Ava's eyes brightened, and she asked, "Are you saying that, with the first scenario, we borrowers wouldn't need to repay Small Bank at all? Like, total debt forgiveness?"
I nodded, replying, "Yes, that's what I believe. Small Bank will likely have to swallow this mess whole. But even if that doesn't happen, don't rush to start repayments. First, give Small Bank a call and tell them you don't have the funds to pay the loan right now."
"Then, mention you don't want a bad credit record and are open to negotiation. Whatever terms they offer, don't agree right away—say you need a few days to consider. Use that time to drag things out. Also, file a complaint with the EBIRC (Eldrea Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission), explaining that you're a victim of BeNest Apartment's shady practices and Small Bank's predatory lending. Lay out the details of your loan, and ask them to look into it and provide a response. Playing both ends should buy you a good amount of time."
Ava looked a bit uncertain. "Will that really work?"
"It should. You're a genuine victim here, so you have every right to push back. With a complaint like this, EBIRC might at least hold off on pressing you for repayments and won't put this on your credit record until there's an outcome. Best case, more people like you complain, forcing the government to take Small Bank to task."
"A few years back, several long-term rental companies went bust too, and some people found a resolution through this same process." I shrugged. "Anyway, your goal is to wait—for a formal government response, for Small Bank to make an offer—before deciding your next steps."
Ava was quiet for a long moment before she looked up, meeting my gaze seriously. "I'll do it. Tomorrow, I'll call them. Thank you, Lucas, for all your advice."
She paused, then added with a hint of gratitude, "Not long ago, I really thought I was at a dead end. I asked so many people, even consulted lawyers, but all I got was the vaguest of advice. And here you are, an outsider to this mess, yet you seem to understand it so clearly... If only I'd had half your smarts right after graduation."
I smiled reassuringly. "Don't think that way. Your straightforwardness kept you from imagining such nasty tricks in the first place."
"Honestly, if everyone were as kind-hearted as you, society would be a much better place. Me? I'm just a bit more... jaded, so I tend to see through these ugly schemes faster."
A small smile appeared on Ava's clear, elegant face. "Jaded, huh? More like smooth-talking… But I do feel better. I hope you're right."
That night, lying in bed, I found myself replaying our conversation, feeling a bit of a headache coming on,'My predictions should be accurate, but Ava's previous state showed she was close to breaking down. If this lifeline turns out to be a mirage, that'd be a real problem. And, from what I recall, she hasn't even found a new job yet… Well, let's hope she lands one soon. Having an income and some hope of paying off debts—that's what gives people real motivation.'
After that night, things between Ava and me weren't quite as distant. But I was still spending most of my days at the dojo, and aside from the occasional greeting when we crossed paths at home, we didn't interact much.
By early December, Transcendence Space had opened, and I logged in to check out the details of my latest mission.
Fortunately, this time the instructions weren't as cryptic as before, and I managed to get a decent grasp of what I was supposed to do and what this so-called Dimensional Exploration Mark actually was.
Of course, understanding was one thing; knowing what to prepare was another. So, I settled back into my usual training routine.
During this period, I also chatted with Danny and Angela a few times, though none of it was particularly important. Honestly, I suspected the two of them had some secret scheme going on, excluding me on purpose.
After weeks of intense training, I could finally feel some real progress. My muscles had grown visibly, and I felt more energized each day. My deadlift weight had hit 70 kilos, which was impressive given I used to struggle with even 50. Squats? Well, maybe because Master Takayashi's a martial artist and emphasizes a solid stance, I'd managed a respectable 85 kilos there.
My bench press was still lagging, stuck at a measly 55 kilos. Master Takayashi told me my strength gains were steady and about average, but it did get me wondering—'wasn't I here to learn martial arts? Why did my progress seem entirely strength-focused? At least my Taichi routines have improved. I can go to the park in the morning and put on a show—perfect form, every move precise. I will even started to enjoy it. But the Wuji stance? Despite perfecting the posture, I still hadn't grasped the feeling behind it.
Several weeks passed this way, until, finally, mid-December brought a major shift.
That evening, after training, I was at home browsing online when I came across a news post: Small Bank has announced that they have formulated a solution that would allow BeNest Apartment's renters to clear their debts even if they stop paying their rent loans.
"Huh? Could it be…?" I quickly clicked in to read the details, and after checking a few more sources, it was confirmed. Small Bank had indeed accepted the full burden of this bad debt.
According to their statement, if a BeNest Apartment tenant returned their apartment, they could sign an agreement allowing BeNest's unpaid rent to offset the tenant's loan balance with Small Bank. Meaning, if Small Bank wanted to recoup this loss, they'd have to take it up with BeNest.
