215. Unexpected Encounter
18/40
The rental apartments outside the school are basically just little motels with monthly leases.
They’re relatively cheap—one bedroom, one bathroom, air conditioning, internet, fully furnished for just four hundred a month, with a two hundred deposit.
But after all, they’re motels. The traffic is frequent and complicated, the soundproofing is terrible, and the utility bills are high.
“I don’t think this is a good idea; it feels unsafe.”
Walking out of a motel, Wen Yang shook his head helplessly.
Ning Chu frowned; she had lived in a similar rental before crossing over, and it was a terrible experience—not safe at all.
Late-night brawls and drunk disturbances aren’t common, but she had encountered them once or twice. And with the poor soundproofing, there were times she could hear the bed shaking against the wall during ‘double-header’ matches and girls’ excited gasps.
Staying overnight at a cheap motel is bearable, but for a couple of months, it’s really not suitable for a succubus.
“Are all the others like this too…?”
Wen Yang, in just a short sleeve shirt, stood on the street, unfazed by the cool night wind. He glanced around at the low-rise buildings and nodded, “Yeah, pretty much all of them are like this.”
“There are some pricier options—self-built apartments go for about a thousand.” He had a good grasp of the rental options near the school. “Those places usually have more stable tenants, so they should be a bit safer.”
“A thousand?…”
Even though her mother had given her two thousand for rent, one month’s rent plus utilities wouldn’t be enough.
Ning Chu frowned and turned to look at the motel they had just left.
“Still, how about this one?”
“I’ve earned some money on the side, so it’s fine to rent a safer place.”
Hearing his rebuttal, she looked up at Wen Yang’s face, “Um… safety.”
Isn’t the safest place to be next to Wen Yang? He has that protagonist halo; he can solve any problems that come up!
The only issue is, being with Wen Yang might eliminate all outside dangers, but he himself is a dangerous source.
“What are you looking at me for?” Wen Yang touched his face, excitement bubbling over, “Are you implying we should live together?”
Isn’t that a bit too fast, making this little virgin super excited?
“Let’s check out a few more places.”
Ning Chu was still a bit hesitant, preparing to look at a few more rentals for comparison.
Though Wen Yang didn’t dare to do anything after they lost their minds last time, times have changed. Back then, they were just flirting; now, they’re officially dating.
Just as they were about to head to the next motel, a car suddenly stopped at the curb, the window rolled down, and Zhang Shaoqing poked his head out, “Wen Yang!”
As soon as Ning Chu heard that voice from behind, her face turned pale.
She didn’t dare to turn around or run, so she just froze, pretending she didn’t hear, but her face was full of pleading as she looked at Wen Yang.
If it were any other classmate, she wouldn’t panic like this, but this was her roommate!
Plus, they had just been acting all cozy.
Even if they found out she’s a girl, she really didn’t want Zhang Shaoqing to know about her relationship with Wen Yang.
That would be too embarrassing!
Wen Yang, unfazed, pulled a mask out of his pocket and handed it to Ning Chu, then looked up and asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I was going to ask you the same thing! Didn’t you go out for takeout?”
Zhang Shaoqing got out of the car, grinning as he sauntered over to Wen Yang, “So, you’re out on a secret date, huh? What class are you in?”
“Another school.”
Wang Jie also got out of the car, playing with his phone but stealing curious glances at the girl.
“Hey, what’s your little sister’s name? She seems a bit shy?”
“Uh…” Wen Yang tried to come up with a fake name for Ning Chu on the fly and blurted, “Wen Wen.”
“Sounds kind of familiar? I think there’s a Wen Wen in the next class?”
“No, we just share a name.”
Ning Chu wasn’t very satisfied with the fake name Wen Yang gave her; it made it sound like she was playing multiple roles in a Little Emperor Wen story.
She had put on the mask, but her neck and earlobes were already bright red from exposure to the air. She struggled to keep her emotions in check and looked up with a calm gaze towards Zhang Shaoqing.
There’s no way to hide anymore; she just hoped Zhang Shaoqing didn’t notice anything.
Zhang Shaoqing’s familiar peach blossom eyes were momentarily stunned before he scanned her up and down. The hem of her coat was longer than her skirt, making her appear petite and cute.
“I’m Wen Yang’s roommate, Zhang Shaoqing,” he introduced himself, then pointed at Wang Jie, “This is Wang Jie, also a roommate.”
Ning Chu gently nodded and pretended to be shy, lowering her head to hide behind Wen Yang.
Though she was wearing a mask, it still felt prudent to hide a little for extra cover.
Zhang Shaoqing moved closer to Wen Yang, draping his arm around him, and whispered, “Is she really your girlfriend?”
Wen Yang didn’t hesitate to wrap his arm around Ning Chu’s waist, “Yeah!”
“I’m shocked! You’re dating behind my back!? Traitor~”
“Hey! Perfect! You haven’t had dinner yet, have you? Let’s go for barbecue!” Zhang Shaoqing slapped his chest confidently, “I’m treating since I’ve met your little sister!”
“That’s sister-in-law.”
“Little sister!”
Wang Jie suddenly remembered something and butted in, “Aren’t we waiting for Ning Chu to get back to eat?”
Ning Chu was almost moved to tears.
Her roommate actually remembered her~
“Waiting for what?! God knows when Ning Chu will be back!” Zhang Shaoqing called out as he hooked his arm around Wang Jie’s shoulder, asking, “Don’t you think Wen Wen looks a lot like Ning Chu? Especially those eyes?”
Immediately, both Wen Yang and Ning Chu tensed up.
“Seems like they’re about the same height too?” He turned back to Ning Chu, took a quick glance, and mumbled, “I can’t help but think they look alike…”
Ning Chu maintained her poker face and asked in a strained voice, “Who?”
“Oh, our other roommate—the flamboyant guy. Quite irritating.”
“…”
She clenched her fists tightly.
Zhang Shaoqing really didn’t leave her any dignity in front of an “outsider”!
“But he’s a nice guy; aside from being a busybody… he’s basically our dorm mom. If you need something, just ask her.” Zhang Shaoqing grinned, “That guy came to console me when I had a breakup.”
“That doesn’t count as a breakup.” Wang Jie chimed in quietly, “Unrequited love that didn’t work out.”
“Shut up!”
Ning Chu’s fists relaxed a bit.
Seeing that Zhang Shaoqing truly hadn’t picked up on anything, she felt much more relaxed and decided to do what other girls would do—link her arm with Wen Yang’s.
Wen Yang was not used to her acting like this. He could vaguely feel the curve of her chest and looked down, meeting her beaming gaze, and quietly asked,
“You really plan on going to eat? How do you eat barbecue with a mask on?”
Her smile froze.
“Er… Wen Wen is skipping the barbecue; she still needs to find a rental apartment.” Wen Yang helplessly answered for her.
“Huh? I mainly want to treat her!” Zhang Shaoqing was taken aback.
“Next time.”
“That works. I’ll call to check when Ning Chu is coming back. It’s already eight or nine, so she should be almost back to school, right?”
“!!!”
Ning Chu quickly stuffed her hands into her coat pockets, put her phone on silent, and the next moment, her phone started vibrating.
That was close!
