Chapter 74

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Chapter 74: Sharing a Room

While everyone was talking, their whispers were actually quite loud and made no effort to hide their words from Zhang Xiaohua.

Someone even said: “Who says this name is only for girls? My aunt’s second sister has a little dog named Xiaohua.”

“Right, the granddaughter of my uncle’s second sister-in-law also has a cat named Xiaohua.”

These remarks triggered another round of laughter among the blue-gowned group.

The few in martial attire looked at them without joining in, neither laughing nor speaking. Their faces only showed a hint of derision, though it was unclear whether it was directed at Zhang Xiaohua or the blue-gowned individuals.

Hearing their laughter, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but feel his face heat up in embarrassment. He had used this name for over ten years, why didn’t he hear so many stories about it? Growing up at home, he played with many children and no one had ever mocked his name. Now, having just left home, even his name was becoming an issue. Zhang Xiaohua didn’t know whether to blame his mother for giving him the name or this group for being so worldly.

Sensing the inappropriateness of the situation, the leader, the young man as thin as a bamboo pole, turned around and scolded: “Why are you all so rude? Bullying a newcomer like this, why don’t you get back to your rooms quickly.”

A few people curled their lips and went back to their rooms, still chuckling as they went as if seeing Zhang Xiaohua had relieved them of the day’s fatigue. Seeing them leave, the leader of martial-dressed individuals, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, patted Zhang Xiaohua on the shoulder and simply smiled, leading the few people back to the rooms.

Zhang Xiaohua noticed their rooms were the connected ones on the right side of the courtyard.

The bamboo-thin young man, seeing everyone had left, walked up to Zhang Xiaohua, offering an apologetic smile. “Hello, Zhang Xiaohua. I’m Tian Chongxi, but everyone calls me Brother Xi. I’m the manager here. Those guys earlier were out of line, don’t take it to heart. They didn’t mean any harm, they’re just bored being cooped up in the villa and were looking for some fun. You’ll get used to it if you stay here long enough. By the way, Elder Yu, the one-armed elder, did he say where you should go?”

Zhang Xiaohua looked at the smiling young man gratefully and replied: “He hasn’t told me yet. Elder Yu left and hasn’t come back, so I don’t know where I’m supposed to go.”

Tian Chongxi suggested: “Why don’t you come with me to my room for now? You can wait there until Elder Yu returns.”

Hesitant, Zhang Xiaohua said: “I think it’s better if I wait here.”

However, Tian Chongxi firmly picked up Zhang Xiaohua’s small bundle from the stone table without allowing him to hesitate, saying: “Let’s go, it’s okay. The sky has already darkened, and the night wind is quite chilly. You shouldn’t risk getting sick before even starting in the fields. Wouldn’t that be very bad?”

Having said this, he walked off, leaving Zhang Xiaohua reluctantly following behind, feeling grateful in his heart.

Tian Chongxi’s room was the first one from the inner door. It was a simple room with a table, two chairs, and two kang beds. One kang was neatly arranged with bedding, while the other had a cabinet placed on it. There were also some items placed neatly on the ground. Tian Chongxi placed Zhang Xiaohua’s bundle on the table, poured a cup of water from the teapot for him, and said kindly: “Drink some water first and wait here. If it’s not enough, you can pour more yourself. I’ll go wash my face.”

Thanking him, Zhang Xiaohua took the teacup. Since noon, he hadn’t had a drop of water and he was so thirsty that his throat was smoking. He drank the water in one gulp and immediately poured another, finishing it off just as quickly before setting the cup down.

Tian Chongxi handed him the cup, grabbed a copper basin by the door, and went out to fetch water to wash his face.

While Zhang Xiaohua waited for Tian Chongxi to return, he heard a shout from outside: “Zhang Xiaohua, Zhang Xiaohua, where are you?”

Zhang Xiaohua inwardly felt a sense of unease and hurriedly ran out. Sure enough, the one-armed Elder Yu was loudly calling near the stone table.

Running up to Elder Yu, Zhang Xiaohua said: “Hello, Elder Yu. I was sitting in Brother Xi’s room for a while.”

Elder Yu still had his stern face and said: “Hmm, since you know I’m called Elder Yu and this medicine field falls under my jurisdiction, regardless of who brought you here, once you’re here, you listen to me. As for your tasks, there’s no assignment from above yet. Just familiarize yourself with the surroundings for now.”

At this moment, Tian Chongxi also walked over with the copper basin. Elder Yu stopped him and said: “Chongxi, come here. You’ve already met him. This is Zhang Xiaohua from the Lotus Escort Agency. Don’t assign him tasks for now. Let him get acquainted first. You arrange it.”

Upon hearing the words “Lotus Escort Agency”, Tian Chongxi’s face twitched involuntarily, but he quickly put on a smile and said: “Alright, Elder Yu. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Zhang Xiaohua and help him get familiar. Liu Er left in a hurry, and he hadn’t even taken the bedding in the room. Why don’t we let Zhang Xiaohua stay on Liu Er’s kang for now?”

Elder Yu nodded and said: “You handle this arrangement.”

With that, the old man walked into the inner door without looking back, soon disappearing again.

