this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!
Xu Yao has gone mad. This is the general consensus of everyone around her, including those fans still in the influencer’s live stream!
Xu Yao has truly lost it. This kid is a truant and a liar who is also a minor, yet she still wants to sign a rental contract with him? Just what on earth is Xu Yao thinking?
[Don’t mess with minors; it could lead to trouble. Xu Yao, run away, don’t get involved in this mess!]
[I just checked, and minors over sixteen can rent a place as long as they have their own income as the main source of living. The problem is, this kid is clearly just homeless, so where could his income come from? Did it just fall from the sky?]
[Actually, Han Zhao is quite good looking. I suspect Xu Yao has some thoughts… Sorry, don’t hit me.]
Opinions were divided. Besides her haters, Xu Yao finally had some fans who urged her not to get involved in this situation, as it could lead to trouble for her.
But is Xu Yao afraid of trouble? If she were, she wouldn’t have let Han Zhao step through the gate of Tai’an Community in the first place!
Xu Yao looked at the tall, thin boy in front of her, who was on the verge of tears. His already frail body looked even more pitiful. Her voice was gentle, “Will you sign it or not?”
Han Zhao’s stepmother, Feng Meijun, suddenly turned pale with anger. “You want to rent to a minor? Are you that desperate for money?”
Feng Meijun wanted to approach Xu Yao, but upon seeing the imposing Lu Ye, her expression turned sour. She could only shout angrily at Han Zhao, who had shrunk behind Xu Yao, “Why aren’t you coming back with me? I see you haven’t changed your bad habits, and now you’ve even learned to start skipping school.”
“You went to borrow a computer as soon as you got out. Is your internet addiction acting up again? You really are a dog that can’t stop eating sh*t1.”
Feng Meijun had most likely been keeping a close eye on Zhou Qi’s variety show live stream for the past few days and saw Han Zhao borrowing a computer from Zhou Qi, immediately using it as a weapon against him.
Lying about not being a minor, skipping school, and having an internet addiction at a young age—each of these issues was enough to make the people around this unfamiliar young boy feel disappointed.
This was the first tenant to pass Xu Yao’s rental exam, and yet this was the character he had to show for it.
From this perspective, Xu Yao’s rental exam truly seemed like a joke, with those who were eager to participate in the exam seeming like even bigger fools.
The tension that Han Zhao had been holding onto finally snapped, and he shouted in despair, “I don’t have an internet addiction! I’ve won many certificates, and I’m skilled at making websites and various computer programs.”
“Am I skipping school? I’m running for my life!”
In fact, Han Zhao didn’t want anyone to know about his painful past, but he didn’t want to drag Xu Yao down with him even more. The usually introverted and shy boy suddenly dashed out from behind Xu Yao, as if he had gone mad, rolling up his black long sleeves to reveal his arms, which were covered in shocking whip marks.
Han Zhao had always been an introverted boy. Unlike his peers who loved to run around, he preferred to lock himself in his study and tinker with computers, a passion he had been obsessed with since childhood.
He enjoyed learning about these things which gave him a sense of accomplishment. Even after his parents divorced and his mother struggled to make ends meet, she still bought him a computer and helped him set up an internet connection in their rental apartment.
However, even such a hobby had not been tolerated. A year ago, Feng Meijun sent him to Zhengde Academy, marking the beginning of the nightmare of his life.
He had once begged his father and stepmother for mercy, but it was all in vain.
Half a month ago, he found an opportunity to steal two hundred yuan from the instructor. He climbed down the wall and escaped through the fence, running like a madman without daring to look back. But he also didn’t dare to go home, fearing he would be sent back once found.
With over a hundred yuan, he bought a second-hand smartphone and began wandering in Haicheng, initially planning to work at a construction site or fix computers in internet cafes to earn some money, until he met Xu Yao.
When he was caught on Zhou Qi’s live stream, Han Zhao felt a sense of unease, yet he still held onto a glimmer of hope in his heart. Who knew that in the end, he still wouldn’t be able to escape?
His stepmother really saw him and even came looking for him.
The boy’s arms which were scarred with whip marks, tensed with bulging veins from his agitation. He glared at Feng Meijun like a venomous snake, recklessly trying to lift his shirt irregardless of consequences. But a hand reached out to grab the hem of his shirt..
Xu Yao shook her head at him, indicating that he had done enough.
Behind her, He Fan immediately took out a medical report from his briefcase. “This is Mr. Han’s medical report, which states that aside from his face, there isn’t a single piece of intact skin on his body.”
The security guard at Tai’an Community gasped, “Who did this? How could someone be beaten like this?”
