Chapter 2

Vivienne nodded thoughtfully. After a pause, she spoke again.

"What do you really think of this place? Be honest. Doesn't it feel a bit cramped? Won't you feel suffocated living here alone?"

Ethan blinked, waving his hands dismissively.

"Not at all. For one person, it's plenty. Just the right size, and easy to clean."

He wondered if she was getting cold feet or setting him up for a price hike.

"Is that so?" Vivienne smiled, as if making up her mind.

"Truth be told, Mr. Shen, this place feels too small to me. I have another property sitting empty that's miles better. Would you be interested?"

"What kind of place?" Ethan was caught completely off guard.

"A townhouse. Quiet neighborhood, private little yard, two floors, about three times the size of this place. Fully furnished with high-end appliances. Completely move-in ready."

Ethan stared at her in disbelief, then let out a self-deprecating chuckle.

"Ms. Song, you're joking. There's no way I could afford a townhouse. Twenty-five hundred for this place is already pushing my limits."

"I'm not joking." Her expression turned deadly serious. "If you want it, I'll rent it to you for the exact same price. Twenty-five hundred a month. First, last, and a security deposit. We can sign the lease today."

"Twenty-five hundred? For a townhouse?" Ethan's voice cracked.

"Why? That makes zero sense! Ms. Song, what's the catch?"

Something felt terribly off. He wondered if someone had died there, or if the place was cursed.

His mind raced with grim scenarios. He looked at Vivienne with open suspicion and took an involuntary step back, widening the distance between them.

Vivienne saw right through his wariness. Instead of taking offense, she let out a soft laugh.

"Relax. The deed is clear, the house is pristine, and no one died there. It's not what you're thinking."

She paused, her eyes boldly roaming over his handsome features once more. Her tone shifted into something teasing yet oddly genuine.

"As for why... let's just say you have a face I really like looking at. It puts me in a good mood. The house is sitting empty anyway. Having a tenant who's easy on the eyes makes me happier than making an extra buck on rent. Can you live with that reason?"

Ethan stood there, half-believing, half-doubting. He studied her quickly. She was composed, poised, and perfectly put together. She didn't seem unhinged, nor did she look like a scam artist.

His expressions shifted rapidly. Vivienne didn't rush him; she simply watched him with an amused, patient smile.

In the end, his craving for a better lifestyle, his frustration with his current circumstances, and a sliver of vanity overpowered his caution.

"Alright... sure. Would you mind showing me the place, Ms. Song?"

Vivienne's smile deepened. "Just call me Vivienne. Let's go, my car is downstairs."

Still in a daze, Ethan followed her down. At the sight of her luxury white sedan, he stowed his battered suitcase into the spacious trunk and slipped into the passenger seat.

The car glided out of the old neighborhood, merged into the flow of traffic, and headed toward the wealthy western district.