Chapter 5

Chen Qing is likely unable to shift away from the perception that Cheng Ke is a homeless man who rummages through garbage, and Jiang Yuduo feels quite indignant on behalf of Cheng Ke.

"What the hell? Jaeger-LeCoultre?" Behind him entered the chief guardian, Chen Qing, who, upon seeing Cheng Ke, loudly proclaimed this brand that he would probably never forget.

Alright, "Xiao Zhang clapped his hands, "What does Mr. Cheng do for a living?"

Xiao Zhang looked him up and down a few times: "Get in the car, I will take you to see it. There are three houses, you can choose one."

It is quite a pity, " Xiao Zhang said, " after painting for half a day, it will just be gone with a swipe of the hand.

Have all the requirements been communicated to him? Jiang Yuduo asked

"Can it be the same as you? How much money do you have on hand? How much does he have? He is spoiled by his whole family at home, you..." Chen Qing swallowed hard, "I will go tomorrow. It is not appropriate for you to handle this matter. Zhang Daqi's demeanor does not deserve your personal involvement."

"No, Lao San, what do you mean?" Lu Xi's next partner, Liu Ge, slammed the table in frustration, "If you want to talk, then shut up; if you want to fight, come up here yourself. What the hell are you directing from over there!"

Upon seeing the house, Cheng Ke felt a sense of relief, as there was no need to search for a third option.

No, Cheng Ke answered very honestly, "I only have requirements for the house"

He rarely buys daily necessities; generally, when he runs out, his mother has someone replace them for him. He is completely unaware of what he is using or what is being replaced, and he feels no difference in usage.

"Hurry up, I still have..." Jiang Yu walked into the room, and as soon as his gaze shifted from Xiao Zhang's face, he was also taken aback, "...things."

"Oh, I am single." Cheng Ge did not know whether these requirements were rather peculiar, but he should meet them.

There was a scent in the car, theoretically a fragrance, but it was so strong that Cheng Ke could almost smell the alcohol. He opened a crack in the car window.

"Um," Cheng Ke got into the car and changed the subject, "Does the landlord have any other requirements?"

He is very eager to tell Xiao Zhang that he has no concept of renting a house at all, and he has no idea what kind of house generally corresponds to what price range

"I will make a trip tomorrow," Jiang Yuduo said, "The dog is not very promising either; three thousand yuan can keep one awake for a month."

"... ... pay three months' rent in advance, and then pay the rent once a month," Xiao Zhang explained

Chen Qing also stood behind with a stern face, staring at him together.

"That should be quite wealthy," Chen Qing nodded, "They won't be behind on rent anymore"

"I want to go up and play; your family has lost to me more than eighty times," Jiang Yuduo said

But in the end, I gritted my teeth and persevered

"Is this where they sell sofas?" Xiao Zhang asked

"Aren't you supposed to carry your luggage when you move? There are so many things, the Cayenne won't fit." Chen Qing said

He is very satisfied with this apartment, and he needs to settle in immediately

"A true gentleman observes the game of chess in silence, do you understand?" Liu Ge glared at him

Thinking of Cheng Ke, he feels somewhat confused about what this person is here for

He walked back and forth along the street at the entrance of the community for about two rounds, and finally entered a small pizza shop

Cheng Ke glanced at the time on his phone and made a call to the agent, arranging to meet in one hour to view the property

This is recognition? Xiao Zhang was also very surprised

Jiang Yuduo stared at him for a while, then turned to Xiao Zhang and asked, "Should I sign my name or the homeowner's?"

Jiang Yuduo still owed him a knife

Yes, "Xiao Zhang said"

Is this Mr. Jiang? A male voice came from over there

The house is on the top floor, featuring a terrace that faces the community garden. The decoration is quite simple, with wooden floors and white walls, and furnished with basic furniture

Hmm. Cheng Ke nodded.