The security guards hired by Tai’an Community now weren’t retired uncles but strong and young professional security officers.
Whose child isn’t a treasure these days? Especially a child like Han Zhao, who was probably in his senior year of high school; they would be given anything they needed.
The fans in the influencer’s live stream were also stunned.
[Did a teacher do this? My God, what kind of school is this?]
[This is just the arm. His body is probably in even worse shape. Poor little Han, no wonder Xu Yao took pity on him and took him in.]
[Help! Is this something a legitimate school would do? Is this even his biological mother? How cruel!]
[Did you hear what that assistant said? There isn’t a single piece of intact skin on his body… My God, I can’t even imagine… ]
Han Zhao scoffed, “I’m a guy so I’m fine, but it’s the girls who have it hard and have probably been molested and raped.”
Han Zhao had once witnessed a beautiful girl being dragged into a bathroom. When he had just entered the academy, he wanted to save her, but of course, he didn’t have the ability and ended up being taught a harsh lesson instead.
The live stream went wild, with the comments filled with question marks.
Xu Yao looked at Feng Meijun, whose face had turned pale, and said calmly, “Ms. Feng, you’ve been vying to be Han Zhao’s mother, and his biological mother has already stepped aside for you. Now that you’ve finally gotten what you wanted, why aren’t you seriously fulfilling your role?”
Xu Yao’s words were quite loaded, and a young girl watching the commotion couldn’t help but blurt out, “A mistress?”
Didn’t Xu Yao’s words just imply that this woman was a mistress who had pushed out the biological mother to become a stepmother?
A mistress taking the place of a mother + abusing the child—this was just stacking buffs!
Feng Meijun’s face instantly turned a ghastly shade, a mix of green and white, as if she wished she could just find a hole to hide in.
Xu Yao’s popularity was so explosive that even a middle-aged woman like Feng Meijun was aware of it. Right now, there must be at least several million netizens watching those influencer live streams!
It was very likely that all her relatives, friends, and colleagues would soon know about her disgraceful matters in no time.
Feng Meijun looked at Han Zhao’s arm that was covered in scars and couldn’t help but shudder.
She had heard that Zhengde Academy was under a fully militarised management, which was supposed to ensure the children would endure some hardships, but she never imagined Han Zhao would suffer so miserably.
With just one sentence from Xu Yao, she was pretty much immediately branded a “malicious stepmother,” a label that would likely stick with her forever. From now on, all her relatives and friends would look at her through that warped view, and just thinking about it was enough to drive her to despair.
Social death could happen in an instant!
In that moment, Feng Meijun lost her earlier arrogance when wanting to barge into Tai’an Community. She was just about to pull Han Zhao back, repeatedly saying, “Let’s not mention anything else. Anyway, he is still a minor and can’t rent a property.”
Then she snapped at Han Zhao, “Hurry up and come back with me to see your dad.”
Han Zhao immediately shrank back behind Xu Yao, not even daring to return.
Xu Yao scoffed lightly, “Uncultured and ignorant.”
He Fan stepped forward with a smile, saying, “Madam, as long as a minor over the age of sixteen has their own income as their main source of living, they can rent a property.”
As long as they are financially independent!
“Ms. Feng, you may not know, but Miss Xu hired Mr. Han Zhao a few days ago to be part of the rental team, and he is receiving an income.”
Got it? You uncultured mistress and stepmother.
Xu Yao raised her hand and gently patted Han Zhao’s dazed head, “You silly boy, why are you still standing there? Go home to sign the rental contract. Isn’t it hot outside?”
She was both the landlady and his sister!
Han Zhao glanced at Xu Yao, then fearfully stole a look at Feng Meijun, tentatively taking two steps toward the entrance of the Tai’an Community.
The security guard at Tai’an Community caught Xu Yao’s eye and immediately understood, stepping forward to block Feng Meijun from entering the community.
The security guards formed a human barricade. Want to get past them? No way!
Xu Yao softly massaged her temples and lazily said, “It’s so hot today.”
An employee held an umbrella for Xu Yao as she led the rental team in leisurely walking into Tai’an Community without another look behind, leaving behind only a chic silhouette.
The netizens were instantly stunned.
[Wow, Sister Yao is so cool!! She really isn’t afraid of trouble and even dares to rent to minors!]
[Xu Yao is truly amazing. Usually, most landlords avoid such situations, yet she extends a helping hand.]
[Ahhh, I’m dead, I finally understand why my little brother likes older women. I like her too! Sister Yao is so cool, I apologize for hating on Xu Yao before.]
