Chapter 1

The scorching summer weather was like a beautiful woman in a fit of rage, the heat making one’s head spin. Coupled with the spittle that sprayed out in a jet, it was as if a long-dry land was finally blessed with a gentle rain.

Xu Qing stood at the door in a tank top and shorts, dazedly enduring the torrent of spittle from his beautiful landlady, feeling as if he were walking on clouds, his thoughts drifting in a fog.

The beautiful landlady was in her early thirties, with a beauty that rivaled peach and plum blossoms, the kind that dripped with ripeness. Her estimated 34D breasts were full and firm, trembling slightly with her emotions, incredibly alluring.

Xu Qing had no heart to appreciate the magnificent scenery before him, keeping his head low to avoid the spittle, but he didn’t dare to shrink back. After all, he and his sister-in-law owed two months of rent, and it was only right to endure a scolding. He could only respond in a low, cautious voice.

"Big Sister Zhu..." Whenever Xu Qing called out these three words, his throat felt blocked, as if he had swallowed a clump of pig hair, always feeling a bit strange. But this woman was indeed more than a decade older than him, so calling her "Big Sister" wasn’t inappropriate, especially since they owed her rent.

"Qingzi, don’t blame Big Sister for making things difficult for you. Ask around; no one else can delay their rent for two months. If it weren’t for the fact that you usually help me with some minor tasks, I would have kicked you out long ago." The beautiful landlady, surnamed Zhu, was delighted to be called "Big Sister," and her tone softened a bit. Honestly, she didn’t want to evict Xu Qing, as he could help with some "minor tasks" every month.

Minor tasks? Cleaning the corridors of the three apartment buildings every day, changing the gas, carrying rice, and even when she had a heart attack, he carried her to the hospital. But afterward, she didn’t even get a proper thank you, and he still complained about her tearing her strap... Xu Qing cursed inwardly but didn’t dare to say a word, lowering his head and weakly saying, "Big Sister, my sister-in-law hasn’t received her salary yet. Can we pay by the 15th?"

Although he said this, Xu Qing had no confidence. Living on his sister-in-law’s monthly salary of just over a thousand yuan was already tight; where would they get the money for rent? The big exam was approaching, and with Xu Qing’s grades, getting into a top university shouldn’t be a problem, but even if he did, the high tuition fees were still a concern.

Seeing Xu Qing’s gloomy face, the beautiful landlady, who had just vented her anger, felt a strange pang in her heart. Honestly, this young man wasn’t bad. If it weren’t for him, she might be in a coffin somewhere, earning incense and white chrysanthemums. After scolding him, her mood improved, and a sense of gratitude quietly welled up in her heart.

After a moment’s thought, the beautiful landlady had an idea. Her lips curved, and the dimples on her cheeks were particularly alluring, making Xu Qing’s heart flutter.

"Qingzi, I know your sister-in-law has it tough. How about, in addition to cleaning the corridors, I find you another job? It could help cover some expenses, and if you do well, you could pay off the rent in a month or two..."

Xu Qing’s eyes lit up, and he looked up at Big Sister Zhu. He finally understood; she was offering him various odd jobs around the rental properties, such as changing gas cylinders, unclogging drains, moving things, and even tutoring primary and secondary school students. Plus, he could repair some household appliances, and if the prices were reasonable, there was a lot of potential.

The more the beautiful landlady talked, the more enthusiastic she became. Despite her fiery temper when scolding people, her business acumen and wisdom were truly impressive, especially when paired with her trembling breasts, making her even more breathtaking.

The two stood inside and outside the door for nearly an hour, and Xu Qing’s feet felt numb. He finally remembered to bring a stool for Big Sister Zhu to sit on, but to his surprise, she had already plopped down on the ground.

Xu Qing turned around at the sound behind him, his expression suddenly stiffening. He thought, "Big Sister, can’t you hold on for one more minute?"

Now, the beautiful landlady had found a place to sit, leaving Xu Qing standing there, wondering if he should still bring the stool. Just as he was hesitating, the beautiful landlady called out from the ground.

"Qingzi, come help me up, oh, my back..."

Xu Qing was taken aback but quickly went to help Big Sister Zhu. In the confusion, his hand slipped under her armpit and landed on something soft. His face turned red, and he quickly pulled his hand back a few inches, finally managing to help her up.

"Qingzi, don’t tear my strap again," the beautiful landlady said with a teasing smile, seeing Xu Qing’s red face.

"It’s not... I didn’t mean to... it was an accident..." Xu Qing’s face was as red as a ripe tomato, wishing he could find a hole to hide in. He could only lower his head to hide his embarrassment.

"Ha ha! It’s settled then. I’ll give you a mobile phone to use, and we’ll contact you when there’s work..." The beautiful landlady had scolded enough and had been unexpectedly pinched, feeling as if she had eaten a small pudding on a hot summer day, her whole body feeling refreshed. Her smile was incredibly sweet.

"No, I can’t afford the phone bill..." Xu Qing thought of a song, "Holding a mobile phone, standing in the rain, passing it from left to right, but it never connects."

"Don’t worry, Big Sister will cover it for you. You can pay me back when you earn some money," the beautiful landlady thought to herself. With the economy not doing well and fewer people renting, many units in the three apartment buildings were still vacant. If she could offer additional housekeeping services, it might boost her rental business and give her a competitive edge.

Thinking of this, the beautiful landlady looked at Xu Qing’s sturdy build and smiled. His physique was much better than those scrawny, bespectacled students. She admired his muscles, and then thought of the moment he had pinched her, her eyes misting over.

"This honest boy, with his innocent face, almost set my heart on fire with that pinch. Sigh! What’s happening to me..." The beautiful landlady pondered, feeling a strange emotion. She hadn’t felt this way since her late husband’s early death.

Feeling troubled, the beautiful landlady gently rubbed her temples, dispelling the strange emotion and regaining her composure.