Chapter 83: Borrowing the Paper
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi- Bo Studio
Master Bai glanced at Ye Ling and with a voice that carried both weariness and age, he asked Yang Zi, “Have you explained everything to her?”
Yang Zi nodded vigorously, confirming, “Yes, I’ve explained everything.”
Master Bai sat on a round chair made of pear blossom wood with a walking stick. “Alright, let me add a few points. Renting my house doesn’t require a contract. You pay the rent for two months in advance. If you can’t afford it, let me know beforehand. If you move out within a month, considering the history of death in the house, I’ll only charge half of the original rent.” Hearing this, Ye Ling felt that Master Bai was truly a kind person.
He also seemed to be well-off financially.
Ye Ling paid the rent for two months and paid Yang Zi for the intermediary services.
After selling the batch of herbs, Ye Ling was now in possession of a considerable sum of 17 yuan. This was equivalent to the monthly salary of a young urban worker. After deducting the rent and other expenses, she was left with 13 yuan.
Yang Zi took the money and left happily. Before he left, he told Ye Ling to look
for him if she needed anything in the future.
After Yang Zi left, Ye Ling went to her new house.
The house indeed showed signs of age. It seemed to have been unoccupied for a long time. A thick layer of dust covered the table, and spider webs had formed in the corners.
The house had an area of about 40 square meters. Against the wall, there was a bed, a table, and a half-doorless cabinet.
Behind the house lay a courtyard, relatively spacious. Beside it, a makeshift stove was set up with a straw canopy. Firewood was stacked nearby. Beyond the courtyard, a vast expanse of rolling green hills could be seen, providing a picturesque view.
Just as Ye Ling was surveying the premises, a child’s voice suddenly came from behind her, “Oh, by the way, Grandpa said that someone will come to tidy this place up. When are you planning to move in?”
Ye Ling turned her head and saw Master Bails granddaughter. She fell silent for a moment.
Her current persona was a mute, so she naturally couldn’t speak.
She nodded, signifying her understanding, but she didn’t answer the little girl’s query.
After exchanging gazes for a few seconds, the little girl turned and ran off.
Having secured the rental, Ye Ling prepared to head back. She currently had no immediate use for the place. She rented it first as a stronghold for future matters.
After returning to Willow Village, the time was already quite late. By a secluded stream, Ye Ling washed off the herbal residue from her body, restoring her skin to its fair and smooth state.
Back home, the Wan brothers had already returned. Spotting Ye Ling’s arrival,
Wan Hai inquired casually, “Lingling, where have you been?”
Ye Ling naturally couldn’t tell the truth, so she made up an excuse guiltily. “I went to the dormitory to pick up something.”
Min Nan emerged from the kitchen, his hands sticky with blood. Ye Ling was startled.
Min Nan explained hastily, “I caught two fish from the river and prepared them. They’re on the cutting board.”
Ye Ling heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. “Then let’s have fish soup tonight. We’ll save one for braised fish tomorrow. Or if you all prefer, we can have steamed fish.”
Following a vote from the Wan brothers, they settled on braised fish. “Who wants to go out and buy some fresh tofu?” Ye Ling inquired again.
“I’ll go!”
Given the rare opportunity to fulfill a request, Wan Xue hurriedly volunteered, enthusiastic to assist his sister-in-law.
“Buy half a block. If they’re sold out, it’s fine.” With Ye Ling’s reminder, Wan Xue dashed out and quickly returned with half a block of tofu.
Ye Ling had already placed the fried fish in the pot. Adding water, the fish soup swiftly turned a milky white.
Subsequently, Ye Ling diced the tender tofu and added it to the fish soup. She also included some crushed herbs and green onions. The tofu fish soup was now ready.
That evening, the Wan brothers marveled at never having tasted such delectable fish soup in their lives. They finished the entire pot and devoured the fish meat as well.
After dinner, Ye Ling returned to her room and entered the small world. She harvested some mint and intended to make mint candies.
She had previously thought of making candies for Wan Xue. Mint candies could provide a cooling effect, soothe the nerves, and aid digestion. She would make more and give them to the Wan brothers and Min Nan as a token of appreciation for their care over this period seemed fitting.
The ingredients for the mint candies were all sourced from the small world.
The mint fragrance was more potent, and the effects were significant. The small world’s water source was capable of purifying impurities and promoting healing. Turning these ingredients into mint candies not only produced a snack but also conferred health benefits.
After completing a batch of mint candies, Ye Ling exited the small world and settled down for a nap. The next day, she planned to borrow newspapers from
Yu Huan..