My Cousin Is Living with Someone

Walking down the road, Xie Yuling could clearly feel the live tiger prawns jumping inside the large bag she was carrying.

This guy really remembers what I like to eat, she thought. And he bought two whole pounds of it.

"What are you spacing out for? Lead the way," Xie Yuling suddenly turned to look at Lin Mo. "Just bring one pound of these prawns over."

Hearing this, Lin Mo couldn't help but laugh. "If you want more, I’ll buy them for you next time."

Though the girl was delighted by his words, she suppressed her excitement and huffed lightly. "Do I really seem that greedy to you?"

"So, are you eating or not?"

"Of course I am! Absolutely!"

"Then that settles it." Lin Mo carried two boxes of oysters, packed with water and ice packs to keep them fresh during the trip.

Following Xie Yuling, Lin Mo navigated through narrow alleys and winding streets, crossing from one end of the urban village to the other.

The village did have main roads, but the spaces between buildings were often cramped pathways.

Those who grew up here knew the quickest and shortest routes by heart.

Xie Yuling’s family building happened to be on the edge of the urban village.

Lin Mo’s rented room faced the sun, sparing him the gloominess of some other units.

As for the rooms deeper inside the village—

"Handshake buildings," where neighbors could practically reach out and touch each other, and sunlight was a rare luxury, were all too common.

Still, the biggest advantage of urban villages was the cheap rent.

If you managed to rent directly from the original landlord, things were even better.

But many original landlords had retired to enjoy life, leaving their properties to secondary landlords who charged fixed annual fees.

As a result, many outsiders ended up being exploited through inflated water and electricity bills.

Back to the matter at hand.

Xie Yuling’s second uncle’s house was also a self-built property, though only five stories high.

It stood in a relatively open area, with a Lexus parked downstairs.

When they arrived, Xie Yuling pressed the doorbell.

"Hello? Who is it?"

"Open up!" she said softly.

"Got it! Come straight to the fourth floor."

With a click, the door unlocked.

Upstairs, Xie Yuling’s cousin Xie Yufei greeted them at the door.

Spotting the bag in Xie Yuling’s hand, Xie Yufei grinned. "Xie Yuling, you didn’t have to bring seafood. Mom already bought over a pound of prawns this morning—plenty for you."

Hearing this, Xie Yuling glanced at Lin Mo, feeling a little embarrassed for making him spend unnecessarily.

Lin Mo just smiled. "It’s fine. She loves prawns, so having extra isn’t a bad thing."

Xie Yufei looked past Xie Yuling at Lin Mo, his smile fading. "You’re the tenant my aunt mentioned, right? Make yourself at home. Just hand me the stuff."

Xie Yuling immediately sensed Xie Yufei’s attitude.

"He’s my friend. Behave."

Her words made Xie Yufei raise an eyebrow in surprise.

This cousin of his had rarely stood up for anyone during her three years of middle school—not even him.

If not for their close childhood bond, she probably wouldn’t have bothered with him at all.

Lin Mo shook his head. "These are oysters. They’re heavy—I’ll just take them to the kitchen."

Xie Yufei scoffed. "No need. I work out. Can do five or six pull-ups, easy."

Seeing his insistence, Lin Mo relented. "Alright, take the top box then."

Xie Yufei reached for it—and immediately realized something was off.

Why the hell is it so heavy?!

But he couldn’t show weakness.

Carefully, he led the way to the kitchen.

Passing the living room, Xie Yuling noticed it was already packed—both men and women, a testament to Xie Yufei’s social circle.

The guys were playing a card game, while the girls were dancing to an Xbox Kinect game.

Two girls, moving stiffly but rhythmically in front of the TV, paused to greet the newcomers.

"Hey there."

"You all know my cousin, Xie Yuling. And this is her friend..."

Xie Yufei hesitated.

"Lin Mo," Lin Mo supplied.

"Right, Lin Mo."

The box of oysters was seriously heavy, so Xie Yufei didn’t linger before hauling it to the kitchen.

Setting it down, he exhaled in relief.

Xie Yuling placed her bag in the sink, while Lin Mo casually deposited his box.

Xie Yufei nudged the other box—same weight.

Meaning this Lin Mo guy had carried both boxes all the way from Xie Yuling’s place to here.

What kind of monster is he?

Still, he kept his cool. "Go grab some water and rest. We’ll start setting up the grill and skewers soon."

Xie Yuling nodded. "Sure."

Acting like she owned the place, she walked to the living room, retrieved her own cup from the cabinet, and poured water into a disposable airline cup for Lin Mo.

Her presence drew the attention of the six guys present.

They were all Xie Yufei’s middle school classmates, so they knew Xie Yuling—and her reputation as an ice queen.

As for Lin Mo, they were certain he hadn’t been around back then.

A high school friend? Brought along after just a month?

The guys exchanged glances, silently sharing their confusion.

Their shock only grew when Xie Yuling handed Lin Mo his water.

Lin Mo didn’t even say thanks, casually accepting it like it was the most natural thing.

Then Xie Yuling sat right beside him, their shoulders nearly touching.

She sipped her water quietly, saying nothing.

"Isn’t this your turf? Why do you seem so timid?" Lin Mo murmured near her ear.

Xie Yuling didn’t reply, just pinched his arm lightly.

The guys—and Xie Yufei—stared in disbelief.

They’d never seen Xie Yuling act like this, especially not around others. She was always so aloof.

Finishing his water, Lin Mo looked up at Xie Yufei. "Got scissors? Let’s check the oysters—they need prepping."

Xie Yufei nodded and went to fetch them.

Lin Mo stood and headed for the kitchen, Xie Yuling immediately trailing behind.

Everyone’s eyes followed.

"They’re definitely dating," their expressions screamed.

Only Lin Mo knew the truth—Xie Yuling wasn’t just an ice queen. She was also socially awkward.

In the kitchen, Xie Yufei handed over the scissors.

Lin Mo opened the box, revealing palm-sized oysters.

"These are huge!"

Lin Mo inspected them and nodded. "They’re Rushan oysters. Known for their size."

Xie Yuling couldn’t resist asking, "When did you order these? I didn’t know."

"I went to the market when I went out for breakfast. You were on my computer at the time, remember?"

Xie Yufei’s jaw nearly dropped.

This… is way too fast!

My cousin?! Living with someone?!