Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Curtis carried his mate on his back while carrying her big bags, going through the streets and alleys to take down the rental information together with her.
He was tall and had long legs. The alley that would usually take Bai Qingqing one to two hours to finish walking was covered by him in less than half an hour.
Bai Qingqing then brought Curtis into a public telephone booth and made the calls one by one.
âHello, I want to rent an apartment. Are there still any available?â Bai Qingqing was a little nervous, and she spoke as if reading from a script.
âYes, do you want to check it out now?â The reply on the other end of the phone sounded like the person was used to this.
Bai Qingqing said, âErm... How much is it per month? Itâs not written on the notice.â
â$800 a month, with a complete set of furniture.â
Bai Qingqing said decisively, âNo need. Sorry to trouble you. Goodbye!â
She then hung up.
She had thought the lowest price of 400 yuan at the property agency was already expensive. She didnât expect to come across an even more expensive one outside. Looking at her red packet that had 1,000 yuan in it, Bai Qingqing let out a sigh.
âLetâs make the next call.â Bai Qingqing started dialing the numbers, feeling dejected.
Curtis placed his hand on top of her head and rubbed it softly. âIf it doesnât work out, I can sleep underground.â
Bai Qingqingâs slender finger that was pressing the numbers on the phone stiffened for an instant, then pressed the last number. While waiting for the call to get through, she glared at Curtis, saying, âWhat are you talking about? Thatâs the underground sewage, it isnât meant for living in. Donât worry. If it doesnât work out, then weâll go back to rent the 400 yuan one from the property agency. We can just pay the 200 yuan agent fee.â
The call got through, and Bai Qingqing quickly started communicating with the other party.
âHello... How much is it per month?â
â500,â the other party replied.
Bai Qingqing let out a sigh of relief. This was still acceptable. Although it was 100 yuan more expensive than the one recommended by the property agency, they could save on the 200 agent fee. Therefore, she made arrangements to meet up with the other party.
Although this city was quite developed and the cost of living was high, as many people came to work here, the apartment rental system was quite refined. As long as one could find a building that was catered specially for renting, with the rooms being small but new, the cost would be cheaper than what was available in most small cities.
It was a pity that Bai Qingqing hadnât entered the working society and didnât understand these things. Otherwise, she could save a lot of money.
Very soon, Bai Qingqing met up with the owner. The three of them headed to an old and small district nearby.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âIs this the place?â asked Bai Qingqing as she sized up the district.
The owner was a fat and friendly middle-aged man with a glowing appearance. He smiled and said, âThis is the place. Itâs that building over there.â
Bai Qingqing nodded in satisfaction. She took Curtisâs hand and said softly, âItâs very close to my school. Itâll be convenient for me to come over and look for you after school.â
âEn.â Curtis also revealed a satisfied expression.
The fat uncle immediately understood their relationship and looked at them strangely. He shook his head and thought, High school students these days!
Bai Qingqing also sensed the fat uncleâs change and felt a little displeased. She became a lot quieter on the way.
The fat uncleâs apartment was on the third floor of an old building. The staircaseâs handrails were covered in dust. When the door was opened, the apartment looked quite alright. It wasnât too old and was quite clean. It was about 30 to 40 square meters, with one room, one bathroom, and a kitchen. It was small, but it contained all the essentials.
âTo be honest, youâre getting a great deal getting this apartment for 500 yuan a month. My wife bought this place to accompany my son when he was studying in high school. Now that my son has gone to university, we donât need this house anymore. We werenât able to find a buyer yet, so weâre renting it out for now. Weâll sell it if we can manage to find a buyer.â