Yvonne Wright kept her head down in silence, lost in thought. After a while, she finally looked up and said, “Then I’ll take a day off tomorrow to look for a place.”

Andrew Clark thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I know a place. I’m just not sure if it’s already rented out. You don’t need to take a day off—I’ll go check it out tomorrow and let you know.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Yvonne Wright glanced at the clock. Unknowingly, it was already eleven o’clock. Suddenly, as if she remembered something, her face turned bright red. Biting her lip, she said, “Andrew Clark ge, it’s eleven o’clock. Maybe you should go home and sleep.”

Her voice was soft and gentle, like biting into a sweet, glutinous date, the words drifting into his ear.

Andrew Clark felt as if a little paw had gently scratched at his heart, and he couldn’t help but take a closer look at the girl in front of him.

Although they saw each other every day, Andrew Clark had never really looked at her closely.

Yvonne Wright was tall and slender, with long, jet-black hair and fair, delicate skin. She wasn’t exactly beautiful, but there was a refined charm in her features, reminiscent of the water towns of Jiangnan.

At this moment, she stood under the lamp like a fresh spring onion, her cheeks flushed as bright as peach blossoms, exuding a unique blend of freshness and charm.

He was well aware of the girl’s feelings for him, but he simply didn’t feel the same way. He had always treated her like a little sister, so he could only play dumb.

Andrew Clark took another sip of water to hide his inner turmoil and smiled, “Alright, I’ll head back. You should get some rest too.”

Yvonne Wright watched him leave, recalling her earlier thoughts, and her face grew hot again.

She locked the door, ran back to her bedroom, flopped onto the bed, pulled the covers over her head, and refused to get up.

……

In those days, the real estate market hadn’t yet gone crazy and taken over everything, let alone real estate agents. You could walk several streets without seeing a single one. Unlike later times, when even the small county where Andrew Clark lived was surrounded by agencies big and small.

Andrew Clark usually collected recyclables and roamed all over the neighborhoods, so he knew the area well. He led Yvonne Wright through several twists and turns, ducked into a small alley, and stopped in front of a vermilion wooden door.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

Andrew Clark knocked on the door.

“Coming, coming!”

With the sound of footsteps, an old man opened the door. His clothes were old but neat, and he wore glasses, looking every bit the cultured gentleman.

Seeing it was Andrew Clark, he smiled and said, “Oh! You’re here early. Perfect timing—come play a game with me. My hands are itching for it!”

The old man’s surname was Bennett, a retired professor. Andrew Clark didn’t really understand what he had researched, but he owned a small siheyuan, lived in one room with his wife, his daughter in another, one used as a storage room, and one left vacant.

Andrew Clark often came by to collect recyclables, and over time, they got to know each other. When there was nothing to do, he’d play chess and drink tea with the old man.

The old man was straightforward, without the pretentious airs of an intellectual, and he never looked down on Andrew Clark. The two became friends despite the age gap.

When Yvonne Wright mentioned renting a place, Andrew Clark immediately thought of this house. They were all good people, and he felt reassured letting the young lady stay here.

Andrew Clark said, “Please wait a moment, I’ve brought the person with me. Take a look.”

As he spoke, he stepped aside to reveal Yvonne Wright behind him.

Bennett the old man saw that Yvonne Wright was a clean and tidy young lady, with a gentle demeanor, not the loud or brash type, and he was satisfied. He said, “Anyone you introduce, I don’t need to look further. This girl is great. Want to check out the room first?”

Yvonne Wright politely said, “Bennett Uncle, my name is Yvonne Wright. Sorry to trouble you.”

She went to look at the room first. Bennett the old man made a move on the chessboard, then nudged Andrew Clark with his elbow and whispered, “Is she your girlfriend?”

“No, just a friend.”

Bennett the old man chuckled, waggling his eyebrows, as if to say: Kid, I get it!

Andrew Clark broke out in a sweat. The old man was great in every way, except he was a bit of a mischievous old rascal.

This siheyuan was much cleaner than Zhang Biao’s place. There was a gourd vine growing in the courtyard, a set of stone tables and chairs underneath, and plenty of flowers and plants, making it quiet and elegant.

The room was quite large, with an inner and outer section, white walls all around, fully furnished. Except for a missing TV, it was just like a hotel.

Yvonne Wright liked it, and Andrew Clark was also very satisfied. He said, “This is really nice. Sir, name your price.”

“Three hundred! Pay monthly, or every three months, either way.” The old man was straightforward and immediately gave a number.

Andrew Clark was stunned—not because it was high, but because it was low. With these conditions, even five or six hundred wouldn’t be too much.

It was clearly for his sake, and he was touched. He turned to Yvonne Wright and asked, “What do you think?”

Yvonne Wright was sensible and said to the old man, “Thank you, Bennett Uncle. I can’t just live here for free. From now on, I’ll take care of all the dishwashing and cleaning in your house!”

The old man waved his hand, laughing, “I’m looking for a neighbor, not a servant. And how is it free? You’re still paying rent! When will you move in?”

Yvonne Wright thought for a moment and said, “I can move in this afternoon.”

The old man nodded, took out a bunch of keys and handed them to her, saying, “Alright! Here are the keys—one for the main gate, one for your room.” Then he smiled at Andrew Clark, “You haven’t been by in a while. Got time this morning? Come, play a few games with me!”

The old man was terrible at chess, but obsessed with it. Andrew Clark had no choice but to let Yvonne Wright go back first while he stayed behind to endure the ordeal.

Before he knew it, it was noon. Andrew Clark escaped from the old man’s house, drenched in sweat. He had fought a hard battle for three hundred rounds, only to lose by a narrow margin in the end.

Bennett the old man was thoroughly delighted, feeling as if he had finally met a worthy opponent, and reluctantly let him go home.