"You're saying this is your house? Well, these are my slippers, and over here is my wardrobe. Look, all these clothes are mine! And my toiletries are here, along with my keys. Call the police? Go ahead and try!" Ms. Wang pointed out each piece of evidence indignantly.
Ye Fei was dumbfounded, thinking back to the dispute between the landlord and this woman. If even the landlord couldn't handle her and was trying to negotiate, she really was trouble. He should have called someone to change the locks earlier, knowing this.
"I don't care. The house is rented to me now. Pack up your things and leave," Ye Fei declared.
Having spent over a month in Tianjin, Ye Fei was no longer the clueless novice he once was. Moreover, during his time in detention, the old man had taught him many things. These experiences wouldn't manifest immediately; they would only show when facing specific situations.
Previously, he wouldn't have been able to say such things. It's like digging for gold – if not for enduring so much and suffering injustices, he might not have had the courage. After all, he hadn't lost his simple nature back then. Being detained, losing his job, the Ye Fei of the past was gradually changing.
Hearing this, Wang Yue laughed, flicked the ash into the ashtray, and looked at Ye Fei with a smirk. "You're quite bold, little brother. What can you do to make me leave?"
After saying this, she stood up, walked over to Ye Fei with her cigarette, and pressed her chest against him.
Ye Fei blushed and took a few steps back shyly. "Don't come any closer! If you do, I'll call the police."
Back in high school, Ye Fei was a fairly honest boy. Although he had crushes, they were just vague infatuations, and he hadn't really interacted with girls. Especially not with someone like Wang Yue, exuding mature allure.
Despite stepping back, Ye Fei couldn't help but steal a glance at Wang Yue's ample bosom. This was the nature of a young man.
Wang Yue noticed Ye Fei's flushed face and his stolen glances. She didn't hold back, instead, she emphasized her chest and teased, "So, you're still a greenhorn. Want to try something new? If you want to look, then look openly. Why peek? Let big sister give you a good look!"
She then pressed closer, and Ye Fei, feeling both embarrassed and angry, retreated several steps and said, "I wasn't peeking. It's my house. I've paid rent, and I have a contract! Now pack up and leave, or I'll call the police. Also, have some self-respect and stop pressing against me."
Saying this, Ye Fei took out his phone, pretending to call the police. In truth, he despised the police now; after all, the days in detention hadn't been easy, and he had seen the true faces of the guards.
Originally, he hadn't wanted to force this woman out and had planned to discuss it. But her unconventional behavior had angered him, or rather, made him feel embarrassed. After all, he was just a young man with fragile pride. Wang Yue's words had struck a chord, and his anger probably stemmed from that.
Ye Fei's words also irked Wang Yue; a hint of sorrow flashed across her face. "Have some self-respect? Haha, how can I have any?"
Seeing Ye Fei's anger, she realized there was no point in saying more. She packed her clothes into a suitcase, and ten minutes later, everything was ready. Throughout the process, she wore a sad expression, leaving Ye Fei feeling puzzled and somewhat sour.
After packing, Wang Yue looked at the furious Ye Fei, took her suitcase, and walked to the door. Sadly, she said, "You're kicking me out too. Men like you aren't any good. It's late, and I have no money. Where do you expect me to go?"
Ye Fei grimaced. "Don't tell me that. I don't know you. Please leave." He was afraid he'd relent and let her stay. He remembered what the cattle boss had said about her being trouble. Since she was trouble, it was best to send her away sooner.
Wiping away a tear behind her sunglasses, Wang Yue said, "You might not know me, but you're the reason I'm being forced out. If it weren't for you, I could have stayed here! I have nowhere to go now. Are you happy?"
With that, she walked out, slamming the door shut. Ye Fei was stunned. He wasn't heartless; in fact, he was quite generous. He had simply been single-minded about getting rid of her and hadn't thought much about it. But her departing words left him bewildered.
Recalling her words – no money, nowhere to stay – Ye Fei looked outside. It was getting dark, and he felt worried. A girl like her, dragging a large suitcase, with nowhere to sleep... What if something happened?
