Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space
Chapter 145. Settle in well

Chapter 145: 145. Settle in well

After looking around, he was very satisfied; who would want to sleep on a bull cart when there are houses available?

Hua Yunao, Hua Yunxiang, together with Qin Shu and the assistant, helped move things from the bull cart upstairs.

The rooms were adjacent; Hua Chengtian and his sons shared one room, while Hua Jin had her own. Since the rooms were next to each other, any commotion could easily be heard, so there was nothing much to worry about.

Soon, all the visible luggage from the bull cart was moved to the rooms. Initially, Qin Shu was enamored by the room’s environment, but he quickly calmed down.

Seeing his friend’s family settled in, Qin Shu made his farewells, saying he needed to continue looking for a place to stay.

Hua Yunao couldn’t let his friend search for a place on his own and immediately volunteered to join him. Naturally, Hua Yunxiang, who enjoyed being with his elder brother, wanted to follow. As the only adult, Hua Chengtian couldn’t let a few children search for a room on their own, so in the end, the whole family went along.

Feeling moved, Qin Shu watched as they continued inquiring at inns along North Street.

Unfortunately, reality was less satisfactory. Though a few inns had cheap vacancies, they were either substandard rooms or large dormitories, unsuitable for rest or safety.

Considering he was a friend of his son and they had traveled together, Hua Chengtian felt that the noisy environment was not conducive for Qin Shu to prepare for tomorrow’s exam.

After checking two more places without success, and with dusk falling, Qin Shu’s calm demeanor began to fade. Hua Chengtian spoke up.

"Qin Shu, if we go further, it’ll be too remote and too far from the exam site. If you don’t mind, you can stay with us. We’ll share a substandard room, and of course, we’ll split the cost. What do you think?"

This way, it would only cost a few dozen wen daily, even cheaper than a dormitory. Qin Shu was initially surprised why Uncle Hua had booked an extra room when two medium rooms could suffice. Now it made sense; the room was reserved for him, just in case. Qin Shu didn’t know what to say; refusing was out of the question, and he looked gratefully at Hua Chengtian.

"Uncle, thank you. I’ll cover the cost myself. I’m already very grateful that Uncle offers me a room."

After searching for so long, Qin Shu had come to terms with the situation.

There was no more room for luck; honestly, thinking about it, he arrived late, so suitable rooms were likely long booked.

Qin Shu really couldn’t accept the idea of sleeping in a room with dozens of people; beyond the concerns of quietness and safety, his cleanliness habits wouldn’t allow him to sleep among so many people.

Uncle Hua had been a great help, and Qin Shu was genuinely grateful, yet he couldn’t take it for granted. What’s right is right, and although he wanted to save money, it would be tough. But he wasn’t worried; he could always earn it back by copying books later. Having thought it through, Qin Shu spoke.

Hua Chengtian initially wanted to decline but felt his eldest son’s tug on his clothing and changed his tune.

"Alright, then Uncle won’t stand on ceremony" and then watched as Qin Shu visibly relaxed and smiled gratefully.

He really is a good kid, Hua Chengtian thought.

The most relieved was Hua Jin, who had been walking for over an hour since starting. This was the longest she had walked since arriving in this world. Even when going to town with her father, she usually sat in the bull cart. Now, her feet were slightly sore.

"Dad, are we heading back?"

"Are you hungry?" Glancing at the dark sky and remembering his daughter’s delicate nature, Hua Chengtian urged everyone to hurry back before she could nod.

He should have spoken up earlier; at this hour, the kids must be hungry.

Watching her father’s concerned expression, Hua Jin wasn’t sure what scenarios he imagined, but returning suited her just fine.

By the time they reached the inn where they were staying, it had been about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, showing how far they had walked.

As soon as they entered the inn, Hua Jin found a big table in the lobby and sat down, signaling to her father with her actions that she was hungry.

Indeed, she was hungry. Her brother, Hua Yunxiang, quickly followed suit upon seeing her, as children their age got hungry more easily, especially after such a long walk, prompting their father to hurry.

Having visited the town, they naturally wanted to explore a bit, especially with their sister. Hua Yunxiang was already prepared to see the good things on offer.

Sure enough, following their lead, Hua Chengtian and Hua Yunao joined with indulgent smiles, while Qin Shu shook the steamed bun in his bag, declining the offers from Big Brother.

This time, Hua Chengtian and Hua Yunao respected Qin Shu’s wishes.

Sometimes, what you think is good for others might not necessarily be good, especially for those with strong self-esteem.

Qin Shu nodded, giving a grateful look to them, then took the key Hua Chengtian handed over and returned to his room.

Hua Jin was satisfied with Qin Shu’s tact, as it was always uncomfortable to have an outsider during a meal.

As expected by Hua Erge, they enjoyed a delicious dinner chosen by Hua Jin, with her father’s concerned look staying with Hua Erge for a long time. It seemed he was very satisfied with having a younger sister as a counterbalance to their usually frugal father.

They also witnessed firsthand their sister’s spending abilities; a few dishes almost cost a tael of silver. Amidst his amazement, he couldn’t help but think if they should work harder in the future to support their sister, as most families couldn’t afford the likes of her.

Having eaten well, Hua Jin leisurely enjoyed a dessert brought over by the staff, completely unaware that because of one meal, her brothers were thinking so far ahead, worrying even about her married life in the future.

If she knew, it wouldn’t just be these home-cooked dishes; she’d order more specialties to further inspire her brothers’ ambitions.

They didn’t linger after the meal; exhausted from the day, the father and sons quickly went upstairs to their rooms, hoping for a good night’s rest.

After sending his daughter to her room, Hua Chengtian repeatedly instructed her to lock the door properly.

Even though his words were filled with concern, he had repeated them so often that Hua Jin was almost about to doze off and bump into the door. Only when her father and brothers finally left did she manage to close her door, and the three went to their adjoining room with heaps of reluctance.

Later, when Hua Chengtian was about to pack a couple of clothes to join Qin Shu for the night, Hua Yunao stopped him.

"Dad, you rest here, I’ll go stay with Qin Shu."

Between his friend’s picky nature and his father, Hua Yunao thought it best if he went instead, to make things more comfortable. As a classmate and friend, he naturally had to make some sacrifices.

Hua Chengtian didn’t think too much and nodded. Since his eldest son was friends with Qin Shu, it was naturally better for him to go. They’d have common topics, and it would spare Qin Shu from feeling inhibited.