We Barely Know Each Other, but I'm Living with a Stone-Faced Mechanic! - Chapter 16

Even though she knew who it was, Tao Ying still called through the door. “Who is it?”

“Ms. Tao, it’s your neighbor from 401.”

“What do you need?” Tao Ying instinctively opened her contacts.

“I have two unopened jars of honey at home. I brought them down for you to try.”

“No, thank you.” Tao Ying scrolled and found Qin Zheng’s number.

She had good reason to suspect the man’s intentions. It was ten thirty at night.

No normal person knocked this late to deliver gifts. He was either testing her or something was wrong with him.

Calling the police didn’t seem appropriate. He had done nothing but knock, with no threatening words or aggressive behavior. On the surface, it was ordinary interaction between neighbors.

If he was merely oblivious to social norms and genuinely wanted to deliver honey this late at night, calling the police would only inflame the situation. Tao Ying didn’t need a close relationship with her neighbors, but after working all day, she didn’t want to come home to gossip and accusations either.

After running through every possibility, she decided to trouble Qin Zheng.

“Ms. Tao, I’ll leave as soon as I give you the honey. I won’t be home tomorrow, so this was my only chance.”

He seemed determined to make her open the door.

“Wait a moment,” Tao Ying called loudly. “I need to put on a coat.”

At the same time, Qin Zheng answered.

“Hello, Ms. Tao?” He sounded surprised.

“Boss Qin, could I trouble you to come over?” She had no time for pleasantries. “My upstairs neighbor is trying to give me honey in the middle of the night. I’m home alone, and I don’t dare open the door.”

“Wait for me. Ten minutes—fifteen at the absolute most. Keep stalling.” His words came fast, his voice taut.

“Be careful too.”

“I will. Don’t hang up.”

“Okay.”

Qin Zheng swung the wheel and made an immediate U-turn. He had been driving home from the shop, in the opposite direction from Jinhua Gardens.

He had seen Tao Ying’s neighbor before and instinctively distrusted him. This late at night… The more Qin Zheng thought, the deeper his frown grew and the faster he drove.

Through the phone came intermittent knocks.

“Ms. Tao? Can you open the door?”

Tao Ying didn’t answer, pretending she was still searching for her coat.

Time became unbearably slow when she was deliberately trying to waste it. She knew that refusing to open the door much longer would reveal both her lie and her fear.

Three minutes passed. The knocking grew urgent and relentless. Gathering her coat around her, Tao Ying drew a deep breath and opened the inner door.

“Ms. Tao.” The man stared at her.

Perhaps it was only the late hour, but Tao Ying saw something sinister in his gaze.

She forced a smile. “I’m sorry. My boyfriend isn’t home yet, so it isn’t convenient for me to open the gate.”

The word *boyfriend* traveled through the phone to Qin Zheng.

So that was why she had called. She was using him as a shield.

He checked the rearview mirror. No cars behind him. Signaling, he turned. One kilometer straight ahead, and he would reach her complex.

“It’s fine. Just take this.” The man from 401 lifted the honey and smiled.

Tao Ying would never open the final gate. Feigning embarrassment, she said, “I couldn’t. I don’t even know your name. It wouldn’t be right to accept a gift.”

“My surname is Kong. Kong Chengping.” His eyes brightened.

“Kong? Someone in our office has that surname too—”

“It’s late, Ms. Tao. Take the honey inside.” Kong Chengping cut her off. “I need to go to bed too.”

Tao Ying’s expression stiffened. They faced each other in silence through the bars of the security gate.

Cold night air crept up the stairwell and seeped through her.

At the height of the standoff, someone entered the stairwell, humming a careless tune.

Tao Ying and Kong Chengping both turned toward the stairs.

Soon, a tall figure broke through the darkness and entered the small patch of light.

“Hm?” Qin Zheng looked baffled. He glanced at Kong Chengping, then at Tao Ying. “Babe, what’s going on?”

Relief swept through Tao Ying, along with the urge to bite her tongue. Qin Zheng had clearly heard through the phone that she was using him as an excuse.

“Oh, I heard you two were getting married,” Kong Chengping said, instantly transforming into an honest neighbor. “My family happened to have some honey, so I thought I’d bring it for Ms. Tao to try. We produce it ourselves. Business is difficult now, so I’ve been recommending it to the neighbors. You could use it in wedding gift boxes.”

“Getting married?” Qin Zheng looked at Tao Ying.

She lowered her head, her eyes darting everywhere except toward him.

“Yes. Ms. Tao said you were viewing apartments this afternoon.”

“I was.” Qin Zheng laughed and accepted the honey. “Thank you for bringing it down.”

“No trouble.” Kong Chengping stepped back.

Tao Ying opened the gate for Qin Zheng. He took her hand and said affectionately, “Perfect. Tomorrow I’ll make you steamed milk custard with honey and osmanthus.”

The door closed. Tao Ying was about to pull free when Qin Zheng raised a finger to his lips.

There was no sound outside. Kong Chengping probably hadn’t left.

“Say something,” Qin Zheng mouthed.

“All right.” Tao Ying understood immediately and raised her voice. “But two jars are too much. We won’t finish them.”

“It’s fine. Keep one for drinks.” Qin Zheng listened for movement outside. “I’ll use the other to make desserts for you.”

“Okay.”

Footsteps finally sounded outside. Kong Chengping went upstairs.

Tao Ying’s knees weakened. Braced against the entry cabinet, Qin Zheng caught her around the waist. His voice turned gentle with concern. “Did he scare you?”

“Sorry.” Tao Ying gripped the cabinet herself and stood upright.

Qin Zheng set the honey down and steadied her arm. “Let’s talk in the living room.”

Tao Ying had always believed she was levelheaded and reasonably brave. Yet a knock late at night had brought all of that crashing down.

They sat beside each other on the sofa. Seeing that she was still shaken, Qin Zheng placed a hand firmly against her back. He didn’t move it, only held it there.

The support seemed to anchor her. Tao Ying silently told herself to stay calm until her thoughts steadied.

At last, she turned and said with complete sincerity, “Thank you for tonight.”

He had come despite the possible danger to himself.

“You can’t keep living here.” Qin Zheng met her eyes, his expression grave.

“I know. It’s just…” Tao Ying frowned.

“Just what?” His brow tightened too. “What could matter more than your safety right now?”

“Nothing.” She struggled with herself.

“Ms. Tao, I came all this way despite the risk. Can’t you at least tell me the truth?”

Embarrassed, Tao Ying sighed. “The rent and layout suit me. I’ve viewed plenty of other places, but they’re expensive. I still have a car loan and everyday expenses.”

“Then share an apartment with someone.” Qin Zheng relaxed. He had feared something worse.

“Sharing would be cheaper,” she said, “but I don’t want to live with anyone.”

Besides the loss of privacy, there would be obligations and social niceties. It was exhausting.

Silence settled. Tao Ying felt awkward. Qin Zheng surely thought she was impossible to please.

“What if…” He hesitated.

“What?” Tao Ying looked at him.

Their gazes met. Qin Zheng said, “What if you stay at my shop for now?”