Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Fang Auntie's Surprise
Upon entering the internet café, Fang Zhiya was struck by the bustling scene.
The place was packed with customers, and the clatter of keyboards and animated conversations filled the air. The energy of the room was almost tangible, leaving her in disbelief.
"This place is thriving… The revenue from this kind of crowd must be at least twenty to thirty thousand a month!"
She glanced at Li Zhiyan, her eyes filled with astonishment. How could an eighteen-year-old run such a successful business?
Reaching Zhiyan's desk, she realized there weren't enough chairs, so she settled on the edge of his seat. The summer heat and her earlier errands had left her a little drained.
While her initial intention was to explore the world of young people, her gaze kept drifting back to Zhiyan.
This boy… He's so mature for his age.
Meanwhile, Li Siyu, sensing the moment, made a quick exit. He smirked to himself as he stepped outside. Zhiyan's probably going to help his classmate's family by adding a second child… Better give him some space.
---
"Fang Auntie," Zhiyan asked with a polite smile, "what kind of password do you want for your QQ account?"
She thought for a moment. "Just use six zeros."
Zhiyan chuckled at the familiarity. His mom used the same password for everything. Were all aunties like this?
"That's too simple, Auntie. It's easy for hackers to guess."
"Then you decide. I'll use whatever you set up for me."
He thought for a moment and typed, "Let's use your name's initials, six zeros, and then the initials again. It's easy to remember but much safer."
"Alright, I'll leave it to you."
Once the account was created, Zhiyan took her pink BBK music phone. "Does your phone already have QQ installed, Auntie?"
"I'm not sure. I've never tried."
After a quick check, Zhiyan found the pre-installed QQ app. "It's here. Let me log you in. I've already added myself as a contact, so anytime you get a message, it's probably from me."
He patiently explained how to use the app, showing her the basics of sending messages and checking notifications.
---
Just as they were chatting, the system issued a new mission:
"Because Fang Zhiya might face safety issues when renting a place alone, accompany her and pose as her son. Also, find an opportunity to hug her. Reward: ¥10,000."
Zhiyan raised an eyebrow. The task seemed easy, though the reward was modest compared to past missions. Hugging her might be the only tricky part, but posing as her son provided a perfect excuse.
Money is money. Time to act.
Pointing to a small eatery across the street, Zhiyan suggested, "Auntie, let's grab a quick bite before we head out."
"Alright."
As they crossed the street, Fang Zhiya glanced at Zhiyan, her heart swelling with mixed emotions.
Her son's classmate, someone who should have every reason to dislike her family, was going out of his way to help. Meanwhile, her own son wouldn't even answer her calls.
If only Zhiyan were my son…
Zhiyan caught her wistful look and immediately recognized it. He had seen that expression before—in Gu Wanzhou and Rao Shiyun. It was the look of a mother who wished he were her child.
But no thanks. I already have a mom, and she's more than enough.
As they settled down to eat, Fang Zhiya hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Zhiyan, Auntie has something to ask you. Would you be willing to help?"
Zhiyan already knew what she was about to say. A single woman renting a place alone was bound to face challenges, especially someone as stunning as her.
"Of course, Auntie. If it's something I can help with, I'll do my best. You're very important to me."
Her eyes misted. The kindness in his words was overwhelming, especially after her own son had shut her out. She felt undeserving of such care.
After a moment of hesitation, she finally said, "Zhiyan… could you come with me this afternoon to rent a place? Pretend to be my son, just for a while. It's not convenient for a woman to go alone…"
He smiled warmly. "No problem, Auntie. I'll help you."
---
That afternoon, Zhiyan called a taxi, and the two headed to a run-down urban village.
Fang Zhiya had just enough money for a cheap rental, thanks to the ¥10,000 Zhiyan had retrieved for her. The area was filled with makeshift buildings and unauthorized constructions, the type that didn't come with property deeds.
Their prospective landlord was an elderly couple, both exuding the pride typical of locals who owned multiple rental properties. Despite their demeanor, they were welcoming enough as they showed off the seventh-floor units.
"Our sixth and seventh floors are designed for renters," the old woman explained. "Each room is 20 square meters, with a shared bathroom downstairs—just ¥2 a month for upkeep."
"For cooking, there's a communal coal stove. Very convenient. And we've even included an electric fan for you to use."
She beamed. "The rent is just ¥300 a month, six months minimum. It's a cozy place. You and your son can make do with one bed, can't you?"
Fang Zhiya nodded reluctantly. The price was unbeatable, even if the conditions were less than ideal.
Zhiyan, however, wasn't as impressed. The room was a bare-bones setup, with no curtains on the windows and little privacy. The communal coal stove posed a safety hazard, and the space barely fit a bed and a table.
Outside, a few curious neighbors gathered, eyeing the new renters. One middle-aged man in particular couldn't hide the glint in his eyes as he ogled Fang Zhiya.
But upon spotting Zhiyan, the man quickly averted his gaze. So she has a son. Better not stir up trouble.
"We'll take it," Fang Zhiya finally said.
The elderly landlady handed them a pair of standard contracts. "Sign here. Oh, by the way, you two don't look much alike."
Zhiyan laughed and, without hesitation, wrapped an arm around Fang Zhiya's waist, pulling her close.
"Auntie, where do we not look alike?" He grinned cheekily. "Look at us again—we're the spitting image of each other!"
The sudden embrace caught Fang Zhiya off guard. Her body instinctively tensed, but Zhiyan held her firmly, his head resting lightly on her shoulder.
His warmth and the faint, clean scent of his cologne sent her thoughts spiraling.
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