Chapter 19

Qian Youlai’s mother said, “Alright. If you can offer two thousand yuan…”

The homeowner shook his head and said, “Sister-in-law, that’s still too much.”

Qian Youlai eagerly asked, “How about two thousand five hundred yuan?”

The homeowner hesitated, glanced at his wife, and both of them remained silent.

Song Haowen knew that the housing prices would increase several times in the future, and with money in hand, he no longer needed to bargain. He suggested, “Landlord, let’s settle for a fixed price. How about two thousand six hundred yuan? If it works, I can immediately pay a deposit and sign the contract.”

After discussing with his wife, the homeowner agreed on the spot.

So, under the notarization of Qian Youlai’s mother, Song Haowen paid a six hundred yuan deposit, signed the transaction contract, and agreed to go to the housing management bureau for property transfer procedures the next day after work. He also settled the remaining two thousand yuan for the house purchase on the spot.

The next morning, after Song Haowen marked attendance in the classroom, he took his household register quietly and left the school for the district housing management bureau.

After completing all the procedures, he received the original homeowner’s keys and, together with Qian Youlai, He excitedly returned to the newly purchased house. He made a shopping list and a renovation plan, took out five hundred yuan, and entrusted it to Qian Youlai with full authority to handle everything.

Qian Youlai lived up to expectations. After a busy week, the house was completely renovated, with water and electricity all in place.

The three rooms were arranged as follows: the middle one served as a living room with a business counter and commodity shelves, while the two rooms on the left and right were used as a bedroom and a combined workspace.

The traditional kang bed was retained for winter warmth. In the backyard, two new rooms were built—one for the kitchen and storage, and the other for the bathroom and shower room, connected to the living room.

At the same time, Song Haowen took the time to visit various large appliance stores and department stores in the capital, purchasing tools and electronic components for repairing appliances.

On Sunday, when everyone was free, Song Haowen invited Qian Youlai and his family to lunch in the new house. After Qian Youlai’s father arrived and inspected the house and courtyard, he couldn’t help but rub his eyes and sighed.

Thinking about how a sixteen-year-old boy from the countryside could buy such a large house while his own family of five was still cramped in a temporary board house, waiting in line for government to be relocated, he couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed.

However, although Song Haowen said he was treating them, he actually only covered the cost of the vegetables and meats. The one who was Running errands, buying groceries, and cooking were all taken care of by Qian Youlai’s family.

Song Haowen found himself with leisure time, chatting with the two inquisitive little girls.

After lunch, only Song Haowen remained in the house. He wanted to tell Tian Yuxi about the house purchase but didn’t know how to contact her. In the past, Tian Yuxi had always reached out to him first. He hadn’t visited her school, and they hadn’t seen each other for two or three weeks. He wondered what she was busy with.

When he returned to the dormitory in the evening, Song Haowen brought back the electrical repair kit. This repair kit was like his treasure chest, contains all different kinds of electronic kits and various common electronic components.

As a small trial, Song Haowen spent just over ten minutes replacing an electronic component, and fixed Wu Sida’s cassette player, allowing his classmates to hear the pure voice of Teresa Teng.

It was only at this point that his classmates truly believed that Song Haowen was skilled in electrical repair.

They all gave him thumbs up, and a few even suggested that he take on apprentices. He couldn’t quite discern their intentions, so he just smiled without giving a definite answer.

Now that he had a workshop, starting the business became a top priority. However, except on Sundays, Song Haowen spent most of his daytime at school, making it difficult to take on private jobs.

Only in the evenings, when he could freely allocate his time, if he wants to live on his own house, he just need to informed the counselor, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Therefore, Song Haowen needed help. He needed someone to sit at the workshop during the day, handle business, and leave the evening for him to work. He also needed someone to help him collect valuable appliances, fix them then sell as second-hand goods after repairs.

Having his own house meant settling down in the capital.

On Monday afternoon, the second class was physical education, so Song Haowen simply skipped it.

When he arrived at his doorstep, he coincidentally met Qian Youlai bringing his girlfriend Wang Li over to visit.

He invited them into his house. During the conversation, he felt that Wang Li was simple, outgoing, and generous, lacking the arrogance and pride of city girls. She left a good impression on him, and since she was currently unemployed, he had the intention of hiring her.

Song Haowen brought up the topic of hiring. After discussing with Qian Youlai and Wang Li, they immediately expressed their willingness to apply.

Wang Li would manage the storefront, and Qian Youlai would handle acquisitions in the neighborhood. Since they had free time, they were willing to help Song Haowen voluntarily.

Song Haowen was pleased to see their willingness to apply and said, “Thank you. But I can’t let you help for free. Let’s settle things clearly. Right now, there isn’t much business, so each of you will receive a monthly salary of fifty yuan for the first month.”