The Diary of a Renter

17. Those who return weary from their journey

The afternoon sun streamed through the crystal window, casting warm dappled light into Jiang Yu's little kitchen. He was carefully using a special soul adhesive to mend the arm that had fallen off Annie's Teddy Bear. Zero sat beside him, legs crossed, munching on the Steel Godfather's latest "emotional recognition biscuit" while incessantly grumbling:

"Hey landlord, this cookie is really weird! I accidentally ate one just now, and Blood Axe was carrying half a carcass of dragon meat by the way, and I actually... I actually felt him humming a little tune in his head! It was even a nursery rhyme! I was so scared I almost threw the cookie in his face!"

Jiang Yu couldn't help but chuckle, and her movements became even gentler. As the adhesive seeped in, the light in Teddy Button's eyes gradually returned to its former brilliance.

Just then—

"Buzz..."

A low, yet not jarring, spatial vibration emanated from the entrance of the endless corridor, as if a colossal object were gently squeezing into the space. Immediately afterward, visible ripples, like waves on water, spread through the air.

In an instant, his playful grin vanished, and he stood up alertly: "Something big is coming!"

Jiang Yu put down Teddis, exchanged a glance with Zero, and strode towards the entrance plaza. Rock and the doctor also sensed the anomaly and rushed over from different directions.

Above the plaza, the previously stable space was quietly opened like a curtain, revealing an elegant rift. A sleek, shimmering void ship, its form blurred by dark purple and gilded luster, floated silently alighting like a whale entering a harbor. Countless ever-changing runes were inlaid on its hull, emanating a vast and ancient aura.

The gangway descended, and a figure slowly stepped down. He was still wearing that long robe that seemed woven from the night and stars, his face shrouded in a soft halo, making it difficult to see clearly, yet carrying a familiar, enigmatic smile.

That was the merchant with a thousand faces, who has returned.

His gaze swept across the square, passing over Zero, Rock, and the Doctor, finally settling on Jiang Yu. His smile seemed a little more genuine now: "Oh, isn't this our little landlord? Five years have passed, and your 'building'... well, it's certainly become quite popular." His voice carried a strange magnetism, as if it could directly pluck at one's heartstrings. He deliberately scrutinized Jiang Yu's noticeably younger face, a fleeting, genuine surprise flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly masked by the shrewdness typical of a businessman.

Before Jiang Yu could respond, the sky changed again. A dazzling shower of starlight cascaded down like a waterfall, coalescing into an elegant figure in the air. The Star Observer, Stardust, appeared, seemingly composed of pure starlight, exuding a tranquil and profound aura. He nodded slightly to Jiang Yu, his voice ethereal and gentle: "Envoy, how have you been? The 'Light of Order' here is even more serene and peaceful than I remember."

Almost simultaneously, a faint, rustling sound, like weaving, came from the other side of the space. An inconspicuous crack was precisely smoothed and reinforced by an invisible force, and a young woman dressed in an elegant moon-white robe, her eyes calm and serene, stepped out. She was Zhiye, the successor of the Void Weaver. She respectfully bowed to Jiang Yu with an ancient gesture: "By order of my late master, I have come to report to the Anchor of Order on the recent progress of the repair of the external void barrier and to seek necessary assistance."

Finally, a chilling yet not malevolent aura quietly permeated the air. At the edge of the plaza, a phantom tributary of the River Styx, its waters flowing silently, appeared without a sound, and an ancient wooden boat docked. Standing on the boat was Charon, the ferryman of the River Styx, cloaked and wielding a long pole. He was shrouded in shadow, only the hard lines of his jaw visible. He didn't look at anyone; his icy gaze locked directly on Jiang Yu, his voice dry as if grinding gravel: "An ancient contract summons. Come to deal with the backlog of souls' destinations and collect... this round's 'ferry fee'."

The simultaneous arrival of four distinct yet equally powerful beings instantly transformed the previously leisurely afternoon atmosphere into one of solemnity and formality. Annie, clutching the newly repaired Teddy, peeked out from behind Jiang Yu, her curiosity tinged with fear. Zero instinctively stepped in front of Jiang Yu, Rock gripped his shield tightly, and the healer's staff glowed faintly.

Jiang Yu took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and stepped forward with a calm smile on her face: "Welcome back, all four of you. This building will always be a place for you to rest. Please settle in first, and we can discuss the matters later."

His composure eased the tense atmosphere somewhat. The four who had returned also turned their gazes once again to this familiar yet unfamiliar place, and to the boy who had now become the core of the group.

18. Official Duties and Daily Life

The "official business" of the four important figures was not conducted in a formal conference room, but rather naturally blended into the daily rhythm of the building, and Jiang Yu handled it with ease.

