READ NOVEL ONLINE 69. Agh! My Eyes!
The landlord had been feeling pretty down lately. The beautiful high school girl renting his place on the fourteenth floor had just told him she’d be moving out. For a landlord who’d always harbored dreams of getting closer to a cute high school girl tenant, this news was a devastating blow.
Aside from being depressed, he was also puzzled. Just over a month ago, this girl had looked like she was struggling financially, wearing only one or two outfits. But recently, it seemed like her fortunes had turned—she wore a different outfit every day for an entire month without repeating.
He’d even started raising her rent bit by bit, hoping she’d be cornered into turning to him for help. So why, oh why, had things turned out like this?
“Could it be…?”
A sudden thought struck him, and he recalled how the high school girl had been going out early and returning late every day for the past month. Feeling a surge of excitement, he dashed out of his apartment without a second thought.
Moments later, he hurried back, grabbing his wallet before heading out again. His wife, absorbed in her Korean dramas, hadn’t even glanced up, occasionally exclaiming things like, “Oh, Oppa is so handsome!” and “I’m swooning—I need Oppa’s kiss to revive me!”
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It was a Thursday, and Ling Ning had arranged to take the day off to move out. The timing was no accident; her lease happened to end on a Thursday, and as a thrifty person, she wasn’t about to leave before getting every penny’s worth from her rent.
Fortunately, she didn’t have too much to move—mostly clothes and shoes for her and Ling Ye. Since the furniture belonged to the landlord, there was no need to move it. Any kitchenware she no longer needed she could just sell to the secondhand dealer downstairs. Apart from the clothes, there were only a few small items left to take.
Still, just the clothes were enough to make her trips back and forth. Qin Qing had given her so many outfits that even her own wardrobe required several trips to move. Ling Ye had quite a few outfits as well, as Qin Qing often made clothes for Ling Ye along with her daughter, Qin Sirou, who was about the same size.
As she was sorting through a drawer, a USB stick fell out of one of Ling Ye’s books. Curious, Ling Ning picked it up, noticing the word “TOP SECRET” written on it. She figured it probably belonged to her daughter, but out of respect for her privacy, she put it back without looking.
Seeing the hollowed-out book reminded her of her own teenage years when she’d hidden her “study materials” in a similarly disguised book. Nostalgic, she chuckled at the memory.
While cleaning out the bottom of the drawer, she even stumbled upon an old pair of bear-print underwear she thought she’d lost long ago. She’d been disappointed back then, assuming they’d blown away. After all, they’d been quite pricey, and she’d found them extremely comfortable.
But why were they here, and why was there hair on them?
Ling Ning squinted, pondering the mystery, but ultimately shrugged it off—she still had a lot to pack.
Once everything was packed, she double-checked to make sure nothing was left behind, then called for a moving truck. She planned to make two trips, with only small items left for the second one, so she could manage without hiring another truck.
When she returned to the old apartment for the remaining items, she found the landlord leaning against her door, seemingly waiting for her.
“Why the sudden move, Xiao Ning?” he asked with a sly smile as she approached.
Noticing his lecherous gaze, she frowned and replied coolly, “For personal reasons. Thank you for all your help over the years. I’ll be sure to visit when I have the chance.”
Of course, she didn’t mean it. She doubted she’d ever return to this place, especially since she’d heard rumors about upcoming redevelopment projects. Even if she came back, it wouldn’t look the same.
Just as she was about to leave with her remaining belongings, the landlord pulled out a wad of cash and waved it in front of her.
Confused, she eyed him suspiciously. She loved money, but she didn’t expect anyone to hand it over without a reason.
Seeing her puzzled expression, the landlord smirked and said, “Aren’t you in… that line of work? I’ll pay you if you spend a night with me.”
Finally understanding, Ling Ning’s eyes flashed with realization. He thought she was an escort! Did she really look the part? Why did so many people assume that about her? She wasn’t that desperate for cash… yet.
Seeing her silence, the landlord took it as agreement and reached out to embrace her. But she swiftly dodged, rummaging through her bag before pulling out a small bottle and spraying him directly in the eyes.
“Agh! My eyes!”
The line reminded her of something she’d heard from a certain chuunibyou (delusional young girl) in a café. Watching the landlord roll on the ground, clutching his eyes, she thought to herself, This pepper spray really does the trick!
With her last belongings in hand, she left the apartment she’d lived in for so long, without a backward glance.
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“Phew… I’m exhausted.”
Ling Ning collapsed onto the sofa, feeling completely spent. She hadn’t even had lunch, but at least everything was now organized. With her new, larger closet, she’d finally managed to fit most of her clothes, which was a relief.
Remembering that she still had to pick up her daughter from school, she forced herself up, determined to give Ling Ye a surprise with the new apartment.
Checking her phone for the time, she saw it was almost time for school to let out. She changed into fresh clothes, tidied her hair, and set off toward Ling Ye’s school.
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Author’s Note:
Stuck on a scene—what should I do?