The age gap between them was at least ten years, and their temperaments didn’t match at all. Liu Chao looked quite street-smart, whereas Shen Yurou, who hadn’t spoken much, seemed like a housewife. Who would’ve guessed they were a couple?
If Shen Yutong’s mom hadn’t spoken up, Zhou Wang almost thought Liu Chao was Shen Yutong’s dad!
"...Our Xiao Ming got into Caiyun University, so we came from Gui Province to send him off. We’re staying at Tongtong’s place for a few days, so, Mr. Landlord, please don’t mind us!"
After introducing everyone, Shen Yutong’s mother, Zhang Lifeng, said with an embarrassed smile.
"Got into Cai University? That’s great!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Wang glanced at Shen Yuming, who was sitting in a corner of the sofa playing with his phone.
"This kid is very smart and hardworking. Mostly, it’s thanks to his brother-in-law, who spent quite a bit on tutoring classes for him..."
Zhang Lifang was very proud, showering praises on Shen Yuming and mentioning Liu Chao’s contributions.
"Eh, it wasn’t much, just tens of thousands. The young man’s surname is Zhou, right? Come, have a cigarette!"
As Liu Chao said this, he opened a pack of Tianxia, handed one to Zhou Wang, and flashed the Rolex watch on his wrist.
"I was going to take them to a hotel, but they insisted it was a waste of money and wanted to squeeze in here... Haha, but Little Zhou, why would you think of buying an apartment? In this market, residential prices aren’t increasing, and an apartment seems an even worse investment?"
Liu Chao lit a cigarette as he spoke, and as Shen Yurou, who had been keeping her head down the whole time, seemed to relax a bit, she got up to bring an ashtray and silently picked up her son playing with toys.
Zhou Wang smiled, but before he could respond, the sound of the door lock turning was followed by a breathless Shen Yutong rushing inside.
Seeing Zhou Wang indeed sitting in the apartment, Shen Yutong, dressed in sportswear, froze, feeling even more embarrassed and anxious.
When she got Zhang Lifeng’s call, Shen Yutong initially thought she’d misheard. But once she confirmed the "landlord" suddenly appearing in the apartment was Zhou Wang, she hurriedly rushed back.
Her mind was a mess, practically running all the way back, and with every passing second, her sense of shame deepened.
When she had handed over the keys as a gift, Shen Yutong had felt both nervous and expectant, but when Zhou Wang gave no response and their contact remained infrequent, she gradually forgot about it with a bit of disappointment.
She never imagined Zhou Wang would appear at her apartment at such a time.
What she once dreamt of had happened, but unfortunately, at the worst possible moment...
"Tongtong, why are you just now coming back? Did you buy the slippers for your brother-in-law?"
"I forgot..."
Shen Yutong looked at Zhou Wang, still in turmoil, and absent-mindedly replied.
"What’s wrong with you, forgetting even a pair of slippers? I told you yesterday!"
Zhang Lifang seemed quite displeased, but Liu Chao chuckled, waving it off.
"It’s alright, I’ll manage another night. Yutong, you went to work part-time again, right? Come sit down and rest... As I said, you really don’t need to work part-time. Didn’t I tell you before, if you need money, just tell me, and I’ll give it to you!"
Shen Yutong didn’t respond, only walking up to Zhou Wang, twisting her fingers anxiously, and stammered: "Zhou Wang, I, I didn’t know you’d come suddenly, I’m sorry..."
"Why apologize to me? I’m the one who should feel sorry for showing up unannounced."
Zhou Wang simply smiled.
"Well... Zhou Wang, maybe we can discuss this outside..."
Shen Yutong bit her lip.
Just as Zhou Wang was about to nod in agreement, Zhang Lifang interjected: "What can’t be talked about here? We’ve been chatting just fine with Mr. Zhou..."
"Yeah, I feel a bond with Little Zhou too. Yurou, bring over the bottle of wine from this morning, I’ll have a couple of drinks with Little Zhou!"
Liu Chao waved his hand, instructing Shen Yurou, who was not far away.
"Forget it, I don’t drink much, and it’s about time for me to leave."
But Zhou Wang shook his head and stood up.
Liu Chao let out a surprised "Hey," about to persuade Zhou Wang to stay, when suddenly a crisp "clang" rang out near the French window, followed by a strong mix of rose and jasmine scent filling the room.
Others seemed confused, but once Shen Yutong snapped back, she quickly ran over and pulled her nephew to the side.
Seeing the shattered glass fragments of the bottle and the orange liquid soaking the floor, Shen Yutong turned back quickly and asked anxiously: "Mom, how come the bottle of perfume from my cabinet is here, did you give it to Yangyang to play with?"
"How would I know... Oh my, did Yangyang cut himself?"
Zhang Lifang hurried over, picking up the still giggling little boy.
"Mom, didn’t I say not to touch anything in my cabinet? Why didn’t you watch Yangyang!"
Shen Yutong continued to fret and question Zhang Lifang, glancing again at the spilled perfume, eyes growing a bit red.
"What can you do if a kid took it himself? A bottle of perfume costs how much, and Tongtong, you didn’t first check if Yangyang was hurt, instead focusing on your stuff. What kind of aunt are you!"
Zhang Lifang pulled a long face and scolded.
"Yutong, don’t worry. Did you really like that bottle of perfume? It’s okay, I’ll buy you another or just tell me the price, and I’ll transfer it to you!"
Liu Chao casually waved it off.
Only Shen Yurou glanced at Shen Yutong with something to say, but in the end, she said nothing.
Shen Yutong opened her mouth but ultimately stayed silent. She fetched a broom, clearing the floor with Shen Yurou’s help, then stood up and walked to Zhou Wang who had been watching.
"Zhou Wang, I’ll walk you out..."
She looked at Zhou Wang, her eyes still glistening, holding a trace of pleading.
"Alright."
Zhou Wang nodded, greeted Zhang Lifang and the others, and headed out.
"Hey, Tongtong, have Little Zhou stay a bit longer..."
Shen Yutong was already at the door waiting. Ignoring Zhang Lifang and Liu Chao’s attempts to make them stay, she followed Zhou Wang out, and with a "bang", shut the apartment door.
She could faintly hear Zhang Lifang mutter something in complaint, but it was inaudible past the door.
Shen Yutong kept her head down, silently trailing behind Zhou Wang until they neared the elevator, where Zhou Wang heard her sobbing intermittently.
"That... that bottle of perfume was Duoduo’s, a Burberry limited edition, costing over a thousand US dollars. Duoduo barely used it..."
Zhou Wang was taken aback, then turned to see Shen Yutong’s helpless expression, momentarily speechless.
He knew this apartment was Yu Duo’s, which was why he had dared to pose as the landlord. He was just curious: "Why didn’t you just tell them how much that perfume costs? Didn’t your brother-in-law say he could pay for it? He doesn’t seem to lack the means."
Shen Yutong seemed unsure how to answer or had too many thoughts, opening her mouth repeatedly, but saying nothing.
Seeing this, Zhou Wang asked: "Is there somewhere we can sit for a bit?"