In a room of about 15 square meters, there is a bed, a bathroom, a bedside table, and an electrical outlet.
At the entrance, there is a door, and beyond the door, all that meets the eye are high walls.
Yes, there were no windows. On the wall near the toilet, a small round mirror hung, suspended by a nail.
Zhao Yu felt that moving in here was like entering a prison, but at this moment, he had no way back.
He placed his backpack on the yellowing nightstand, plugged in his phone to charge, and decided to find a small shop to get something to eat.
Unexpectedly, within less than ten minutes, the landlady came in holding new bedding and sheets. "I've taken away the old sheets. I know you young people are particular, so I've replaced them with new ones. You can rest easy and sleep here."
The landlady efficiently helped Zhao Yu change the bed sheets and duvet cover. As she was leaving, Zhao Yu asked where he could find a small restaurant.
The landlady slapped her forehead, "Look at me, how could I forget! Don't worry about the meals, I'll cook! Your fee already includes the cost of food!"
The landlady hurriedly left, leaving Zhao Yu alone in a daze.
So, does the one hundred for three days actually include meals?
Did he misunderstand the landlady, misunderstand the simplicity of the people here?
Zhao Yu felt much more at ease, and his vigilance faded away, no longer worried about being deceived at any moment.
In less than half an hour, the landlady came up with a bowl of noodles and a bowl of vegetables, placing them directly on the bedside table. "These noodles are handmade by me, very chewy. The vegetables are homegrown too, minced meat with eggplant. Mix them together and eat, the taste is really good."
After the landlady left, Zhao Yu, who was eating noodles, suddenly felt that this wasn't so bad after all.
The taste of these noodles is truly on par with those from noodle shops, and the lady boss is an honest person. Such pure, natural vegetables are not cheap outside.
Staying here for three days isn't entirely unacceptable, but how should I report this to the director?
Before he could come up with an answer, Zhao Yu, whose eyelids were fighting to stay open, couldn't resist and fell asleep. It was the landlady who passed by from outside, took away the rice bowl, and conveniently closed the door.
When Zhao Yu woke up, it was already late. He took out his phone and turned on the light in the room.
He washed his face and went out. When he met the landlady, she was having dinner. Seeing him, she pulled him to join her and told him that the meal was included in the rent.
Dinner consisted of rice porridge, homemade cold dishes, and chive pockets.
The taste was extraordinarily good.
Two meals a day and a hundred for three days' rent is not expensive at all.
"Young man, is this your first time here? Don't be shy, if you haven't had enough, just let me know and I'll get you another bowl!"
After Zhao Yu declined the landlady's offer, he decided to go out for a walk.
"This street doesn't have much to see. If you want to go shopping, head south for about half an hour. There's an old street there, and you might find things you like."
After thanking the landlady, Zhao Yu left the inn.
There weren't many people on the street, and it didn't seem very lively. Perhaps everyone was busy having dinner at home.
But after walking for a short while, Zhao Yu heard the music that seemed to be the same across the entire country. Groups of middle-aged women, dressed in identical outfits, were marching in unison..
Zhao Yu couldn't help but marvel at the magic of square dancing; it truly captivates both the young and the old!
The originally quiet street suddenly felt familiar to Zhao Yu because of the magic of the square dance.
Passing by Wen's Psychological Clinic, Zhao Yu saw Dr. Wen bent over his desk, writing.
Upon closer inspection, the scene seemed somewhat unusual. It didn't look like he was writing at his desk; it seemed like he was... drawing... banknotes?
Zhao Yu remained silent for a few seconds, hesitating between greeting or not, "Xiao Zhao, why aren't you going in?"
Aunt Zhang happened to pass by and saw Zhao Yu standing at the window looking towards the clinic. It must be said, Aunt Zhang was quite the social butterfly. After just one visit, she was already affectionately calling him Little Zhao and was almost ready to introduce him to a potential match!
"Auntie, I saw Dr. Wen writing something, and I didn't want to disturb her."
Hearing Zhao Yu say this, Aunt Zhang quickly pulled him away from the window, her expression somewhat tense. "At this moment, you absolutely must not disturb Xiao Ying. Her work is especially exhausting!"
Aunt Zhang knew that Wen Ying was definitely casting a spell on that billion-dollar bill!
What if interrupting it causes all previous efforts to be in vain?
Isn't it said that such things should be done in one go?
"Auntie, are you going to dance in the square? Mr. Zhao, are you out shopping?"
Aunt Zhang was still thinking about continuing to remind Zhao Yu when they both heard Wen Ying's voice. Did she break it herself?
"Mr. Zhao, you didn't forget to bring your lighter when you went out, did you?" Wen Ying reminded.
Zhao Yu patted his pocket; he had it with him.
Aunt Zhang said a couple of words, then was called away to dance.
Zhao Yu stood in front of Wen Ying, and facing this girl who was even younger than him, he suddenly felt an immense pressure.
It was as if standing before him was a seasoned senior, a mysterious master.
"If you want to go to the old street, you should go earlier. It probably closes around nine, but there's a last bus at eight, so you can make it."
Wen Ying watched Zhao Yu leave, then planned to close up after drawing two more banknotes.
At exactly eight o'clock in the evening, the already closed door was pushed open by Zhao Yu. His whole body was trembling, and after crashing through the door, he sat down on the floor, his face showing panic, fear, confusion, and dread.
The moment he saw Wen Ying, he couldn't hold back his tears any longer. "Dr. Wen, I... I... I saw a ghost! What should I do? Am I going to die?"
Zhao Yu sat on the ground, not getting up, continuously sobbing and talking, his voice somewhat hoarse, clearly quite frightened.
There was a swollen bump on the forehead and scratch marks on the face.
The whole person was completely different from when they left.
Wen Ying poured a glass of water for Zhao Yu, gently pulled him to sit on the chair, and said softly, "Have some water first."
Zhao Yu drank the water in the cup in one gulp, staring at Wen Ying, unwilling to leave.
"Didn't you light the lighter?" Although she could see it, Wen Ying still asked slowly.
Zhao Yu shook his head. "I thought she was a local girl, alone so late at night, so I came back with her. Who knew the bus would break down on the way... It was then I realized she wasn't human... How could I think about anything else! I was scared to death."
"Don't be afraid, she didn't follow you."
Hearing Wen Ying's words, Zhao Yu finally felt relieved. He looked outside the clinic with lingering fear, but his legs were still trembling, clearly unable to stand.
"When you came to find me during the day, did you happen to pick up a pair of shoes?"
Zhao Yu looked at Wen Ying in confusion, then seemed to remember something and nodded. "It was right when we got off the car. There was a stretch of dirt road outside and a few trees. I did see a pair of beautiful shoes. At the time, I thought—"