Chapter 10

Yin Jun is a very meticulous person.

When he came in, he saw the numerous and abundant seasonings, the large gas stove, and the two big pots on the ground, and he felt that this was not for personal use.

Even if one of the rooms housed a family of three, they wouldn't need so many things or so many seasonings—ordinary families naturally prefer simpler meals that can fill their stomachs, without putting too much thought into their diet.

There was also another point: the hall that served as a small kitchen had a small table.

But there were only two chairs next to the small table.

If Yin Jun's guess was correct, either one of the rooms was occupied by a couple and the other by a single man who didn't eat at home, or both rooms were occupied by single individuals.

Of course, it was possible that one of the families cooked and ate in their room, but Yin Jun didn't think a small room could fit a dining table, especially when there was enough public space available, making it unnecessary to crowd the private room.

After some thought, Yin Jun turned and asked, "What do the other tenants of this house do?"

"One works in a tea restaurant, and the other does odd jobs; they are both honest people," the real estate agent smiled. "You should hurry up, this place is in high demand. If the house hadn't just become available, you wouldn't even have seen it, as it would have been rented out already. Where else can you find such a cheap and comfortable room?"

Yin Jun nodded and suddenly pointed to the gas stove, asking, "How does the taste of the snacks made by the auntie here?"

"Good... uh!"

The real estate agent subconsciously answered with one word but immediately realized his mistake.

"This house is indeed nice, but if an auntie is making semi-finished products at home and then selling them from a cart, the smell will definitely be strong," Yin Jun said calmly. "Living here will definitely be affected. The other tenant can tolerate this, which means either he has a broad mind, or he has some unknown habits or preferences, allowing them to tolerate each other... Am I right?"

The real estate agent drew in a cold breath.

After carefully observing Yin Jun, he smiled bitterly, "If I didn't see that your ID says you're only 16, I would have thought you were an undercover cop. How did you know the stall is run by an auntie, not an uncle?"

"An uncle wouldn't keep things so tidy. Look, even the countertop is wiped clean, and every bottle is neatly arranged, which indicates it's a woman," Yin Jun replied.

"Sharp!"

The real estate agent gave a thumbs up and then said, "I'll be honest with you. The auntie in this room makes fish balls and street noodles at home and sells them nearby. The other room is occupied by a fat man who works in a nearby tea restaurant. Although the smell is strong, the rent is cheap. I think you should rent it, as you are young and just starting out, and you don't have much money to rent an expensive place."

"I have one more question," Yin Jun ignored his persuasion and asked directly, "You haven't answered me. Why does the other tenant tolerate this smell? Does he have any bad habits?"

"Uh..."

The real estate agent was at a loss and could only whisper, "His hobby is singing opera, so he often practices his voice. When the door is closed, the surroundings can tolerate it, but the people living here find it hard to bear. The auntie leaves early in the morning and returns in the afternoon, so he finishes his practice and goes to work, not disturbing anyone. Others find it hard to accept the noise in the morning and the strong smell of the food processing..."

"I see."

Yin Jun nodded slightly and pondered for a moment.

Just as the real estate agent sighed, thinking his commission was lost, Yin Jun smiled and said, "Then, I'll rent this room!"

"Ah!?"

The real estate agent couldn't believe it but was also delighted, "I've told you the situation. The lease is at least six months. If you move out before the lease is up, the deposit won't be refunded!"

"No problem," Yin Jun said.

"Can I ask you something?" The real estate agent couldn't help but ask, "Why are you willing to move in even after knowing this situation?"

"I like to rent a place with a human touch," Yin Jun replied gently. "The auntie and the opera lover's habits may cause inconvenience, but they can tolerate each other, which shows they are not impatient or picky people. Living under the same roof with them, at least I don't have to worry about constant arguments over trivial matters. What I need is such an environment, and the smell and noise don't matter to me."

The real estate agent listened in amazement, took Yin Jun to sign the lease, and said before leaving, "Young man, if you don't succeed in the future, it would be a shame!"

...

After paying and signing the lease, Yin Jun, following the real estate agent's advice, went to a nearby grocery store and supermarket to buy bedding, a kettle, a toothbrush, and other daily necessities.

Just as he returned to the room and started cleaning, the front door opened.

Yin Jun walked to the door and looked out, seeing a frail old lady in her fifties struggling to lift a large soup pot.

"Oh, Auntie, put it down quickly!" Yin Jun was alarmed, fearing she might break a bone, and quickly called out.

The old lady was startled by the unfamiliar voice, looked up, and saw Yin Jun coming out of the unoccupied room, her eyes filled with caution.

