The Diary of a Renter
86. After the rain, the sky cleared.
An ordinary morning in November.
The autumn rains that had lasted for days finally ceased quietly at dawn. The sky was like a piece of light gray glass that had been repeatedly washed, pure and vast. A few streaks of golden-red light, like shy paintbrushes, were carefully spreading across the edges of the clouds in the east. In the endless corridor, the air was cool and damp. Taking a deep breath, one was filled with the slightly sweet and slightly fishy fragrance of earth soaked by the rain, and the rich, mellow aroma of decaying leaves, similar to the cork of aged wine.
The leaves of the Tree of Hope were washed a vibrant green by the rain, each tip adorned with a plump, glistening droplet of water. As a gentle breeze swept by, the droplets trembled and rolled off, splashing tiny ripples on the smooth, dark floor of the corridor with a soft, crisp "tap," as clear as the second hand of time.
Jiang Yu awoke to an unprecedented tranquility. The Yuan Key in his chest pulsed steadily and deeply, like the breathing of a sleeping baby, warm and peaceful. He opened the window, and cool, damp air immediately rushed in, gently brushing his cheeks and dispelling the last trace of sleepiness.
In the kitchen, Uncle Gulu was tending to a bubbling clay pot. Inside, a thick, golden millet porridge was simmering, the grains already blooming and releasing the simplest aroma of grain. Beside the stove sat a small dish of finely chopped, pale yellow ginger and bright green scallions.
"Young man, you're awake? It's chilly after the autumn rain. Come on, drink this bowl of porridge while it's hot, it'll warm you from your throat all the way to your stomach." Gulu turned around, wiping his hands with his apron, his face flushed from the stove fire, his smile as soft and warm as freshly baked bread. This ordinary yet reassuring care warmed Jiang Yu's heart.
Jiang Yu finished his porridge, feeling warm all over. As he stood up, he saw Uncle Gulu hunched over, patiently wiping a copper spice bottle on the stove with a small, soft cloth. The bottle, worn smooth by years of use, reflected the soft light from the window. This unintentional action, revealing a deep affection for everyday objects, touched Jiang Yu's heart.
87. Lazy tranquility
After breakfast, Jiang Yu began her usual rounds. The long corridor, after the rain, seemed to slow down, exuding a languid tranquility, as if carefully washed by the rain.
Along the fairytale path, Anne wasn't running around as usual, but sitting quietly on a small wooden stool, faded by the rain. A thick picture book, its edges slightly curled, lay open on her lap—"The Secret Meeting in the Mushroom Grove." Several pages, dried from the rain, were wrinkled, like wounded wings. Her little hands were carefully smoothing those wrinkles with her fingertips, her expression as focused as if she were restoring a precious antique. Her teddy bear, Snow, lay on the grass beside her, leaning against a red mushroom, its button-like eyes watching her quietly.
A ray of sunlight, breaking free from the clouds, pierced through the branches of the sycamore tree, casting dappled patterns of light on her flaxen hair and the pages of her book. Jiang Yu didn't disturb her; she simply watched from afar, finding the scene more captivating than any starlight fantasy woven by Xilin.
Not far from Anne, several little light sprites were working together to push a miniature cart made of walnut shells and twigs, filled with a few glistening berries that had been knocked down by the rain. They chugged around puddles, calling out in unison, trying to get the berries to dry under the mushroom umbrellas. One of the smallest sprites almost fell, and Anne quickly put down her book, ran over to help her, and whispered, "Slow down!" This scene of mutual assistance added even more life to the fairytale path.
On the Starry Terrace, Shirin didn't weave a dazzling star map. Her luminous mist transformed into countless incredibly fine, warm golden threads, like a mother's hand, gently wrapping around the somewhat wilted light sprites and glowing moss, damp from the wind and rain. The threads slowly brushed past, carrying away the moisture, and the moss gradually regained its verdant green, emitting a clean scent, similar to sun-dried blankets. Several tiny light sprites regained their vitality at her fingertips, emitting a faint, cheerful hum once more.
In a corner of the terrace, several fledgling starfinch chicks, their wings barely fully grown, huddled together, shivering. Shirin parted a wisp of extremely soft light, like a warm swaddling cloth, and gently enveloped them, dispelling the chill. The chicks chirped softly, contentedly, and slowly stopped shivering, falling peacefully asleep.
In a corner of the barbecue plaza, Uncle Blood Axe hadn't lit a fire. He sat on a small stool, a thick suede sheet spread in front of him. He was using a soft-bristled brush, dipped in a pine resin-scented maintenance oil, to patiently and repeatedly polish his beloved grill and knives. The brush made a soft, rustling sound as it brushed across the metal's texture. Every skewer was polished to a gleaming shine, and years of accumulated grease were carefully removed from the crevices of the grill. Occasionally, he would lift a meat cleaver and examine the blade closely under the light; his focused expression made it seem less like he was tending to tools and more like he was admiring a work of art.
