Chapter 271: Chapter 271: Understanding, Preparing the Apprenticeship Gift

Upon hearing this, Director Zhang, with her years of experience at the neighborhood committee, immediately understood the situation. The girl simply didn’t want her stepfather’s family moving into the house, so she would rather rent it to them.

Director Zhang wasn’t concerned about Zhao Nuanyue’s family affairs. Her job was to mediate disputes, so even if the family came looking for trouble, she was confident she could handle it.

"Oh, so that’s what this is about," Director Zhang said, nodding. "This is easy to handle. In any case, the neighborhood committee office isn’t likely to move within the next five years. When the time comes, just stick to your story, and I’ll back you up. I’m sure those people will understand your predicament and won’t cause a fuss. And even if they do, I’ll be here to mediate. After all, that’s my job."

"Thank you, Director Zhang," Zhao Nuanyue said gratefully. Not wanting the director to think ill of her, she explained further, "Director Zhang, I’ll be honest with you. Two years ago, my stepfather nearly married me off to a fool. Fortunately, I was fast enough to run away and volunteer in the countryside. On top of that, my step-grandmother and stepsister never treated my brother and me like family; they bullied and insulted us. That’s why I refuse to live with them."

"Oh, you poor thing," Director Zhang sighed. "Since you’re being honest with me, let me offer you some advice. I hear you talking about how awful your stepfather, step-grandmother, and stepsister are, but you don’t seem to have many complaints about your mother. The fact that she was able to give the house to you and your brother proves that you’re not absent from her heart. So, child, try to let things go. Don’t get stuck on the past. Just remember that, at the very least, your mother does care about you. In my line of work, I see many situations like yours. Sigh... trust me, there are many people who have it much worse."

Zhao Nuanyue nodded and said, "I know. She’s a pitiful woman, too."

"Good girl. You’re a good daughter," Director Zhang nodded. "If you’re free, come here this afternoon to sign the agreement. Once we’ve finalized it, I can start arranging for people to move in."

"Okay," Zhao Nuanyue said. "I live in the back courtyard, so I’ll have to use the back entrance. I hope that won’t be too much of an inconvenience for you all. After all, the walls are all shared, and there’s no alley."

"That’s fine!" Director Zhang replied. "When we’re off duty, the doors to the rooms in the front courtyard will be locked, and we’ll have someone watching the main gate anyway. See that room by the entrance? It’s quite spacious. We can let the gatekeeper live there."

"In that case, thank you so much," Zhao Nuanyue said gratefully. "I’ll ask a few of my senior brothers to come over tonight and help move all our furniture to the back courtyard. You all can move in as early as tomorrow."

"Excellent! I just love how decisive you are," Director Zhang said with a grin. Beaming, she left after arranging to meet Zhao Nuanyue that afternoon to sign the agreement.

After Little Red Carp finished its practice, Zhao Nuanyue took it directly to the neighborhood committee office.

Director Zhang signed the agreement and gave Zhao Nuanyue the money. Zhao Nuanyue then returned to Immortal Grass Hall to find Liu Wenqiang and ask for his help with the move.

Zhao Nuanyue mentioned it to Madam Sun, who readily agreed.

So, Tang Kai Xuan and Liu Wenqiang brought a few other apprentices over to help move things. There was a lot of furniture in the front courtyard, and they just barely managed to cram it all into the east wing of the back courtyard, which was now packed to the rafters.

After they finished moving the furniture, Zhao Nuanyue took her senior brothers fishing by Qingya Lake, which was just outside the back gate. The group ended up catching over a dozen large fish. It was only then that everyone realized the fish had actually been caught in Qingya Lake.

The apprentices took a lot of the fish back with them under the cover of night.

They couldn’t finish it all that day, but they could save the rest for later. The weather was cold, so the fish wouldn’t spoil.

During dinner that evening, Sun Haoran asked with a smile, "So you rented out the front courtyard of your house?"

"Yes, it’s rented out now," Zhao Nuanyue replied. "I’m getting three hundred yuan a year in rent, plus some ration coupons. It’s not a huge amount, but it’s not insignificant either. I was planning to give the money to Madam Sun. After all, we’re living and eating here, and I don’t want to be a burden on her and Master."

After speaking, Zhao Nuanyue handed all the money to Madam Sun.

Sun Haoran knew that Zhao Nuanyue hadn’t done it just for the money; she likely had other, personal reasons.

"My dear child, you already said you’d be giving me your wages, and that’s more than enough," Madam Sun said, refusing to take the money. "You and your brother should keep this for a rainy day." She was adamant. "In the past, we never required apprentices at Immortal Grass Hall to turn over their wages or coupons. But these days, you can’t buy grain even if you have money, and everything is rationed. My hands are tied."

"Madam Sun, we understand. We have no complaints," Liu Wenqiang said. "Please don’t take it to heart. Junior Sister, it’s enough for you and Zhao Nuan Yang to contribute your wages; you don’t need to add the rent money. If you want to show your respect for Master and Madam Sun, you can just cook something delicious for them. I’ve often heard Master say that you could make many wonderful dishes from simple ingredients back in Nianqiao Village."

Madam Sun nodded. "He’s right, Nuanyue. Put the money away. Showing respect isn’t just about money; it’s the thought that counts."

"Grandma Sun, my sister makes the most delicious flaky pastries!" Little Red Carp piped up, holding up his chubby fingers. "Little Red Carp can eat four in one go! My favorites are the red bean pastries and the red date pastries."

"Haha, then we’ll just have to ask your sister to make some, won’t we?" Madam Sun asked Little Red Carp with a smile, going along with what her apprentices had suggested.

"Okay, okay! Little Red Carp can help!" he exclaimed, nodding eagerly.

Curious, Tang Kai Xuan asked Little Red Carp, "You’re so little. How can you help your sister when she’s making pastries?"

"I can help by eating them!" Little Red Carp declared confidently. "My sister said so! The more I eat, the happier she gets! It’s the best!"

"Haha!" The room erupted in laughter. For a little foodie like him, eating was certainly a form of helping.

The atmosphere at dinner was wonderful.

Everyone ate heartily and laughed happily.

After dinner, Sun Haoran was sitting in the main hall with some of his apprentices. Seeing Zhao Nuan Yang about to leave with Little Red Carp, he quickly called out, "Nuan Yang, Master Hu’s health has greatly improved. Over the next two days, I want you to prepare a new piece of artwork. Put your heart into it, and I will take you to him to begin your apprenticeship."

Hearing the word "apprenticeship," Zhao Nuan Yang froze for a second before his face lit up with a joyous surprise. "Thank you, Uncle Sun!" he said. "I will do my best to prepare a good painting."

Zhao Nuanyue was overjoyed as well. "Master," she asked, pleasantly surprised, "besides the painting from Nuan Yang, do we need to prepare any other gifts?"

Sun Haoran smiled faintly. "I have already prepared the other gifts. As for you, how about this: Master Hu is fond of delicate pastries, as long as they’re not overly sweet. If you could make something exquisite, it would be the icing on the cake."

"Okay," Zhao Nuanyue agreed. "I’m not skilled at making other fancy desserts, but I do know how to make flaky pastries. They’re best when they’re fresh, so just let me know what day you plan to go, and I’ll make them that morning."

"Haha, that’s very thoughtful of you." Sun Haoran nodded, clearly approving of her offer.

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