Siheyuan: Rebirth 52 years later, escaping from famine in Beijing

09 Brother Weimin, from now on, we have our own home!

Inside the courtyard.

"From now on, these two houses will belong to you brothers and sisters!"

Mr. Wang led Lu Weimin and Chen Zhihan to the front of the house and pointed it out.

This residence looks a little old, just like this historic city, full of dust, as if it is a courtyard house left by a noble or a government official in the former Qing Dynasty? But although the residence looks a little old, it is finally a residence, a real home.

This meant that they no longer had to wander around and be displaced, which made Lu Weimin and Chen Zhihan very happy.

The stationmaster, Mr. Wang, then tried hard to ask Lu Weimin to do his job well and take good care of his sister, and told him that he could seek his help if there were any problems that he could not handle.

After seeing off the stationmaster Mr. Wang, Lu Weimin quickly returned to the inn and went home.

Chen Zhihan was cleaning the house excitedly.

But when Lu Weimin came in, he failed to attract her attention.

He looked around the room.

The total area seemed to be no more than 50 square meters. The paint on the walls was peeling and full of potholes, and the floor was also bumpy. There were almost no household facilities to be seen. Only a badly damaged bed frame stood there, and the bed board and mattress had long disappeared.

Lu Weimin narrowed his eyes, turned around and left the house, looking at the door lock, and found that the lock was damaged, with obvious signs of being pried open by someone.

He entered the annex room again and saw that there was nothing in the room.

What Lu Weimin wanted to find at this moment was a small coal-fired stove for cooking food or heating. In this era, this kind of device is a must for every household in Beijing. Without it, daily life will become quite difficult. Even the extremely poor must have a coal-fired stove.

But this house didn't see anything.

According to Lu Weimin's speculation, if the original tenant did not sell all his belongings, they must have been stolen.

Since the door lock had been pried open, he was more inclined to the second guess.

[Reconnaissance ability +1]

[Reconnaissance ability +1]

[Reconnaissance ability +1]

【…】

The warning sounded continuously, and when Lu Weimin was busy calculating, Xiaohan's scream was heard.

He hurried to the master bedroom.

"Xiao Han, what happened? Don't be afraid, I'm here to protect you.

"

"Brother Weimin, there's a rat! Ah! It's coming towards me!"

Like most girls, Cheng Zhihan was most afraid of rats and snakes, so she naturally approached Lu Weimin and hid behind him.

"Don't be afraid, watch me!" Lu Weimin took off his shoes swiftly and threw them at the fleeing mouse like lightning.

There was a snap! And then there was a rat cry!

His swung shoe hit the target.

The mouse didn't move after making the sound.

"It's okay! The rat has been eliminated.

"Lu Weimin turned around and said with a smile.

"Ah! It's really motionless! Brother Wei Min can actually hit the mouse from such a long distance, it's amazing!" Xiao Han widened his eyes in surprise, still a little bit unbelievable.

This experience also made Lu Weimin very happy and he discovered that he could easily kill rats by throwing shoes because his physical strength and eyesight continued to grow.

Then, after putting on his shoes and getting rid of the mouse, he and Xiaohan continued to clean the house.

After cleaning up, Lu Weimin and Xiaohan left the old courtyard and went to the market to buy daily necessities.

"Brother Weimin, do we have enough money to buy things?"

When Cheng Zhihan learned that she was going to shop, she couldn't help but ask.

"Yes! There are 20 yuan in total.

"

Lu Weimin took out the coin and shook it.

Of this, 10 yuan was paid in advance by the Finance Department after Lu Weimin returned to the supervisor's office after leaving the truck fleet and got the factory director's signature. The remaining 10 yuan was provided privately by the factory director An.

Remember this favor, Lu Weimin thought.

(The current currency is the 52nd edition, and the currency uses the first edition, that is, yuan is equivalent to yuan of the next edition; for the convenience of readers, the text is calculated based on the second edition currency value)

"Wow, how come you have so many!" Xiao Han stared at the coins with shining eyes full of surprise and joy, and asked curiously if she could touch them.

"It's all yours!" Lu Weimin felt both kind and amused at her fascination with small fortunes, and put the banknotes in her hand.

"It's really twenty dollars!" Cheng Zhihan counted the money attentively and felt extremely satisfied. Perhaps the hunger during the escape made her extra careful with her belongings. She put it carefully into her pocket with her hand kept close to it to make sure nothing was lost.

Seeing Xiaohan's cautious look touched Lu Weimin's heart. He gently pressed her forehead and vowed: "In the future, Brother Weimin will make sure you don't suffer from hunger anymore, and we will live a better life!"