The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. Eventually, he couldn't resist and walked out.
Wang Yue stood at the elevator with her suitcase, hearing the door behind her open. She smirked triumphantly, but the smile quickly faded, replaced by the same pitiful expression as before.
As Ye Fei approached her, he hesitated before finally speaking. "It's late. Just stay here for the night."
Wang Yue pitifully replied, "I'd better sleep on the streets to avoid you calling the police, lest I be accused of burglary."
Blushing, Ye Fei awkwardly said, "Where will you go this late? Fine, we agreed – just one night. Tomorrow morning, you leave."
Wang Yue thought to herself, "This guy thinks he can kick me out after I've already moved in. Dream on."
The man said casually, "Got it, thanks!" as he dragged his suitcase. Noticing this, Ye Fei came over and picked up the suitcase to lead the way.
Fei said after entering the room, "I'm Ye Fei, what's your name?"
"I'm Wang Yue, you can call me Sister Wang!" Wang Yue replied.
Unhappy, Ye Fei muttered, "How are you older than me?"
About to tease Ye Fei, Wang Yue suddenly thought of his reaction earlier and decided to be cautious. "I'm twenty-two this year, not older than you," she explained.
Unable to come up with a response, Ye Fei grumbled, "Sister Wang, huh! I don't care about the past. I've already rented this place. I'll take the big room, and you can have the small one. Find somewhere else tomorrow morning!"
After saying this, Ye Fei went into the large bedroom that Wang Yue used to stay in. Wang Yue thought to herself that he was a barbaric man without any gentlemanly manners. She felt unlucky to have encountered such a landlord. If she had met a mature man, he would not only have allowed her to stay but also tried to please her, maybe even let her stay in the big room. Now, she was stuck pretending to be pitiful just to stay, relegated to the small room where she used to store miscellaneous items. It was infuriating.
Despite her situation, she was determined to stay. As an intimate friend, she knew too much about Xiao Fei, so if she didn't tread carefully, she could be in danger. Her plan was to stay, make Xiao Fei let down his guard, and then find an opportunity to leave the city. With her savings, she could live a decent life.
Meanwhile, Ye Fei had completely forgotten about Wang Yue. When she entered to pack her things, he was dumbfounded. The French windows, the purple curtains, the huge double bed, the red bedspread, the solid wood wardrobe, and the ultra-thin TV on the wall—these were all scenes he had only seen on TV. He never expected to live in such a place.
Excitedly, he put down his canvas bag and jumped onto the bed. "Is this real? It feels like a dream," he thought. Suddenly, he caught a strange fragrance and kissed the bedsheet. "So fragrant, what scent is this?" he wondered.
"Nice, isn't it? This is my bed!" Wang Yue teased, her voice full of amusement.
Startled, Ye Fei sat up abruptly, blushing and indignant. "How did you barge in?" he demanded.
Wang Yue laughed, "The door wasn't locked. Why couldn't I come in? It smells good, doesn't it?"
"Good!" Ye Fei admitted, feeling embarrassed.
After she left, Ye Fei quickly closed the door, still blushing. "But it's really fragrant. How could her bed smell so nice?" he pondered.
Thirty minutes later, they sat in the dining room. Ye Fei was surprised by the spread. "Sister Wang, why did you make so much food? It must have cost a lot. Let me pay you!" he insisted.
Wang Yue responded, "Nonsense! It's all from the fridge. Consider it a celebration for your new home."
Embarrassed, Ye Fei started eating. Wang Yue poured some red wine for herself and for Ye Fei. Anxious, he protested, "I can't drink. Last time, I blacked out."
With a sly smile, Wang Yue reassured him, "This is sweet grape wine, low in alcohol. Even I, as a woman, can handle it. What's there to fear, big guy?"
With no other choice, Ye Fei raised his glass and took a sip. "Sister Wang, your cooking is delicious!" he complimented.
Amused, Wang Yue encouraged, "If you like it, have more! Come on, let's have another drink!"
Licking his lips, Ye Fei realized it was his first time drinking red wine, and it was indeed enjoyable and not too strong. He raised his glass again and took another sip.