Jiang Yuduo had an impulse to randomly grab someone from the street and give them a beating. He gritted his teeth and said: "No need, you come over first, just drive the Cayenne, I will be downstairs at the card room"

In fact, according to his habits, he would not agree to postpone for another month. He feels that he may not have much sympathy; when he sees people struggling on the brink of survival, he sometimes finds it quite bothersome

Cheng Ke felt that his head was very heavy. Even when he sat on the sofa, he could not clearly hear what Xiao Zhang was saying. He did not know whether Xiao Zhang was too annoying or the landlord was too verbose. He just kept responding with "mm". In the end, Xiao Zhang concluded the introduction with the phrase "three months' deposit and one month's rent"

Sand painting, as explained by Cheng Ke, is the act of creating art using sand

You rascal, always like this! Brother Liu put the cigarette in his pocket, saying, "Once you're done venting, you just calm down."

Ah, Xiao Zhang awkwardly chuckled twice, rubbed his hands together, and said, "So... now shall we all take a look at the contract first and then sign it?"

Perhaps it is because he is not at home, after all, he used to sleep very soundly while lying on the table in McDonald's

Finally, she took a twenty-thousand yuan note that she was about to throw away, and Jiang Yuduo kicked the back of her chair, saying: "Are you giving away money?"

Oh," Cheng Ke nodded and said.

Jiang Yuduo continued to furrow his brows, wondering why the man was so eager to move in. Did he really want to sign the contract now? Couldn't he wait until tomorrow? It all sounded suspicious.

"I have a proper job," Xiao Zhang said, "I value cleanliness, lead a regular life, do not casually bring people home, do not rent to couples, those who are married can, but they cannot have children"

The contract has been signed, the payment of three months' rent in advance has been completed, and Jiang Yuduo has also handed over the key to the lock that is marked "no changing of locks". Cheng Ge feels that the next step in the process should be for everyone to rise and then leave individually

... ... Alright. Cheng Ke took the contract that Xiao Zhang handed over.

No, "Chen Qing shook his head, "It's quite peaceful, just some trivial matters. It's just that Zhang Daqi hasn't given the money to Gouzi yet, and Gouzi is feeling down every day."

Thank you. Cheng Ke got into the car

No," Cheng Ke replied

I mean no offense, Mr. Cheng," Xiao Zhang said as he led him downstairs, "I just want to ask about this, mainly because it is the landlord's requirement. For this new house, the landlord has quite a few demands for the tenants.

Jiang Yuduo tilted his head slightly, and Chen Qing, who stood behind him with a tense expression that made him look very much like a bodyguard, immediately took a cigarette wrapper out of his pocket and placed it in front of him

"Not necessarily," Chen Qing pondered, "You mentioned that Jaeger-LeCoultre, dressed so elegantly, wearing a watch worth over 100,000, yet still rummaging through the trash can. Is that considered performance art?"

Xu Ding! he shouted

"Who?" Jiang Yuduo asked

I ordered a cup of coffee and a seafood pizza

I will speak frankly, "Jiang Yuduo looked at Cheng Ke, "I do not know what your true intentions are, but if you do not wish to rent this house, it is still not too late to back out now."

Recently, I have not noticed anyone following me. The only suspicious person is Cheng Ke, but he does not seem like someone capable of doing anything.

Now I see why Xu Ding had to ask specifically; it is indeed a bit perplexing. I hope it did not make Xu Ding feel that I intend to linger here unwillingly

Before Chen Qing could open the car door, Jiang Yu Duo rushed over, pulled open the driver's side door, and slapped Chen Qing's back a few times while holding onto his arm

How is it? Xiao Zhang asked, This set of houses should be able to meet your ... ...

"Good." Jiang Yuduo pulled over a chair and sat down at the table

The landlord has only had the keys to this apartment for two years," Xiao Zhang said, "If you think this is old, then there are only new apartments left.

Cheng Keshun let out a sigh, put his phone back in his pocket, and was just about to stand up when he looked up and was momentarily stunned.