"I believe what you say!" Cheng Zhihan looked up at Wei Min with eyes revealing confidence and anticipation for the future.

……

Jia Zhang had just returned with Qin Huairu, who was carrying her precious grandson Stick on her back, when she happened to see Wei Min and his sister leaving the old house.

"It's strange, who is this person? Why did he come out of our old house?"

Qin Huairu answered casually: "It may be a neighbor's relative or friend who came to visit.

"

Jia Zhang continued worriedly: "I heard that a large number of people have come to the capital to seek shelter from the disaster in recent days, and some houses in the residential areas have been rearranged. I am worried that the two houses left by the late Mr. Wang will face a similar situation.

"

We must find a way to get that house quickly.

After all, you and Dongxu have to have a few more children, and the place we live in now is too small.

If we could get the house of the deceased old Wang next door, then no matter how many children we have, we will have a place to live.

When Abao grows up, we can use it as our wedding room!"

"That's exactly the point! Mom, please be patient and make another trip tomorrow!" Qin Huairu also wanted to get the residence left behind by her deceased neighbor, Lao Wang.

"No, no! Isn't it enough for me to go alone? I always come back empty-handed. Tomorrow you have to come with me, and bring the children with you to cry and make a scene. We will never leave unless we are given a house!"

"If I make so much noise, will it cause any problems?"

"Why would there be a problem? We didn't do anything illegal. We just want more housing. Would the Military Administration Committee make things difficult for a mother like you with a child?"

"Okay! Got it, I'll do as mom says!"

Jia Zhang and Qin Huairu stepped into the central courtyard, staring at the room left by Old Wang with sparkling eyes.

At this time, they had not yet realized that the two residences had new owners.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law returned to the house.

When Jia Zhang saw the extra coal stove, she smiled and said, "It is very convenient to boil water and cook with an extra coal stove!"

"Have all the furniture that is still useful been moved here?"

"We've already moved into a new house, and all that's left is an old, shabby bed that's filled with bad luck!"

...*

10. Shop for home goods!

On the way there, Lu Weimin and Cheng Zhihan were discussing what they needed to purchase.

Cheng Zhihan felt that money was hard-earned and that the funds she used this time were borrowed from others, so she had to pay it back in full after receiving her salary.

Even if you don't pay it off in one lump sum, you'll have to pay it off in large installments, so your finances will be tight, so you need to keep your expenses simple.

Save on non-essential items if possible and reduce expenses as much as possible if possible.

"She is indeed a frugal and virtuous girl!" Lu Weimin admired in his heart.

The final shopping list agreed upon by the two is as follows:

A used gas furnace, because the focus is on performance rather than new or slightly older.

A simple and reasonably priced couch was provided for Xiaohan to sleep on, while Lu Weimin would continue to use the previous one.

Of course, new straw mats and bedding would have to be purchased; however, this would cost money, so one had to be frugal.

Some daily necessities, such as glazed porcelain cups, toothbrushes, face cloths, and buckets,

Plus the dishes for today's dinner.

……

Then Lu Weimin took Xiaohan and found a hand-pulled bicycle and went to various hypermarkets, retail stores and vegetable markets.

After some twists and turns, I finally bought all the items on the shopping list.

"Done, all I need to do is buy some more coal!" Looking at the items piled up on the entire bicycle, Lu Weimin felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

“These costs are quite a lot.

"Counting the remaining bills, Cheng Zhihan showed a reluctant expression.

"Haha! Don't be sad. You should be willing to spend money where it is necessary. As long as there is a way to make money, there is nothing to worry about.

Do you believe it? Your brother Weimin will make a lot of money.

Our family will never be short of money in the days to come.

"Lu Weimin said while stroking Cheng Zhihan's hair.

When Lu Weimin casually mentioned "our home", Cheng Zhihan smiled widely and began to look forward to and yearn for the days she would spend together with Weimin in the future.

After purchasing Xiaohan's bed and agreeing on the delivery time, Lu Weimin pushed his bicycle to buy coal, while Cheng Zhihan pushed the bicycle beside him to help.

Lu Weimin turned around and said to Cheng Zhihan, "You don't have to help me push, just follow closely.

'

"It's okay, I just want to help you!" Cheng Zhihan shook her head firmly.

Lu Weimin had no choice but to agree with her.

The coal shops in the capital are collectively called coal warehouses, and most of them are located on the two ring roads outside Xizhimen and Xuanwumen. This gave rise to the name "Coal Street", where many coal warehouses gathered.

