Chapter 15

After leaving the post office, Mu Wanwan went to look for a place to live. She had saved up a decent amount of money by now, enough to rent a suitable house.

At the end of the month, she and Wen Lin would be divorced. By then, she certainly could not keep living with him and needed her own place.

For the time being, she had no plans to leave Beijing. It was not only because she wanted to do business, but more importantly, she wanted to study.

The national college entrance exam had not yet been reinstated, and only a few technical secondary schools were still admitting students, mainly for vocational training.

But she remembered her past life—less than two years from now, the exam would officially be restored. When that time came, she intended to take it.

Beijing had the most schools and the best educational resources. Though she had attended high school, it was in the countryside, and her grades were only average.

In her past life, she had often been mocked for lacking education. She had always been interested in English and had once studied on her own, but as her relationship with Wen Lin grew colder, she lost the heart to continue.

In this life, she was determined to pick it up again. After the exam returned, English would only become more important, and people skilled in it were in short supply.

Mu Wanwan wanted to make money in business, but she also wished to achieve something academically.

She arrived at a residential compound in Beijing’s western district. In her past life, the property here had only risen in value, to the point where it could not be bought even with money.

The location was excellent. Nearby were hospitals, schools, and markets—life here was very convenient.

In addition to small single-story houses, there were also standalone two-story homes with courtyards, looking grand from the outside.

Of course, she liked those best, but she had to act according to her means. With only sixty yuan in hand, she could only rent for now. Buying would have to wait until later.

As for those villa-like two-stories, she knew better than to dream of them anytime soon.

At the street corner, she spotted two middle-aged women chatting and hurried over to ask if they knew of any houses for rent.

These women, who lingered at the corner gossiping, always had the latest news. They were the best source of information.

“Little girl, are you looking to rent a house?” one short-haired woman asked warmly.

“Yes. If there’s something suitable, I’d like to rent for a while.”

The short-haired woman replied at once, “Well, what a coincidence. There are a few places here looking to rent. Why don’t I take you to have a look?”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you so much.”

Mu Wanwan could tell she was a kindhearted woman.

After greeting the other, the short-haired woman led Mu Wanwan away.

“Where’s your family from, little girl? You’re very pretty. Are you renting alone? That can be a bit risky!”

“I’m from Zhejiang. I came here to stay with relatives, but it’s not convenient living in their house all the time, so I thought I’d rent my own place.”

“Ah, well at least you know people here. My surname’s Liu, you can call me Auntie Liu.

I live near the street corner we just passed. If you rent here, you can come to me anytime if something comes up.

Zhejiang is far away. It’s not easy for a young woman like you to live out here.”

Hearing this, Mu Wanwan felt a warmth in her heart.

No matter the time, there were always good people.

She smiled gratefully. “Auntie Liu, thank you. I could tell right away you’re a kind person.”

“You’ve got a good eye then!”

Auntie Liu laughed heartily, thinking this girl was not only pretty but also sweet-tongued.

Soon they grew closer as they chatted along the way.

Auntie Liu showed her two houses, but Mu Wanwan wasn’t satisfied. She didn’t need a large space, but she wanted a small courtyard and an indoor bathroom.

“No matter, there are two more families renting out. I’ll take you there.”

Not at all bothered, Auntie Liu led her to a third home.

This one was spacious, with two bedrooms, a courtyard, and an indoor bathroom. Inside, it was neat and well-kept, fully furnished.

In the yard, there was even a small patch for vegetables or flowers. Mu Wanwan was quite pleased, though the rent was higher—ten yuan a month.

That was expensive, and she hesitated.

Auntie Liu tried bargaining with the landlord for her. While the three of them were still talking, someone suddenly called Mu Wanwan’s name from behind.

She turned and was surprised to see Ju Bairan standing not far away.

“What are you doing here?”

He had noticed a familiar figure ahead and, curious, walked closer. Sure enough, it was her.

“I’m here to rent a house. What about you?”

“My home’s right here, just up ahead.”

He pointed toward the row of two-story villas.

Mu Wanwan wasn’t surprised. She had long noticed that Ju Bairan came from a well-off family.

“Why are you suddenly renting a place?” he asked. He knew she was married and where she lived. Why was she looking for a house here?

“I’ve got some personal matters. Renting is more convenient.”

She didn’t explain further.

He nodded, then noticed the landlord. He knew the man too, and helped her bargain. In the end, the rent was set at eight yuan a month.

Delighted, Mu Wanwan paid three months upfront and signed a one-year lease, with rent to be paid monthly afterward.

Auntie Liu also knew the Ju family. They were the wealthiest in the area, so of course she recognized them, but she hadn’t expected Mu Wanwan to know Ju Bairan.

Seeing the handsome young man and the pretty girl side by side, she could not help but imagine things, smiling to herself with a gossiping air.

Mu Wanwan, unaware of her thoughts, thanked her again.

“We’ll be neighbors now, no need to thank me. All right, I should get home to cook.”

Once Auntie Liu left, Mu Wanwan and Ju Bairan followed the landlord inside to look around again.

Afterward, he asked, “Is there anything missing in the house? When you move in, I can have people help set it up.”

She shook her head. “It’s fine, everything’s here already.”

“Would you like to come to my house for a bit?” he offered. Though he knew she came from a rural family in Zhejiang, he never looked down on her. On the contrary, he thought she was remarkable—her business sense alone was impressive. Most girls her age only cared about appearances.

“No need. Thank you again for today. Tomorrow I’ll bring a small gift over.”

Since he had helped lower the rent, she owed him that courtesy.

“Good. Then I’ll be waiting for my gift,” he replied easily.

The two of them chatted as they walked forward, neither noticing the pair of eyes watching them from a distance.