Go sign the rental contract! Jiang Yuduo pulled his hand away and shouted again

His phone is completely empty, not even a simple game to pass the time. However, the old phone is similar; aside from making calls, he only occasionally uses it for payments, and it has little presence at other times.

Cheng Ke looked at the coffee and pizza in front of him, not quite understanding why he ultimately ended up eating these things.

Transportation is undoubtedly convenient, with the subway entrance right next door and numerous bus routes available. When they all arrive at the station, it can cause traffic congestion, " Xiao Zhang said, " You can go anywhere you want ... ... "

It may also remind him of some past experiences, where one might wonder who is worse off than the other; there will always be someone living in a more miserable way than you can imagine.

Oh," Cheng Ke thought for a moment, "I can just submit a few months or half a year directly.

Jiang Yuduo smiled as he opened the door and walked out

There was nothing in the bathroom before, after all, this apartment has been unoccupied, and usually, only a cleaner comes regularly to tidy up. However, the items purchased by Cheng Ke are indeed somewhat excessive

Cheng Ke smiled but did not speak

Cheng Ke and he spoke at the same time: "I don't know him."

"Alright, just wait. I'm on my way now." Jiang Yuduo hung up the phone and called Chen Qing again, "Do you have a car right now? Come and take me to my sister's new apartment."

It is like this, this tenant is quite anxious and wants to move in tonight. A tenant who is so straightforward is indeed rare, " Xiao Zhang said, " You see, your requirements are quite a lot, and this person agreed without even negotiating the price...

"What are you moving for?" Jiang Yuduo shouted into his ear, "What car are you driving! You should go work at a moving company!"

Then let me speak frankly, I do not know what illness you are suffering from, but I have decided to rent this house, " Cheng Ge pressed on the wound on his waist, " I am determined to rent it.

What are the requirements? Cheng Keshun casually asked.

Jiang Yuduo turned his head to look at Chen Qing and asked, "Has anything happened around here recently?"

"Tomorrow," Jiang Yuduo said

What is "paying three and getting one"? Cheng Ge asked

Due to the presence of Xiao Zhang nearby, Cheng Ke did not want others to think that he had escaped from the same mental institution as the two in front of him, so he could only clear his throat and attempt to say some parting words

However, none of them are his favorite foods. Even if they are not repetitive, they are still primarily Western cuisine. He feels that he actually prefers soy milk, fried dough sticks, and tofu pudding.

He hesitated for a few seconds and chose to remain silent

I can't believe it! Chen Qing covered his ears, "You said to go to Sister Qian's new house! Let me drive over! Didn't you say the same thing last time you moved?"

This time I entered the supermarket myself, choosing large bottles and various bulk packages, which seem to be more cost-effective

Jiang Yuduo turned to look at Xiao Zhang, who immediately became nervous and stammered: "Mr. Cheng, um, um, what I just told you..."

"Ah, that's right! You still know it's gambling!" Brother Liu shouted

"It should be arriving soon," Xiao Zhang said, "it's not far away."

The agent arrived on time, driving up beside him: "Mr. Cheng, right? I am the agent, Xiao Zhang."

Then this price is quite high, " Xiao Zhang said

Oh! Sand painting! I know, I know!" Xiao Zhang nodded repeatedly, "So you are an artist, sand painting is particularly impressive.

Mr. Jiang? Xiao Zhang called out to him from over there

Cheng Ke silently held the contract, looking at it very seriously, but he did not absorb a single word.

Jiang Yuduo did not speak

This is it. Cheng Ke interrupted Xiao Zhang's words; throughout the journey, Xiao Zhang had not stopped talking, and he was almost unable to bear the excessive chatter.

A fast Cayenne quickly turned from the intersection and stopped beside Jiang Yuduo

Oh," Cheng Ke thought for a moment and could only mention the one thing he was capable of doing, "sand painting."

"Yes, but it's just a Cayenne, isn't it a bit small?" Chen Qing said, "Should I get a truck instead?"

"Please give me a way out," Jiang Yuduo got into the car, sat in the passenger seat, and sighed while fastening his seatbelt. "Every day feels like living in a time-space distortion, not a single word can resonate on the same frequency."

