Chapter 5: I can easily appease her; let her cover my food expenses…
Qiu Xiaoman didn't think A Yue was more reliable than Xiao Qiao. A Yue was okay at keeping accounts, but Xiao Qiao was more skilled at doing things.
However, this person wasn't chosen for her, nor was it to put her at ease, since if she were hired, she would most likely only come back in the evenings.
Therefore, this person should ideally be someone that others can trust. In terms of age, Xiao Qiao does not meet the public's expectations.
Let's vote on it then.
The rules are simple: except for the candidate themselves, all five other candidates can raise their hands.
When choosing A Yue, there were five votes; when choosing Xiao Qiao, there was one vote.
Of course, Qiu Xiaoman had the only vote, but she also raised her hand when voting for A Yue, so she could avoid offending either side.
The final result was obvious, but Xiao Qiao was quite happy, at least Xiao Man was the only one who raised her hand for her.
Next, we discussed the amount of living expenses. Since it was the first time for everyone to come to Beidu, they were not familiar with the prices here. In addition, the children did not bring much money with them when they came, so we decided to calculate it at thirty yuan per person per month.
Li Tuantuan explained to Qiu Xiaoman, "I asked Officer Li, and he said the average income of employees here is around two hundred yuan per month. So I think thirty yuan per child is reasonable. If it's not enough, we can pay more next month; if it's too much, we can pay less next month. What do you think?"
“Okay, let’s go with the standard of thirty then.” Qiu Xiaoman had no objection. Thirty was about what she expected, maybe a little less, but since this was a communal kitchen, the cost of living was much lower than if they cooked separately.
But this raises another issue: who will cook? The person who cooks obviously puts in more work than the others, so we can't let them work for nothing.
So Qiu Xiaoman suggested, "The cafeteria ladies get paid, so it's unreasonable to expect the cooks to be our servants. Considering there are only six of us, our workload is definitely less than the cafeteria ladies', and it's certainly more than the average employee's wage. So let's waive the food expenses for the cooks. If anyone is unhappy, they can leave the communal dining and cook for themselves."
Li Tuantuan hadn't really thought of that, so she quickly took out paper and pen to recalculate: "In that case, the other five people will pay 36 yuan per month for food. Water and electricity will be calculated separately and split equally among the people the following month. Does anyone have any objections?"
The children looked at each other, none of them wanting to suffer a loss, but they also didn't want to be nannies every day, so they finally agreed.
But who should be chosen?
Xiao Qiao is only twelve years old and needs to go to school. Even if the problem cannot be solved temporarily, it cannot be delayed indefinitely. So even if Xiao Qiao is asked to do it, it will only be temporary.
As for A-Yue, he's a bookworm and can't cook at all.
That means it can only be Song Xiaomei. Her younger brother is out of the question; it's impossible.
Everyone was looking at Song Xiaomei, who was quite happy. This way, she could save on her own food expenses and also have a legitimate reason to let her younger brother steal food.
She volunteered, saying, "I'll do it. I'm busy cooking and sewing every day, so we can share the rest of the housework."
"Okay." Li Tuantuan had no better solution and could only nod. "The last thing is the rent. Are you guys sure you can't go back to your parents' house?"
The children nodded in agreement, but Xiao Qiao's eyes reddened, and she turned her head away without saying a word.
Li Tuantuan felt sorry for her; she was only twelve years old and didn't have any older brothers or sisters around her. Fortunately, Qiu Xiaoman was thinking of her.
So Li Tuantuan asked, "Sister Xiaoman, Xiao Qiao is too young, how about her rent—"
“No, I will pay. I have money.” Xiao Qiao sniffed and took out the banknotes from her pocket. “My parents don’t want me anymore, but they are willing to give me money. Their only request is that I stay away from them and not disturb their current life. There are six of us. A thousand yuan is split equally among us, which is 166.67 yuan per person. I’ve already calculated it.”
“That’s not fair! Sister Xiaoman chose the best main room, it gets the best sunlight, she should pay more.” Song Xiaomei quickly objected, “My brother and I can actually share a room, we’re not picky.”
"Do you think this is appropriate? He's thirteen years old and starting to develop. You're still sharing a room with him?" Li Tuantuan immediately retorted. This Song Xiaomei is really brainless. Does she have no shame at all, just to save a little money?
With her plan falling through, Song Xiaomei could only lower her head and remain silent.
Qiu Xiaoman didn't want to argue about this, so after thinking for a moment, she said, "I did take the best room. How about this, Xiao Qiao and I will pay four hundred, and you can pay the remaining six hundred. There are three rooms in each of the east and west wing rooms, and the central hall is shared. You four can each have a bedroom. Xiao Qiao and I will stay in the three south-facing rooms. Is that alright?"
Even after careful calculation, Song Xiaomei still felt she was being ripped off: "So, that means each of us gets 150 yuan per room, and you and Xiao Qiao get 200 yuan per room. The main room in the middle isn't charged at all. What about the two back rooms near the entrance?"
"The shared rooms are free of charge. One side will be used as the kitchen, and the other as the bathroom. If you have no objections, then that's fine." Qiu Xiaoman still needed to train the dog and didn't want to argue any further.
Song Xiaomei muttered, "But...but you also have a dog. What if it makes the yard dirty..."
