Courtyard House: Home Alone

Seeing the affectionate way the brother and sister were, Meng Zhuolin smiled and closed the courtyard gate. As she led Lin Yifan into the house, she talked about the trivial things that had happened at home recently.

The day after I told him he was leaving, Mr. Liu delivered the property deed, and they moved in the third day. He kept praising his son, saying he had good taste, and that the house he bought was much more spacious and well-lit than the small building they used to rent, making it much more comfortable to live in.

Listening to his mother's words, Lin Yifan carried Yu'an up and down the stairs, then turned to his mother and asked, "Mom, how's that church hospital you used to be at?"

"Xiao Fan, what's wrong?" Meng Zhuolin looked at his son, wondering what his son wanted to do.

"Oh, that's right. I rescued more than a dozen girls from the bandit's den in Niutou Mountain, and I've settled them all in Jingya Lane."

Many girls have been in the bandits' den for some time now and have suffered greatly at their hands. I'm thinking of finding a hospital to give them a check-up to see if they have any injuries, illnesses, or other problems.

Could you help arrange something at the church hospital where you used to work? I'm worried that regular small clinics won't be able to handle it, and we can't just go into big hospitals without attracting attention.

Meng Zhuolin nodded after listening: "I'm familiar with the church hospital. I know the director quite well. I'll just go over and say hello tomorrow. I'm sure everything will be arranged properly. There won't be any problems with the check-up, seeing a doctor, or getting medicine. The cost won't be expensive either."

Lin Yifan smiled and said, "That's great. Thank you for your help, Mom. Please take me there tomorrow so I can drop the person off and pay all the fees."

Meng Zhuolin laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "Why are you telling me it's troublesome? These girls have suffered so much, it's only right that we help them out."

You must be tired from your journey. Sit down and rest for a while. I'll go get you something to eat. Your dad should be back soon. We'll have a nice family meal when he gets back.

Lin Yifan smiled and said, "I'm not tired. I'll help you with the fire and chat with you. I've missed you all so much since I've been away from home for so many days."

As she spoke, she followed her mother into the kitchen. Yu'an reached out her little hand and pulled her brother's ear, humming softly. The kitchen was filled with the warm and cozy atmosphere of cooking.

The next morning, Lin Yifan arrived at Jingya Lane. He gathered everyone together and felt quite gratified to see that their complexions had improved considerably. When they first arrived, most of them had their heads down and dared not speak, their eyes filled with fear. Now, they were able to quietly raise their eyes to look around, and their expressions were much more relaxed.

Lin Yifan told everyone about his medical check-up at the church hospital, telling them not to worry, that whatever problems were found, treatment would be arranged, and he would cover all the expenses.

The girls who had just arrived yesterday couldn't help but tear up when they heard this. They bowed to him and thanked him, repeatedly saying that they didn't know how much more suffering they would have endured without him.

Lin Yifan reassured everyone for a few moments, then had them pack their changes of clothes. Qi Haishan's wife and the oldest woman, Guo Yanfang, led the group out the door and rented nine rickshaws to head to the church hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital entrance, Meng Zhuolin had already made arrangements with the hospital director, who personally came out to greet them and led them to a special examination area at the back. He examined each of the women, changed and bandaged their wounds, and prescribed appropriate medications for those with hidden ailments.

After making the arrangements, Lin Yifan settled the bill and left first.

He returned to Deshun Real Estate Agency, found Boss Liu, and got straight to the point: "Boss Liu, I have two more things I'd like to trouble you with. I wonder if it's convenient for you?"

Having witnessed Lin Yifan's generosity, Boss Liu quickly replied, "Of course, of course. Just tell me what you need, and as long as it's within my power, I'll arrange it perfectly for you."

"Boss Liu, I see you're honest and you know this area well, so I'd like you to recommend a fabric shop or a clothing store."

I want to buy a batch of ready-made clothes for my relatives who live in Jingya Lane. Of course, they can also make them on the spot, but it has to be done quickly.

At the same time, I'd like you to help me make some contact and see if there's any German cargo ship I can charter. I have some goods to send to Nanjing, and I wonder if Mr. Liu could help me...”

After hearing this, Boss Liu slapped his thigh and said with a smile, "Hey, these two things are quite a coincidence, and I happen to be able to help with both."

I have a distant cousin who runs a clothing shop on West Street. He has a good selection of materials and skilled tailors. He can make clothes for more than a dozen people in just two or three days.

I can call him in a bit and have him bring someone to Jingya Lane to take measurements. It won't delay anything.

As for the German cargo ships, there happen to be two German cargo ships docked at the Wudu Wharf recently. Both ships are 2,000 tons and are specifically used for the waterway from Wudu to Nanjing.

The ship owner is German, named Schmidt. I've dealt with him a few times. He never interferes in our affairs. As long as the price is right, renting his space to transport some goods is no problem at all. I can ask him about it for you later.

Lin Yifan smiled and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you so much, Boss Liu. I'm sorry to trouble you with these two matters. I promise I will treat you well once they are done."

Mr. Liu quickly waved his hand: "Mr. Lin, you're too kind. I already made enough money from that last deal. How about this, please sit for a while. I have a little something to take care of, about fifteen minutes. Once I'm done, I'll take you to West Street. What do you think?"

Lin Yifan nodded and said it was no problem. He then sat down in the chair for guests and picked up a newspaper from the table to read. Meanwhile, Boss Liu was busy going to the inner room to handle his work.

Before fifteen minutes had passed, Boss Liu had finished packing and came out, smiling as he beckoned Lin Yifan to set off. The two left the brokerage shop together and headed towards the clothing store on West Street.

After agreeing on the size, material, and delivery time with the shop owner, paying the deposit, and arranging for the craftsman to go to Jingya Lane that afternoon to take measurements for everyone, everything was arranged perfectly.

After leaving the clothing shop, the two went to the dock and found the ship owner. They found the ship owner, named Schmidt, at the inn at the dock. Schmidt looked to be under fifty years old.

He had a short brown mustache, and his face was reddish-brown from years of exposure to the sun and wind. When he saw Boss Liu come in, he smiled and stood up to greet him in broken Chinese: "Hi! Boss Liu, long time no see! What brings you here today?"

Boss Liu smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand, then pointed to Lin Yifan and introduced him: "This is Mr. Lin. He wants to charter your ship to transport a batch of goods to Nanjing. I thought we were old acquaintances, so I brought Mr. Lin here to talk to you directly."