lcionline Chapter 27 Co-renting
Chapter 27 Co-renting
In the private room of Dewanglou,
The lighting was a perfect warm yellow.
It is not dazzling.
It was also enough to illuminate the carefully arranged dishes on the table.
Bai Yuzhe chose a spot near the window, where he could see the fountain set up by the restaurant outside and the gradually illuminating lights of Hanjiang District, making it a pretty good location.
of course,
The main reason is that
If he senses something is wrong, he can simply break the window and escape.
creak-
The door opened,
A dusty young man in a dark gray special operations uniform walked in. Lu Zihai saw Bai Yuzhe already waiting in the private room, and a hearty smile immediately spread across his face.
"Bai, sorry to keep you waiting. I was in a rush and didn't even have time to change out of my uniform, please don't mind."
"Brother Lu, you're too kind."
Bai Yuzhe stood up to greet him, smiling slightly:
"I was able to find a suitable place to stay in Hanjiang District so quickly thanks to Brother Lu's help. Besides, I cross the bridge to go to school from Yingwu District every day, and the safety of my journey is all thanks to your Special Operations Bureau's daily patrols and guard duties."
"Haha, you're making me blush with praise."
Lu Zihai smiled and sat down, waving his hand.
"We've done our best in Hanjiang District, but as for Yingwu District... we generally avoid going there if we can, it's too dangerous. But don't tell anyone else about this."
Although he was joking, the smile on his face was noticeably more genuine, conveying a sense of comfort at being understood.
"Brother Lu is too modest. The reason why the environment in Hanjiang District is so stable is largely due to the special police officers stationed on Qingyang Bridge."
As he spoke,
Bai Yuzhe poured a glass of beer for both Lu Zihai and himself.
"This glass is for you all."
"Dry."
Seeing this, Lu Zihai
He also readily raised his glass and drank it all.
grumbling,
The chilled liquor went down my throat.
The previously unfamiliar atmosphere immediately relaxed considerably.
Just started,
The two weren't very familiar with each other.
We mainly talked about trivial topics, such as the coursework at Dongqing University, the recent weather in Hanjiang District, and which small shops nearby have good food.
Lu Zihai spoke in a friendly tone.
It sounded like an older brother chatting casually.
And at this moment,
The steady voice of a local news anchor came from the wall-mounted TV in the corner of the private room:
"In recent weeks, the number of homeless people in Qingyang Subdistrict, Hanjiang District, has increased significantly. Several group riots have occurred in Dongjie District, Nanxiangkou, and other areas due to disputes over relief supplies. The special task force has increased patrols..."
Upon hearing the words on the evening news,
Lu Zihai paused slightly as he picked up some food. His gaze involuntarily drifted to the television screen, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly before he looked away. However, the casual expression he had just displayed faded considerably.
He ate a few bites of food in silence.
He suddenly sighed.
It was as if that news article had triggered something.
"Yuze".
He changed how he addressed her, and his voice lowered.
"Recently, things haven't been very peaceful in Dongqing City. You've seen the news. It's not just homeless people; there are all sorts of people taking advantage of the situation to cause trouble and fish in troubled waters. We've been on duty much more frequently lately. Now that you've moved to Hanjiang District, you'd better not go to Yingwu District; it's not safe."
Bai Yuzhe paused for a moment, then asked softly, "Is it due to financial reasons? Or...?"
There are many reasons.
Lu Zihai shook his head, a hint of weariness in his voice.
"That's just how things are. After the new order was established, the Xia Federation and the America Federation started competing, constantly vying for the right to speak in the new Federation world, while our Dongying Autonomous Region is caught in the middle... The people at the top are fickle, leaning to one side today and the other tomorrow, which is tough on us who are working below. Policies keep changing, welfare doesn't increase, but the workload keeps increasing and the risks are getting bigger and bigger."
He took a sip of his drink and continued:
"To be honest, Yuze, I'm not much older than you. I look like a special operations team member, like I have a secure job, but it's really not easy to make a living from it. The salary is so low, and it's incredibly difficult to save money in a place like Dongqing City. There are expenses everywhere."
Bai Yuzhe hesitated for a moment, then slowly said:
"Brother Lu, but the cost of living in Hanjiang District seems to be only slightly higher than in Yingwu District..."
"The cost of living is not high, but the cost of survival is high."
Lu Zihai gave a wry smile and interrupted Bai Yuze, "Although our Dongying Autonomous Region is under the jurisdiction of the Xia Federation, the system here is basically copied from the America Federation. Apart from the most basic uniforms and weapons being provided by the higher-ups, as for other equipment—stab-proof vests, tactical gloves, knee and elbow pads, and even the medicine and bandages needed during operations—we have to pay for them ourselves."
