Back in the Hood

Han Li woke up the next day only to find that there was nothing for him to do. He had been busy doing this and that ever since he got the system, and it was rare to find himself idle.

At least, he had tried to keep himself occupied and distracted. There were too many problems that needed solving that he just… escaped.

He had not even informed his landlord that he had moved out. Hell, his papers were still in his house.

"I should get those from that place."

Han Li dressed himself as he prepared to tie all loose ends and fully embrace his new life.

…

"Where are you heading to? You look sus."

Wen Qing looked at Han Li with a trace of doubt in her eyes. Han Li was dressed in black with a hood hiding most of his face. Were it not for his familiar figure, she would have ignored him. Well, that was almost impossible.

There was something magical about his figure. She would have still looked over to appreciate that toned body if she did not know him.

"…"

Han Li wondered if he was cursed to meet this woman every time he went out to do something.

"I am going to clear some things. Where are you going?"

"Sherry just called and she said that she needed me to fill out some forms for the apartments you bought for me. Are you sure you want to give me those two apartments? They are worth a lot."

"Don't think too much and just accept them. They might be in your name, but I am taking one of them. The other is your compensation."

"I still can't understand what you are thinking. My mother asked me how I managed to afford an apartment downtown and I told her that my boyfriend got it for me. I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all."

Han Li pretended he did not notice the signal and decided that it was best to leave everything as it was.

It was not that Wen Qing was not beautiful, she was gorgeous. Adding the fact that she was older made her the perfect match, but sadly, Han Li was still not ready.

His bad experience with women aside, it was just a hassle committing to a woman. It was even more troublesome considering his plans.

It was best to do nothing.

"Why don't you accompany me? You are the one paying for the apartment anyway."

"…Ah, Okay, but we will have to pass by somewhere right after."

Han Li agreed because he just realized that he did not have a car of his own. It was still possible to get a taxi or something, but it was more comfortable using the Hongqi with a slightly intimidating driver.

"That's fine by me. I wish we would spend more time together and this just allows us to."

"…"

'Did I make a mistake spanking her?'

Han Li led the way, ignoring Wen Qing's strong signals.

…

"Where is this Brother Li? It looks… questionable."

Wen Qing looked at the old neighborhood as she checked her window and locked the door.

"This is my old neighborhood. I wanted to take some things from my old house."

"What?!"

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"No. It's just that I know you are out here to experience the world, but don't you think living in such a place is hardcore?"

"Doing what now? Those K dramas are messing with your head."

"Hey, you're stepping into a minefield."

"yeah yeah."

"Stop here. Wait a while, I'll be back."

"Are you going out there? What if you're robbed, stabbed, and isekai'd?"

"…"

Han Li did not bother replying to Wen Qing. Who knew that she was a weeb?

Looking at the puddles on the streets, he could not help but feel nostalgic. He remembered that one time when he was late and slipped when he was hopping. The anxiety at that time was very… fresh.

"You seem to be in a good mood."

"Oh, Good morning Ma."

"What time of the day is this?"

"You just woke up, didn't you? So…"

"Yeah, smart ass. You are still three months behind and you're trying to be smart with me? Do you want me to add another padlock on your door?"

"Ma, we no longer use padlock in this era."

"You…"

"Hahaha, come Ma, show me your QR code. I will pay rent on time this time around."

"Eh, are you sure? I can still give you some time if you are not ready."

"That won't be necessary. I just got a promotion at work."

"Who are you trying to kid? That little girl Xiao Ning was here the other day saying that you were fired."

"Something like that happened?"

"Yeah, she has been coming here every day looking for you. You don't look like someone who was fired though. Did you get yourself a woman to raise you?"

"What are you talking about Old… stop, that slipper is filthy."

"Who are you calling old? Just look at my figure, do I lose to all those young girls out there?"

"No, you don't lose at all Ma, but can you put the slipper down? I'll scream if you get any closer."

"…"

"Get me the QR code then I will get my things and leave. You can sell the things in my room after I'm gone."

"Who wants your stuff? I might not even get someone to buy it."

"True, but that is your problem. You'll have to get rid of it to rent the place to someone else."

"What happened to you anyway? Are you sure you're okay?"

"You don't have to worry Ma. If I was in a bad situation, I would have come look for you to give me a job. You have too many laundry marts."

"You sent too much money. Where did… this, 1236 zeroes?!"

"Hey kid, I hope you're not doing anything stupid."

"Don't worry Ma. I wouldn't do anything illegal. You raised me well."

"Still…"

"Don't. We both know that you need this much to settle the debt, so just accept it. I will come to see you after some time."

"What about that Ning girl?"

"Don't worry, I'll go see her after this."

"*Sigh* Young'uns these days. I didn't even tell him that his roof was leaking again. Well, at least he is smiling more."