Chapter 2 Contract Finalized
Yu Ling stared at the location of "Genting Hills" on her phone, her eyes twitching.
This place? It's in a prime downtown location, with supposedly tight security like FBI headquarters! And a "normal employee with a mortgage" rents this place?!
"Huolala driver, are you sure you didn't take the wrong route?" She leaned against the car window, looking at the imposing beige building, her heart trembling.
"Beauty, the navigation is correct. Building A of Genting Highlands is right here!" The driver looked at her with a look of "Don't tease me".
Yu Ling took a deep breath and got out of the car, carrying her canvas bag (which contained the hot agreement and computer). Just as she stood still, before she opened WeChat, the unit door clicked open, as if on cue.
Zhao Chen stood in the doorway, wearing a dark gray thin sweater and a navy blue tweed coat. He looked respectable and his smile was as gentle as if he was welcoming an old friend.
"Very punctual." He stepped aside. "This is the elevator."
The corridor was so polished it could have served as a mirror, and the air was filled with a delicate, elegant fragrance. Yu Ling's heart began to beat even louder.
"The location is okay, and the facilities are complete," Zhao Chen pressed the 16th floor, his tone filled with the helplessness of a "social animal", "but the rent is high, and it takes a big bite out of my salary." His expression was very natural.
Yu Ling nodded dryly: "Yeah... I understand." Understand? I'm afraid the rent will cost me half my life, right?
"Ding." There were only two households on the 16th floor. Zhao Chen pulled out an ordinary silver cross key and opened the dark brown solid wood door.
"Come in."
Yu Ling stepped in and was instantly petrified!
The warm wind, wrapped in sunshine, clean cotton cloth and the crisp smell of cedar, covered her face.
What the hell?!
The huge floor-to-ceiling windows let in all the sunlight from the entire city! The off-white sofa was as soft as a cloud, covered with a gray-blue blanket that looked very expensive.
On the white round table, there are fresh white tulips in a glass vase, so fresh and juicy!
There is a bookshelf on the entire wall, but there are only a few books on it, and the decorations give off a "very expensive but low-key" vibe.
There's a fireplace! A linen floor lamp! Is this a rental?! This looks like the cover of a home magazine!
"Did you rent this?" Yu Ling's voice cracked.
Zhao Chen paused slightly while changing shoes, bent down and took out a pair of brand new, unlabeled light gray women's plush slippers from the shoe cabinet and placed them at her feet.
"Well, the landlord has great taste. The hard furnishings are all complete, so you can move in right away."
His tone was as casual as if he was talking about renting a shared bike space. "I just added a few small bits and bobs, a blanket, a vase. I bought these new slippers, would you try them on?"
Yu Ling changed into her shoes, her toes wrapped in warmth. She glanced at the kitchen island—wow! A small, white professional coffee machine sat there, its open can of coffee beans emitting a sinful aroma.
"You grind your own coffee?" she blurted out.
"Yeah, I'm used to it. I can't get used to instant drinks." Zhao Chen walked to the island counter and picked up a white cup made of bone china so thin that it was transparent. "What do you want to drink? Coffee? Tea? Plenty of freshly squeezed orange juice."
"Just plain water will do!" Yu Ling quickly waved her hands, fearing that he would pull out a Michelin chef the next second.
"No trouble." He opened the cabinet door smoothly, poured water and handed it to her, "How do you feel about it? Can it be...lived in?" He leaned against the island counter, his eyes fixed on her face, with a questioning look, but deep in his eyes it seemed as if he was evaluating a piece of... um, new furniture?
"It's... too good!" Yu Ling said honestly, "It seems too good to be true!"
"Really?" Zhao Chen chuckled, touched the back of his neck, and showed a perfect "embarrassment":
"Maybe the landlord is particular. I just want a clean and bright place. It's a bit expensive, but I want to take a break after get off work." The explanation was reasonable, and coupled with that sincere and harmless face, the alarm in Yu Ling's heart subsided a little.
She walked to the French window and the city spread out at her feet.
“The view is amazing.”
"Well, I gritted my teeth and rented this place just for this 'relief'." Zhao Chen walked over to her side, standing shoulder to shoulder. The sunlight gilded his profile. "I'm really tired. Look into the distance and let my mind wander." The atmosphere inexplicably relaxed.
