Her chopstick stop moving and she look up. "Mr Tien, please don't joke.Are you really wiling to let me stay?"
"Yes but of course there are terms and conditions. We will sort it later after the meal." He smile while chewing his meat in the mouth. She smile with her chop stick moving fast to match his speed. Staying here means it will be the end of her misery. The endless searching for a place to live will come to an end.
After dinner, they sit at the sofa. He have his pen and paper prepared. He sits without moving and his hands are lock together with the pen across them. While she is nervous and keep pushing her glasses up. She rubs her palm of her hands and wonder what this man will say to surprise her. Finally after some time, he look at her. "OK let's talk it out. I am allowing you to stay with these conditions. They are not really difficult to comply with." He begin to write while she look at the paper.
"The terms & conditions to stay are as i write & you agree to it." He look at her. She quickly nod her head.
"Number 1. All house work to be done at least one time per day. I don't expect you to keep cleaning when it gets dusty. I know you need to study. So one time is enough for me." She nod her head and smile.
"Number 2. Garbage to be thrown out when it stink. Especially after dinner time.
Number 3. Cook dinner everyday including weekends & public holidays. I usually will be out having lunch so dinner is a must at home. I am not very fussy with food. I just don't like instant food for example instant rice from microwave.
Number 4. The pool doesn't need to clean much. The building management will have people come over every month end to clean the pool. Just that when you see leaves or anything in the pool just fish it up.
Number 5. Very important. No friends no co-workers no family members to come over here. I only allow aunty Mei and you... what is your name?"
"Surname Li. My name Tong. You can call me Tong Tong or Tong'er"
"OK Li Tong. So back to number 5. Remember no visitors. I dislike other people coming over. I too will not invite anyone here. No one comes over. Except for the pool guys. Number 6. I will give you a monthly allowances of $2k. It is for buying household things and food which include junk food. I know it's harder to get receipts these days. So do a screenshot when you done with the purchase. Or if you have receipts. Paste them in a book and i will check it every month. I don't think we will exceed with the expenditure. If you need more money you have to ask. I am a fair person. So i expect you to be honest as well. Understand? Good, now we will sign on this paper. If you need a copy, then a picture."
"Can we add one more that you put on clothes when i am around?"
He stare at her and upturn his lower lips. "This is my apartment and my rules. I will note that you are uncomfortable with my underwear. How about boxer?"She shake her head. He looks frustrated. "OK PJ, i will wear PJ. They should be fine am i correct?" She nod her head. He sigh and use his finger to tap the paper with her name. "Wait am i allow to play my violin? At any time?"
"I think i am fine with it. Unless someone comes to complaint but i doubt it. We are on high floor plus those neighbours on that side of that block is far away. Continue to play as much as you want. " Delighted she smile and takes the paper. She pause for a while and asked quietly "How much do you want me to play for the rental?"
"I am a fair person. Since you are doing work for my apartment, i will not accept any cash from you." Immediately, she picks up the pen. Look at the scribbled hand writing and sign at the bottom with her name. She takes her phone out and take a picture of it. Additional, she takes a picture of him as well. Shou Ren look shock."Why are you.." She looks not satisfy with the picture she had taken. "I am taking it so that my contact have a picture flashing on my phone screen then they call. It's a habit."
"Then take a nice one." He sits back and pose for her. She takes the picture and show it to him. "Mr Tian, please input your mobile number." After he keys in, he takes out his phone. Just then, he phone rings. He pick it up while looking at her. "Hello" They both say at the same time.
That night, he watch her sitting at the sun chair. She is stringing her violin. After awhile, Li Tong stands up and start to play her music. It's a happy tune. Shun Ren smile as he watch her skip around while playing her violin. Her black bob hair glister in the moonlight. He takes out his phone and record her. After she ends the beautiful music, she look up the sky with the violin and the bow in each hands. He immediately take a picture. He save it together with the mobile number. The name he have type in is violin dancer.