Niu Chengzhi and Chang Xiuxiang, though they had lost their house, found their lives returning to a semblance of normalcy.
The creditors no longer hounded them, and they were no longer living in constant fear.
However, they faced another predicament: where would they live without a house?
Chang Xiuxiang had already scouted several rental establishments, but the monthly costs were still too high for her to manage with her current financial situation.
Even their child had to stay temporarily with relatives.
If they didn't find a solution soon, not only their accommodation but also their child's tuition fees would become a serious issue.
The streets bustled with people, each seemingly burdened by their own life's challenges.
Chang Xiuxiang and Niu Chengzhi were no different, navigating the streets, desperately seeking a way to improve their circumstances.
"You can go. We don't need a gambler working here," the shop owner said, ushering Niu Chengzhi out.
Niu Chengzhi was unwilling to give up, pleading with the owner, "Please give me a chance. I know I was wrong, and I'll work hard."
The owner, however, had no patience for his words.
Chang Xiuxiang walked over to him, patting his shoulder reassuringly.
Niu Chengzhi had no choice but to leave and seek other establishments.
Perhaps his notorious reputation as a gambler preceded him, as almost no shop on this street was willing to hire him.
Even a dishwasher position was out of reach. However, a few establishments with questionable reputations took notice of the graceful Chang Xiuxiang.
But Niu Chengzhi would never allow Chang Xiuxiang to take such a job.
"I'm sorry, Xiuxiang. I've let things get this way. I'm truly useless," Niu Chengzhi apologized to Chang Xiuxiang again.
Chang Xiuxiang had lost count of how many times Niu Chengzhi had said the same thing. She knew he truly regretted his past mistakes, but she didn't hold it against him.
"Don't say that again. With the vastness of the world, there will be a place for us. If we really can't stay here, we can go elsewhere. As long as the family is together, we can overcome any difficulty."
Hearing Chang Xiuxiang's words, Niu Chengzhi was deeply touched. He embraced her.
"You've suffered so much these years. I haven't fulfilled my duty as a husband."
Just then, a shop across the street posted a "Help Wanted" sign. Niu Chengzhi immediately rushed over.
For the two of them, they could manage their own hardships, but they couldn't bear to see their child suffer.
Seeing Niu Chengzhi's determined efforts, Chang Xiuxiang's face was filled with relief.
Even if they faced more difficult times ahead, as long as Niu Chengzhi maintained this attitude, she felt confident they could persevere.
Before long, Niu Chengzhi returned to Chang Xiuxiang, his head hung low.
Chang Xiuxiang simply smiled at him, "Let's go. We'll keep looking elsewhere."
So focused were they on their job search that they didn't notice a car following them at a distance.
Inside were Zhan Mohan and Wei Yumeng, who had been observing their struggles for days.
When Wei Yumeng learned of Chang Xiuxiang's plight, she had initially offered to let them stay in their house temporarily. However, Zhan Mohan, with his cautious reminder, felt it was best to proceed with care.
Although their debts were cleared, it was uncertain if Niu Chengzhi had truly given up gambling.
Addiction, after all, was not something one could control solely with willpower.
Even if Niu Chengzhi recognized the wrongfulness of his past actions, he might not be able to conquer his psychological dependence.
"Mohan, we've observed them for a week. I think it's enough," Wei Yumeng said. "Uncle has been focusing all his energy on finding work.
Despite constant setbacks, he hasn't given up. I even saw him doing odd jobs to help people while searching for work that day. He's truly changed."
Zhan Mohan nodded. "Currently, it does seem that way."
However, as he spoke, he furrowed his brow, appearing somewhat worried.
"What is it?" Wei Yumeng asked.
Zhan Mohan shook his head. "I hope I'm overthinking it. I just feel that a week is still too short. Moreover, perhaps it's the family's hardship that has made Niu Chengzhi lose the urge to gamble. But once their problems are resolved, it might be a different story."
Wei Yumeng pondered his words and found them reasonable. "There is indeed that possibility. Perhaps we shouldn't completely let down our guard yet."
In the evening, Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan appeared before Chang Xiuxiang and Niu Chengzhi.
The couple had spent the entire day searching for work, but still, there was no success.
To save money, they hadn't eaten all day, prioritizing their child's needs.
"Aunt, Uncle, you must be tired after a long day. How about we treat you to a meal?" Wei Yumeng suggested.
"No, thank you," Chang Xiuxiang replied with a smile.
But Wei Yumeng waved her hand. "Don't be polite with us. This is actually the first time Mohan is meeting you formally. Since you are my elders, you should give him a chance to impress you."
Hearing this, Chang Xiuxiang and Niu Chengzhi exchanged glances before nodding.
To ensure they felt at ease, Zhan Mohan specifically chose a humble farmhouse restaurant.
"Actually, we have something else important to discuss with you today," Wei Yumeng said. "Mohan and I know you are in a difficult situation, so we'd like to let you continue living in the house we bought."
"You mean we can continue to live in the house?" Chang Xiuxiang asked, but she didn't sound entirely pleased. "No, Yumeng. Since the house has been sold to you, we can't just move back in."
Niu Chengzhi nodded in agreement. "I know you mean well, but we still believe we can change our situation through our own efforts."
Zhan Mohan then spoke. "Of course, we won't let you live there for free. So, you will need to pay me rent each month, and if we discover..."
He looked pointedly at Niu Chengzhi, "If we discover that you gamble again, we will immediately reclaim the right to use the house."
Niu Chengzhi understood Zhan Mohan's implication perfectly.
Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan were going to great lengths to help their family.
"Thank you so much. We will abide by your requirements. You can rest assured," Niu Chengzhi replied.
"Well, there's no need for thanks. It's just a transaction, so don't dwell on it," Wei Yumeng said with a smile.