"Did you bring the agreement?" Zhao Chen got to the point in a gentle tone. "Let's talk in the study? Be quiet."
The study was equally elegant and simple. The dark, solid wood desk was surprisingly spacious. Yu Ling, with her sharp eyes, caught sight of a document on the desk with the words "Project Risk" written on its title. Her heart skipped a beat.
However, Zhao Chen had already calmly gathered all the documents and slid them into the drawer.
"It's a bit messy." He pulled out the chair opposite, "Sit down."
Yu Ling sat down and took out the agreement and pen. Zhao Chen took out another clean agreement and a pen from the drawer. The pen was heavy and obviously very expensive!
"Your revisions?" He pushed his own over.
Yu Ling handed over her copy, clearly marked in red ink. Zhao Chen took it and read it attentively.
Slender fingers turned the pages steadily, their nails shining clean. The only sound in the study was the rustling of paper. This intense concentration strangely dispelled Yu Ling's last bit of anxiety.
"The revision is very reasonable." After a few minutes, he looked up, his eyes full of sincere approval:
"Maintaining image is key. The household chores and non-interference are well-defined. The communication and reminders upon expiration are thoughtful!" He picked up the elegant pen and copied Yu Ling's revisions verbatim onto his own agreement. His handwriting was beautiful and powerful.
"Regarding living expenses," he said as he wrote, his tone negotiating, "set up a joint account and deposit a fixed amount every month to cover rent, utilities, property, and basic food. I'll pay two-thirds of the rent, and you pay one-third? After all, it's my choice, it's more expensive." He looked at her with a frank look.
Yu Ling calculated quickly. One-third? It would hurt! But it would save her money compared to paying for it herself! He was being humble enough.
"OK."
"As for other personal expenses, each of us takes care of our own?"
"OK."
Zhao Chen quickly copied two agreements and pushed them in front of Yu Ling. "Check them again? Is there anything missing?"
Yu Ling read it carefully. Responsibilities were clearly defined, and there was a basis for advancement and retreat. The contract lasted one year. She took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the signature line.
"Pen."
Zhao Chen handed her his expensive pen. The weight of the pen reminded her once again that it was something special. She uncapped it and, in the "Party B" section, signed firmly: Yu Ling.
Zhao Chen watched her final stroke, the corner of his mouth curling upward ever so slightly. It was so fast it felt like an illusion. That feeling… like the satisfaction a hunter feels watching their prey finally fall into a trap? The next second, he signed smoothly: Zhao Chen.
The dust has settled.
Zhao Chen picked up one and handed it to Yu Ling: "Keep this one." He naturally put the other one into the desk drawer.
"Well then," he stood up, his face seamlessly switching back to a gentle and harmless smile, and extended his hand, "Ms. Yu? Roommate? Or... partner? Welcome to stay. Happy working together."
Yu Ling looked at his outstretched hand, its bony joints distinct and steady and strong. She stood up, hesitated for a moment, and gently grasped it. His palm was warm and dry, carrying an unquestionable sense of control.
"It's a pleasure to work with you." The voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz. The pirate ship has been boarded!
"Do you need help with the move?" Zhao Chen withdrew his hand and immediately switched to "helpful roommate" mode. "I'm free this afternoon. Free labor. Bring your own mineral water."
“No need!” Yu Ling waved her hands anxiously, as if she was scalded. “There are so few things, Huolala can take care of it! Give me the house number, pack up and leave by myself... Oh no, move here!” Private territory, no onlookers allowed!
"Okay." Zhao Chen nodded in understanding. "1601. Combination lock. Initially, six 8s. You can change it yourself when you get it." He walked to the entrance control panel. "You'll record your fingerprint later. I'll give you a spare key."
He opened a drawer and took out a brand new, heavy silver cross key, handing it over. The metal was cold and sharp.
"Thank you...thank you." Yu Ling took it as if she had taken a time bomb.
"Can I call a taxi for you?"
"No need! I can do it myself!" She grabbed the canvas bag and said, "I'll go back and pack it first. Maybe... I can come over tonight?"
"Anytime." Zhao Chen opened the door and smiled politely, "Call me anytime if you need any help. Oh, by the way," he seemed to have just remembered:
"The fridge is full. What do you want to eat tonight? Beef brisket with tomatoes? Steamed fish? Or something simple and poisonous... oh no, below?" The tone was as natural as asking "What do you want to eat tonight?"
