Time flew by and it was August 31st. On that day, the three children were to register for classes in the county. Xiao Yan happened to be going to replenish her medicine, so she took the three children to register, helped carry their things, and familiarized herself with the place.

Each of them carried large and small bags; there was no other way, as cloth coupons were very scarce at this time.

They brought their own blankets and pillows with them when they went to class.

They had too much stuff, so they went to the old lady's house behind the school first. When they arrived, Grandma Huang was sitting on a bench at the door. When she saw them, she snorted, "I thought you weren't coming!"

Xiao Yan quickly went up to greet them: "Hello, Auntie. I am the elder of these three children. All three of them are studying in junior high school here. I hope you will take good care of them."

Seeing Xiao Yan's smiling face, Granny Huang didn't turn cold: "Go in, I'll have someone divide the room into two, so that men and women can be separated."

Upon entering, it was clear that the already small room had been divided into two smaller rooms. One larger room had been fitted with a bunk bed, while the smaller room had been fitted with a single bed.

The door is still the same door; it only blocks the view when you're sleeping. You can still walk freely on both sides. This is only good for keeping out honest people, not scoundrels.

Xiao Yan was very satisfied with the partition. Yao Tongjia slept on the small bed on this side. She was originally her son's wife, and Yao Tongxu was Tongtong's younger brother.

There's no need to completely separate the two rooms; that would be too expensive and too noisy.

Xiao Yan smiled at Granny Huang and said, "Thank you, Auntie!"

"It's alright. If you're sure you want to stay, you can prepay for a semester's accommodation fee. Of course, the 2 yuan you paid last time is non-refundable, regardless of whether you stay or not."

Xiao Yan nodded: "I know that. I'll ask the children and come find you right away!"

Entering the room, Xiao Yan brushed Yao Tongjia's stray hairs behind her ears. Yao Tongjia had cut her hair short to shoulder length for convenience: "So? Want to rent it?"

Yao Tongjia nodded: "Rent! Should we ask Brother Xiao and the others?"

"If you say you'll rent it, then rent it. Why do I need to ask them? It's good enough that they have a place to live. I'll go and pay the money right now!"

Yao Tongjia quickly stood up: "I'll go. You gave me 100 yuan this time, so I can pay!"

"You little rascal, do you have to be so polite with your master! If I wasn't worried about the safety of you keeping so much money, I would have asked you to bring all the money here."

"Didn't you say before that Grandma Huang would help with the cooking? Why don't we finalize the meal arrangements?"

There's only one set of cooking utensils in the house, and it's impossible to ask them to bring it over. Besides, this room is too small to cook in.

Yao Tongjia took out the receipt for the 2 yuan deposit and took Xiao Yan's arm: "I'll go with you!"

Xiao Yan was very pleased with Yao Tongjia's closeness, and a smile appeared on her face: "Okay, okay, let's go together, let the two boys tidy up here, and you two wipe this bed clean too!"

Xiao Gengwu quickly replied, "I'll be right there!"

These words made Xiao Yan's smile deepen!

Xiao Yan and Yao Tongjia walked hand in hand to the outside of Huang Apo's room. Huang Apo was sitting upright in a chair, just like an ancient lady.

Xiao Yan and Yao Tongjia exchanged a glance and went inside: "Auntie, the three children will be staying here with you. We'll be relying on you from now on. Look, they're eating here. How much will it cost?"

Grandma Huang remained unmoved: "You should know that the county's supply is insufficient. If you provide ingredients, I can cook for them while I'm cooking here, and you'll give me 2 yuan a month."

Including basic necessities like rice, oil, and salt, the price is really not expensive. They also brought their own food, vegetables, and pickled vegetables with them on this trip, but the child can't just eat pickled vegetables and vegetables all the time.

“Auntie, we can prepare our own staple food, but I can only come once a month, and vegetables don’t keep well. We only have pickled vegetables, and the children can’t stand them.”

"What do you think we should do about the vegetable problem?"

Grandma Huang shook her head: "I'm just an old woman, I can't compete with people when I go shopping. The county's supplies are just enough for myself, there's no extra for them."

Yao Tongjia tugged at Xiao Yan's sleeve: "Then we'll give you four yuan a month, and we'll take care of the ingredients ourselves! A semester is five months, so that's 20 yuan!"

Yao Tongjia took out two large ten-yuan bills and the previous deposit receipt: "The previous deposit is still kept, right?"

Grandma Huang nodded: "Yes, this semester's rent and cooking fee is 20 yuan. If you want to rent it next semester, you have to let me know first, otherwise I will rent the house to someone else!"

Yao Tongjia nodded and handed the money to Grandma Huang. Grandma Huang checked it and, finding no problem, put the money away and wrote Yao Tongjia a receipt.

The above roughly means that they collected 5 months' rent and food processing fees, totaling 20 yuan, and they're asking when that will end.

Xiao Yan leaned over to take a look. The handwriting was truly excellent. She hadn't realized that Granny Huang could write so well. She couldn't help but praise, "Auntie, your handwriting is great!"

Grandma Huang didn't answer, but said, "I'll take the grain once a day. If you don't bring it to me, I won't cook! I'll cook as much as you take, but you can't wait any longer!"

After saying that, Yao Tongjia looked at Xiao Yan and immediately understood that Xiao Yan could also eat here today. Yao Tongjia quickly said, "Thank you, Grandma Huang. I'll bring the food over in a bit."

The two left Granny Huang's room, and Xiao Yan said with a worried look, "You can't just eat staple food all the time, can you?"

Yao Tongjia had no choice but to tell the whole truth: "I didn't sell that ginseng to the purchasing station last time, but to the people at the hospital."

Xiao Yan's face paled slightly. She looked around and lightly patted Yao Tongjia, saying, "You little brat, you're too reckless! You'll be ruined if you get caught."

Yao Tongjia quickly reassured her, "I didn't go into the black market. I observed outside the hospital and knew that the person was selling and exchanging items outside."

"You're quick-witted, but we really shouldn't go to the black market. If we're unlucky, we might never come back. There's no need for us to take that risk. Is that person reliable?"

"Reliable. I can trade her some eggs or meat!" Eggs and a whole wild boar are in her space, how could they not be reliable!

"That's good. But you have to be careful. We'd rather eat worse than take any risks!"

Xiao Yan said worriedly, "I don't see any desks inside. Let's go to the recycling station and see if we can find one or two desks so you can do your homework!"

Back in the room, the bed had been cleaned and wiped down. Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction: "You two are men, so you must do more chores and ask Tongtong to help!"

Yao Tongxu immediately nodded: "Don't worry, Aunt Xiao, my mom has already pulled my ear and told me several times!"

Xiao Gengwu gave a soft "hmm," but Xiao Yan was even more relieved; it was good that her son could at least give a response!