Haven't Been a Senior Sister for Many Years - Chapter 30

Chapter 30:  Qihe Town

A month ago, a flood of people from all over the Nine Provinces—of all trades and walks of life—poured into Qihe Town.

Accents from the north and south mingled with a few awkward inquiries, which were soon drowned in the crowd.

As usual, Granny Lin sat by the roadside. At her feet were two baskets—one filled with fresh vegetables picked from her fields and mushrooms gathered from the mountains, and the other with handwoven straw sandals.

Granny Lin’s sandals were known for being sturdy, warm, and gentle on the feet. Many laborers liked to buy a few pairs to keep at home, especially since they didn’t cost much.

Business had been good today. By midday, both baskets were nearly empty, save for some bruised or misshapen vegetables. But Granny Lin wasn’t worried—those could still be sold at a lower price.

As lunchtime approached, Granny Lin didn’t spend money on a meal in town. Instead, she had a dry, hard flatbread and some water from a bamboo tube—enough to fill her stomach.

She tore off a small piece of the tough flatbread, let it soften in her mouth before chewing, then washed it down with a sip of water.

As she ate, Granny Lin watched the bustling street, marveling at how crowded it had become in just one month.

Halfway through her meal, she decided to save the rest for the walk home. Just then, a plainly dressed but pretty young woman walked over, carrying a delicate, doll-like child in her arms.

“Granny, do you know where I can find a real estate broker around here? My sister and I want to rent a house with a courtyard.”

“Oh, what an adorable little one! Granny feels like taking her home to spoil as my own granddaughter.”

“You’ve come to the right person, young lady. I do know a broker—an honest one who doesn’t play tricks. But Qihe Town hasn’t been very peaceful lately. With just you two girls, it might be unsafe. You should get a dog—at least it’ll bark when someone comes.”

“What’s your surname, girl? Are you here to settle down or just passing through?”

Granny Lin was clearly delighted by the little girl and grew more enthusiastic, as if wishing they really were her granddaughters.

Chu Zhiqin, flustered by the old woman’s warmth, could barely respond. The child, Leng Junzhu, who was praised, buried her head shyly in Chu Zhiqin’s neck and refused to show her face.

“My surname is Mu. I’ve come to Qihe Town to visit relatives and see if we can settle down here,” Chu Zhiqin replied, adjusting Leng Junzhu in her arms to keep her from slipping.

Although Chu Zhiqin had more than enough strength to carry the fully grown version of Leng Junzhu all day without tiring, she did it now just to make her act more convincing. “My family’s fortunes declined in recent years, though life was still manageable. Sadly, my parents passed away early, and overnight, the kind and gentle relatives turned greedy—wanting to seize my parents’ inheritance and drive us out.”

“My sister and I were no match for them. After the funeral, we packed up and came here overnight to seek out our uncle and tell him everything.”

Though Chu Zhiqin’s acting wasn’t particularly skilled and parts of her story came off flat, Granny Lin was a sentimental person and didn’t question her. She even shed a couple of tears.

“Let Granny Lin help you, then. Come, follow me.”

She turned to a familiar vendor beside her, “Old sis, keep an eye on my baskets, would you? I’ll be back soon.”

“Go on, go on,” the woman waved her off. “It’s not like anyone’s going to steal them.”

“Don’t be so sure! My baskets are well made!” Granny Lin laughed and led Chu Zhiqin through the quieter parts of town. “Miss Li prefers peace and quiet, so she avoids the busy market. But I’ll tell you—her properties are top-notch.”

“That’s very kind of you, Granny,” Chu Zhiqin said sincerely.

“No trouble at all. We’re almost there.”

They walked down a long alleyway, leaving the noisy marketplace behind, finally arriving at a wooden gate.

Granny Lin knocked loudly and called, “Miss Li! Are you home? I’ve brought someone to see your house!”

Standing a step behind Granny Lin, Chu Zhiqin discreetly examined the small courtyard.

Two stone lions flanked the red-painted door, each holding a stone ball in its mouth. Soon, footsteps could be heard approaching from behind the door.

“I’m coming, I’m coming. Granny Lin, don’t knock so hard.”

The woman who opened the door had willow-like brows and almond-shaped eyes. Her round face made her look especially young.

She wore a green short blouse with ruffled edges, a red long skirt, and a light shawl. Her hair was tied in a high bun, adorned with a golden hairpin that swayed in the air. Delicate earrings with fine jade dangled from her ears.

This was the Miss Li Granny Lin mentioned—a woman in her early thirties who controlled a large portion of Qihe Town’s housing market. Whether renting or buying, she always had something that satisfied her clients.

Granny Lin smiled and said, “Didn’t want you to miss it. This is Miss Mu—she’s looking for a house with a courtyard. See if you’ve got anything suitable.”