"I'll help you!" Yin Jun put down the cloth in his hand and walked over, saying, "I'm Yin Jun, and I'm moving in today... Auntie, if you need anything, just call me."

As he spoke, he took the large soup pot from the old lady. The soup inside was plentiful, but the ingredients were few—only a few fish balls, radishes, and beef offal.

The soup pot wasn't heavy, and Yin Jun saw a small cart outside with another similar soup pot.

If both soup pots were full, it would be a heavy task to push them out.

"Should I put the soup pot on the stove?" Holding the large soup pot, Yin Jun asked the old lady, who was in a daze.

"Oh, yes... thank you..." The old lady came to her senses and thanked him.

"No problem. Should I bring the other soup pot inside? You can sit down first!" Yin Jun put down the soup pot and went out to bring the second large soup pot back.

He also helped bring in some fresh ingredients, like fish balls and radishes, that were still on the cart.

The old lady watched Yin Jun busily and felt very uneasy, her hands fidgeting, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

"Auntie, do you always come back at this time in the afternoon?" Yin Jun, feeling a bit tired, sat on a nearby chair and asked casually.

"I... you..." The old lady stood, stuttering.

"I'm Yin Jun, you can call me Junzi. How about you, Auntie?" Yin Jun understood her meaning and repeated his name.

"I... you can call me Aunt Zhang," the old lady said shyly, "You... when you rented the room, did you know about me..."

"I know," Yin Jun nodded and smiled gently, "Aunt Zhang, it's fine. Everyone has their difficulties. The smell of making fish balls and street noodles is strong, but it can be reduced by closing the door. The smell can even make the food more appetizing, and I can eat more!"

Hearing this, Aunt Zhang's heart eased, "I'm sorry... don't worry, I'll be more careful. I usually make them in the morning and afternoon... if you don't mind, I can make you two bowls every day, they taste very good."

"No need," Yin Jun smiled, "I just moved from the mainland and am preparing to apply for a job at the nearby TV station, so I often review my textbooks, read books, and write. My meals are irregular, so you just take care of yourself, Aunt Zhang."

In a subtle way, Yin Jun explained his background, making Aunt Zhang feel more at ease.

Aunt Zhang, who sold fish balls and street noodles in Wutai Mountain, knew that the place often recruited people. Hearing this, she felt relieved and suggested, "Wireless, GTV, and ATV, their staff don't need to take many exams. You can apply directly. The salary is low at first, and it's a bit hard, but it's doable."

"I'm applying for writing and scriptwriting jobs, which require some preparation," Yin Jun smiled. "Don't worry, Aunt Zhang. When I came, my relatives in Hong Kong gave me some money, so I can manage for a month or two without working. Once I'm more prepared, I can find a better job."

Aunt Zhang smiled, "Junzi, you are really different from those actors. You look so refined, just like the college students nearby."

Yin Jun smiled and stood up, "Aunt Zhang, you go ahead and work. I'll clean the room. Call me if you need help."

"I'm not busy now," Aunt Zhang quickly followed, "I'll help you tidy up. When I'm at home, I always clean up for my children..."

Once the barrier was removed, the two became closer. Although Aunt Zhang didn't know much about Yin Jun, she wanted to help him more to gain his understanding of her food processing at home.

Yin Jun understood this and humbly let her help, but he did the heavier tasks himself.

After about half an hour, the small room was clean and tidy, and Aunt Zhang left with Yin Jun's thanks to go about her business.

Before leaving, she carefully closed the door for Yin Jun.

A short while later, as the strong smell of the braised food wafted in, Aunt Zhang knocked on the door again.

When Yin Jun opened the door, Aunt Zhang was holding a large bowl of street noodles, rich with ingredients like fish balls and beef offal.

"Junzi, this is freshly made by Aunt Zhang, not the leftovers. If you don't mind, have some. You haven't eaten lunch yet," Aunt Zhang said warmly.

"Thank you, Aunt Zhang," Yin Jun took the bowl with both hands, "But you don't have to trouble yourself. These are your business ingredients, and I can't eat them for free. I know how to buy boxed meals."

"What's good about boxed meals?" Aunt Zhang felt even more comfortable seeing him take the bowl without hesitation. "I can't help you with dinner, but I can help with breakfast and lunch. It doesn't cost much, and I have to eat anyway... I eat alone, and it's quite lonely. It's nice to have someone to keep me company."

Saying this, she pulled the door shut for Yin Jun, "You go about your business. I still have over an hour to finish, sorry!"

"It's fine, you do your thing."

Before the door closed, Yin Jun managed to say this much.

(I update twice, but each chapter is over 3000 words! You can reward the hardworking author! ^_^)

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