Qin Jiao reiterated her proposal to take care of Mr. Du, and the matter of paying for his meals.

After she finished speaking, she gave her parents time to think it over. She took out a book, leaned back on the springy sofa, and said nothing more.

Su Yun said, "The rent is too expensive. If we live in a place that pricey, we probably won’t be able to save much money. But Mr. Du... he really is in a pitiful situation."

Qin Zhonghui thought for a moment and said, "We’re helping Mr. Du because we can see he’s having a hard time. If he starts paying for it, the nature of the arrangement changes."

But Qin Jiao felt her dad was being a little too scrupulous. She said, "If we take care of Grandpa Du and refuse to accept anything from him, he’ll feel indebted and uneasy. Actually, I’ve thought about it before. Our current place is nice, but it’s poorly insulated and must be freezing in the winter. I was already thinking we should find a new apartment before the weather turns. Now that we have this opportunity, it’s worth considering."

In her heart, Qin Jiao wanted to stay far away from Shen Yi. But considering it from her parents’ and younger sister’s perspective, being able to live in that house would certainly be better for them.

’And from Mr. Du’s perspective...’ Qin Jiao thought, ’I’m determined not to have anything to do with the Shen Family in the future. But if, in the process, I can help Mr. Du’s health improve and convince him to go with Shen Yi to the provincial capital for treatment next year...’

’The old man should be able to live a while longer than he did in my past life.’

She lifted her head and said, "Mom, Dad, I think we should move in."

Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui exchanged a look, then nodded in unison.

Unbeknownst to them, the two had already come to see their eldest daughter as the family’s backbone. Whatever she said couldn’t be wrong!

The next day, Qin Jiao told Shen Yi about their decision and asked him to inquire about the rent. Mr. Du had an excellent relationship with the owner, Old Sir Li, who in the end offered a friendship price of just fifty yuan.

Mr. Du said he hoped Qin Zhonghui and his wife could prepare his three meals a day, for which he would contribute 25 yuan a month for food.

When Qin Zhonghui and his wife heard this, they immediately became flustered. "Mr. Du, it’s just for meals! You don’t need to give us that much."

"That includes money for groceries, and sometimes Xiao Yi will be eating with you too." Mr. Du waved his hand dismissively. "Don’t stand on ceremony with an old man like me. When Xiao Yi is at school, I get lonely all by myself. Just hearing a bit of activity from your side of the house will make the place feel more lively."

Since Mr. Du had put it that way, Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun exchanged a glance. Finally, Su Yun said, "In that case, let me help you with your laundry and tidying up your room. Otherwise, we’d feel too embarrassed to accept 25 yuan."

"Alright, then. It’s settled."

And just like that, the house was rented. The lease was for one year, with rent paid monthly.

In reality, Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun were only making an extra five yuan a month from the arrangement. They already took good care of Mr. Du, often bringing him buns, dumplings, and other food.

But in exchange, they moved from their small, poorly insulated apartment into a two-story, 130-square-meter house.

Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun took the downstairs bedroom. The upstairs, which had two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small terrace, was for their two daughters.

Xiao Shi, who suddenly had her own room, could hardly believe it. She carefully traced the floral patterns on the iron bed frame, her eyes shining brightly. "Sis, this house is amazing!"

"Just wait. When I make a lot of money, we’ll buy a house that’s even bigger and better than this one!"

"Yeah!"

That weekend, Shen Yi came to help with the move. The family of four didn’t have many belongings, but they brought over their handmade items, like the small bookshelf.