Trade with merchants takes place at the "Treasure Trove" temporary booth.

The merchant surveyed the bustling corridor with interest, casually using a ring to create a dazzling temporary stall, "Treasure Trove of All Things," in a corner of the square. He had just displayed a piece of "memory alloy" that could automatically change shape when Gulu, drawn by the aroma, approached, carrying a bowl of rich soup bubbling with iridescent colors: "Mr. Merchant! Try my 'Chaotic Hundred Flavors Soup'! How about trading it for this sparkling stone of yours?"

The merchant gracefully took a half-step back, covering his nose with a silk scarf. "Chef, I appreciate your enthusiasm. But commercial transactions require stable valuations, and your soup... well, there are too many variables." He turned to Jiang Yu, his shrewd smile returning. "Little landlord, look at this alloy. It's perfect for repairing toys or something. Ten units of Order Energy, a friendly price."

Jiang Yu was helping Annie spread the last bit of adhesive from Teddy's without looking up: "Mr. Merchant, Shirin's Dream Bubbles can soothe the nerves, Mo's Calming Stone Chips can dispel negative emotions, and the Godfather's Stabilizer Parts can ensure a fair transaction. How about exchanging these three 'local specialties' for this piece of alloy of yours, plus a packet of 'Starry Sky Seeds' that you mentioned last time? Annie wants to plant some glowing flowers on her windowsill."

The merchant paused for a moment, watching Jiang Yu skillfully haggle, then glanced at Gulu eagerly holding up the soup and Annie looking on expectantly, before suddenly bursting into laughter: "Deal! Little landlord, your business acumen has only improved in five years! Consider the seeds your investment!" The transaction was completed in a relaxed atmosphere. Although Gulu didn't get anything in return, he received a small bag of "never-melting seasoning ice shavings" as a gift from the merchant, and happily went back to research new recipes.

Listening to Zhiye's report in the corridor outside the quiet room of the library.

Zhiye wanted to find a quiet place to report, but she happened to run into the librarian grandfather telling stories to some light elves. Seeing this, Jiang Yu invited her to sit down in the rest area outside the library, next to a bookshelf filled with the aroma of tea.

“Messenger, the rifts in the ‘Dark Star Vortex’ require regular reinforcement with the Source Key.” Weaver Night unfolded the Light Silk Star Chart and pointed to several red dots.

“No problem,” Jiang Yu poured her a cup of the administrator’s specially made calming herbal tea. “Godfather and Zero recently developed ‘space-solidifying fiber’ using the residue from the dungeon, and the results are quite good. We can provide you with a batch first. For specific scheduling, you can directly connect with Fox for data; she will be responsible for resource coordination.” He pointed to Fox, who was discussing the defense module with Rock not far away.

Zhiye accepted the tea, somewhat surprised by the smoothness and routine of the process. She watched as the fox skillfully brought up the holographic panel to take notes, then glanced at the light sprite beside her who was quietly listening to the story. A subtle softening appeared on her usually serious face: "Thank you. The efficiency and... peace here are beyond my expectations."

The conversation with Stardust takes place on the terrace of the Starry Night Tea Party.

Stardust was invited by Elena to the best stargazing spot at the tea party. As soon as he sat down, several light sprites were drawn to the starlight emanating from him and began to flutter around him. Stardust didn't repel them; instead, he flicked his fingertips, creating tiny specks of starlight that played with them.

"Envoy, the 'Emerald Dream' banished Annihilation, but at a terrible cost." Stardust's voice carried a hint of ethereal sorrow.

Jiang Yu handed him a slightly irregularly shaped bear-shaped cookie baked by Annie: "Every world struggles to survive in its own way. What we can do is protect our existing 'daily life' and make it the foundation for more possibilities." He looked down at the square, where Blood Axe was teaching a few orcs how to skewer meat, and the doctor was distributing cooling herbal tea.

Stardust followed his gaze, a ripple appearing in his tranquil eyes: "Yes... this 'everyday life' is perhaps more precious than any grand victory." He gently broke open a bear-shaped biscuit and shared it with the light sprites circling around him.

Assisting Charon with his business in a quiet corner of the corridor.

Charon's official duties were indeed solemn. The phantom spirits he summoned carried a deep obsession. One of the phantoms kept repeating the last words of a certain warrior. Jiang Yu did not forcibly intervene, but instead summoned the warrior's best teammate in life—a composed orc who now helped out at a barbecue stall.

