Feeling guilty, Ji Shiyou's heart sank when Tang Yong accused him of lying.
"Is it me who's not suited for infiltration, or is Tang Yong too smart?" he thought. "Did I expose myself so quickly?" But then he considered, "Tang Yong is just an ordinary person, how could he know so much?" So he patiently listened to Tang Yong continue.
"You fool, if he had money to pay rent in advance, why would he sleep on the streets? He could just find any hotel and book a room. Also, he said he'd already vacated his previous place and wanted to move in directly. Look at him, his hands are empty, he hasn't even brought any luggage. He doesn't look like someone moving. I suspect he's either a thief or a con man. No, I have to kick him out. Otherwise, when neither of us is home, he'll clear out everything in the house and disappear. A colleague of mine went through something similar."
Tang Yong was astute, and his workplace was a mixed bag. He had seen all sorts of people and situations, unlike the simple He Si. Initially, he just wanted to teach He Si a lesson, but the more he spoke, the more convinced he became that the new tenant, Ji Shiyou, was using the guise of renting to commit burglary. He then abruptly turned, intending to go to Ji Shiyou's room to drive him out.
"Brother Yong, isn't that a bit much? It's not good to wrongly accuse someone without any proof," He Si quickly put down the vegetables he was washing and pulled Tang Yong back. He then saw Ji Shiyou standing at the kitchen entrance, smiling at him.
"Brother Ji, when did you come out? Are you hungry? The food will be ready soon." He didn't know if Ji Shiyou had heard Tang Yong, nor could he ask. He quickly tried to change the subject, his face already slightly flushed.
"I suddenly remembered I haven't had you check my ID yet. Also, this is the rent, and the living expenses. Otherwise, people might think I'm an illegal immigrant using the excuse of renting to commit burglary. Little He, what are we having for dinner? I'm also a good cook, I can help."
Ji Shiyou had heard Tang Yong calling him a criminal from his room. He let out a sigh of relief, his anxiety subsiding. He had thought Tang Yong was just an ordinary person and couldn't possibly find out anything. However, he still resolved to be careful and cautious while living here. Tang Yong was a shrewd person and had significant influence over He Si. He absolutely could not let Tang Yong discover anything unusual, to avoid complications. He was eager to gain He Si's trust, so he wanted to eliminate their concerns first. Thus, he walked out of his room and handed his ID and a stack of cash to He Si. The cash looked like at least eight thousand, if not ten thousand. He Si dared not accept it. Their entire house was rented for less than five thousand a year. Ji Shiyou was only renting the smallest room. Even with three meals a day, it wouldn't cost this much.
"Brother Ji, what I said earlier was just a joke. You're a famous writer, how could I let you do this! Please go back to your room and rest, we've got this. Keep your ID, we believe you're not a bad person. We'll be living under the same roof from now on, just let us know if you need anything!" Tang Yong's expression changed instantly when he saw the cash in Ji Shiyou's hand. He snatched the money and said obsequiously.
Just as He Si was about to say something, Tang Yong pushed Ji Shiyou out of the kitchen and closed the door.
"Money, it's truly a wonderful thing! It can solve many problems." Standing outside the kitchen, Ji Shiyou smiled and muttered to himself before returning to his room. Fortunately, he had planned ahead and come here with Mingyue. He had used the ID prepared by the Heavenly Dao Disk to open a bank account. Then, he took Mingyue to an internet cafe for an hour. Finally, he returned to the bank and withdrew a large sum of cash. Mingyue was shocked when she saw the money. Ji Shiyou had told her then that in modern times, with this item, one could practically move unhindered.
"I understand that. What I'm curious about is how you did it. You know, we can't use magic in the modern world without reason. You didn't use any just now, so how did you go from having nothing to possessing great wealth in just an hour?" Mingyue said this, but still accepted the cash Ji Shiyou handed her.
"I've reincarnated a hundred times and had many identities. Among them were a stock god and a hacker. Don't worry, this money is all legal and legitimate, no problem." Ji Shiyou smiled mysteriously and pinched Mingyue's smooth, fair cheek.
"Ji Shiyou, I've decided. From now on, I'll definitely bring you on missions." Mingyue pushed Ji Shiyou's hand away, her eyes sparkling as she said this.
Wangjiang University, Dormitory 302.
"I have someone I like. He saved me. The other day, I was being harassed by three thugs, and he appeared like a hero, descending from the sky in a shower of colorful light. He dealt with those three thugs with just a few punches and kicks. He was worried I might be in danger, so he thoughtfully escorted me back to school. We chatted the whole way. His handsome skills, his peerless looks, his perfect physique—I still get a rush thinking about it. Since then, he's been my Prince Charming, my dream lover! It's just that at the time, I was so engrossed in our conversation that I forgot to ask his name and where he lived. My Prince Charming, where are you?"
Hearing Mingyue ask if she had someone she liked, Ming Yanan initially felt shy. As she spoke, she became excited and even began to call out to him passionately, giving Mingyue goosebumps. She thought, "My mom was too unrestrained when she was young?" However, her worry lessened. It seemed the deviation hadn't occurred yet. The Prince Charming who saved her mother should be He Si. It was true that love is blind; the ordinary-looking He Si was apparently so outstanding in her mother's eyes. Her father was also shy around his daughter. He said he didn't even dare to speak when he sent her mother back to school. Now the truth is out, Mom said they chatted the whole way. Mingyue rubbed the goosebumps on her arm, thinking to herself.
"If you want to see him so badly, then go find him! For example, are there any clues on his clothes? Maybe his undershirt has his work address, phone number, or something printed on it." Mingyue was giving hints according to the original script He Si had told her. However, this was more like a direct hint, not subtle at all. She was practically about to say He Si's name directly.
"Undershirt? He wasn't wearing an undershirt that day. He was wearing a white shirt and black trousers. I looked very carefully. The craftsmanship was excellent, and it clearly looked expensive. It suited his temperament, and there were no words on it. Mingyue, why did you mention an undershirt? Also, I've told you all my secrets. For fairness, tell me, do you have someone you like?" Mingyue's words left Ming Yanan completely bewildered and questioning. Originally, this was a secret in her heart that she didn't intend to share. But in front of Mingyue, she had no defenses and poured it all out. However, she still felt she was at a disadvantage. So she leaned closer to Mingyue, asking about Mingyue's romantic situation, hoping to find some balance.
"I have a boyfriend named Ji Shiyou. You mentioning it just now reminded me, I need to call him." Mingyue was absolutely certain that the deviation had begun. The hero who saved the damsel that night was definitely not He Si, but someone else. Because the current He Si would not be able to afford expensive clothes. This meant that her father's rival had already appeared. She needed to discuss this with Ji Shiyou and figure out a plan. So, using the excuse of making a phone call, she left the dormitory. This also allowed her to avoid explaining the undershirt issue to Ming Yanan.