[Xu Yao is the best landlord, with no one else even coming close. My husband abused me in our rental apartment, and when I went to the police, the landlord’s first words were for me to compensate for his furniture—a plastic stool.]
[Malicious stepmothers deserve to be punished. If you don’t like someone else’s child, why send them to be abused? You deserve to be universally condemned, you stupid b*tch!]
[Does anyone know what school Han Zhao is talking about? I’m terrified just thinking about it.]
Xu Yao is cancelled?
No, no, no, Xu Yao would never be cancelled, and she was even super bold! She was definitely number one when it came to protecting her tenants.
So what if he was a minor? Xu Yao still dared to rent!
Wasn’t renting Xu Yao’s house truly reassuring?
Other landlords only show up when collecting rent, vanishing at all other times. But not Xu Yao!
Only the landlady Xu Yao was truly working hard for her tenants!
A group of netizens were clamoring, wanting to call the rental team for rental enquiries. When they couldn’t get through the phone line, they rushed to the team’s official Weibo to send the account private messages.
Looking for a rental!
The moment Han Zhao walked out of the elevator lobby, he couldn’t help but cry silently, hot tears flowing uncontrollably down his face.
Zhou Qi was peeking out from his door, clearly having seen the commotion below from the balcony. He never expected Han Zhao to not only come back, but even be specially led back by Xu Yao herself!
Zhou Qi whispered, “The computer and USB drive are still at your place.”
Hearing the words, “your place” made Han Zhao cry even harder, his nose turning red as he hiccupped repeatedly.
Xu Yao had Lu Ye open the door, and they all entered the apartment.
The place was incredibly clean, looking as if no one had ever rented it.
Han Zhao cried while explaining that he cleaned three times a day, which is why it was so tidy.
Xu Yao asked Lu Ye to bring the rental contract. Although they agreed that Han Zhao would pay zero rent, signing the rental contract was still a necessary procedure.
Han Zhao signed his name with great seriousness, each stroke written with care. His hand trembled as he held the pen, taking a full minute to finish writing his name.
He took in his surroundings one more time. This was still his home, and from now on, it would be his home with paperwork to back it up too.
And this home was given to him by Xu Yao.
Han Zhao looked at Xu Yao with red eyes, the young boy’s gaze firm and powerful, ready to give his life for her from today onward.
A prisoner, who in the depths of despair, encounters the light and wishes to chase that light forever.
“Miss Yao Yao, I’m really stupid and can’t make up for your rental loss, so I can only help you with something, though it’s still very rudimentary…”
Han Zhao obediently took the tissue Xu Yao handed him to wipe his tears and snot. He plugged the USB drive back into the computer and opened it, showcasing his recent work.
Han Zhao felt ashamed. He knew Xu Yao’s rental team had high standards, and that Assistant He Fan had apparently been the chief assistant of the Ji Group’s CEO. His grades at school were only slightly above average, just enough to scrape by and barely make it into an ordinary 985 university.
He had no artistic talents. The tenant next door, Zhou Qi, could act as Xu Yao’s own personal lark, singing, dancing, and playing instruments, while he was just a homebody.
Xu Yao and the others fell silent as they looked at the website: “…………”
You are really too humble about your abilities.
Although the website was still only a half-finished product, it ran very smoothly, and the light gray design was full of stylistic flair, which at least left Xu Yao satisfied with Han Zhao regarding his aesthetic sense.
Even He Fan had to look at Han Zhao with new respect. He had actually managed to create something presentable in just a few days using a borrowed computer.
Xu Yao gave him a thumbs up, affirming him with praise, “No, you did a great job.”
Han Zhao revealed a somewhat shy smile.
Xu Yao glanced at the time and said, “Let He Fan help you apply some medicine on your back.”
Han Zhao repeatedly gave his thanks. He could handle the other wounds himself, but his back was indeed a bit tricky.
The two entered the bedroom and closed the door to apply the medicine. Xu Yao was still admiring the website Han Zhao had created when a knock sounded from outside, and Lu Ye went to open the door.
“Your takeout has arrived.”
“I ordered it.” Just as everyone was surprised, He Fan’s voice came from inside.
Xu Yao looked at the foam box with curiosity. When she opened it, she found it was filled with Haagen-Dazs ice cream.
Lu Ye couldn’t help but glance at He Fan. Was it just because Miss Yao Yao said, “It’s so hot today”?
Lu Ye: “…”
No need to be so overly competitive.
Lu Ye suddenly felt like fanning Xu Yao.
Xu Yao opened a box of vanilla ice cream and said to the other employees, “Don’t just stand there, take whatever flavor you like, it’s on me.” She would just transfer the money to He Fan later.
