Ma Lu’s repeated persuasion made the Shopkeeper somewhat moved, but he still felt it was a bit unfair, so she thought it over.

"Alright, I’ll make a concession, this one is four-six split, I four, you six, is that feasible?"

A step back means a broader horizon, the other party has compromised, if he insists further, he might push her away.

The Shopkeeper almost agreed without hesitation, "Alright, I agree with the four-six split, you’ve been so straightforward, I shouldn’t be stingy. I’ll provide all the writing supplies, and I’ll give you one hundred yuan as your hard work fee and daily nutrition allowance. By the way, where do you live? I need to visit often to check your progress, so you need to live closer."

When the Shopkeeper found out she lived outside the town, by the railway tracks, he was stunned.

"That far? That noisy? Can you stand it? No, no, it’s too far. How about you move closer, I’ll find you a place, but you’ll have to pay for the house."

Ma Lu thought of her mother and immediately asked, "My mom is literate and over thirty years old, could the Shopkeeper possibly find a suitable job for her?"

The Shopkeeper readily agreed, "What’s so difficult about that? As long as you write well, you won’t be short-changed."

After talking too much, feeling exhausted, the Shopkeeper thought he had tired of writing, and specifically asked his wife to make her a bowl of noodles.

Feeling refreshed after eating, she gratefully took the writing supplies from the Shopkeeper and went home.

When Li Man heard from her that not only had she found a job but could also move house, she was stunned.

In a few words, Ma Lu got across the idea, Li Man was too excited to speak, "Does this mean I’m picking up a treasure?"

Ma Lu laughed, "Hardly a treasure, but at least you won’t be losing out, I promise I will repay you." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Three days later, the Shopkeeper will send over a horse carriage to help us move stuff. Mom, take a look, see what’s needed and what isn’t, we won’t stay poor forever, now that there’s work, toss what’s unnecessary!"

In the end, Li Man couldn’t bear to throw anything away. Deep down, she still felt uncertain, always thinking one day they might return to this shed. In her view, always leave some leeway, the poverty-stricken Li Man didn’t make Ma Lu feel embarrassed.

The house rented was in an alley behind the bookstore, a nice-looking two-story wooden cottage, with a monthly rent of five yuan paper money, needing half a year’s payment up front, which was thirty yuan, with no deposit required because the bookstore owner vouched for them.

"This house is too nice, isn’t it? Just the two of us, how can we live in two floors?"

"Sister, don’t be fooled by the two floors, there’re actually only four rooms, but it’s small, and there’s a yard, you can grow some vegetables or whatever. The high price comes with its reasons, it’s safe for you both."

Compared to Li Man’s uneasiness, Ma Lu was captivated at first sight, "The Shopkeeper has good taste, there’s bamboo planted in the backyard, it’s a very elegant house, I really like it, thank you, and thanks for giving us a set of furniture."

"Oh, don’t be so polite among family, it’s nothing valuable, just stuff I cheaply got from a thrift store, costs a small amount, as long as you don’t mind."

Li Man was overwhelmed with emotion, "We don’t mind, not at all."

"Great, I’ve also found a job for the sister, working as an old lady in a wealthy family, will you do it?"

Li Man perked up instantly, "I’ll do it, why wouldn’t I? My son is promising, I can’t drag him down, but both of us are still blacklisted, will they want us?"

Despite being in Chongqing for years, neither Li Man nor Ma Lu has registered residency, the Shopkeeper pursed his lips, pondering for a moment.

"This requires some connections, Ma Lu, I can help you find someone, but the cost will be added to your tab."

She appreciated Zhang Jie for this very trait, ignoring what’s meant to be ignored, stating clearly what should be considered, collaborating with someone like him would avoid many troubles.

"Naturally, but you know my true worth, how about you advance it first, I’ll write an IOU?"

"Haha, little brother, I like straightforward people like you. Alright, now I know your thoughts, leave it to me, you focus on writing your novel, don’t waste the elegant place I specially found for you. Upstairs, there’s a study room and a bedroom, I’ve already had them tidied up, as for your mother here, you both sort it out yourselves!"