Chapter 10: Rent

Zhao Leyi approached He Zhaoyang’s youngest daughter, He Guangyue. “Guangyue, if Sicun and I could stay at your house, we could go to and from work together.”

He Guangyue’s eyes lit up. She said to her father, “Dad, let Leyi and Sicun stay at our house.”

He Zhaoyang, seeing everyone looking at him, realized they were fighting over rooms. Since his daughter liked it, he didn’t mind.

He said to He Haiming, “Village Chief, my house only fits two. Whoever pays can stay. Sicun and Leyi are Guangyue’s friends, so let them stay.”

The village chief’s heart sank.

Liu Sicun hesitated. “Uncle Zhaoyang, pay what?”

He Zhaoyang was stunned. “Rent. The village decided that educated youths staying in our homes must pay three yuan a month.”

Liu Sicun was shocked. “Village Chief, is this true? Three yuan a month!”

Everyone’s eyes turned to the village chief. Wang Shuning frowned; they hadn’t mentioned a three-yuan monthly rent when choosing rooms.

He Haiming, unable to hide it, raised his voice. “Villagers’ houses cost money to build; they can’t be lived in for free. Of course, there’s rent.”

Zhao Hu coughed. “I’m used to the dormitory, and moving is troublesome. I won’t stay with villagers.” He turned to leave, followed by other educated youths.

Three yuan a month was a lot. The dormitory was communal but free.

Three yuan a month was thirty-six yuan a year, enough to build a house in two years. The villagers were ripping them off.

Zhang Meili pointed at Liu Sicun and Zhao Leyi. “Village Chief, I think they’re right. The first arrivals should get the better rooms. I’ll stay in the dormitory; give them the rooms.”

Zhao Heping agreed. “I’ll stay in the dormitory too. I’ll give up my room.”

Zhang Meili’s family was okay, but three yuan a month was a lot for her. Zhao Heping had even less money.

Guo Jingyi looked at Zhang Meili, conflicted. She wanted a room with villagers; her money could cover a year’s rent. If Zhang Meili didn’t stay, she’d have to share with Wang Shuning or stay alone in He Zhuzhu’s kitchenless, dilapidated room.

Liu Sicun, Zhao Leyi, Li Jiefang, and Hu Haoguo had changed their minds. They didn’t want free rooms; they didn’t want to pay rent, even for better conditions.

The dormitory at least had a vegetable patch. Staying with villagers might mean paying for vegetables.

Zhao Leyi cursed He Weiyuan a thousand times; he hadn’t mentioned the rent, leaving them in a difficult position.

Li Jiefang was furious. “Three yuan is too expensive! Thirty cents is more reasonable.”

He Zhaoyang was aghast. “Thirty cents? Are you treating me like a beggar?”

Li Jiefang waved his hand. “I won’t stay in such an expensive house. We thought the village was kind, but they’re trying to cheat us.”

Liu Sicun’s face changed. They had to live in the village; Li Jiefang’s words would offend people. She smiled. “Village Chief, we didn’t understand. Our families are poor. Let the five newcomers have the rooms. Moving is troublesome.”

Zhao Heping stopped Li Jiefang and Hu Haoguo. “You said you wanted to stay; you can’t go back on your word.”

Liu Sicun said, “We did, but the Village Chief didn’t agree, so it doesn’t count. We’re not staying.” She ran out, followed by the others.

Wang Shuning looked at the village chief’s grim face and guessed the truth.

The dormitory was full, so the villagers were asked to house the newcomers. But there was no free lunch; the villagers demanded rent. The village chief hid it, hoping they’d agree once they moved in.

The five newcomers were unfamiliar with the place, and being separated made them feel vulnerable, forcing them to pay.

But the older educated youths ruined it. He Zhaoyang seemed unaware; otherwise, he wouldn’t have mentioned the rent openly.

Seeing them leave, Zhao Heping anxiously looked at He Haiming. “Village Chief, my family is poor; three yuan is too much. Can I stay in the dormitory?”

He Pingping and He Zhuzhu arrived, hearing Zhao Heping. The rooms were empty; if the educated youths didn’t want them, they’d lose the three yuan.

He Haiming said firmly, “There’s no space in the dormitory; that’s why you’re staying with villagers. Three yuan isn’t much. If you can’t afford it, you can pay with work points.”

Wang Shuning’s eyes darkened. No money? Pay with work points! What a clever plan.

He Zhaoyang, seeing their silence, was annoyed. “My house is newly built. The empty room is my grandson’s. Two people, three yuan each. If you don’t want it, fine. I don’t want to serve you.”

The village chief looked at them. “There aren’t many spare rooms. If you don’t stay here, you’ll have nowhere to stay.”

He Pingping and He Zhuzhu entered. “Village Chief.”

He Haiming nodded at them, then looked at Lü Beichu .

Two men and three women. If they dealt with the men, the women wouldn’t dare resist.

Lü Beichu  was calm. Three yuan a month wasn’t a problem for his family, but he resented the village chief’s bullying. “The government requires the village to provide housing for educated youths. Three yuan rent is against regulations; we’ll report you to the town.”

He Haiming’s face darkened; he hadn’t expected such defiance.

Guo Jingyi pulled Lü Beichu ‘s sleeve, gesturing for him to be less forceful. Their assignment was set; even if they found housing, they wouldn’t be moved. Angering him wasn’t good.

“Village Chief, three yuan is too much for us. Could you reduce it?” Guo Jingyi looked at He Haiming. Only he could lower the rent.

Wang Shuning, with her space, could afford it, but she didn’t want to be taken advantage of. “Village Chief, if we report you, the village will likely arrange new housing.”

Zhang Meili looked hopeful. New housing would be free. “Then arrange new housing. Poor conditions are fine as long as it’s free.”

Zhao Heping nodded.

Wang Shuning looked at them. She’d tried to lower the price for Guo Jingyi. If there was new housing, this wouldn’t be happening.