38. A Marvelous Destiny

“Mr. Li, previously Yangyang’s practice tutor came twice a week. For the next phase, we’d like to increase her lessons to three per week. Would your schedule allow for that?”

Three lessons—one more than Li An had anticipated. That would make it 720 per week for Ji Yang. Excellent.

But for now, he was only free on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings.

“Which days does Ji Yang have lessons with Professor Yu?” Li An asked calmly.

Ji Yang quickly replied, “Wednesday afternoon at 4:30, teacher!”

Li An nodded thoughtfully, then after a moment offered a plan, “Why don’t we schedule all three lessons for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings? Tuesday and Thursday will fall before and after her class—Tuesday for reinforcement, Thursday to review new material, and Saturday to address any shortcomings. Does that arrangement work?”

Hu Rong answered, “No problem, we’re home those evenings.”

With everything proceeding smoothly, Li An played his final card, “Let’s settle on those times. Also, I’d like to speak with Yangyang’s previous practice tutor. If you could provide their contact information, I’d like to understand her prior practice routine and habits so I can better tailor my approach.”

He’d wanted to broach this topic during the trial lesson, but it hadn’t been convenient.

Hearing this, the couple’s impression of Li An grew even fonder. It was an important issue they hadn’t considered, yet Li An had thought it through for them.

“Thank you, Mr. Li. I’ll send you the contact for her previous tutor shortly,” Hu Rong said, glancing at Ji Chengguang, who nodded.

“There’s something else, Mr. Li. In half a year, Yangyang will take her music entrance exam. We hope you can see her through this period, accompanying her in practice, and ideally not have any interruptions.”

Li An nodded; he’d already planned to commit to Ji Yang’s lessons.

Hu Rong continued, “Since it’s quite a distance from Guangyuan, and three trips a week are tiring, we’ll reimburse you sixty yuan per lesson for travel expenses.”

Li An’s eyebrows twitched slightly; before he could respond, Hu Rong added, “Let’s settle on that. Is there anything else you need?”

Li An set down his teacup.

The tea tasted sweeter and sweeter.

240 (×)
300 (√)
He had a bicycle now.

He understood the parents’ intent.

He wanted to say only this: the extra sixty per lesson would not be wasted.

Money for work, work for money.

As a professional piano teacher, Li An’s integrity was unwavering.

“Please rest assured.”

“The evening after tomorrow I have some matters, but after that, we’ll meet at eight on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings.”

...

Leaving the residential gate, Li An exhaled deeply.

Today had been quite the ride.

He hadn’t reached the bus stop yet when Hu Rong’s transfer notification arrived.

Three thousand even, prepaid for ten lessons.

It hadn’t been his suggestion—it was Ji Chengguang’s.

Times change; with three thousand more in his pocket, Li An no longer hesitated.

Wanhe Residence, Building 33, Unit 4, Apartment 2501.

This time, he had to secure it.

...

Back home, Li An gleefully began packing. In no time, his room looked as if a thief had ransacked it.

Anything worth tossing was tossed—no sentimental decluttering.

Had he the money, he’d have replaced it all already.

Two hours flew by.

Nearing midnight, Li An took the last batch of trash downstairs.

Returning and surveying his packed luggage, he estimated that one moving van would suffice.

Smooth.

He showered, lay in bed, and picked up his phone. In the group chat, Xu Hongxin had tagged him half an hour ago: How’s the apartment hunt?

Eight-One: I’ve picked two options, going to check them out tomorrow afternoon.

That message drew Ma Tao out.

Sound of the Waves: When are you moving? We’ll help you out.

Eight-One: This time I really do need your help. Unless something changes, I’ll finish moving the evening after tomorrow.

Potato Planter: Got it.

Leaf: Where are you moving?

Eight-One: Wanhe Residence.

Feeling quite pleased, Li An let the news slip early.

Potato Planter: Roommates?

Eight-One: Whole apartment.

Potato Planter: Wow, An! Amazing!

Leaf: Which building?

Eight-One: @Leaf, Building 34. @Potato Planter, it might not be what you think—let’s talk tomorrow.

Leaf: Which unit?

Eight-One: Unit 4.

Leaf: Which floor?

Eight-One: 2501. Why?

Leaf: .......................

Potato Planter: Huh? Could it be...

Sound of the Waves: No way.

...

Wanhe Residence, Building 34, Unit 4, Apartment 2502.

Chen Xuan lay on her bed, then paced to the window, then back again—her heart racing uncontrollably.

A moment later.

Leaf: I live in 2502...

Potato Planter: doghead.jpg

Sound of the Waves: What!

Eight-One: Can you cook?

Leaf: No...

That night, Chen Xuan was thoroughly sleepless.

...

Elsewhere, upon learning Chen Xuan was about to become his neighbor, Li An felt a strange sense of fate.

They were desk mates at the office, had adjacent classrooms, and now, after work, would live next door?

Hmm...

With this odd feeling, Li An had a dream.

In it, he came home after work and opened the door; a little girl jumped off the piano and ran to call him Daddy. He glanced toward the kitchen, where a familiar figure in an apron was busy cooking.

Hair tied up, a few soft strands falling, her pale neck dazzling in the light.

He was about to walk over when suddenly the bedroom door swung open and another little girl, clutching a violin, rushed out.

“Daddy!”

Twins?

Li An was startled awake. Opening his eyes, Eight-One’s big face was right in front of him, staring as if he’d lost his mind.

Then he stuck out his tongue.

“Get lost!”

...

The next morning, after teaching three students, Li An took the afternoon off and met Xiao Wang at the entrance to Wanhe Residence.

Stepping into 2501 again, Li An felt as though he had returned home.

On the way, he’d told Xiao Wang he wanted another look at the place.

Now, two issues remained.

1. Could the rent be negotiated lower?
2. What to do with all the rubbish in the apartment?

Li An asked, “Xiao Wang, have you contacted the landlord?”

“Yes, I have. The landlord is out of town. If you’re decided, we can sign online,” Xiao Wang replied smoothly. His apprentice looked on, baffled.

The apprentice simply couldn’t understand why anyone would consider such a place; given the choice, he’d rather share with three women and one man.

“Alright, Xiao Wang, ask the landlord again—will they rent for 1800? And can someone be found to clean out the rubbish?”

Xiao Wang looked troubled. “I can try to bargain for you on the rent. As for the rubbish, I’ve already mentioned it, but the landlord said the tenant has to handle it.”

Li An frowned. It seemed the landlord couldn’t be bothered. Otherwise, a bit of cleaning, some new flooring, a few pieces of furniture and appliances, and the rent could easily go above 3000.

He walked around the apartment again, checking all the switches, then looked at the bathroom’s drain and faucet.

Water and electricity were fine.

The electrical layout was quite user-friendly, with sockets everywhere in the bedroom and living room.

Li An guessed the owner had planned to renovate for personal use, but something unexpected happened and the work stopped, leaving the apartment idle.

Listing it for 2000 was probably just to find someone to keep the place occupied.

He didn’t really mind the extra 200, but savings were savings.

“Rent for 1800, I’ll clean up myself, can sign today—call him now.”