"You're so annoying, Song Xiaomei. You're not trying to freeload, are you?" Li Tuantuan was getting annoyed. "Fine, I'll just give you fifty yuan, that's it."
Song Xiaomei breathed a sigh of relief. It was alright if she paid fifty yuan. That way, the rent for her and her brother for half a year would be two hundred and fifty yuan, which saved them money.
Li Tuantuan quickly picked up a pen and paper and drafted an agreement to avoid future disputes.
When I finished and looked up, I saw that Qiu Xiaoman had already gone inside, so I quickly called her out to sign the papers.
All six people wrote down their names, and the first roommate meeting of the day came to an end. The four of them then went to choose their rooms.
Qiu Xiaoman went back inside to continue training the dog.
Mango is pregnant and can't do anything dangerous, so she's focusing on finding things and following instructions.
"Mango, come here, shake hands." She smiled and squatted down, trying to look the dog in the eye.
Although it was Mango's first time receiving such training, she cherished the opportunity and quickly glanced at Qiu Xiaoman's outstretched right hand before raising her left front paw.
Qiu Xiaoman smiled and patted the dog's head: "My Mango is so smart, come again, Mango, lie down."
Mango immediately lay down on the ground, tongue lolling out, and howled, "Is this the right size, woof?"
"Hmm, very good. Come on, crawl, that is, put your whole body on the ground." Qiu Xiaoman gestured, and worried that the ground was cold, she didn't forget to take out the old clothes to put on the ground.
Mango immediately pressed its belly against its clothes and raised its proud little head: "Is that so, Master?"
“Yes, Mango, you’re great. Now, let’s try to find something.” Qiu Xiaoman got up, took out a bag of peach shortbread and a bag of fried dough twists from her bag, opened the bags and let Mango smell them: “Go lie down in the basket, I’ll hide these two things, and I’ll let you find them later.”
"Yes, Master, woof woof!" Mango was very excited and determined to show off his skills to make his master happy.
Qiu Xiaoman went to the room on the west side and told Xiao Qiao that there was an old-fashioned three-door cabinet there. She then hid the peach shortbread inside and dug some soil under the jujube tree in the yard to cover the twisted dough sticks.
Five minutes later, Mango was allowed to go find it.
Mango found the peach shortbread without any effort. When she brought it back to Qiu Xiaoman, some crumbs were spilled. Xiao Qiao followed behind and quickly cleaned it up, being incredibly diligent.
Qiu Xiaoman immediately rewarded Mango with the peach shortbread: "Go and find out where the twisted dough sticks are."
Mango wagged its tail and went out. Just as it reached the door of the west wing, it heard Song Xiaomei, who was just a window away, say in a low voice, "Quick, Xiaojun, here's some meat for you, eat it quickly."
Mango twitched its ears. Huh? Flesh? Did you buy it yourself?
Out of curiosity, I tried to distinguish the scent of the twisted dough sticks and the owner's scent in the yard, and listened for a while longer under the window.
Song Xiaomei, oblivious to the danger lurking around the room, complained, "Were you stupid just now? Why were you grabbing the east wing room when Li Tuantuan wanted it?"
"Sister, won't the west wing be very sunny in the summer? I don't think it's a good idea." Song Xiaojun looked aggrieved.
He really wanted to choose the east wing, and there was a jujube tree by the door there, so he could shoot at the jujubes whenever he had the chance. Being close to the water tower meant he had an advantage.
But his sister insisted on choosing the west wing, which made him unhappy.
Song Xiaomei sighed: "You don't understand. Qiu Xiaoman sleeps on the east side of the main room. If we choose the east wing, she will easily find us."
Song Xiaojun suddenly realized that her sister did this so that it would be easier for her to sneak food.
He opened his mouth happily, letting his sister feed him piece by piece.
Song Xiaomei was a little tempted and took a couple of bites herself, prompting Song Xiaojun to glare at her immediately.
Song Xiaomei quickly apologized: "I was wrong, don't be angry, I'll make you more next time."
"Hmph, you said you'd save it for me, and you're eating it all yourself." Song Xiaojun refused to be fed anymore, snatched the lunchbox and chopsticks, and went to eat in the north room, leaving the south room for his sister.
He's a boy, so of course he should choose the room facing north. Haven't you seen how the head of the table is always on the north side when there's a big feast in the countryside?
He wouldn't allow himself to suffer even the slightest injustice.
While we were eating, suddenly a ghostly voice yelled, "Sis, come here!"
Song Xiaomei was startled. She put down her half-packed luggage and rushed over: "What's wrong?"
"Salt lump! Can't you even cook?" Song Xiaojun was furious. His sister's cooking skills were terrible. If he hadn't been craving meat, he wouldn't have been able to eat anything.
Song Xiaomei quickly apologized: "It's all my fault. Please keep your voice down, or someone might hear you. Don't worry, Xiao Qiao said she's a good cook. Since she can't go to school yet, I'll have her cook tomorrow."
"Then she doesn't have to pay for meals either?" Song Xiaojun looked unhappy. No, his sister should cook instead, that way they can save some money.
Song Xiaomei smiled and said, "Silly boy, Xiao Qiao feels uncomfortable if she doesn't do anything. I can easily coax her. She can still pay for her meals as usual. I only ask her to help cook some meat. It's not like I have to do everything."
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