“Hello, Miss Li. Please help us find a quiet place. My little sister is shy and doesn’t like too much interaction with strangers.” As if to confirm her words, the girl in her arms buried her head even deeper under Chu Zhiqin’s chin.

“No problem. I do have a few that fit your needs. The weather’s nice—let’s take a look. If you like one, you can move in right after cleaning up—no need for a guesthouse.”

“Much appreciated.”

“No need to thank me—it’s my job. Please, follow me.”

Granny Lin added, “Miss Li, do keep an eye out for these girls, and try to lower the rent if possible. They’ve had a rough time.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it.”

Miss Li locked her door and led them down a different alley, filled with life and local charm.

Green moss grew on the stone path. A few older women sat chatting and sorting vegetables. Children with braided pigtails played and laughed, pulling leaves off ivy-covered walls.

After a few turns, they arrived at a modest courtyard.

“This is the one,” Miss Li said, unlocking the gate.

Though the yard was overgrown with weeds and the firewood pile in the corner had even sprouted, a well sat in the yard—covered, but a pleasant surprise.

Granny Lin was thrilled. “A well! That’s a blessing. The weeds aren’t a problem—a couple of hours and they’re gone. Let’s see how the house looks.”

Miss Li laughed, “The house is in good shape. People come to clean it regularly. As for the weeds—they grow back too fast, so we stopped trying.”

Granny Lin nodded. “Not bad at all. Miss Mu, take a good look. If you don’t like it, we can see another.”

“Alright,” Chu Zhiqin replied.

Inside, the house was clean and free of dust or cobwebs—only a faint mustiness from being closed up. Cold Junzhu jumped down to explore the place herself, ensuring it was fit to live in.

The furniture was decent, but the rooms a bit small. Still, considering they wouldn’t be staying long, it was tolerable.

Miss Li asked, “What do you think, Miss Mu? Satisfied?”

“It’ll do. Can the weeds be cleared today?”

“Of course. Once the lease is signed and rent paid, I’ll send someone.”

“Alright.”

“You’re straightforward—I like that. The owner wanted two taels of silver, but I bargained it down to just 300 wen coins.”

Chu Zhiqin was about to thank her, but Miss Li stopped her. “We women must help each other. If you need anything, just ask.”

Granny Lin smiled warmly. “Though I can’t read much or do much, I know lots of people. Come to me if you need help.”

“Thank you both. To be honest, after what happened, I lost faith in people. But now I see I was wrong. Meeting you two is a blessing.”

Granny Lin patted her shoulder. “Life’s long—you’ll meet good folks.”

Chu Zhiqin smiled. “I already did—Granny Lin and Miss Li.”

“You sweet-talker!” Granny Lin beamed.

“Well then, let’s go draw up the lease and settle the rent. You two can shop on Linmen Street while the yard gets cleaned up.”

“Sounds good. Oh, Granny, about the dog—anyone selling?”

“Yes, a dog in our village had pups—they’re weaned and healthy. I’ll bring one over.”

“Thank you. Just let me know the price—don’t refuse, or I won’t take it.”

“Alright, alright—you’ll insist anyway.”

They laughed as they left the house. Miss Li went to prepare the contract, and Granny Lin headed back to her village to pick a puppy.

“See you tomorrow morning.”

“Take care, Granny!”

“Will do.”

Miss Li stood behind Chu Zhiqin and watched her wave goodbye. Once Granny Lin disappeared around the corner, Miss Li spoke coldly.

“I don’t know who you are, but since Granny Lin brought you here, I won’t ask. Just one thing—Granny has a kind heart. If you hurt her, I won’t be polite.”

Her harsh words didn’t offend Chu Zhiqin—she too liked the warm-hearted old woman.

Still, Miss Li clearly had sharp eyes. She probably rushed to get rid of Granny so she could speak freely.

“You don’t have to worry. I won’t hurt her.”

“Better not.”

“You don’t look like you’re staying long. I won’t bother with contracts or rent. Just don’t wreck the place.”

“Understood.”

“If that’s all, you can leave. I’ve got to call someone to clear the weeds.”

“Goodbye.”

Miss Li slammed the door shut, leaving Chu Zhiqin and Leng Junzhu staring blankly.

“That woman! Threatening us and slamming the door? Who does she think she is?!” Leng Junzhu pouted, her pigtails bouncing angrily—adorable as ever.

Chu Zhiqin couldn’t resist patting her head. “She’s just worried about Granny Lin. Don’t take it to heart. Let’s go shop on Linmen Street—pretend we’re settling in.”

“Hmph.”

Chu Zhiqin smiled and held her hand as they walked slowly toward the alley’s entrance.

Her senior sister was truly adorable.