Chapter 1369: You’re Scheming Too (2)

Zhou Qi took Xiao Rou to a residential area behind the milk tea shop, and just as they entered, Xiao Rou felt her wallet tremble.

She was planning to rent a place nearby, but hadn’t expected it to be right by the milk tea shop.

This area is full of upscale residences, and the rent near the milk tea shop is relatively low only because it’s a redevelopment area without a mature commercial system yet, so the shop rents aren’t high.

But housing is different.

Nevertheless, she followed Zhou Qi inside.

Zhou Qi opened the door, and Xiao Rou’s eyes lit up instantly.

The apartment was small, probably around fifty to sixty square meters, a standard one-bedroom, one-living-room, one-kitchen, one-bathroom setup, exquisitely decorated.

All the furniture was complete, and the appliances were more or less sufficient.

The decor was fresh and charming, with a literary vibe to the tables and bed, very much Xiao Rou’s style.

But she kept her wits about her; liking it is one thing, she was sure she couldn’t afford such a place.

"Isn’t this... too expensive?"

Zhou Qi shook his head and quoted a number, causing Xiao Rou to freeze. It seemed impossible; that price was too low, double it would be more like it. Just as she was about to ask, Zhou Qi continued, "This is a friend’s place of An Rui’s. The owner likes cleanliness and has high standards for tenants; as for the price, he doesn’t care."

Xiao Rou swallowed hard; she knew An Rui, a second-generation rich kid. If it’s An Rui’s friend, then it might be plausible.

Seeing Xiao Rou still hesitant, Zhou Qi added, "You don’t need to overthink it; an empty house needs someone to watch over it too."

Xiao Rou was inherently soft-hearted, and Zhou Qi made sense. Soon enough, she settled on it.

Upon learning that An Rui’s friend—the landlord—was not convenient to meet, Xiao Rou offered to take An Rui out for a meal.

The place wasn’t far from the team, so everyone from the team decided to come along.

Xiao Rou expressed her thanks to An Rui, and as she spoke, An Rui almost spat out his tea, glancing at Zhou Qi, he chuckled, "No need to be so polite; my friend would be delighted to have such a beautiful girl renting his place."

The word "friend" was emphasized by An Rui as he glanced at Zhou Qi, who remained perfectly calm, eating his food.

Xiao Rou didn’t notice An Rui’s peculiar reaction and earnestly thanked him again.

Though Xiao Rou wasn’t as lively as Cheng Chen, and couldn’t quickly blend in with Zhou Qi’s team like Cheng Chen, she was gentle and polite, making her a good fit. The young ones in the team treated her well, and the interactions were pleasant.

Soon after finishing the meal, Xiao Rou stood up to pay the bill but was informed that it had already been settled.

"Settled?"

"Yes, the gentleman has already paid,"

The server politely explained, as Xiao Rou glanced back, naturally referring to Zhou Qi.

She didn’t say much and returned to the table where everyone chatted lively for a couple more minutes before heading out.

Zhou Qi accompanied Xiao Rou back, while the others jokingly talked to Xiao Rou as they made their way to the team.

"I said I would treat, why did you pay?"

After the others left, Xiao Rou spoke up.

"It’s not right to have a girl pay."

"But..."

"Come on, you treat, I pay; there’s no conflict."

Zhou Qi grinned mischievously, displaying a carefree attitude about the money, and since Xiao Rou had gotten familiar with Zhou Qi recently, plus he was already Cheng Chen’s brother, it wasn’t awkward. Now, Xiao Rou wouldn’t fuss over such matters.