The orc saw the phantom, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears. He didn't speak, but simply picked up a piece of roasted meat and silently placed it before the phantom, performing the highest salute of his tribe. The phantom trembled violently, its last words gradually dissipating into a long sigh before finally settling down and departing with Charon's ship.

Throughout the entire process, Charon remained silent, but when collecting the "transfer fee" (emotional crystallization), the chill in his fingertips seemed to lessen slightly. Anne watched from afar, and although she was frightened, she whispered to Teddies, "That uncle in black... doesn't seem so scary anymore."

19. Party Front Setup

As night deepened, the four bosses' official business drew to a close in an unexpectedly peaceful atmosphere. Jiang Yu watched the warm lights, representing each household, gradually illuminate the corridor, and an idea sprouted in his mind. He found Zero and Rock, who were helping Blood Axe tidy up the grill.

"Uncle Ling, Brother Panshi, I'm thinking... should we throw a party?" Jiang Yu said while helping to hand over the condiments.

Zero wiped a bead of sweat from his brow: "A party? Great! Perfect for welcoming these four 'old fogies' back to see a fresh start! But... can we get Charon to come?"

Rock nodded steadily: "It's worth a try. I don't think they're completely heartless today."

Just then, the doctor came over to deliver some herbal tea. Upon hearing this, he smiled and said, "I'll take care of it! I'll prepare some calming and digestive herbal tea in case anyone gets a stomachache (glancing in Gulu's direction)."

Jiang Yu decided to personally invite them, and to adjust her words according to each person's characteristics.

At the treasure vault booth, the merchant was tallying his barter winnings for the day, in high spirits. Jiang Yu walked over and said with a smile, "Mr. Merchant, we're planning a party tomorrow to welcome you and your companions back. Would you like to have a 'new product launch'? Showcase your best products and see how the market reacts here? Besides, the transactions at the party might uncover new business opportunities."

The businessman's eyes lit up, and he shrewdly calculated: "A party? A large flow of people, their desire to consume is easily stimulated... Great idea! Landlord, you have a good marketing mind! I'll attend, and bring some limited edition souvenirs to liven things up!"

In the library corridor, Zhiye was quietly discussing ancient texts about spatial folding techniques with the librarian. Jiang Yu waited for a break in their conversation before approaching and speaking softly, "Miss Zhiye, there's a gathering tomorrow where everyone can relax. You're constantly repairing spaces, so your nerves are on edge. Perhaps coming here to experience a different atmosphere and see how space is used in everyday life (like the spatial awareness children have when playing games) might give you some new inspiration for your weaving techniques?"

Zhiye hesitated slightly, then looked at the manager. The old man smiled gently: "Go, child. Theory needs to be combined with practice; the wisdom of life is often hidden in the everyday." Zhiye nodded: "Okay, I will be there on time. Thank you for the invitation."

On the stargazing terrace, Stardust was gazing at the simulated starry sky, recording something. Jiang Yu didn't disturb him, simply standing quietly to the side. Stardust spoke first: "Envoy, is there something you need?" Jiang Yu then said, "Mr. Stardust, there's a gathering here tomorrow night. You observe the fate of the stars; perhaps you're also interested in worldly gatherings? Every smiling face, every raised glass, might be a unique ripple in the long river of destiny."

Stardust turned around, his eyes sparkling, and a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Observing the myriad aspects of life is one of my duties. Such a warm 'sample' is something I couldn't ask for. I'll come."

In the quietest, most shadowy corner of the corridor, this was the most difficult part. Charon stood like a statue in the corner, radiating an aura that kept strangers at bay. Jiang Yu didn't approach too closely, but maintained a distance, speaking in a calm and sincere tone:

“Mr. Charon, there will be a welcome party here tomorrow. I know you prefer quiet, and I'm not forcing you to participate in the noise. It's just that... there will be delicious food (Brother Pan Shi's grilled meat is superb), quiet corners (Mr. Mo has provided a rest area), and perhaps you can even see some souls before their liberation, their last expression of... ease and relief. If you'd like, you can come and take a look, even if it's just for a moment.”

After Jiang Yu finished speaking, expecting no immediate response, he nodded slightly and prepared to leave. Just as he turned around, a barely audible sound, like ice shattering, came from behind him:

"……knew."

20. The Carnival Feast

On the day of the party, the entire area transformed into a sea of ​​joy. The details were even more abundant than before:

Shirin not only wove ribbons, but also used starlight to outline cute animal patterns in the sky; Elena's mirror not only reflected light and shadow, but also played warm scenes from every corner of the party in real time; the Godfather's spectrometer played music and could change the melody and lights according to the emotional fluctuations of the people around him.

Uncle Bloodaxe's whole roasted lamb was made with "otherworldly spices" provided by the merchant, and the aroma filled the entire corridor.