There are two kinds of coal in the coal warehouse: one comes from Mentougou in the west of Beijing, and the other comes from Fangshan District. Although the latter is slightly more expensive, it is more durable. Residents can choose according to their own financial ability and needs.

Cheng Zhihan prefers to purchase coal from Mentougou for a simple reason - it is more affordable.

However, Lu Weimin insisted that coal should be purchased from Fangshan.

His reason was that although this type of coal was slightly more expensive, it was more durable and produced less waste and harmful substances, which was particularly important in this era when most residents ate and rested in the same space and placed coal-burning stoves indoors. In this case, it was naturally more appropriate to choose high-quality coal.

When there are disagreements, most decisions will follow Lu Weimin's opinion.

This time is no exception.

Cheng Zhihan said to Lu Weimin: "Brother Weimin, I will do as you say!"

So he bought 50 kilograms of Fangshan coal, which cost him a total of fifty cents plus three cents as delivery fee.

Because the rickshaw he rented could no longer carry such a large amount of coal, he had to spend an extra three dollars to ensure that the coal was delivered to his doorstep.

Then Lu Weimin drove his tricycle to deliver the coal back with the coal delivery man's tricycle following closely behind. Cheng Zhihan sat quietly in the tricycle and headed towards the old courtyard together.

[Leg strength +1]

[Physical energy +1]

[Leg strength +1]

[Physical energy +1]

[Leg strength +1]

[Physical energy +1]

【...】

Hearing the prompt tone of the system, Lu Weimin couldn't help but feel happy - riding a tricycle can actually exercise his leg and body strength.

With the encouragement of this unexpected profit, Lu Weimin pedaled the tricycle even harder, making it almost impossible for the driver behind him to catch up.

Cheng Zhihan, who was standing by, looked at his feet with heartache, thinking to herself: "I guess Brother Weimin must be very tired!" Until the end.

When they returned to the old courtyard.

Coincidentally, the people carrying the mattresses also arrived at the courtyard at almost the same time.

"Come this way!" Cheng Zhihan waved her hands and called out.

"Okay!" everyone replied.

Carrying things in their hands, they were led by Lu Weimin and Cheng Zhihan and walked in front, while the porters followed behind.

As soon as this group of people walked into the courtyard, they attracted the interest and attention of the surrounding neighbors.

"Hey, who are these people? What are they doing?"

"That young man and girl are really outstanding in appearance!"

“It looks like they are going to move here.

"

“These are all new purchases.

"

"Could it be that he is the new tenant of our courtyard?"

"It's very possible!"

“Now, the only two vacant houses are in the ** part of the courtyard, so we can just go check them out.

"

……

Old Mrs. Jia and Qin Huairu, who were in the center of the courtyard, were also attracted by the noise outside. They were extremely surprised when they noticed that the door of the residence that they had already reserved as empty was opened, and several strangers they had never met before were constantly moving furniture and supplies into the room.

"Oh no! Our house has been occupied!"

At this moment, Mrs. Jia's expression quickly became solemn. She rushed out and shouted:

"Hey! What the hell are you doing? This place belongs to us! Get out! Everyone, get out!"

*11: Old Mrs. Jia was in a panic!

With a swish!

Everyone's attention shifted to Jia Zhang.

“The show is about to begin!”

Most of the neighbors actually didn't like Jia Zhang very much and were happy to see her make a fool of herself.

In addition to the Jia family, there were some other neighbors in the yard who were eyeing the two vacant houses, but they were unable to occupy them, so they were more or less resentful of the newly arrived Lu Weimin siblings.

The man who delivered the coal and the big man who delivered the bed seemed a little confused, and they switched their glances between Jia Zhang and Lu Weimin.

Even Cheng Zhihan was shocked by this scene and didn't know what was going on.

Those two houses were clearly allocated to Wei Ming by the factory, but this old lady claimed that they were their family’s houses?

Lu Weimin looked calm and was not at all surprised by Jia Zhang's sudden intervention. In his eyes, this was completely expected.

Ever since her son got married, the old lady has always dreamed of adding another room for her son.

The two empty houses allocated to Lu Weimin by the factory were exactly what the old lady had dreamed of, so it was not surprising that Jia Zhang wanted to do something about it. Of course, this was just wishful thinking!

Then he said to the uncles who delivered the bed and coal: "We don't need to pay attention to her, just continue with the work you are doing!"

"Okay!" The two men had been waiting for this sentence. They no longer worried about anything else and continued to work.