1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 12 Only public housing can be used for relocation.
"Mom, don't worry."

The aunt was decisive and quick-witted. She took off her apron and left immediately: "I'm going to Director Zhang's house at the neighborhood committee right now to find out what happened."

"Big sister, wait for me, I'll go with you."

Seeing that the person had left, the uncle took a flashlight from the inner room, lifted the curtain, and chased after them.

The room fell silent, and the atmosphere became somewhat somber.

The younger generation dared not make any more noise, helped clear the dishes and chopsticks, and sat side by side on small stools, watching TV quietly.

-

Director Zhang of the Donghua Street Neighborhood Committee is a warm-hearted older woman, about the same age as my aunt.

My aunt works as an accountant at the Zixiang Supply and Marketing Cooperative in the county. She has a lot of dealings with the neighborhood committee, and the two of them have a pretty good relationship and get along well.

It's too late for me to visit empty-handed.

My aunt and uncle discussed it and bought two bottles of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) on the way.

The siblings didn't come away empty-handed; Director Zhang happened to be home, and after dinner, he sat at his doorstep, fanning himself with a large palm-leaf fan to cool off.

"You two are here, why are you bringing things?"

My aunt and uncle came in carrying Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor). Director Zhang was a smart man and knew their purpose without asking. He fanned himself with a palm leaf fan and invited them into the house with a smile.

“Master Zhang.”

As soon as my aunt came in, she started complaining: "You know my family's situation best. We moved to Donghua Street because we followed the neighborhood committee's arrangements."

"Sigh, this is not a good thing."

Director Zhang stopped smiling and sighed with great difficulty: "This demolition project clearly stipulates that only public housing and private houses with property certificates can be relocated. Moreover, it will take at least two years from demolition to the completion of the new houses. During this period, each household will have to find their own housing, and the neighborhood committee cannot accommodate so many people." "Only public housing can be relocated? What about my family?"

The aunt became agitated upon hearing this: "We've lived on Donghua Street for over 30 years. Are you saying that because of the demolition, they're going to kick all of us homeless people out and make us sleep on the streets?"

"That's definitely not possible."

Director Zhang, as expected of the neighborhood committee director, is skilled at ideological work. He spoke very eloquently: "If you want to sleep on the streets, I'm not willing to let you. What kind of relationship do we have? Do you think I would just ignore you and let you be homeless?"

The aunt was secretly delighted: "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"The key to this matter lies with Grandpa Huang."

Director Zhang leaned forward and, in a very intimate manner, gave instructions: "The resettlement housing is allocated according to the actual living area. Grandpa Huang's family has many rooms, so he will receive more housing in the future, definitely more than one unit. If you want to live there, as long as Grandpa Huang agrees, you can continue to rent his house."

"However, there's one thing I need to make clear to you beforehand: there's a difference between privately owned houses and public housing with property certificates. Privately owned houses receive a demolition compensation of 100 yuan per month, while public housing does not."

"Also, Grandpa Huang is getting old and his health isn't good. When people get old, they might have problems one day. If the old man really passes away in two years, given his son's character, it's hard to say whether you'll be able to continue renting to him."

"So the best solution is for you to buy the property rights of the house. This way, you'll not only receive demolition compensation, but you can also solve your housing problem all at once."

"buy house?"

The aunt looked troubled: "How much money would that cost? We don't have any money."

"If you can't buy, you can only rent."

Director Zhang thought for a moment and then said, "Then we must finalize the rental agreement while Grandpa Huang is still alive. It would be best to have a written contract in case of any future changes."

(End of this chapter)