Saying this,
Lu Zihai glanced at the dummy being led away on the TV screen and lowered his voice: "Not to mention, the standard equipment issued by the higher-ups is simply not enough to deal with those things."
Bai Yuze glanced at the fake man on TV.
He then looked away again.
Although he had lived in Dongqing City for three or four years, this was the first time he had learned about the internal workings of the Security Bureau's Containment Division. He was somewhat surprised, but soon he seemed to have thought of something and asked softly.
"What about the Xia Federation?"
"I don't know about that side." Lu Zihai shook his head. "But I heard our Captain Qiao mention it. If the Xia Federation hadn't sent a special envoy to keep an eye on things, the quality of our original equipment and weapons would probably have been downgraded by several levels."
"Ugh!"
Lu Zihai sighed softly, poured himself another full glass, and said with a self-deprecating tone:
"To put it nicely, our security bureau's special agents maintain order and protect citizens. To put it bluntly, they do security guard work—standing guard, patrolling, and dealing with trivial or even life-threatening situations. How can they compare to the top students from your Holly University?"
He took a swig of his drink, gazed at the neon lights flashing outside the window, and a genuine look of envy crossed his eyes.
"Studying is still the best. With knowledge and skills, you can get into those prestigious big companies in Maple Leaf District and Genting District, do research, sit in an office, and have a bright future. Unlike us... hey, who knows, we might get into a mission one day and end up getting ourselves killed."
He paused, as if remembering something, and softened his tone:
"Of course, I know that it wasn't easy for you guys who came from Parrot District and Hanjiang District to get into Dongqing University. The tuition is terrifyingly expensive, and many of you are burdened with student loans for more than ten years as soon as you enroll. You have to rush to work part-time after class. In the end... it's all about fate, not being born in a good place. Sometimes I even think that it would be better if I were born in the Xia Federation mainland. The salary may be lower there, but it's more stable, without so many troubles, without so many monsters."
He sighed, leaning back in his chair as if trying to unload an invisible burden from his shoulders.
"Look at things now. The numbers on my payslip look okay, but they're hardly enough to live on. Rent—oh right, it's due again soon—and the car loan is a fixed monthly expense. But if you ask me, the worst part is health insurance!"
"Damn it, they seem to cover everything, but once you're actually injured and in the hospital, they'll say this isn't covered and that isn't covered either. The insurance company's terms and conditions will drive you crazy! The little bit of money the bureau gives you, after deducting most of it, is barely enough to make ends meet. To be honest, Yuze,"
Lu Zihai leaned forward, his voice deepening.
"If I hadn't heard that you were looking for a place, I was planning to move next month myself. I'd move to the other end of Qingyang Street, on the edge of Hanjiang District, near Yingwu District. Although it's remote and the environment is chaotic, the rent would be at least 30-40% cheaper, and the financial pressure would be less."
"..."
Seeing Bai Yuzhe's shocked yet thoughtful expression, Lu Zihai seemed to realize he had said a bit too much, and his face returned to a relaxed expression:
"Alright, alright, it's mainly because my former roommate got promoted and is living the high life in the Cloud Top District, so I don't have anyone to talk to. I ended up rambling a bit. Seriously though, you've seen the apartment, the Yueju Apartment, the monthly rent is 4000 Federal Dollars. We'll share it, so it'll be 2000 each. Utilities will be split equally based on actual usage. I already paid the deposit, so you don't need to worry about it."
finished,
He paused, looking at Bai Yuze's faded shirt, and added:
"I know this price might be a bit of a burden for students. Here's the deal: if you're short on cash, you can pay part of the first month, and the rest can be considered a debt you owe me. You can pay me back slowly after you graduate and find a job."
Bai Yuze did not bargain.
From Lu Zihai's previous complaints and his current concessions, he could sense that the other party was not the kind of person who was good at scheming or liked to take advantage of others, but rather had a kind of simple righteousness.
even,
Lu Zihai felt that a verbal agreement was enough for co-renting, and he was too lazy to even draw up a contract.
But Bai Yuze didn't think so.
Rules and boundaries
Sometimes, it's more reassuring than personal relationships.
"Brother Lu, the rules can't be broken."
As Bai Yuze spoke, he took out his phone and quickly swiped his fingers across the screen.
"I'll find a standard co-tenancy agreement template. The rent will be as you agreed. Take a look and see if there are any problems. If there are no problems, we can sign it so that everyone can feel at ease."
finished,
Bai Yuze had already filled in the basic information efficiently.
Then he handed the phone to Lu Zihai.
Lu Zihai took the phone and glanced at it, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He then laughed and patted Bai Yuze on the shoulder: "Good, that's honest! You're a methodical guy, you'll definitely amount to something in the future."
Bai Yuze just smiled.
I didn't respond to that.
His attention was now focused more on the dishes on the table.
