Chapter 23: Bad Luck

As soon as he stepped into the apartment building, Chang Yu was stunned by the elegant and refined decor of the lobby. The golden marble floors, walls inlaid with tiles as bright as mirrors, and the crystal chandelier in an unmistakable European style—all of it was a world apart from his own dilapidated old neighborhood, a place so lofty it seemed out of reach. Yet now, what was once unattainable was right before his eyes, within arm’s reach.

Taking the elevator, the two of them arrived at the eighteenth floor. Wang, the chubby man, took out a key and opened the door to apartment 1804.

“Come in and take a look, no need to change your shoes.” Seeing Chang Yu’s reserved expression, Wang wasted no words and pulled him inside.

Turning on the lights, Wang introduced, “The construction quality here is excellent; the soundproofing is superb, which makes it very popular among white-collar workers.”

“Our place is decorated in the most fashionable style for young people nowadays—simple, spacious, stylish, and elegant. All appliances are complete, even the kitchenware is ready. You can just move right in.”

“The only drawback is the size—it’s just over forty square meters, a typical one-bedroom, one-living room, one-bath, one-kitchen layout. But you live alone, so the space should be more than enough.”

Chang Yu glanced around the apartment, his heart brimming with delight. The white walls, exquisite ceiling, warm-toned tiles, and broad floor-to-ceiling windows made the space inviting despite its modest size. As Wang had said, the apartment boasted a full suite of modern appliances: the latest water heater, fridge, television, washing machine, ventilation hood—even the air conditioning was top-notch.

The furniture was nearly new and of high quality, from the coffee table to the dining table and wardrobe, all crafted from fine wood. The postmodern simplicity and freshness of the style was refreshing, making it hard to leave.

Chang Yu took to the apartment instantly—a mysterious sense of affinity, as if it had been designed to his taste, perfectly matching his idea of home.

“Brother Wang, the size is already generous. My last place was only thirty square meters. Compared to that, your apartment feels much more spacious.”

“And my previous home was far inferior in both environment and decor. I think your place is excellent,” Chang Yu said sincerely.

“Haha, as long as you like it.” Wang patted his shoulder.

“By the way, Brother Wang, how much is the rent here?” Chang Yu suddenly asked.

He had already made up his mind: if the rent was reasonable, he would rent the apartment. If it was too expensive, beyond his expectations and means, he’d stay only a few days and move out as soon as possible.

“Well, the apartment isn’t large, but it’s in a prime location,” Wang replied with a smile. “Plus, the decor, furniture, and appliances are all good. It’s twenty-five hundred a month.”

“Hmm... that’s not cheap.” Chang Yu frowned, clearly surprised by the price.

Twenty-five hundred—a figure that meant after a month of hard work, he’d make nothing and even lose five hundred. His finances would be in the red; such a deal was hardly worthwhile.

“Actually, it’s already quite a bargain—not expensive at all.” Wang earnestly assured him, “That’s just my usual fair price. If it were someone else, renting this place for three thousand wouldn’t be unusual.”

“That’s true. For a place like yours, three thousand wouldn’t be unreasonable,” Chang Yu nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.

Not all apartments are alike; this one was worth the price. Even if Wang asked for three thousand, there would still be plenty of people eager to rent it.

“Since you seem to like it, just stay here for now. When you find a suitable place, you can move out,” Wang said, giving Chang Yu a hearty pat on the shoulder.

The subtext was clear: as long as Chang Yu wanted, he could stay indefinitely, and never worry about paying.

“Thank you so much, Brother Wang!” Chang Yu didn’t stand on ceremony; a place to settle was exactly what he needed most right now. As for Wang’s implied generosity, Chang Yu understood but simply smiled it off.

He wouldn’t take advantage of Wang; he’d just stay a few days, and move out once he found another home.

“Say, why not move in tonight? I’m free and can help you carry your things,” Wang suggested, treating Chang Yu as a true friend.

Chang Yu was overjoyed. “That’s great! I was worried about moving—those moving companies charge extortionate rates.”

Only those who’ve struggled in society know how precious it is to have someone genuinely willing to help.

“My luggage isn’t much—just some clothes and pots and pans. I reckon one trip with your car will do,” Chang Yu said.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get going!” Wang replied.

