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"You're really coworkers? That's great! Both of you work at the school hospital, so renting to school employees puts my mind at ease!" Teacher Qi smiled knowingly at the scene. As for the rumors about Xia Xue at the school hospital, Teacher Qi didn't pay any attention to them. Having previously dedicated herself to teaching and research, now retired, she bought a villa in the suburbs to enjoy a peaceful life, which is why she is renting out the school apartment.
"Are you really coworkers?" Hua Qingyi was a bit skeptical, because Xiao Lin and Xia Xue's reactions weren't what one would expect when running into each other. Their reactions couldn't be described as surprised or delighted; they didn't even greet each other by name, and the woman's response was even more puzzling to Hua Qingyi—it seemed a bit fearful? A bit embarrassed?
When Xia Xue looked at Hua Qingyi, she was stunned by his handsome appearance. How could there be such a handsome man in the world? Seeing Hua Qingyi, Xia Xue immediately understood what Xiao Lin meant with that remark last night. However, the subtext of Xiao Lin's words came to Xia Xue's mind too: that Hua Qingyi often frequents those places. Xia Xue immediately lost interest and instead grew curious about Xiao Lin's reappearance; this man truly seemed like a good one.
Looking at Hua Qingyi's attire, still a pure white leisure suit, the material seemed of extremely high quality. Xia Xue's heart began to beat a little faster. How could this young man, who didn't even have money to pay for a room, have such an affluent friend? That suit must not cost less than a hundred thousand.
"How can you say that, young man, if you're not coworkers, how do you know each other? Can you both be in the same department at our school hospital?" Teacher Qi joked, then generously declared, "Now I can rest assured. Since you're coworkers, you shouldn't mind sharing an apartment, right? In modern speak, sharing quarters?"
"Teacher Qi, that's apartment sharing, cohabitation is different from sharing!" Xia Xue quickly said, then looked at Xiao Lin and extended her right hand, "You must be the new Dr. Xiao in our hospital's emergency department, right? I'm Xia Xue from the emergency department as well, we'll be coworkers from now on. You booked this apartment through the agency first, but I arrived before you. You heard Teacher Qi's suggestion, we'll share the apartment and split the costs, is that okay?" Xia Xue handled things rationally, not as wild as Li Jingyi had described.
Xiao Lin squinted his eyes at Xia Xue, finding her truly unique. Despite having such rumors at the school hospital, she appeared natural without makeup and still as innocent as ever. It seemed she intentionally cultivated her reputation at the hospital, a remarkably clever woman.
Since Xia Xue had already said so, Xiao Lin naturally wouldn't be rude. He extended his right hand and shook hands with Xia Xue, nodding and smiling: "Having a beautiful companion is something one can't refuse; we'll be coworkers from now on, please guide me well!"
Teacher Qi clapped his hands and laughed: "Then I'll go get the contract, you can finalize things today!" It was unclear whether Teacher Qi deliberately omitted words, making others think otherwise.
Hua Qingyi tugged at Xiao Lin's clothes and winked, clearly meaning: Dude, you're impressive, just arrived in Yanjing and first, you meet a beautiful traffic cop, then a doctor in uniform—one can't help but admire you!
To Hua Qingyi's winks, Xiao Lin responded with an eye-roll.
Soon after, Teacher Qi brought out the pre-prepared contracts, handing one each to Xiao Lin and Xia Xue. "Read through the contract clauses, and if there are no issues, go ahead and sign it!"
The contract didn't have many stipulations—no loud noise after midnight, a monthly rent of three thousand, paid quarterly with a six thousand deposit, and utility charges separate. Three thousand for this apartment was not at all expensive, and the place was fully furnished since Teacher Qi used to live there.
"I have no problem with it!" Xia Xue looked at Xiao Lin, remembering how he couldn't even afford a room last night. The contract stated the rent clearly as three thousand a month, with a quarterly payment being three months. With the rent and deposit, it totaled fifteen thousand, meaning seven and a half thousand each. Would he be able to pay? But upon looking at Hua Qingyi beside him, Xia Xue felt at ease, guessing he'd borrow money from his friend.
Xiao Lin earnestly reviewed it. The contract's terms were lenient, and the rent wasn't high for the apartment. Money didn't hold much significance for Xiao Lin, so he nodded: "Teacher Qi, I have no issues with it either!" He followed Xia Xue's lead in calling her Teacher Qi.
"If there are no issues, then fill in your ID details on the contract and sign it," Teacher Qi said straightforwardly.
The three signed the contract. Xia Xue picked up her handbag from the sofa to take out money, then looked at Xiao Lin playfully. Xiao Lin blushed. Xia Xue's expression seemed to say, "If you can't afford it, don't act tough. I paid for last night's room; don't tell me I have to front this rent too?"
Xiao Lin smiled helplessly and took a wad of cash, about ten thousand, from his small bag. He counted it, then handed seventy-five hundred to Teacher Qi: "Teacher Qi, please count this, it's seven thousand five hundred!"
Xia Xue was surprised to see Xiao Lin, wondering if this guy was a master of deception. She then took out a wad of cash similar in thickness, presumably also around ten thousand, counted out seventy-five hundred, and handed it to Teacher Qi: "Thank you so much, Teacher Qi, otherwise I'd have to sleep on the streets tonight!"
"Thank your coworker; if your coworker hadn't agreed, there'd be no way for me to help either." Teacher Qi was forthright, unlike other landlords who might immediately agree to someone like Xia Xue willing to pay more.
Afterward, Teacher Qi explained a few things about the apartment, primarily advising them to keep it tidy and not too messy, then handed them three sets of keys and left after some idle chat.
The atmosphere in the living room turned a bit strange. With Teacher Qi around, the mood was lighter, but once they saw Teacher Qi out, Xiao Lin and Xia Xue returned to the living room to find Hua Qingyi leisurely standing by the window, looking around, seemingly playing the role of a third wheel, pretending he didn't exist.
Finally, Xia Xue broke the awkward silence, asking Xiao Lin, "When do you plan to move in?"
"Tonight," Xiao Lin replied.