Beside Uncle Bloodaxe's feet, his chubby salamander pet, named "Coal Ball," lay sprawled on a sun-warmed stone slab, dozing off, its belly rising and falling with its breath. Occasionally, Bloodaxe would pause his work and gently scratch Coal Ball's chin with his large fingers, causing Coal Ball to purr contentedly. This scene of a tough man showing tenderness added a touch of charm.
Beneath a relatively quiet arcade in the long corridor, Rock and Zero were engaged in a silent "sparring match." Zero's figure moved like a ghost, flashing rapidly and leaping short distances within a very small area, attempting to break through Rock's defenses. Rock, however, stood as immovable as a mountain, the dark gold emblem on his giant shield, "Unbreakable Barrier," gleaming faintly in the morning light.
With only the slightest adjustment of his shield angle and a minor body movement, he deflected all of Zero's tricky "attacks." There were no shouts, no loud crashes, only the subtle rustling of clothes and the soft swishing of footsteps on the ground, like a meticulously choreographed silent play, full of the beauty of power and speed, and the unspoken understanding cultivated over the years.
At the edge of the arena where Rock and Zero were sparring, several young orc apprentices watched intently, sometimes letting out low gasps of amazement at Zero's unpredictable movements, and sometimes clenching their fists in surprise at Rock's rock-solid defense. They dared not make a sound, communicating their admiration and excitement only through their eyes and subtle movements, as if they were observing a top-level instructional match.
Even Mo sent out a few of the smallest gargoyles, no bigger than the palm of a hand, to carefully clean the wet leaves that had accumulated in the drain with their clumsy little claws, so as to prevent it from getting clogged again.
As Jiang Yu passed a low window in the library, she saw "Moyan," the old tabby cat owned by the librarian, basking in the sun, its paws tucked in. The sunlight warmed its black fur. It half-closed its eyes, its tail swaying leisurely, watching the figures coming and going in the corridor, looking as if it understood the world and enjoyed life. This languid comfort was also part of the building's tranquility.
There were no earth-shattering events; each resident was repairing the subtle traces left by the wind and rain in their own way, peacefully passing through this morning after the rain.
88. In-game match
Jiang strolled into the library. Sunlight streamed through the tall stained-glass windows, casting colorful dappled patterns on the dark floor covered with ancient scrolls. Tiny dust particles floated in the air, dancing slowly in the beams of light like tiny sprites.
At an oak chessboard by the window, the manager grandfather and the steel godfather were playing chess. The godfather's optical lens flickered slowly, and his processor emitted a very faint hum, like the fluttering of a bee's wings. Each move was precise and mechanical, like executing an optimized program. The manager grandfather, on the other hand, held a cup of steaming tea with a faint jasmine fragrance. He took sips from time to time, making moves with composure, even a touch of leisure.
Jiang Yu remained silent, quietly observing the game. The game had entered the middle stage, and the situation was complex and intricate.
"Checkmate," the Godfather said in a cold, electronic voice, placing a piece and launching a fierce attack, instantly filling the chessboard with deadly intent.
The old man who managed the property didn't react immediately. Instead, he calmly picked up his teacup, blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, and took a small sip. He glanced at the old oak tree outside the window, which had grown through countless years of wind and rain, its branches slightly crooked yet unusually thick, and said slowly, "Old friend, look at that old oak tree outside the window. It has weathered many storms, and some of its branches, though crooked, can actually bear more weight than those that are straight. Sometimes, pursuing the optimal solution can lead to a loss of resilience."
The Godfather's camera clicked, focusing on the old oak tree before returning to the chessboard. The internal data flow indicator lights flashed frantically, seemingly analyzing the deep, non-logical connection between the statement and the game. A few seconds later, his hand, which had been poised to attack, paused. His metal fingers hovered in the air for a moment before finally moving the piece to another seemingly conservative position that solidified his rear defense. "Logic correction. Introduce the 'resilience' variable. Priority adjustment: Long-term survival is greater than short-term optimal win rate."
The manager smiled slightly, his wrinkled eyes smoothing out. He then calmly placed a piece, seemingly yielding, but like a Tai Chi master, subtly neutralizing the godfather's fierce attack. The entire board suddenly opened up, presenting a dynamic balance.
There were no profound truths, only fragments of wisdom imbued with the passage of time, and a renewed understanding of rules and logic. Jiang Yu watched this scene and understood. This was a kind of inheritance that transcended technology and logic, concerning "measure" and "room for maneuver," quietly completed in the most ordinary of daily pastimes.
During a break in the game, the caretaker casually pushed a dish of dried fish next to the chessboard towards Mo Yan, who was meowing and nuzzling against his leg. Mo Yan happily picked one up, jumped onto the nearby bookshelf, and slowly began to enjoy it. This small interaction eased the tension of the game.