Everyone naturally went to grab their favorite flavors, “Thank you, boss~”
Han Zhao stood there, hesitant to move. Xu Yao placed a spoon on the box of vanilla ice cream and handed it to him, saying, “It’s very sweet and refreshing, want to try?”
Han Zhao’s eyes turned red again. He held the small tub of ice cream, scooped a bite into his mouth, and nodded heavily, smiling as he said, “Mm, very sweet.”
After enduring so much hardship for so long, he had finally tasted a hint of sweetness.
*
#Feng Meijun#
#Stepmother#
Weibo’s hot searches are essentially the realm of celebrities, and while there are occasionally some news topics trending, it’s quite rare for an ordinary person to make it to the hot search list. It must take a lot of public outrage for netizens to push someone to the top.
Various marketing accounts frantically reposted screenshots of the situation at the time, leaving netizens in awe.
[This is a truly malicious stepmother, sending someone else’s child to be abused. Shouldn’t she bear some sort of criminal responsibility?]
[Han Zhao’s father is also a piece of work. How could he treat his own son like this? Does anyone know about his father?]
[Xu Yao is so cool! She really didn’t let that venomous woman take Han Zhao with her! I’m almost becoming a fan of hers.]
[I’m the neighbour of that old witch, Feng Meijun, and this woman destroyed a family, even going to the door to claim that she was pregnant, forcing them to divorce. At the time, it caused a huge scene in our community. I heard she sent Han Zhao to some Zhengde Academy; truly a woman with a kind heart.]
[Zhengde Academy? Is the person who leaked the information upstairs sure about the facts? I graduated from this private school ten years ago, and although the conditions were average, it wasn’t a bad school. Be careful not to spread rumors or you might get sued.]
Feng Meijun had suffered a complete social death. Upon returning to the community, the elderly residents spat at her in front of her face, and when she went shopping, people recognized her and refused to sell anything to her. Even some of her relatives and friends had blocked her on WeChat!
Han Zhao’s biological father wasn’t doing much better either. He was originally an executive at a company, but due to the recent uproar, the company directly laid him off!
After Han Zhao’s father and Feng Meijun had their second child, their expenses had already increased significantly. With Feng Meijun insisting on buying a house for the second child, they had nearly exhausted their savings and were still in debt.
After being suddenly laid off, Han Zhao’s father had to deal with the online backlash while also worrying about their finances. He tried to borrow money, but none of his friends or family were willing to help.
In their anger, Feng Meijun and her husband even considered consulting a lawyer, who suggested they start by attacking the reputation of the academy.
But at that moment, Xu Yao updated her Weibo with a single sentence and a picture.
[Xu Yao v: Speaking up for my poor tenant, @Zhengde Academy, please respond [image]]
The image was a lengthy article, with Han Zhao’s handwritten signature and fingerprint at the bottom.
This article was written by Yan Xiang, the talented junior from the Chinese literature department, based on Han Zhao’s dictation.
You must always believe in the writing skills of a Chinese literature department genius. Without distorting any facts, Yan Xiang polished the lengthy article, which was simply filled with blood and tears!
In the end, Yan Xiang didn’t even ask for any payment from his senior. He just wrote it for free!
Han Zhao had always been afraid of offending the academy. After all, being able to open such an institution in Haicheng must mean they had some sort of backing. An ordinary person like him was just like an ant trying to shake a tree.
But then Xu Yao appeared, this beautiful landlady sister who gave him hope.
This lengthy article of over three thousand words accused Zhengde Academy of shameless acts such as corporal punishment, abuse, imprisonment, and even sexual assault and rape. At the end, Han Zhao even declared he was willing to take responsibility for truthfulness of the above content.
Once the article was released, shares, comments, and likes skyrocketed, directly surpassing a million!
[…I felt my scalp tingle reading this. What kind of hellish place is this? Is this still even a school?]
[When I read that the instructor used a burning cigarette butt to burn a nipple, I was so scared I almost cried. This is too unfiltered.]
[This Zhengde Academy is near my home and surrounded by iron fences. I used to think it was a legitimate school.]
[It’s really a bit helpless and somewhat funny that in the end, Han Zhao couldn’t rely on his parents but on Xu Yao, his landlord. Regardless of anything else, Xu Yao was seriously too cool this time.]
[Thank goodness Han Zhao met Xu Yao +1]
Generally, such schools for treating internet addition are located in more remote areas in the suburbs, but this Zhengde Academy was different. It was in located the west of Haicheng, with students even being able to see the bustling streets outside through the iron fences. This was the meaning of true despair.
The most prosperous area of Haicheng is in the east, where various entertainment facilities are concentrated in the city center and east, but in recent years, many citizens have also moved to the west.
