So from this, it’s clear that this household is definitely a respectable family.

“Miss Lane, Miss Lane, are you home?”

What responded to James Bolton was a burst of barking.

A black dog darted out from the main hall, stood at the doorway, and barked toward the courtyard gate.

“Black Sanlang, quiet.”

Immediately after, a woman’s voice came from inside the house.

“Who is it?”

“Miss Lane, it’s me, James Bolton. I came to look at the house a few days ago, do you remember?”

A plainly dressed middle-aged woman walked out of the house and stood at the door. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she said, “I remember now, you’re that Taixue student.”

As she spoke, she walked over and opened the courtyard gate.

“Miss Lane, you have a good memory.”

James Bolton smiled politely and bowed.

However, Miss Lane didn’t give him a warm welcome: “Of course I remember you. Last time you said you’d go back and think about it, but then you never returned, wasting half a month of my time for nothing. I was just saying, if you didn’t come soon, I’d go find a broker.”

James Bolton said, “Madam, your house is indeed very nice. It’s just that I prefer peace and quiet and am not too keen on sharing with others, so I didn’t dare come back to trouble you.”

Upon hearing this, Miss Lane’s expression changed immediately.

“If that’s the case, why have you come again?”

“Please don’t misunderstand, madam. Although I’m not used to sharing a house, your place is truly excellent.

This is a new student at the Imperial Academy, and he’s looking for a place to stay. I thought your house would be perfect, so I brought him here. Madam, this is my classmate, from Taiyuan, a new student at the Imperial Academy this year.”

Although James Bolton kept smiling, there was still an inexplicable sense of superiority in his words.

Though he was poor, he was, after all, a student at the Imperial Academy—a Taixue student.

To put it bluntly, people like them were destined to become officials in the future… Miss Lane, in the end, was just an ordinary commoner.

Actually, even without James Bolton’s introduction, Miss Lane could see John Adams.

After all, John Adams was half a head taller than James Bolton, and even though he stood behind James Bolton, he was still quite conspicuous.

John Adams stepped forward and said, “Madam, I am John Adams.”

Miss Lane frowned slightly, but her expression softened a lot.

“Young sir, let me be upfront. I only rent out the side rooms here; the main house is for me and Ami, and we won’t be moving out. If you don’t mind, everything can be discussed. If you’re not willing, just say so.”

This madam was very straightforward.

After speaking, she shot a glance at James Bolton.

Of course, James Bolton understood what she meant. His face turned red, but he pretended not to and said nothing.

John Adams smiled and said, “Madam, I’ve come to Chang’an to study, and all I ask is for a place to stay.

Quiet, clean, convenient, and safe! Those are my only requirements. If you could also take care of meals for me and my servant, that would be even better. If not, we can manage ourselves, and there’s no need to trouble you. As for the rent…”

Miss Lane’s expression softened considerably.

“Delicacies, my humble household can’t provide.

But if it’s just simple meals, that’s no trouble—it’s just cooking for two more people. In this house, it’s only me and Ami. Those two side rooms, you may use as you wish. I can also take care of the laundry for you and your servant… All miscellaneous expenses are included in the rent: eighteen hundred coins per month, collected on the tenth of each month.

If you agree, I have a contract here. Once you sign, I’ll take it to the neighborhood official, and you can move in anytime.”

Eighteen hundred coins, including meals, lodging, laundry, and cleaning?

John Adams was immediately tempted and looked at Leonard Grant.

Leonard Grant was his servant, but also his most trusted companion.

“Young master, I think it’s a good deal.”

Leonard Grant had already inquired yesterday; Miss Lane’s rent was indeed not high.

You should know, in Chang’an, rent increases from south to north—the further north, the higher the price.

Chongde Ward is in central Chang’an, and just one ward east is Anyefang, right by Zhuque Avenue, under the jurisdiction of Chang’an County.

Such a location, in modern times, would definitely be considered prime city center, within the second ring road.

Leonard Grant had investigated: for a standalone house with its own courtyard in such a location, the monthly rent would be at least three thousand, and that’s for a place in poor condition. Miss Lane was offering eighteen hundred, including meals, laundry, and cleaning—a truly considerate price.

“Madam, may I take a look at the rooms?”

“Please, young sir, feel free.”

Miss Lane retreated to the main house doorway and sat on a folding stool at the entrance.

The black dog named Black Sanlang immediately came over and crouched at Miss Lane’s feet.

There were two side rooms, one large and one small.

The larger one was divided into inner and outer rooms, so it was actually like having three rooms.

Opening the window, there was a clear little river outside. Across the river, you could see the back gate of Lingbao Temple.

Inside, the furnishings were simple but very clean—it was obvious someone cleaned regularly.

John Adams was very satisfied and came out of the side room.

Leonard Grant and James Bolton were still inside, so he went over to Miss Lane, lifted his robe, and sat right down on the steps.