Lu Zihai prefers sweet flavors, but he also enjoys spicy ones, so sweet and sour pork ribs and spicy pork intestines are both on the table. However, this doesn't stop him from focusing intently on the food in front of him, and even if he can't finish it, he plans to pack it up and take it away.
For him, this is all money.
Even if he had anticipated it,
But the moment you actually get to the counter to pay and the number pops up...
Bai Yuzhe was still frightened.
719.6 Federal Dollars!
Although Bai Yuzhe's face quickly returned to normal, Lu Zihai could clearly see that when the kid paid, his eyelid twitched almost imperceptibly.
The way he looked like he was in obvious pain but was forcing himself to endure it amused Lu Zihai.
He could almost imagine it.
When this young man gets back, he'll probably feel the pinch when he sees the bill, and he might even secretly regret treating his roommate to dinner.
Thinking of this,
Lu Zihai put his arm around Bai Yuze's shoulder and laughed, "Yuze, I really enjoyed this meal today. The food at Dewanglou was quite expensive for you. We usually wouldn't come here unless the captain treats us."
He thought for a moment and said, "How about this, I'll waive the first month's rent for you, consider it payment for this meal."
"No need, Brother Lu."
Bai Yuze shook his head, his tone serious, even carrying a hint of feigned maturity and calculation.
"I can afford to treat you to a meal. It's not like I'm trying to save face; I just want to invest in advance and get on your good side. You think about it, if I run into some thugs causing trouble in Hanjiang District or Yingwu District, I can mention your name, Brother Lu, and maybe I can avoid getting beaten up. Seven hundred yuan spent on medical expenses would be a huge loss, right?"
"Hahaha! You little rascal!" Lu Zihai burst into laughter at his straightforward yet clever remark.
"Okay, that's true! But let's get this straight: if you go looking for trouble, I won't stand for it. I won't help you, and I'll scold you."
"No way!"
Bai Yuzhe immediately assured him, his expression incredibly sincere and earnest, "I'm just an ordinary college student. My top priority right now is to graduate smoothly, get my diploma, and then find a good job in Maple Leaf District or Hanjiang District to work hard and earn money. Cause trouble? I don't have the time or the guts."
After a meal,
Lu Zihai's impression of Bai Yuze became increasingly clear:
An orphan, he lives a very frugal life, mainly relying on school scholarships and part-time jobs to make ends meet, but he is not stingy and is willing to spend money when necessary.
He is disciplined and follows procedures, and doesn't easily take advantage of others; he speaks frankly and is also a bit clever.
At least on the surface,
He's a young man I can get along with and who's worth helping.
original,
He had initially thought the task assigned to him by the captain was a tiring job, but now it seemed not so bad.
Thinking of this,
Lu Zihai nodded and assured him.
"Don't worry, we can't extend our reach that far in Maple Leaf District, but in Hanjiang District and Parrot District, our Containment Department still has some influence and knows some people."
Talking,
He seemed to suddenly remember something, and his tone became more relaxed. "Oh right, I was so focused on getting down to business and complaining just now. Do you... play games usually?"
"Sure, I play games," Bai Yuze nodded, saying modestly, "I've played a little bit of most games on the market, but I don't play them in depth, and my skill level is average."
"Do you want to play the 'Special Forces' game from the Xia Federation?"
Lu Zihai's eyes lit up immediately, and he hurriedly asked.
"Just playing around," Bai Yuze nodded in reply. "When I have free time, I play a few rounds with my seniors in the lab to relax."
"That would be great!"
Lu Zihai became interested, and the fatigue from the dinner seemed to have dissipated a lot. "I'll log in when we get back! I'll play a couple of rounds with you and see if you're really bad or just pretending to be modest."
If we're talking about what things can most ignite a man's passion,
A game,
The other one is SeSe.
correct,
There's another witness... but it's very easy to get invited over for tea.
On the way back,
Bai Yuzhe's phone screen suddenly lit up; it was a new message from the class monitor:
Shiracha Chika: "Shiracha-kun, is your new place all settling in?"
"Yes, the move is complete."
As he spoke, Bai Yuze casually snapped a picture of the night view and sent it over, saying, "The scenery here is alright."
Shirocha Chika: "That's good. By the way, where are you planning to go tomorrow to buy school supplies? We can arrange to meet up somewhere."
Bai Yuze: "You can decide, class monitor. I'll come find you later."
White tea Qianxia:
"Class funds are limited, and prices are relatively cheap in Hanjiang District, so every little bit helps. Or... should I just come to your place to find you?"
Bai Yuze: "Sweating.jpg"
Shirocha Chika: "Eh, is it inconvenient for you, Shiro-kun? If it's inconvenient, then never mind."
Bai Yuze: "No, no, of course you're welcome."
Immediately after replying, Bai Yuze sent the location of his new home.
Before graduation,
It's good to repay the favor I owe the class monitor.