I am the agent, Xiao Zhang. You registered your property with us previously," said Xiao Zhang. "Is it convenient for you to come over now? There is a tenant who is very suitable. Would you be able to come over to sign the contract?

He usually does not enjoy watching Lu Xi play cards; after so many years of playing, he has made no progress at all, a complete money-wasting fool

Noticing his hesitation, Xiao Zhang enthusiastically recommended the area, which is located in a bustling district with various shopping malls and supermarkets, as well as a vibrant nightlife, complete with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs

Hmm, Jiang Yuduo lit a cigarette and said he is an artist

However, the current rental situation is even more questionable compared to Cheng Ke.

Cheng Ke looked at the piece of paper in front of him, which bore the three characters "Jiang Yuduo" and a string of phone numbers. Without turning his head, he could sense the astonished gaze of Xiao Zhang beside him.

Um," Jiang Yuduo took the pen and signed his name, threw the contract back to Xiao Zhang, and then looked at Cheng Ke, "You have my phone number, right?"

Hmm," Cheng Ke walked towards the door, "Then let's go take a look at the new house

This contract is to be signed directly by both of you, and we, as the intermediary, are merely providing verification," said Xiao Zhang. "We are very formal, so please rest assured.

That works, let me explain the specifics to you, "Xiao Zhang continued to say in a series, 'If you want to bring in new furniture and appliances into the house, you need to discuss it with the landlord in advance. You cannot keep pets, you cannot change the locks yourself, if something breaks, you cannot repair it yourself, you need to inform the landlord..."

Are there any newer houses than this one? Cheng Ke asked

How long will it take to arrive? Cheng Ke sat on the sofa, bored out of his mind, turning his phone on and off repeatedly...

He made an effort to control his tone, keeping his voice calm: "What the hell are you talking about?"

Next, he needs to have a breakfast, as he did not eat anything last night. At this moment, he is feeling quite uncomfortable due to hunger, yet even in such a state of hunger, he does not know what he wants to eat

But Jiang Yuduo was still sitting across the table, staring at him

"I do not recognize." Jiang Yuduo said

"Alright," Cheng Ke tossed the contract onto the table, took a pen and signed his name, then leaned back against the chair, "I am quite busy."

Jiang Yuduo frowned and asked, "Does this person meet the requirements?"

No, the landlord requires payment on a monthly basis, " Xiao Zhang said

After all, it is not often that one finds oneself staring blankly at a stranger like this.

Hmm," Cheng Ke responded.

His most frequent acquaintances are those who indulge in drinking and feasting. Even the newcomers do not inquire about each other, and not everyone is necessarily a layabout like him, yet no one seems to have any specific job.

He rarely eats breakfast outside. In his memory, every morning after getting up, the restaurant would have neatly arranged breakfasts, which would generally not repeat for about half a month

The only thing that made Cheng Ke somewhat displeased was that this apartment was located only two streets away from the place where he had inexplicably rolled in a trash can a few days ago and had been stabbed by someone

"Then do you want me to coax you?" Jiang Yuduo extended his hand, "If you don't want me to coax you, then return it to me."

"You may leave," Jiang Yuduo spoke first, waving his hand at Xiao Zhang, "Thank you for your hard work"

At the beginning, when he refused to leave, Lu Xi also acted like a bully, throwing all the work at him, appearing as if she was afraid he wouldn't be exhausted to death. However, in the end, she did not drive him away and even gave him money

Previously, I asked you about your psychological price range," Xiao Zhang said while driving, "Do you have a rough idea? Today, the prices of the three houses are different. You should have a general idea, and we can start with the house that is closest to your requirements.

Go out and wander around!" Brother Liu slammed the table

"A bit larger, a bit cleaner, and a bit more convenient for transportation," Cheng Ge said, "the community environment should be better."

Alright. Chen Qing replied succinctly, "I will be there shortly."