[I just checked and found out that this Zhengde Academy is actually a rented school. Which landlord is so unfortunate to rent to such a trash school?]
[I suddenly seem to understand where Xu Yao is coming from. No wonder she treats renting like a serious business, conducting rental exams and forcing people to get health checks to avoid dying in her house. She’d be doomed if she encountered a tenant like this crappy academy.]
Zhengde Academy responded immediately, calling it slander, which Xu Yao calmly replied with, “Then go ahead and sue me.”
Netizens were stunned by Xu Yao.
This retired celebrity sister had been really cool lately, doing whatever she wanted ever since she went crazy and withdrew from the entertainment industry.
[Is this the demeanor of a rich lady? Just suing casually!]
[Hahaha, renting Xu Yao’s property really gives such a strong sense of security. When will the second batch of rental exams open? I can’t wait any longer.]
[Xu Yao directly ignored her breach of contract penalty back then and even refused to play the role of the second female lead in Seeking Immortality. She definitely has a powerful legal team behind her. Without Xu Group’s Pizza Hut legal team, Zhengde College probably can’t win against Xu Yao.]
[Zhengde College, hurry up and sue Xu Yao, I’m super looking forward to it! Hahaha, back then, even Sheng Zhou and Liu Yingxia hadn’t dared to sue Xu Yao together.]
Xu Yao wasn’t afraid of this ridiculous Zhengde Academy at all. After all, once they were exposed, they would be doomed. The so-called dean of the academy can just wait to be sued and sent to prison.
Then Xu Yao felt a slight sense of crisis. She said, “I can’t keep borrowing my brother’s legal team every time something happens, can I?”
Although Xu Jing’s Pizza Hut legal team was very useful, if she always kept borrowing them, it would make her feel she didn’t have the classiness befitting a rich lady!
He Fan immediately revealed, “President Ji’s legal team is also very strong.”
Xu Yao: “…”
Going to fleece her fiancé again would be too much, Assistant He.
Xu Yao stroked her chin and considered, “I think I should hire a legal team specifically to serve my rental business.”
Having a legal team ready to protect her at any time would be more reassuring. Besides, she prided herself on being an excellent landlord—what if one of her tenants needed legal help?
Xu Yao seriously felt that she indeed needed to hire a legal team. Once the website was up and running, after this busy period was over, she would have to find time to recruit a legal team.
However, Xu Yao had already planned to help Han Zhao sue Feng Meijun, that stepmother.
Little 6 was in tears: [The host is really too hard on herself.]
Little 6 was really sad. The system automatically detected that the host’s retirement situation was very tough and so to mitigate that, the pension next month would also have to be increased as well.
As a little sprite that was responsible for perfectly assisting retirees in their retirement, Little 6 felt that its worldview had been completely shattered.
Xu Yao was very satisfied with the system’s automatic detection function. Her lips curled up subtly as she asked, “Zhengde Academy is a rental property, so who did they originally rent from?”
Xu Yao thought of the Xu family’s vast property map and couldn’t help but ask, “Is it from our Xu family?”
Lu Ye immediately shook his head, “No.”
Xu Yao felt a bit disappointed. If it had been their family’s property, just wait and see how she’d clean up this sh*tty academy!
Beside her, He Fan directly sold out his former employer, saying, “Boss Yao Yao, the property of Zhengde Academy actually belongs to… President Ji’s family. The rental period was for twelve years and should be expiring soon.”
The Ji family had been developing overseas, and it was only Ji Zhengqing in this generation that decided to return to develop domestically. Therefore, their domestic properties had always been entrusted for leasing, so it was understandable that the Ji family didn’t know what Zhengde Academy had been up to.
Leasing to an educational institute is actually a very common model in the country as it’s more convenient to rent to schools.
Xu Yao stroked her chin, feeling that she needed to have another deep conversation with her fiancé.
[AAAA Professional Rental Little Xu: Is my fiancé busy?]
As soon as Ji Zhengqing saw this message, he knew Xu Yao had something to discuss with him.
[Ji Zhengqing: Not busy.]
[AAAA Professional Rental Little Xu: Fiance, did you know I’ve been really worried about you lately? Did you know that the recently controversial Zhengde Academy is your family’s property?
Ji Zhengqing had heard a bit about this recently. It was nothing more than shutting down Zhengde Academy and then subleasing it to others. In fact, it was actually very easy to sublease such a venue to a legitimate specialised arts academy.
But seeing Xu Yao say this, Ji Zhengqing knew she wouldn’t just bring this up for no reason; his fiancée probably had some ulterior motive.
