Chapter 20: Homeowners

"Comrade, you have some skill," the tall, thin man said, his previous scorn replaced by a glint of intrigue in his eyes. "Gold is going for nine yuan seventy per gram on the market, but I can't offer you that high. We need to make a profit too, so I can only give you eight yuan."

"Eight eighty," Zhong Yuxiu replied without hesitation. "At that price, you'll still make a good margin."

The man sized her up for a while before replying, "Deal. If you have more quality goods in the future, bring them here."

"We'll see," she said, not promising anything. "When I sell the gold bars, I don’t want all cash. I want vouchers too—food coupons, industrial vouchers, cloth coupons, and other supply tickets. Exchange some for me."

"How much do you want?"

She did a quick calculation. "Two thousand."

"Alright."

They weighed the gold. With one hand, he handed her the money, with the other, took the goods. The gold bars fetched twenty thousand; the smaller gold beans and melon seeds, being lighter, brought only one hundred seventy-six. She also received three hundred jin of food coupons, four hundred industrial vouchers, fifty feet of cloth coupons, and ten tickets each of various supply types.

"Comrade, my surname is Fang. If you come again, just ask for me. Unless something comes up, I'm always here."

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. "Good. The transaction is complete, so I'll be on my way." She wrapped the cash and coupons in the cloth bag that had held the gold. The amount made the bag bulge.

As she left the courtyard, a man and a woman emerged from a side room. "Boss, who was that just now? She looked unfamiliar."

"Must have just returned to the city," said Old Fang with a smile. "That girl is no ordinary person—bold enough to bring five large gold bars to the black market alone, even braver than I was in my youth. She’s experienced too. She’ll make quite a name for herself."

"You're always a good judge of character, boss," the man said obsequiously, abandoning his intentions to pry further.

Zhong Yuxiu witnessed all of this with her mental powers, and was quite satisfied. For now, Old Fang seemed reliable. She found a secluded place, counted out three thousand yuan to wrap up again in the cloth, and stowed the rest in her storage ring.

Returning to the inn, she saw Sister Lian speaking with someone. "Sister Lian."

"Oh, it's you, girl. Back from your outing?" Sister Lian asked, suspecting nothing—she’d left with one bag and returned with the same.

"Yes. It's only been two years since I went down to the countryside, but the capital has changed so much," Zhong Yuxiu replied, her eyes crinkling with her smile. "I want to go out again tomorrow. The day after, I'll need your help again, Sister Lian."

"Of course, it's no trouble. When tomorrow? I'll have someone watch the place for me."

"Early morning—the streets are quiet, and official business is easier to handle."

"Alright, I’ll wait for you in the morning."

With the arrangements made, Zhong Yuxiu returned to her room. She spread the money and coupons on the bed; her financial troubles were solved. Once the house was settled in two days, she'd report to Huada University. Having made her plans, she finally relaxed, spending the entire day in the inn except to go out for meals.

At dawn the next day, Zhong Yuxiu brought Sister Lian with her to Uncle Wang’s house.

"My, you two are early. Give me a moment—I’ll change my shoes and go to the subdistrict office with you. They should be open by now," Uncle Wang said, momentarily surprised before hurrying inside.

"Take your time," Sister Lian called after him, concerned for his aging legs.

He waved her off and soon reappeared, now in black cloth shoes. "Let’s go. The sooner this is done, the sooner you’ll be at ease, and I can pack up and join my son and wife."

"In such a hurry to leave?" Sister Lian asked.

Uncle Wang chuckled. "I've been meaning to go. I couldn't trust anyone else to sell the house. Now that I've found the right person, I’m at ease."

"Be sure to visit us often," said Sister Lian.

"Who knows if I’ll even be able to come back? Who knows how long I’ll live?" His tone was carefree and open-minded, his eyes full of joy.

Zhong Yuxiu felt a pang in her heart and admired the old man. With age comes acceptance; home is where family is, and if you can't return, so be it. Kind, soft-hearted parents always make plans for their children, working hard for their children's comfort. Uncle Wang was no exception.

As they walked, the two elders chatted, occasionally asking Zhong Yuxiu for her opinion.

The subdistrict office had just opened, and someone was sweeping inside. Uncle Wang entered confidently. "Xiao Yu, busy already?"

"Uncle Wang! Good morning! What brings you here?" Xiao Yu was a woman in her early thirties, but she still called him "Uncle" out of respect for his age.

"I’ve found a buyer for my house—a nice young lady. I've decided to transfer the house to her, so I need you to issue a certificate and update the property deeds." Uncle Wang spoke up for Zhong Yuxiu at every turn.

Since Zhong Yuxiu would be living here, she'd inevitably have dealings with the subdistrict office. She was grateful for his help.

"Of course, no problem at all. Congratulations! You’re really picky—won’t sell to anyone with a bad character or anyone who doesn’t cherish the house. How long have you been trying to sell it? Finally, you found someone you’re happy with," Xiao Yu said cheerfully.

Uncle Wang just laughed and didn’t respond, hurrying her to get it done. She efficiently rewrote the deeds. "Here, sign here."

Uncle Wang signed first, then Zhong Yuxiu.

Xiao Yu glanced at the signatures. Zhong Yuxiu’s handwriting was in the plum blossom small-script—delicate, elegant, and beautiful, soft yet clear, standing out on the page and pleasing to the eye. This style of calligraphy is famed for its grace, as if a dancer were painted onto the page—rising and bowing, beauty in every stroke; like a fairy’s shadow, a lotus reflecting in the water, jade against the clouds.

"So your name is Zhong Yuxiu—a fine name, and you have lovely handwriting. How many years have you practiced to write so well?"

"Since I was a child," Zhong Yuxiu replied.

"Such perseverance," Xiao Yu praised, giving a thumbs up. She took out the official seal, signed, and stamped the documents. "Comrade Zhong, come visit when you have time. Let’s stay in touch."

"Certainly, and you’re welcome to drop by my place as well," Zhong Yuxiu replied, gladly accepting Xiao Yu’s goodwill.

Her straightforward manner made Xiao Yu like her even more. "It’s settled, then! Don’t let me come by and find myself shut out—that’d be too embarrassing."

"Yu Xin, you’ll embarrass the young lady with talk like that. She’s not only lovely and polite, but also capable," Sister Lian couldn’t help boasting. "Do you know how she returned to the city?"

Yu Xin's curiosity was piqued, and she urged her to continue.

Sister Lian didn’t keep her in suspense and announced proudly, "She got into university and came back that way. You know Huada, right? Such a good school—Zhong is enrolled there. She’s exceptionally talented and respectful. I’ve only known her two days, and I already like her so much."

Pretty, well-mannered, warm, straightforward, and a university student—which meant talented. Who wouldn’t like such a girl?

"Listen to you! Someone who didn’t know better would think she’s your own family," Yu Xin teased, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance.