We Barely Know Each Other, but I'm Living with a Stone-Faced Mechanic! - Chapter 21

Tao Ying stared at Qin Zheng for a moment before understanding.

After a brief silence, she confirmed, “You mean you want me to keep living at the shop?”

“Didn’t you like the terrace?” he countered.

She did. But did that mean living with Qin Zheng?

When someone hesitated, another person had to list the advantages and disadvantages and give them a push.

Qin Zheng lowered his eyes to her. “I didn’t mention it before because I’m a man. I knew you’d have concerns.”

“But after all the apartments we’ve viewed, you know what the market is like. Rather than rent somewhere that constantly worries you, you may as well live with me.”

“Whether you want three rules or a hundred, we can put every condition that protects you into a written contract.”

“The agreement can favor you without reservation. You’re a woman, and I understand you have more to consider.”

Tao Ying was astonished—and inevitably tempted.

“Why me?” She looked at him. “You weren’t planning to share this place before, were you?”

“I won’t hide it from you. A relative who works nearby wants to move in, and I’d rather he didn’t.”

Liang Chong had been messaging constantly about coming to experience ordinary life. Qin Zheng hadn’t replied once.

So it wasn’t exactly a lie.

Tao Ying nodded. She could understand that. Renting to a relative tangled money and feelings together. If the place were damaged, asking for compensation would be awkward.

“Are you allowed to sublet?”

“That’s nothing.” Qin Zheng laughed. Unable to remain serious for long, he began talking nonsense again. “Even if I’m not, I can say you’re my girlfriend. What’s the landlord going to do?”

“You—” Tao Ying choked. “You aren’t actually planning to use that solution, are you?”

“I’m joking. I’d be willing, but you’d have to agree.” He muttered the last part, then continued, “The landlord allows it. It’s written into the lease. Don’t worry.”

“Then…” Tao Ying looked up. “How much would you charge?”

“I’m not in the rental business, so I don’t know. I’ll ask the landlord when we get back.” Qin Zheng didn’t rush into a detailed figure.

“How much do you pay?”

“Don’t worry about that. My lease is different because of the shop. But no matter how different it is, I won’t charge you some outrageous sum. You’re only using one room.”

“All right.” Tao Ying’s brow relaxed. “Let’s go back first.”

She was truly exhausted.

“Take two days to think.” Qin Zheng walked around and got into the car. “Once you’ve decided, we’ll sign a contract.”

“Mm.”

She hadn’t made up her mind completely. Two days was more than enough.

On the road, Tao Ying received a message from Shu Ran saying she would visit tomorrow.

Only then did Tao Ying tell her the truth.

A long string of voice messages arrived. Tao Ying converted them to text, read them, then lowered her head and typed a summary of what had happened.

Worried, Shu Ran called directly.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Her tone was reproachful.

“I didn’t want you to worry.” Tao Ying softened her voice and patiently explained.

While checking the rearview mirror, Qin Zheng glanced at her. She was different with her friend—different words, tone, and expression.

“Tao Ying, are we still friends or not?”

“We are.” Tao Ying smiled. “I’ll come see you tomorrow. We can talk then.”

“Fine.”

Shu Ran was an only child who lived with her parents. Tao Ying couldn’t speak freely at their home, so they met at a nearby mall and went to a spa that afternoon.

When Shu Ran learned Tao Ying was currently living with Qin Zheng, her facial mask nearly slid off.

“You went to him instead of me?”

Tao Ying paused. “That sounds very strange.”

“How is it strange? You could stay at my house.” Shu Ran sounded jealous.

“Miss Shu, even with no traffic and every light green, it takes an hour to get from your home to my university.”

“Then… you still should’ve told me.”

Tao Ying raised an arm. “You didn’t see the goose bumps I had that night.”

“Stop. Don’t tell me any more.” Shu Ran bared her teeth in discomfort. “After hearing about it at lunch, I won’t dare look down from my building tonight.”

“You live with your parents. What are you afraid of?” Tao Ying laughed.

“Why don’t you move home, then?”

The smile faded from Tao Ying’s face. “You know my relationship with my mother.”

“But where safety is involved, surely Auntie would want you back?”

Tao Ying shook her head. “I don’t know.”

“You’re impossibly stubborn.” Shu Ran sighed.

Tao Ying smiled and changed the subject. “What are we eating tonight?”

“Let’s sit in the evening breeze. I found a new restaurant. It’s good.”

When they left the spa, the sky was still light.

A message from Qin Zheng arrived, asking whether she would be home for dinner.

Tao Ying slowed and replied.

Shu Ran nudged her. “Ms. Tao, are you coming home for dinner? My, my. You two are already living like a married couple.”

“Your mouth gets worse every day.” Tao Ying was helpless. “He was only asking politely.”

“Oh?” Gossip gleamed in Shu Ran’s eyes. “Have you decided whether to share the place with him?”

“More or less.”

“What kind of vague answer is that?” Shu Ran said, “But I think Boss Qin is a decent man. His hundred-rule contract would protect you.”

“Mm. Enough about that. Let’s eat.”

Tao Ying hadn’t wanted to go to the university for her car, so she’d taken the subway that morning. Shu Ran drove her back that night.

Unfortunately, it was too late for Shu Ran to come upstairs unannounced; she would only disturb people.

Before leaving, Shu Ran joked, “My main quest is voice acting, and my side quest is eating, drinking, and having fun with you. Boss Qin is the hidden dungeon. Who knows when I’ll finally unlock him?”

Tao Ying laughed. “Go home.”

Deeply disappointed, Shu Ran switched on her indicator and drove away.

The residential compound’s east gate didn’t remain fully open at night. A small pedestrian entrance stayed accessible until ten. With only a few minutes left, Tao Ying hurried through.

When she reached the second floor, Qin Zheng was tending the flowers on the terrace. She greeted him and went to her room.

Shu Ran’s words had left traces in her mind.

After showering, Tao Ying opened her phone and called Li Meijuan.

It rang four or five times before her mother answered.

“Mom. You’re still awake?”

Li Meijuan’s voice was cold. “What is it?”

“There’s a problem with the apartment where I was staying. If I moved back—”

“Who was it that walked out with that cold face? I told you then, if you’re so capable, don’t ever come back. And now, after only—”

Tao Ying ended the call.

She should never have made it. The humiliation was entirely self-inflicted.

She threw herself onto the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.

If her father were still alive…

She knew Li Meijuan blamed her. Tao Ying blamed herself too. Why had she quarreled with Tao Xi that day? Worse, why had she called their father to complain, making him detour to buy food to cheer her up?

Tao Ying turned and buried herself in the pillow.

Her emotions settled after a while. She suddenly sat up, crossed the living room, and went to the terrace.