...

As Chang Yu had said, his belongings were few: three large cardboard boxes, two suitcases—that was all he owned.

The two of them moved everything out of Aunt Zhang’s rented room, loaded up the car’s trunk and back seat, and drove back.

“Chang Yu, your luggage is really meager—just a few things, it’s downright shabby,” Wang joked, hands on the wheel. “When my wife and I moved, we needed three big trucks and still couldn’t fit everything!”

“Brother Wang, you have a big family and enterprise, I’m just a solitary soul, how can I compare?” Chang Yu rubbed his nose, a little embarrassed.

“My wife always says, living means equipping yourself—prepare everything you need, never shortchange yourself,” Wang said, lighting a cigarette.

“Sister-in-law is clearly someone who loves life. Living with such a person, you’re bound to have comfortable days,” Chang Yu replied, skillfully taking a cigarette from Wang’s pack and lighting it.

“Don’t worry, you’re still young. Even if things are tough now, you might just prosper in the future,” Wang comforted him, worried Chang Yu might feel discouraged.

“That’s true—I’m quite confident about that,” Chang Yu grinned, full of self-assurance.

With his talent for retrieving things from dreams, Chang Yu believed it would be hard not to become wealthy.

“Haha, that’s the spirit!” Wang laughed heartily, exchanging a glance with Chang Yu.

Chang Yu’s previous place was remote and far from his new home; it took Wang over fifty minutes to drive to the apartment building.

After moving everything in, Wang took out a small magnetic card and a key from his pocket, handing them to Chang Yu.

“This is the entry card and door key—don’t lose them, it’s a hassle to replace.”

“It’s getting late, I should head home. You’ll have plenty to sort out after moving, so I won’t intrude.”

Taking the card and key, Chang Yu grabbed Wang’s hand and said, “Brother Wang, we’ve been so busy we forgot the time—it’s already past seven. Tonight, I insist on treating you to dinner as a thank you.”

“No need to be so polite. If anyone’s treating, it should be me. As your older brother, I can’t let you spend money,” Wang replied, genuinely caring for Chang Yu.

“Tonight marks my housewarming, and I wouldn’t have a place to stay without your help. I must treat you tonight,” Chang Yu insisted, leaving Wang no room to refuse.

“All right, I know a nearby street stall—good food, fair prices. Let’s go there,” Wang suggested, down-to-earth and unfazed by fancy restaurants.

They took the elevator downstairs. Just as they stepped out the door, they ran into an unexpected acquaintance.

“Old Wang, it’s been ages!” A slick uncle in a tailored suit greeted Wang warmly. His hair was curly and voluminous, a cigarette dangling from his lips, and a stunning woman in a cheongsam was at his side.

From his style and aura—reminiscent of Grandpa Yu—it was unmistakably Mr. Zhao Dasheng.

But this time, Zhao looked different—more precisely, a bit miserable. His arms and legs were wrapped in thick plaster, one arm propped on a crutch.

His good arm was tenderly supported by the cheongsam beauty, and his face bore traces of bruises and scrapes.

Wang turned and greeted the newcomer, “So it’s Mr. Zhao. My wife told me about your misfortune. Your health is still fragile—you should be resting in the hospital.”

“It’s too stifling in the hospital, so I thought I’d get some air. Just happened to run into you,” Zhao replied in a gravelly voice.

Then Zhao’s gaze shifted to Chang Yu, who was hiding behind Wang, a look of puzzlement on his face. “This young man looks familiar. Have we met somewhere?”

Called out, Chang Yu instinctively shrank back, thinking, how could he not look familiar?

Their relationship was more than just a passing acquaintance. Including this encounter, Mr. Zhao had seen Chang Yu three times—though perhaps Zhao only remembered two.

From the moment he saw Zhao, Chang Yu had discreetly kept behind Wang, trying to minimize his presence. He kept his head low, avoiding eye contact, fearing Zhao might recognize him.

If Zhao realized he was the one who gave him that beating the other night, Chang Yu would be in serious trouble.

Zhao was not one to swallow his losses, and he certainly wouldn’t let Chang Yu off easily. He would surely end up in a police station!

What you fear always comes to pass.

Such rotten luck...