[AAAA Professional Rental Little Xu: How about selling it to me at a low price? I’m helping my fiancé solve an urgent problem, so how about giving me a 50% discount?]
Ji Zhengqing: “…”
So turns out she was here to fleece his wool again.
First, she poached his talents, and now, she was here to take advantage of him again.
In reality, if a tenant did something illegal in a rental property, as long as the landlord remained unaware, they wouldn’t be too affected by the tenant’s controversy. They just needed to transfer the property to someone else after the shutdown.
Ji Zhengqing stared at this WeChat message for a while. He suddenly asked Assistant Li who was beside him, “Why would she reach out to me to buy my property at a low price?”
Assistant Li also knew about the Zhengde Academy incident. This was clearly his fiancee taking advantage of his misfortune to fleece him of his wool!
Assistant Li was mentally rolling his eyes when he suddenly heard his boss say, “It seems like she’s only ever fleeced my wool.”
Assistant Li: “?”
*
The Runda Commercial Center in Haicheng planned to raise rents and had already notified all the business owners.
Sun Faxiang, Zhou Meilan, and other small business owners were quite worried. There were already many entertainment facilities like escape rooms and murder mystery roleplay games around, and they were all aware that they were easily replaceable.
Now, Runda Commercial Center insisted on raising the rent, with the increase being quite significant, making it hard for them to bear.
Runda Commercial Center had never lacked tenants—if you don’t want to rent? Fine, someone else would immediately rent it anyway..
Sun Faxiang was in a particularly difficult position, fearing that if he changed locations at this time, his customers would leave and that when he returned, the place would be rented by someone else.
But the cost after the rent increase was simply too high, leaving Sun Faxiang in a dilemma, unsure of what to do.
He had previously thought of impulsively contacting Xu Yao, but she hadn’t disclosed any of the commercial properties she owned, and had always rented to individuals.
Sun Faxiang was worried, smoking continuously by the window. In the midst of puffing away at the smoke, he received a call from an unfamiliar number. However, it was the string of numbers with 8888 that caught his attention.
“Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Sun Faxiang?” A clear, cheerful voice came from the other end.
Sun Faxiang felt the voice was somewhat familiar, and the other side continued, “I have a property for rent right now, would you be interested in renting it?”
It turned out to be… Xu Yao!
“The address of the rental property is in the west of the city, with a monthly rent of 250,000 yuan, and no transfer fee.”
This price is actually quite favorable, considering it’s not in the east of the city where every inch of land is precious.
Sun Faxiang, however, remained hesitant, “Miss Xu, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but if my family’s business moves out, I’m afraid the business won’t be able to sustain itself independently.”
One of the reasons for Runda’s rent increase is that there is a cohesive entertainment ecosystem here, with the area surrounded by entertainment venues. If his escape room moves away, the rent may be cheaper, but without a steady stream of customers, his business would still be doomed.
Nowadays, many young people come to hang out for a whole day to play. While there are some that come specifically for an escape room, they are in the minority.
Xu Yao smiled and said, “I’m aware of Runda raising their rent, and that many small business owners are considering looking for other places, so I plan to rent my properties to them as well.”
Sun Faxiang was taken aback, the cigarette butt burning quickly until it scalded his fingers, jolting him back to reality, his pupils filled with shock.
In other words… Xu Yao wasn’t talking about a single shop, but an entire batch? Just how many properties does she have?
Sun Faxiang was burned quite badly; he quickly tossed the cigarette butt and extinguished it with his foot, becoming serious as he asked, “Miss Xu, where exactly in the west of the city are you referring to? The hottest place in the west recently…”
Sun Faxiang had recently heard the gossip about Zhengde Academy and had even posted several angry comments online. Could it be that Xu Yao was talking about…
Xu Yao smiled slightly on the other end, “That’s right, it’s the property that used to be Zhengde Academy.”
Zhengde Academy has a good geographical location, plus the school is large and has an ancient charm, making it very suitable for this kind of escape room.
Ji Zhengqing hadn’t been angry about her wool-fleecing scheme, but on the contrary, had agreed directly, making her subsequent operations much easier to enforce.
Sun Faxiang couldn’t help but marvel at how Xu Yao had been dealth such a big hand, feeling somewhat tempted but also still a little worried.
As Sun Faxiang hesitated, Xu Yao dropped another bombshell, “Boss Sun, are you planning to change the theme of your escape room any time soon?”
Sun Faxiang was indeed anxious. After all, the theme of an escape room can’t remain unchanged forever. They usually changed the theme about once a year, so it was indeed time for a change, but they had been struggling to come up with a good theme, to the point where they were practically pulling at their hair.