89. Afternoon Tea Party
In the afternoon, the sunlight grew warm and gentle, like honey applied to the balcony railing. Jiang Yu brewed a pot of calming herbal tea using an elegant celadon tea set and walked to Xilin's Starry Balcony. Xilin's radiant mist appeared exceptionally soft in the sunlight, like a layer of warm golden gauze. The doctor was also there, sitting on a small stool, with a clean linen cloth spread out in front of her. On it were some chamomile and lavender picked after the rain, known for their calming effects. She was carefully removing the withered leaves, leaving only the plump buds.
"You've been busy all morning, have a cup of tea and relax." Jiang Yu poured a cup for each of them. The amber-colored tea rippled in the white porcelain cups, emitting a delicate floral fragrance mixed with the slightly bitter aroma of herbs, which calmed the mind.
“Thank you.” Shirin’s radiant mist rippled with pleasure, like the surface of a lake touched by a gentle breeze. “The sunlight after the rain is the most gentle, perfect for drying these little things and removing the dampness from the past few days. Look how vibrant they are now.” She pointed to several Moonflowers beside her that had regained their upright posture.
The doctor took the teacup, holding it with both hands, feeling the warmth emanating from the porcelain. She looked up, carefully examining Jiang Yu's complexion, her tone casual yet carrying undeniable concern: "Hmm, your complexion is much better than a few days ago. However, the weather has turned cooler recently, with large temperature differences between day and night, making it easy to catch a cold. I've prepared a herbal tea recipe to boost your immunity; it's under the wooden paperweight in the upper right corner of your desk. The herbs are all very mild; remember to brew a cup every day."
While Jiang Yu, Xilin, and the doctor were chatting over tea, Annie came bounding over, carrying Teddy, and holding up a red maple leaf she had just picked up, shaped like a small umbrella. "Brother Jiang Yu! Sister Xilin! Aunt Doctor! Look at my new baby!" she excitedly showed it off.
The doctor smiled and patted her head. Shirin used a shimmering thread to add a thin layer of gold to the maple leaf, making it even shinier. Annie laughed happily and ran off to continue her "treasure hunt." This innocent sharing added a joyful note to the tea party.
There was no mention of past crises, no discussion of future anxieties, just the most ordinary casual conversation and perfectly timed, everyday care. This unspoken consideration, like the afternoon sun, is warm but not scorching, subtle and thoughtful.
As evening approached, Jiang Yu was about to return to her room when Ling came looking for her with a troubled expression.
"Hey bro! Help!" Zero grabbed his messy hair. "My 'private space folds' that I use to hide... uh, preserve precious memories seems to be a bit unstable! Inside are all sorts of rare candy wrappers that I painstakingly collected! Could you use your Source Key to stabilize them for me? I'm afraid they'll fall into the void turbulence!"
Seeing Ling's rare expression of heartache and anxiety, Jiang Yu couldn't help but chuckle. He mobilized the power of the Source Key and carefully reinforced the boundaries of that small spatial fold that held Ling's special "hobby".
"All done. Your 'precious collection' is safe."
"That's so kind of you, bro!" Zero beamed instantly, magically producing a rainbow lollipop and handing it to Jiang Yu. "This is your reward! A limited edition flavor!" With that, he vanished in a flash. These harmless little favors and acts of mutual assistance are a true reflection of everyday life.
90. Warmth in late autumn
At night, Jiang Yu sat at his desk. Outside the window, the moon was bright and the stars were few. An autumn breeze rustled through the treetops, carrying the mingled scents of distant pine forests and ripe fruit. He savored this peaceful yet warm day, opened his diary, and his pen flowed tranquil words under the soft lamplight:
On [Date], the weather was sunny, the wind was gentle, the clouds were light, and my heart was at peace.
The rain stopped, and the world looked as if it had been carefully washed.
In the sunlight, Anne carefully smoothed out the creases on the book's pages, her focused expression like that of someone repairing a fragile dream.
Shirin used light to dry the moss, and the air smelled of sunshine.
The rustling sound of Uncle Bloodaxe maintaining the grill is like a lullaby.
The silent exchange between the rock and the zero is the most beautiful dance of strength and tacit understanding.
The manager, Grandpa, used a crooked tree to teach Godfather the meaning of "resilience," a game of chess reflecting life.
The doctor's prescription was quietly placed under the paperweight, carrying the scent of mint and chamomile.
And Uncle Gulu's focused wiping of the spice bottle, the clumsy cuteness of the little light sprites carrying berries, the comfort of Coal Ball snoring in the sunlight, the bright eyes of the apprentices watching the sparring match, Inkstone's lazy enjoyment of the sunlight on the windowsill, Annie's excitement as she ran over with a maple leaf to share, and Zero's anxious look as he jumped up and down over his candy wrapper collection...
Everything was the most ordinary, yet it revealed meticulous care in every detail.
The deepest warmth is hidden in these seemingly insignificant details that are taken seriously.
We've weathered storms and experienced ups and downs, and what we're perhaps searching for is just this kind of ordinary autumn—a time when we can peacefully drink tea, watch the clouds, play chess, and silently think of each other.
Goodnight, this ordinary autumn bathed in warmth.
Goodnight to all of you who have made this ordinariness priceless.
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