The Reborn Sidekick Rejected The Male Lead
Chapter 147 - 145: Didn’t Buy (Rented)

Chapter 147: Chapter 145: Didn’t Buy (Rented)

Comrade Xiao Shen also rode a bike, leading them on a journey of more than ten minutes to the second community at Academy Street along the Second Ring Road, which is right at the boundary of the First Ring Road; therefore, it is very close to the Second Ring Road. To be exact, it is separated from Xue Jianian’s place by just one row of houses. Exiting this alley and heading east, after passing another alley, one would find themselves at Xue Jianian’s alley.

There are not many homes in Xiao Shen’s row; among them are two two-story small buildings, with her home located in the middle, flanked by large gaps on both sides.

Outside, there are four houses, all neatly arranged five-room tile-roofed houses.

Across the alley, three of the homes on the inside are multi-story buildings, while the four on the outside are tile-roofed houses as well.

Lu Jingqiu remembered that this area used to be inhabited by many wealthy merchants or literati.

Xiao Shen’s house was a small red-brick building with an equally scarlet door.

Upon entering, to the left of the courtyard and connected to the main door was a shed, still housing some firewood. When Lu Jingqiu first saw this small courtyard from the outside, her eyes lit up, and as she entered the yard, her heart beat even faster.

"To the left of the entrance is where firewood and coal are kept, and continuing inside is a storage room, covered in red brick. The first floor of the house comprises a living room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and another living space. The second floor has three rooms, and the third floor consists of one room and a large terrace," Xiao Shen immediately began explaining the house to them upon entry. Right inside the door is a kitchen, on the left is a bedroom, further in is a living room, opposite a small corridor, beyond which lies another bedroom and a restroom.

Following the stairs up, a restroom is situated at the corner; to the right are two rooms, to the left a room with a small terrace, and on the third floor, one room and a truly large terrace.

Due to the two rooms on the left, the front courtyard appeared small, but the backyard was quite sizable, enough for growing more vegetables than one could eat, and there was also a grapevine.

Lu Jingqiu really liked this place and tentatively asked, "Comrade Xiao Shen, would you sell this house?"

Jiang Nanzhou also liked it very much and quickly added, "We can discuss the price." He wasn’t short of money and just wanted to meet Jingqiu’s needs.

Comrade Xiao Shen shook her head, "If I were to sell, I would have sold it long ago. This house was left to me by my grandfather, designed by a foreigner in the early years, as were several others in this area. I know you’re looking to buy a house to settle down long-term.

"I can lease this house to you all at once for five years. To be honest, I’m the only one left in my family now, and I’m currently studying at university in Shanghai. I won’t be back for three to five years. This house was left by my grandfather, and I didn’t plan to rent it out initially, but some relatives... after my parents passed away, they moved in under the guise of caring for me and then shamelessly refused to leave after a while, and things at home started disappearing day by day. That’s why I thought of renting it out. Uncle Zhao suggested renting it to government departments for housing, as having the government involved, they wouldn’t dare cause trouble, but I didn’t really like that idea. I just want to find someone who will cherish the house and rent it independently.

"I see that you and your sister are probably here to find a new home for marriage. This house can serve as your new home. The rent I’m asking for is not high – five yuan per month. As long as you can vacate the house promptly when I need it and take good care of it, that’s all I ask.

"The plumbing for tap water in the house was just replaced last year, and the squat toilet was dug out by my grandfather. It needs to be emptied regularly. I have the address of the man who empties the latrines. He helps clean out the waste for all the houses in this area, charging one yuan each time.

"As for the kitchen stove and cookware, I can leave those for you. Furniture and such, you would need to purchase on your own, as most of the furniture from my house has been taken by those relatives.

"The reason why I’m renting out for cheap is due to another issue – those relatives of mine. They are bound to come and make trouble. If you’re not afraid, feel free to rent it. I don’t need a security deposit from you. If you rent for a longer period, I can even waive two months’ rent. Renting this house is definitely a good deal."

How could it not be a good deal? She wanted to buy a house outright, not having to worry about rent in the future. If she rented, she’d have to pay tens of yuan in rent each year.

However, the house was indeed nice, bright, with many rooms, good privacy in the yard, and high walls, making it very safe.

Jiang Nanzhou, noticing the joy in Lu Jingqiu’s eyes, whispered, "Do you like it?"

Lu Jingqiu nodded, "It’s a pity she won’t sell."

"If you like it, we’ll rent it," he said. "I’ve only realized today that finding the right house to buy isn’t something that can be done in one or two months. Let’s settle here for now and take our time looking."