Xu Yao curved her lips into a smile and said, “I wonder if Boss Sun is interested in Yin Fate?”
Sun Faxiang jumped up in shock!
Yin Fate?!
This supernatural short drama had been a huge hit, even overshadowing the popular star Liu Yingxia’s Seeking Immortality. It has been widely discussed recently, with Ran Lingfeng and Qu Xi becoming famous overnight.
The setting of Yin Fate was particularly suitable to become a theme for an escape room, and Sun Faxiang suddenly remembered that Xu Yao was also the largest investor in Yin Fate.
To squeeze the most profit out of a drama, besides the script for the drama itself, there were also its derivative earnings that had to be taken into consideration.
Zuo Ning and the others would release various merchandise at the request of fans, and licensing the escape room could also be considered!
If their store was authorised, just how many customers would that attract? It was simply unimaginable!
Sun Faxiang felt as if a pie had fallen from the sky—low rent and the licensing of a trending short drama. This was truly a divine landlord!
Sun Faxiang couldn’t control his excitement and repeatedly said, “Miss Xu, may I ask if you have time recently? I would like to treat you to a meal.” He wanted to seal this deal right away!
Xu Yao smiled and said, “Let’s have dinner with Ms. Zhou Meilan, Mr. Chen Hong and the other business owners then.”
*
pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:
Zhengde Academy had gone viral recently, almost trending every day. Parents who had received the news rushed to pick up their children overnight, even shedding their tears before the camera, expressing their regret.
However, the students who were picked up all wore blank expressions, scoffing at their parents’ remorse, even finding it amusing.
How many times had they dreamed at night of their parents coming to pick them up? But unfortunately, dreams are just dreams after all.
The parents they were closest to were even less reliable than Xu Yao, a retired celebrity they had never even met!
Zhengde Academy was completely shut down, with rumours reporting that the principal and other associated staff already being taken into police custody, and that it was only a matter of time before they were prosecuted.
The residents living nearby simply wished they could spit on that piece of land—just looking at the place made them feel disgusted.
“Quickly change it to something else. Just seeing this place makes my heart feel heavy,” a passing elderly lady said with a frown.
She had a granddaughter about the same age, and just imagining her granddaughter being sent here and suffering such inhumane treatment made her heart ache.
Yet she had to pass by this cursed place every day to buy groceries, making her feel quite upset since there was simply no way for her to avoid the place.
As the elderly lady spoke, she saw a group of people entering the place, seemingly there to visit.
That afternoon, an anonymous source leaked the information online.
[Haicheng Gossip King: Holy sh*t, I have some solid news! The land belonging to the recently popular XX Academy is now in the hands of a certain retired celebrity sister. I heard this sister is planning to rent it out and turn it into an entertainment hub! They’re going to run escape rooms, murder mystery games, haunted houses, internet cafes, and other entertainment projects. This sister is seriously insane, I’m practically bowing down to her.]
As soon as this leaked news came out, the comments were filled with question marks from netizens.
That certain retired celebrity sister was undoubtedly referring to Xu Yao! No need to guess.
The XX Academy they were talking about was most likely Zhengde Academy, which had been trending and dragged out to be criticized every day.
So… was the owner of the Zhengde Academy’s property Xu Yao???
F*ck, it clearly wasn’t her before!!!
Could it be that the original landlord, fearing indiscriminate attacks from netizens, hurriedly sold it off at a low price?
[My God, is this the world of the wealthy? Just directly taking that land for herself?? I suddenly remembered she also owns a building in Tai’an Community. Just how much wealth does Xu Yao actually have?]
[Did Xu Yao really not do this on purpose? Hahaha, I’m really enjoying this turn of events. She’s so bold, to actually dare to make a move at this time.]
[I’m about to be thrilled to death by Xu Yao. Everyone knows what Zhengde Academy is for, right? Their advertising says it’s not just for curing internet addiction, but also that kids who are addicted to entertainment facilities can also be sent there! Sister Yao is truly amazing, she’s about to turn this place into an entertainment city!!]
[Zhengde Academy bans entertainment, yet Xu Yao insists on setting up a bunch of entertainment facilities there. Who benefits from this? It’s me!! I’m going to check it out!]
A group of netizens screamed like groundhogs in excitement. This trash academy really did deserve to be shut down, but having it lingering there was still headache-inducing. If the landlord rents it out to another specialised arts academy, who knows how many students would be too scared to go? But Xu Yao is directly turning it into an entertainment city!
Why not change it to something else, you may ask? Well, it just so happens that she only wants to change it to an entertainment city.
