Chapter 25

The old woman grinned, revealing her yellowed teeth, and said cheerfully, “You must be the new educated youth who arrived today. You’re really good-looking. I have lots of empty rooms. Come with me and take a look, I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”

Before Chi Yiyi could refuse, Zheng Abao reached out and smacked away the old woman’s creepy hand.

“Auntie Xinghua, do you even know who’s looking after my Sister Yiyi? You’d better go back and tell those other aunties in the village who’ve been eyeing the educated youth to stop dreaming about my Sister Yiyi.”

Wang Xinghua pouted in displeasure. “Abao, your third brother’s getting married in two months. Once your third sister-in-law moves in, where will your family find an extra room to rent to these educated youth?”

Zheng Abao replied, “That’s none of your business, Auntie Xinghua.”

Chi Yiyi worried that the village chief’s family might only be renting her a room because of Gu Xuan’s influence. She asked softly, “Abao, with your third brother getting married, does your family still have enough room?”

Zheng Abao said, “We do, we do. We actually still have one extra room. But my parents were afraid that if we rented it to other educated youth, it might get too noisy and upset my new sister-in-law. So they told people we weren’t renting it anymore. But you’re different, Sister Yiyi.”

“Sister Yiyi, you’re not like the other educated youth I’ve met from the city. I really like you. Even my two sisters-in-law like me a lot—I’m sure they’ll like you too.”

Chi Yiyi found herself really liking this daughter of the village chief. Zheng Abao had such a great personality, and the two of them got along very well. In this world, nothing was more important in making friends than just clicking with someone.

“Sister Yiyi, we’re here. This is my house.”

Zheng Abao called loudly into the courtyard, “Dad! Mom! I brought Sister Yiyi home!”

Chi Yiyi looked up at the courtyard house with its blue bricks and tiled roof. It really was quite big.

Zheng Tao, the village chief, had been curious to see what the rumored girl from North City looked like—especially since she was supposedly related to a high-ranking leader. Holding a pipe in his hand, he was the first to rush out of the courtyard.

“You’re Chi Yiyi, the educated youth? The little neighbor sister of Director Gu?”

“Hello, Village Chief. Yes, I’m Gu Xuan’s neighbor.”

Chi Yiyi knew Gu Xuan had introduced her this way to protect her reputation, but it was technically a lie, and she felt a bit awkward saying it.

Zheng Tao said warmly, “That’s great! Chi Zhiqing, this is the house. Your auntie’s already tidied up a room inside. Go take a look and see if you’re satisfied.”

Chi Yiyi took out a pack of cigarettes from her bag. “Village Chief, you’re being too kind. As an educated youth sent down to the countryside, I’m already very grateful to be able to rent a room in your home. This is a brand my dad smokes. I brought it for you—please try it.”

“Oh no, that’s too generous. I usually smoke the tobacco I grow myself.”

Zheng Tao glanced down. It was one of the good brands he only smoked when attending meetings at the commune. He actually really wanted it.

Chi Yiyi knew the village chief was refusing the gift out of respect for Gu Xuan. But she still insisted. “Village Chief, if you don’t take this gift, then I’m afraid I can’t live here.”

“Well then, thank you, Chi Zhiqing.”

Zheng Tao had assumed that someone connected to a top official from the city would be spoiled and difficult, but Chi Yiyi turned out to be polite and very sensible. That put his mind at ease.

Chi Yiyi followed Zheng Abao inside to look at the room. It was quite spacious, and she was very satisfied.

Zheng Abao beamed. “From now on, I’ll be living right next door to you, Sister Yiyi.”

Chi Yiyi asked, “Thanks to Auntie for tidying the room. How much is the rent per month?”

He Shuzhi, Zheng Abao’s mother, replied cheerfully, “One yuan per month. That’s the standard rent we charge all educated youth in the village.” Then she turned to her daughter. “Abao, your Sister Yiyi just got here and doesn’t know her way around yet. Go fetch Old Zheng’s ox cart and take her to the county this afternoon to buy some supplies.”

“Okay, Mom. I got it.”

Chi Yiyi thought about how she’d be living in the village for the next two years. She figured it would be more convenient if she could build a house of her own.

So, as they were walking through the Zheng family courtyard, she mentioned the idea to the village chief.

Zheng Tao said, “Of course educated youth are allowed to build houses here. I’ll assign you a plot of land tomorrow and call on the villagers to help build it.”

Chi Yiyi knew that Village Chief Zheng would make everything go smoothly because of Gu Xuan. She was still a stranger in this area and definitely needed the help.

She took out 300 yuan from her bag. “Thank you, Village Chief. Since I won’t be able to provide food for the villagers helping with construction, here’s some money in advance. If it’s not enough, please let me know.”

“Alright, Chi Zhiqing. Don’t worry.”

Chi Yiyi then took out a bottle of liquor she had prepared. “This is a thank-you gift for your help with the house. You have to accept it.”

Zheng Tao looked at the bottle. It was quality white liquor—very good stuff.

Chi Yiyi was indeed a very considerate young woman, generous and decisive. Even if she weren’t connected to some high-ranking official, he’d still be willing to help her.

After leaving the village chief’s house, Chi Yiyi and Zheng Abao took an ox cart to the commune.

As the cart passed by the gates of the commune, Chi Yiyi couldn’t help but glance inside.

Gu Xuan wasn’t there.

A wave of disappointment swept over her heart.

Zheng Abao noticed and teased, “Sister Yiyi, you’re thinking about your neighbor brother again, aren’t you?”

Chi Yiyi actually felt a little shy. She quickly raised a hand and covered Zheng Abao’s mouth. “Abao, don’t talk nonsense.”

“Okay, okay, I won’t say another word.”

While on the bus to the county, Chi Yiyi learned that Zheng Abao was the most pampered youngest daughter in her family. She was sixteen this year and had dropped out of school after failing to get into high school. She had no intention of continuing her studies.

Suddenly, Zheng Abao asked, “Sister Yiyi, you don’t think less of me because I don’t like studying, do you?”

Chi Yiyi shook her head. “Your parents love you. You should live the life you want to live.”

Zheng Abao replied, “I think that’s exactly right, Sister Yiyi. But I have a boyfriend who doesn’t like that I dropped out. His family’s poor, and he’s still in high school in the county. My parents are the ones paying for his tuition and living expenses.”

Chi Yiyi immediately felt concerned. She had a bad feeling about this boy. “Abao, do you really like him?”

Zheng Abao didn’t nod or shake her head. “He’s the best-looking boy in our village, and he’s always been good at studying. We’re the same age, but when we were kids, he couldn’t beat me in a fight. I’m still not sure if I like him or not.”

Chi Yiyi felt reassured. As long as Abao didn’t genuinely fall for a scumbag, things wouldn’t get too bad.