However, this is Lucy's house, so it must be according to Lucy's ideas. Lucy is sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. Previously, someone owed eight months' rent and ultimately did not pay. When they ran away, they even took the table with them. Lucy scolded for three days, her words as sharp as iron, but when someone needs to delay their rent, she generally still grants an extension.

For him, as a waste who has left home, the foremost feeling is that of travel

In fact, the moment he saw Jiang Yuduo, he had an overwhelming urge to turn on his heel and leave without looking back, as if he could not be stopped at all

"You may proceed," said Xiao Zhang, "there was a power of attorney from the homeowner previously."

Cheng Ke did not speak, feeling for a moment that he actually did not know how to respond, as he had never been asked such a question before

Then... Xiao Zhang hesitated

"He has left," Jiang Yuduo stretched lazily and walked towards the door. As he passed by Liu Ge, he tossed a pack of cigarettes near his hand, saying, "Liu Ge, may you prosper."

He sat on the sofa, rubbed his face, glanced towards the bedroom, and found that there was no one left on the bed; Xu Ding's luggage had also been taken away

There is no need to look any further. Cheng Ke only wishes to quickly bring the current situation to an end

Jiang Yuduo remained silent, and before shouting at Chen Qing, he made a concerted effort to understand the meaning of Chen Qing's two sentences, but ultimately he was unsuccessful.

The first house is a two-bedroom apartment, and the community environment and transportation are quite good. However, upon entering the house, I felt somewhat uncomfortable; the distance between the buildings is too small. Standing by the window, one can even see the pattern of the pillows in the opposite bedroom. It feels rather shabby.

Understood, Chen Qing leaned on the steering wheel, his fingers digging into his ear, "Third Brother, give me a way out"

An artist, single, appearing particularly neat and tidy, said Xiao Zhang, a gentleman in his twenties

The ringtone of the phone interrupted Jiang Yuduo's memories. He took out his phone and glanced at it; it was an unfamiliar number. Instinctively, he looked around before turning his back to a wall, and only then did he answer the call

Are the current henchmen now favoring the high-quality fool style of handsome men

The house has been rented out? Chen Qing drove the car out

It is convenient to raise the rent, " Xiao Zhang answered honestly, " or it would be easier to handle if one decides not to rent anymore

Chen Qing directly blocked his way, forcibly escorting him outside, and then closed the door

Moreover, the house is not very new, and the walls are still covered with wallpaper; he prefers plain white walls

In this house, the sofa is probably the most comfortable place. Cheng Ke has been sleeping on the sofa for several days and surprisingly feels more at ease than when sleeping at home

As soon as these words were spoken, the elevator outside made a sound, and someone walked out.

"Shut up and look at the light." Jiang Yuduo turned on the radio and turned up the volume

"... ... Alright," Xiao Zhang nodded, "What are your requirements for the house?"

Jiang Yuduo responded with a sound, said no more, and turned to look out the window

Jiang Yuduo leaned against the window with a cigarette in his mouth, watching the cards in Lu Xi's hand. Lu Xi went through the cards on her right one by one but still could not decide which one to play.

Why? Cheng Ke was taken aback.

Enough, enough, Lu Xi patted Liu Ge on the shoulder and turned to Jiang Yuduo, waving her hand, "Stop directing here, go outside and wander around."

It is merely a gamble, so do not speak of yourself in such an elevated manner. Jiang Yuduo smiled.

He gritted his teeth and took the "business card," placing it into his pocket

Confirming that Xu Ding was indeed not in this room, he stood up, stretched lazily, and slowly walked into the bathroom

Today he was supposed to visit Building 1, as that day a family on the second floor tearfully requested to postpone the rent payment by another month, claiming they truly had no money. Jiang Yuduo agreed, but he still intended to take a round today as a warning.

Oh. Cheng Ke is still a bit dazed

"Only you can live in this house; flowers, birds, fish, insects, cats, dogs, and anyone else besides you are not allowed to stay," Jiang Yuduo said. "If you want to move anything in this house, you must first inform me..."