'Well-deserved!' I immediately knocked on Ava's door. "Ava, you around? Did you see the news? Small Bank agreed to cancel the rent loans."
The door swung open, and Ava's face lit up in surprise. "Really?"
I quickly summarized what I'd read. "They're even planning to waive interest, extend terms, and stop collections until 2023. Since you can cancel the debt now, there's no need to pay it back. You could probably apply tomorrow."
Ava's face was a mixture of disbelief and relief. "Just… like that? Small Bank's really covering this?"
I shrugged. "If they didn't, it'd mean a credit crisis for tens of thousands of people, a massive breach of social trust, anger at the government for not stepping in. A disaster for public confidence. In other words, government doesn't mess around."
Ava tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I suppose that's true… It's a good thing I took your advice, called Small Bank and the EBIRC, and held off on any payments. Now, finally, I can breathe again."
She looked at me with genuine gratitude. "Lucas, thank you so much."
I shook my head. "We're friends. It's what friends do. I've been posting similar advice online, hoping to help others in the same boat. It doesn't fix everything, though—renters still have to pay extra to stay on, whether they're in their original apartment or, like you, finding a new place."
After a thoughtful pause, Ava said, "How about this—are you still eating at the dojo this week? I'm no expert, but I could at least cook a meal to thank you."
Grinning, I replied, "Oh, I won't say no to that. A gorgeous roommate making dinner for me—that's what dreams are made of."
She rolled her eyes. "Tomorrow night, then?"
"Perfect! I'll pick up some groceries on the way home. I'll show you I can cook too. We'll team up for a celebration of your new debt-free status."
"But, wait," she protested. "I'm the one who's supposed to thank you."
I grinned slyly. "Of course. But I'm also celebrating your victory. If all goes well, tomorrow's the day you'll officially cut ties with Small Bank. That deserves a feast, don't you think?"
Pushing her hair back, she sighed. "Fine, fine. Anything you especially like? I'll see what I can make."
I waved off her question. "I'm not picky. But if I had to pick, farmhouse stir-fry and garlic cabbage are my favorites. What about you?"
Ava noted it down. "Me? Hmm… I really like fish," she admitted shyly. "I haven't had it in ages. Too pricey."
I clapped my hands together. "Done! Tomorrow, I'll make us some classic southern steamed fish, plus a nice, rich fish soup. Just talking about it is making me hungry."
———
The next day, Ava shared the news—her application was approved. All that was left was for Small Bank to handle the final paperwork. In celebration, we agreed to hit up the local market together to pick up ingredients.
"Hey, Ava, I'm here. Where are you? Okay, wait for me." I arrived at the market entrance and soon spotted her.
She was carrying a plastic bag, wearing that same black hoodie from the first time we met, paired with blue jeans and a light-colored knit cap. But there was one key difference.
The frail, melancholic aura she used to have was gone, replaced by a warm smile radiating with newfound vitality. It was the first time I'd seen her look like this in the month we'd been living together.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." I jogged up to her.
Ava shook her head. "Not at all, I just got here."
"Alright, let's get moving."
As we strolled through the market, picking out ingredients, we greeted the vendors here and there. Ava seemed to be on familiar terms with quite a few of them and even managed to snag a few discounts.
Meanwhile, I, who'd lived in this area for nearly four years, felt like a complete outsider, 'Sigh… such are the perks of being good-looking.'
"Oh, hey! Isn't this Little Lucas? Haven't seen you in ages. What's been keeping you so busy?" The fishmonger auntie spotted me and looked a bit surprised to see me back after so long.
"Auntie, I've been tied up with club activities lately. No time to cook, so I haven't been around much. But today, I'm back to my old ways."
She gave us both a once-over, then flashed a knowing smile. "This young lady wouldn't happen to be your girlfriend, would she? I see her here quite a bit, buying groceries."
Ava's face turned red, while I threw my head back and laughed. "Hahaha, Auntie, you think that's realistic? She's just my roommate. Our relationship is as pure as spring water, I swear."
The auntie looked at me with mock disdain. "Right, sure. With that slick tongue of yours, she'd never fall for you. Am I right, young lady?"
Ava, still blushing, mumbled, "Auntie, there's nothing like that between us. Lucas and I are just roommates. Please don't get the wrong idea."
I jumped in with a grin. "Auntie, you can question my character all you want, but not my looks. I'm one of the handsomest guys in this neighborhood, no question about it. And unless you give me a nice 30% discount on this fish, I won't let it slide."
Auntie chuckled as she began wrapping up my order. "With your level of confidence, I think a 20% discount is more like it. Alright, here we go—one Clear Water Fish and one Sea Fish. Since it's been a while and you came straight to Auntie's stall, I'll give you 80% off. Deal?"