Now that the household registration and housing are settled, the main task ahead is finding a school.
Xinyan is also anxious, and after tidying up the dishes, she said to He Jinxuan, "I want to go over to the house to tidy up a bit."
Although He Jinxuan felt a bit reluctant, he still nodded and said, "Let’s go together, it will be faster with more people."
Upon hearing this, Ye Silai and Ye Siyan clamored to go too. He Jinxuan didn’t want any idle gossip about Xinyan: "You all go ahead, I’ll catch up later."
Xinyan thought it made sense, sparing herself from unnecessary trouble due to malicious talk. She took a basin and a cloth and led the two kids to go ahead first.
After they left, He Jinxuan picked up a bucket and took a broom and dustpan before going out the door.
At this time, most families were home for dinner, so nobody noticed them.
Xinyan opened the door and went inside. There was only one room in the courtyard, and the kitchen was temporarily set up under the eaves. The courtyard wasn’t large, but the walls were made of brick, with roses planted under the wall, giving a very comfortable feel that Xinyan really liked.
Upon entering the house, she found an even bigger surprise—the tap water was connected inside, which was much more convenient as she had worried she’d have to fetch water from the lodge.
Although she had space, she had to keep up appearances. She didn’t expect the previous tenant to be so accommodating. Judging by the walls and pipes, they were likely well-off.
When He Jinxuan came in, he saw Xinyan’s smiling face, knowing immediately that she was very satisfied with the house.
He put the bucket down and said, "An old cadre lived here before, just moved in with his son a few days ago. You’re quite lucky, otherwise, you’d be squeezing into the dormitory with others in bunk beds."
Xinyan turned to thank him, "Director He, thank you."
He Jinxuan smiled and raised the bucket, "No need to thank me, don’t be so formal. Just call me Brother He from now on."
Xinyan gave a slight smile and nodded, "Alright."
The house wasn’t very messy to begin with, so it didn’t take long to clean. The old man had given away all the furniture when he left, so the house was empty.
He Jinxuan looked around, "I’ll help you find a bed and table and chairs tomorrow."
Xinyan didn’t fuss about it; he was better suited for the task than she was.
She still reminded him though: "If you find them, it’s best to deliver after dark to avoid any trouble."
He Jinxuan naturally understood what she meant, "Alright, I got it."
*
At the Lyu Family, when Lyu Juncheng returned from work, Yao Hui quickly went over: "You’re back, dinner’s ready, wash your hands and come eat."
Standing at the door, Lyu Dacheng noticed Yao Hui’s enthusiasm and quietly reminded Granny Lyu next to him, "Mom, see? This woman really knows how to win people over. Even if Juncheng doesn’t have feelings for her now, over time he’ll inevitably grow fond of her.
Though she is the aunt of Xiangyang and the others, you heard her cursing this morning—she’s a hypocrite. So Juncheng must continue sending money home each month at the original amount; we’re keeping a fallback plan for those kids."
Granny Lyu already disliked Yao Hui, and with her elder son’s urging, she made up her mind. However, she knew what kind of person her elder son was: "Alright, I know what you’re thinking, don’t act like I don’t."
Lyu Dacheng laughed, "But what I said is true."
Yao Hui quickly set the prepared dishes on the table and called out, "Mom, Dad, Big Brother, it’s time to eat."