Yu Ling was so shocked by this "dinner order" that she saw stars, and a warm feeling mixed with a sense of absurdity rushed to the top of her head.
"Whatever, as long as the poison doesn't kill me!" She almost rushed towards the elevator with both hands and feet.
Six o'clock in the evening.
A blue Huolala minivan stopped downstairs and unloaded Yu Ling's meager belongings:
Two suitcases, three cardboard boxes, and a canvas bag filled with green radish and books. The apartment building looked even more impressive in the twilight. She looked at this pile of junk, feeling a sense of social doom.
The phone screen lit up, and just as I was hesitating whether to call Zhao Chen, the unit door clicked open again!
Zhao Chen walked out. He was wearing a light grey tracksuit, a dark blue knitted cardigan, and soft slippers. He looked casual and unreasonably handsome.
"Are we there?" He glanced at the luggage and said with a hint of lighthearted sarcasm, "It's even more compact than I thought."
"Master of the art of letting go, do you understand?" Yu Ling stiffened her neck.
"Very good." He bent down and easily picked up the heaviest book box, "I'll do it. This way to the elevator." His movements were as smooth as a professional mover.
Yu Ling dragged the suitcase while the driver carried it. The elevator went up.
"Thank you for your hard work." Yu Ling saw the sweat on his forehead.
"Sprinkle some water." His eyes fell on the canvas bag. "The green ivy is vigorous and easy to maintain."
"Yeah, just like me." She picked it up carefully.
The elevator opened, and Zhao Chen opened the door. An overwhelming and alluring aroma instantly filled her nose—a rich, fleshy tomato scent mixed with vanilla! Yu Ling's stomach growled, a thunderous roar in the silence. She instantly wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it.
Zhao Chen pretended not to hear. "Come in first. Put the things in the hallway and clean up after dinner." He gestured to the kitchen. "The tomato and beef brisket are cooking. It'll be ready soon. Are you starving?"
Yu Ling mumbled a muffled "hmm," then, carrying the green radish and small box, ducked her head and slipped inside. Her slippers were already put away. As she slipped them on, the aroma assaulted her senses even more fiercely. She couldn't help but sneak a peek into the kitchen.
On the stovetop, a white enameled cast iron pot bubbled enthusiastically. On the counter, chopped green onions, tender yellow ginger, and fresh basil leaves were spread. Glass salad bowls were a vibrant array of colors. The rice cooker lit up with the alluring "Keep Warm" light.
Zhao Chen stood in front of the stove with his back to her. He was wearing a dark blue apron with a white cartoon whale printed on it. The apron was tied neatly around his thin waist.
He leaned forward slightly, clutching a professional chef's knife with a sharp, gleaming blade so thin it could be a mirror! With a precise, cool grace, he sliced a block of tender tofu into thin, uniformly sized cubes. His hand speed and steadiness were undeniably that of a three-star Michelin chef!
Tracksuit + little whale apron + top-notch weapon + god-level knife skills = ???
Yu Ling's eyes nearly popped out of her head! This guy was just an "ordinary employee"? Could he be the honorary principal of New Oriental Cooking School?!
Zhao Chen seemed to sense something and turned around. The warm yellow light cast a soft filter on him. Seeing Yu Ling's stunned expression, the corners of his mouth curved into a gentle (??) arc. He raised the knife in his hand that could be used as a murder weapon and said in a relaxed tone:
"Are you starving? Mapo tofu, three minutes. Wash your hands and get ready to eat?" His eyes were clear and innocent, as if cutting tofu with a top-grade kitchen knife was a daily skill for every office worker.
Yu Ling's gaze was fixed on the fingers gripping the knife handle. The joints were distinct, steady as an old dog, and precise. How many vegetables had these hands cut? How many...
The little flame of "Who is he" in my heart suddenly turned into a raging fire!
"Okay...Okay! Right away!" She replied, a little dazed, holding her green ivy and moving hand and foot towards the floor-to-ceiling windowsill bathed in the sunset. There seemed to be an empty spot there, waiting for this living green that belonged only to her.
Her new life officially began in this room filled with deadly fragrance, the huge contrast between the little whale apron and the murderous knife, and the overwhelming "Oh my God" in her heart!
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