room, we won’t need anything else from her. As long as we pay the rent on time, what could she possibly say?" When it came to Yang PeiMin, her eldest daughter-in-law’s only sibling, not even mentioning her outstanding brother serving in the military, with her spirited appearance, she showed signs of a promising future. Certainly, her determination to attend university even after getting married was evident.

At her age, she had her own way of assessing people. Moreover, she was quite satisfied with her daughter-in-law—diligent, capable, dutiful, and understanding—having blessed her An family with three sons. On this point alone, she would think highly of her daughter-in-law’s family. And with her three grandsons, there might come a time when they would need support from their uncle’s family.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yiqiu nodded and turned back to explain to Yang PeiMin, "Aunt Fan lost her husband years ago and raised three children on her own. She can be quite domineering and aggressive, but we need not worry; she still relies on tenants renting her property. We deal with her strictly in terms of rent; there’s little other contact."

Yang PeiMin went over it in her mind and got the picture. Essentially, Aunt Fan was difficult to get along with, but Shen Yiqiu was correct; Aunt Fan depended on her tenants for income. She wouldn’t drive away business, would she? As long as Yang PeiMin had a private space, not too dirty or disorderly, with electric lights, she didn’t have many concerns.

"Alright, I’ve got it; I’ll be careful. Thanks to Auntie and third sister."

Shen Yiyue quickly asked, "Where is it?"

Shen Yiqiu lifted the door curtain and pointed to a room diagonally opposite, saying, "It’s that one. She partitioned a room inside; she and her ten-year-old son can live in one room, and she’s thinking of renting out the other. The only issue is that one needs to pass through her hall to reach that room, and it doesn’t have a separate entrance. Plus, with her being a widow, it’s not easy for her to rent it out. She can only rent it to female factory workers who haven’t been assigned dormitories, but there are not many such workers. After we’ve eaten, you can go and take a look."

Yang PeiMin had no objections.

The matter seemed settled, and Shen Yiqiu, thinking that lunch at home hadn’t been prepared yet, stood up and called Dahua over. Giving him money to buy two pounds of meat.

Shen Yiyue hurried to bring out the items she had brought, "I got so caught up talking that I forgot. Third sister, we’ve brought some vegetables. Mom was thinking about how much you like tomatoes and specifically brought you a whole bag."

Shen Yiqiu’s eyes lit up with joy, touched, "Ah, mom always has me on her mind."

Shen Yiyue took out all the items, placing them on the table until it was full. Aside from the vegetables and eggs, Yang PeiMin had also bought some pastries in town to spoil her nephews.

Shen Yiqiu frowned slightly and asked Yang PeiMin, "Why did you bring so much stuff with you? We’re all family; there’s no need to buy extra things. It’s enough with the vegetables from our garden. Look at these eggs and pastries; there’s no need to spend money needlessly."

Yang PeiMin smiled, "It’s my first time visiting, and the nephews aren’t familiar with me yet. Don’t stop me, this is for pampering them, getting affectionate with their aunt, and also you, mother-in-law. This red date cake is soft and delicious, suitable for someone of your age."

Mrs. An laughed heartily, "Ah Guang’s wife knows how to speak well. These monkeys can eat anything; don’t spoil them."

After organizing everything, Yang PeiMin asked Shen Yiyue to keep Mrs. An company while she stood up to help Shen Yiqiu cook.

In this large courtyard, very few had separate kitchens. Most people had set up simple kitchens at their front doors; that was enough. Shen Yiqiu, seeing her coming out, quickly shooed her away, "For just a little cooking, there’s no need for your help. Go on in and sit down; the old lady here quite likes you. Otherwise, you can stay and chat with her."

"Yiyue is inside. Third sister, you still have to work later. I can give a hand and speed things up."

Seeing her insistence, Shen Yiqiu let her be, as she indeed didn’t have much time for a noon rest.

People in the courtyard were coming and going, and upon seeing a stranger at the An Family’s place, and such a noticeable one at that, it wasn’t long before someone gossiped, "Sister-in-law An has relatives over? Who might this be?"

Shen Yiqiu replied, "My younger sister from my maternal family, she came to visit me with my sister."

"Oh, it’s the first time seeing her, isn’t it? I heard your brother got married over New Year’s? He looks really good." Neighbor Aunt Hu said this while sizing up Yang PeiMin, noticing that she was neatly dressed and didn’t at all look like someone from the countryside. But she had heard that Mrs. An’s daughter-in-law was from the countryside, and yet, this sister-in-law didn’t seem like she was mooching off anyone, so she kept on curiously, "Your sister-in-law has such a kind heart, coming all the way here to see you."

Shen Yiqiu nodded with a smile.

"That’s great indeed! It’s not often someone comes from the countryside, so she should stay for a few more days."

"Aunt, you jest. My place is just the size of a block of tofu. How could it fit anyone else?"

"That’s nothing. Isn’t Sister-in-law Fan’s place just recently emptied? Maybe she could let your sister-in-law stay for a few days."

"How can you say that? Aunt Fan’s looking to rent that place out."

"That’s easy to deal with. Just call her out and ask. If it’s okay, you’ll need to give something in return, of course." Having said this, Aunt Hu had already raised her voice to call for Aunt Fan.

Yang PeiMin glanced at Shen Yiqiu.

Shen Yiqiu whispered to her, "This is good. Let Aunt Hu call her out. They usually exchange a few words; I’m afraid she might raise the price later on."

Yang PeiMin nodded and whispered back, "I’ll listen to you, third sister."

Aunt Fan was quickly called out by Aunt Hu. Aunt Fan was a woman of short stature with a skinny figure, and a face that looked both distressed and shadowed. As she came out, her gaze swept over Yang PeiMin.

Aunt Hu had already started explaining the situation to her.

After Aunt Hu finished, Shen Yiqiu also said, "Aunt Fan, my sister-in-law has come to the city to take care of some things and is looking for a place to stay. Do you think your place would be convenient?"

Having sized up Yang PeiMin, seeing a young woman who was also clean and tidy, not sloppy at all, Aunt Fan nodded and said, "My room is for rent, six yuan a month. For the few days your sister-in-law stays, she can just pay the daily rent."

Six yuan a month.

Shen Yiqiu felt it was expensive and looked at Aunt Hu, who then said, "Aunt Fan, if it wasn’t for the fact that our place is too cramped, we wouldn’t even consider looking elsewhere. We’re all neighbors here and this price... my sister-in-law is from the countryside, she doesn’t have much money..."

Aunt Fan interrupted her, "The room I’m renting is well-ventilated, sunny, and has a window. I’m already giving you a neighborly discount. Otherwise, I’d charge outsiders seven yuan. If you’re okay with it, then rent it."

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