This is a direct provocation! After Xu Yao withdrew from the circle, it was as if she had been unleashed, going completely wild, but her actions were just too likable.
Zhengde Academy is banning internet addiction, huh? Well, Sister Yao insists on renting it out to an internet café, just right for people to surf the web, hahaha!
It wasn’t hard to imagine the former president of Zhengde Academy seeing this scene and being so furious he might vomit blood.
Parents should never blame their educational failures on their children. Computers, games, and the recent rise of short videos have lifted countless people out of poverty and into wealth. Yet some parents treat these things as vices, never confronting their own failures in education. It was truly both pathetic and ridiculous.
Although there is a large population in the west of Haicheng now, there still aren’t any entertainment and commercial malls like Runda. Young people living here have to travel from the west to the east to have fun, which is particularly exhausting.
Now Xu Yao is directly turning it into an entertainment city, and her comment section is completely filled with 6662.
Netizens are hopping all over the place, frantically searching for reliable leaks and information online. Some say the escape room inside will have official licensing from Yin Fate, inviting everyone to come experience it when it opens. A large number of fans of Yin Fate are so excited that they can’t wait to go right now.
Although netizens are still unsure about the authenticity of the information, Han Zhao can confirm since he received an affirmative reply from Xu Yao immediately.
That’s right, their Miss Yao Yao is going to turn that so-called internet addiction academy into the entertainment city they dislike the most.
Can’t stand it? Then go ahead and hit me!
Han Zhao covered his face and burst into loud cries again, sobbing until he was choking and shaking. After a long time, he replied to Xu Yao in a hoarse voice, “Then I will definitely make sure to check it out as soon as possible.”
Xu Yao smiled and said, “Mm.”
Xu Yao thought that she could organize a team-building event then, and have everyone go together.
She wants the laughter and joy of the entertainment facilities to overshadow the original disgusting and terrifying nature of Zhengde Academy.
At that moment, Xu Yao truly realized that the joy of having money is not about material satisfaction, but about spiritual fulfillment.
Although Xu Yao sincerely hoped he could forget his past at that disgusting academy, she knows he will probably never forget it in his lifetime. But she doesn’t want to talk about that disgusting place any longer, changing the topic and asking, “Little Zhao, is our website ready?”
Han Zhao wiped his tears and nodded, “Yeah, I’ve tested it many times with the uncles from the programming department and it runs very smoothly.”
The bald programmer who had been poached from the Ji Group was shocked by Han Zhao’s talent. This kid is a genius. Apparently he was mostly self-taught. In a few years, he’ll be incredible.
Xu Yao has clearly struck gold.
Xu Yao nodded in satisfaction, very good.
Her rental team members are busy answering calls all day, and it’s really been hard on them. Xu Yao feels distressed for them, vowing that it’s time for them to change their approach.
[Xu Yao Rental Official Account v: Dear friends, the second batch of rental exams is about to go live soon! You can make reservations on the website tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 PM!]
Although Xu Yao’s way of doing things are a bit unconventional, she has attracted a lot of fans. Aside from those who still want to ride on Xu Yao’s popularity, there are still many who are genuinely interested in renting.
After all, landlords like Xu Yao, who take care of their tenants, are rare in the world, so they don’t mind waiting.
Some netizens even said that as long as they can secure a house from Xu Yao, they would immediately terminate their current lease, even if it means forfeiting their deposit!
As soon as they saw that the trash official account who had been pretending to be dead for a long time had finally spoken up, many renting netizens were instantly delighted and rushed to spread the news.
Get ready to participate in the rental exam!
Many people didn’t clearly see the website mentioned in that Weibo post and were almost counting down the seconds to call the previously announced number at 2:30 PM the next afternoon.
Among them was Yuan Yiqing. She didn’t expect to be so lucky as to get through!
She suppressed her wildly racing heart and nervously asked, “Hello, may I reserve a spot for the second rental exam?”
“Thank you for supporting Xu Yao’s rental,” the sweet voice on the other end replied, “However, we are now conducting all reservations online.”
Online?
Yuan Yiqing was dumbfounded, what online?
Then, after carefully reading the Weibo post, she discovered—
Xu Yao, this landlord, has set up a website, and it’s even a particularly classy one.
Netizens couldn’t help but sigh after staring for a while:
Xu Yao, truly a professional in rental properties—to think a landlord renting their properties out would be even more professional than those real estate agencies selling houses.
brooooo this was a long ahhhh chapter almost 7.5k words r u serious TAT
also i love how delusional ji zhengqing is lmAOOO he immediately self-soothes I’M CRYING
support mio on kofi! ◡̈