Tian Chongxi then took Zhang Xiaohua with him, carrying his bundle, and led him to a room. As soon as Zhang Xiaohua entered, he smelled a strong odor of smelly feet. Looking up, he saw a middle-aged man in a blue gown and small cap sitting on the kang, squinting his eyes, humming a tune, and rubbing his smelly feet with both hands. Occasionally, he would even sniff his fingers as if they were perfumed.

Not only did Zhang Xiaohua frown, but Tian Chongxi also called out: “Ma Jing.” He took a few quick steps and pushed open the window. Ma Jing heard Tian Chongxi’s call and quickly jumped off the kang, put on his shoes, and rubbed his hands on his clothes, asking: “Brother Xi, why are you here in my room? Is there something wrong?”

Tian Chongxi didn’t approach Ma Jing, but stood by the window with a furrowed brow, saying: “Ma Jing, I’m not saying this to criticize you, but you’re already in your thirties and still behaving like this. No wonder you can’t find a wife.”

Ma Jing became unhappy and retorted sarcastically: “Brother Xi, can you stop bringing this up all the time? The reason no one marries me is because no one has discovered my hidden qualities. I have inner beauty, unlike those pretty boys. It takes careful and deep communication to discover it.”

Tian Chongxi couldn’t help but laugh, and Zhang Xiaohua, watching this slightly taller shifty-eyed wretched-like man, couldn’t help but giggle. Immediately, Ma Jing asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, do you have any objections?”

Zhang Xiaohua quickly gave Ma Jing a thumbs-up and praised: “Brother Maos a great man. I’ve only just met you and already I find you handsome and dignified. How could I have any objections? I’m just thinking about how I can learn from you in the future.”

After saying that, goosebumps appeared on his skin, and he thought to himself: “Saying such flattering words isn’t something an ordinary person can do. I’m new here, so I better be cautious. This place is not like Guo Village, if I want to survive it requires adaptation. Maybe simplicity is good, but Liu Kai was right, survival of the fittest. If you can’t survive, what’s the point of simplicity?”

Unintentionally, Zhang Xiaohua’s mind has matured by leaps and bounds. A shy rural youth was gradually maturing amidst the complexities of the world.

Ma Jing was delighted to hear Zhang Xiaohua’s words. “Little Brother, ah! You are really good, from now on, your elder brother will have your back. Come, come sit here.”

As Ma Jing tried to pull Zhang Xiaohua closer, Zhang Xiaohua looked at his hands uneasily. He quickly said: “Oh, wait, let’s hear Brother Xi finish first.”

Ma Jing paused, nodded, and said: “Hmm, makes sense. Brother Xi, are we letting Zhang Xiaohua stay on Liu Er’s kang?”

Tian Chongxi nodded and replied: “Yes, it’s already late today, no time to prepare. Let Zhang Xiaohua stay here temporarily and see Liu Er’s situation first. We’ll discuss further later.”

Ma Jing agreed: “No problem. Since you entered our Huanxi Villa, you‘re our brother. Everything can be discussed. Come on, little brother, let me take your bundle.”

With that, Ma Jing reached out to take Zhang Xiaohua’s bundle. Without hesitation, Zhang Xiaohua took two quick steps and walked over to the empty kang nearby, shaking his hands and tossing the bundle onto it, saying: “Brother Ma, you should rest more. I can handle this myself.”

Ma Jing stood there, chuckling, and said nothing.

Tian Chongxi glanced at Ma Jing and Zhang Xiaohua, saying: “Zhang Xiaohua, you’ll stay here for now. If there’s anything you can’t solve, come find me. Your current attire won’t do here though. What clothes to wear will be a problem. I’ll have to ask Elder Yu later.”

Ma Jing interjected: “Brother Xi, Zhang Xiaohua is a bit small, but there are plenty of servants like him in the villa. The steward’s office has lots of clothes his size. We can easily find something. No need to bother Elder Yu.”

Without arguing, Tian Chongxi just smiled, turned, and left the room, adding: “Zhang Xiaohua was sent over from the Lotus Escort Agency. It won’t be fitting for him to wear villa-style clothes.”

Ma Jing was puzzled, muttering: “Lotus Escort Agency?”

He turned back to Zhang Xiaohua and burst out laughing: “You? From the Lotus Escort Agency? Hahaha!”

Laughing, he sat back on the kang, crossed his legs, and naturally rested his hands on his feet, saying: “A kid from the Lotus Escort Agency? Who would believe that? But hey, this is getting interesting.”

Then, he pouted.

He said to Zhang Xiaohua: “Anyway, Little Brother Xiaohua, feel at home. From today on, we’re roommates. Don’t hesitate to tell me if you need anything, don’t be polite. I’m not afraid of trouble.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and replied: “Alright, Brother Ma, I understand. I’ll definitely come to you if I need anything.”

Although his roommate had peculiarities uncommon to most people, Zhang Xiaohua looked around the spacious room with exceptional satisfaction. It was larger than the two rooms in his own home, promising a comfortable sleep at night. However, he couldn’t help but wonder about his second brother’s living conditions and felt a pang of longing for his parents after just a few days away from them.

Yet, Zhang Xiaohua quickly reminded himself not to slack off or dwell on homesickness. Every effort now was to ensure his future safety and prevent any bloodshed or loss of life, all for the well-being of his family.

With these thoughts in mind, the homesickness gradually faded away.