A long queue formed outside Gulu's "Chaos Kitchen," with people curiously wanting to try the color-changing "surprise soup" covered by an energy shield.

Merchants set up "blind box food stalls," where customers could spend money (or equivalent items) to draw lots and decide what otherworldly delicacies they would get to eat—it was exciting and fun.

Although the "zodiac cookies" that Annie and several other children made were crooked and uneven, they became the most sought-after souvenirs.

The doctor and Mo collaborated to launch a "calming herbal tea with quiet cookies" set meal, specially for guests who need a moment of peace.

The interactive and performance climaxed one after another:

Anne's fairy tale play received dazzling special effects aided by the secret light threads of the night weaver, eliciting gasps of amazement.

When Whisperer reached its climax, Stardust softly hummed an ancient celestial ballad, ethereal and melodious, which strangely blended with rock music, creating a new musical style that captivated the entire audience.

In the "Knowledge Quiz of All Realms" segment, the Merchant and Stardust argued heatedly about "what is the most profitable planet." The Merchant said it was "Golden Star," while Stardust said it was "the blue planet that nurtured a great civilization." Finally, Jiang Yu smoothed things over by saying, "The place where we are is priceless," which won applause from the audience.

Weaving Night and the Godfather no longer confined themselves to discussions, but collaborated on a small exhibition: the Godfather built a miniature space model using parts, and Weaving Night instantly reinforced it with light threads and embellished it with starlight, making it exquisitely beautiful.

Charon remained in the silent rest area, but the roasted meat that Rock had sent was gone, and his cup of Styx tea had been refilled. Most surprisingly, when a small light sprite accidentally drifted near him, trembling with fear, Charon didn't move, but the shadows around him seemed to lessen considerably, allowing the sprite to fly away safely. This scene was observed by the observant doctor, who gave Jiang Yu a relieved smile.

After the fireworks display, the party transitioned into free-flowing conversation. The businessman pulled several junior bosses aside to promote his new products; Weaver Girl, the fox, and the manager continued discussing technology; Stardust was surrounded by children telling her constellation stories; even Charon stood alone for a moment after the fireworks faded before quietly disappearing.

As Jiang Yu wandered through the crowd, he saw a merchant secretly slip Annie a bag of even prettier candies, saw Zhiye patiently answering a little beastman's naive question about "why the sky is bright," and saw Xingchen using starlight to weave bracelets for the children... He felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

21. A New Beginning After Saying Goodbye

As dawn breaks, it's time to say goodbye.

The businessman patted Jiang Yu on the shoulder: "Kid, this place of yours is a real treasure trove now! Next time I come, I'll bring something amazing. Keep in touch!" He handed him a brand-new interdimensional communicator.

Zhiye bowed and said, "Thank you for your hospitality. The experience here is invaluable. It's been a pleasure working with you."

Stardust smiled: "The light of hope has been planted here. Take care, messenger."

Charon said clearly to Jiang Yu, "The contract is complete. This place... is very good. Farewell." As he turned to leave, Pan Shi noticed a small calming stone (a specialty of Mo) next to the chair he had been sitting in.

Looking at the empty entrance, Ling hugged Jiang Yu: "Hey, I didn't expect these old guys... to be so humane."

Jiang Yu smiled and nodded, then returned to the cabin and wrote down even more profound insights in her diary:

On [Date], the stars shone brightly, and the fireworks were warm.

The old tenants have returned. The businessman is more shrewd, but more humane; Zhiye is serious and has begun to appreciate life; Xingchen is still profound, but more down-to-earth; Charon... accepted the roast meat and shed his chill.

The party was a resounding success. Anne's play, with the help of Weaver Girl, was breathtakingly beautiful; the debate between the merchant and Stardust was the highlight; and the doctor noticed Charon's subtle changes.

Watching them go from being misfits to blending into the sea of ​​laughter, seeing old and new friends raising their glasses together, I felt that all the hard work, waiting, and perseverance of the past five years had been worthwhile.

The building has truly become a warm and welcoming home that connects all worlds.

Good night, travelers on your journeys. May your travels no longer be filled with only responsibility and loneliness.

Goodnight, family members staying behind. May our daily lives always be filled with warmth and laughter.

Goodnight, to this ever-growing and warmer home.

He paused for a moment, then added:

P.S. The merchant's starry sky seeds, I'll plant them with Annie tomorrow. I wonder what kind of flowers they'll grow into?

Closing his diary, the young man, weary yet filled with warmth, drifted off to sleep. Outside the window, the corridor was bathed in gentle light, awaiting the next returnee and guarding the perfect moment.