More Than Just Knowing (Bonus Chapter)

Su Yang glanced at Xia Zhiyu: "So, Little Fish, how do you like the neighborhood?"

Xia Zhiyu nodded. "Very much. It's so much better than where I used to live."

"As long as you're happy. But the main thing is the apartment itself. Come on, let's go take a look."

The two followed Wang Qiang to the entrance of Building 3, where the main door was locked. Since Wang Qiang wasn’t a resident, he couldn’t open it.

However, after making a quick phone call, the door clicked open.

He pulled it aside with a smile. "After you, Mr. Su."

"Did you ask the security guard to open it?"

"No, I had the landlord do it remotely."

"Oh, that works."

The three entered the building and headed for the elevator.

"Mr. Su, if you decide to rent this place, I’ll call the landlord over. She happens to be nearby."

"Sounds good. Which floor is it?"

"16th."

"Alright."

Soon, they arrived on the 16th floor. The Jade Lake Bay complex consisted of high-rise buildings with two elevators and three units per floor, each standing 28 stories tall.

Only the C zone had smaller units; the other zones started at 120 square meters.

Su Yang had initially considered renting a larger place for Xia Zhiyu, but since she’d be living alone, an 80-square-meter apartment was more than enough.

Following Wang Qiang, they stopped at Unit 1601. He pulled out a spare key from his briefcase and unlocked the door.

"Mr. Su, please come in." He handed them shoe covers at the entrance.

Once they had them on, the three stepped inside.

The apartment had a small hallway leading to a cozy living room and a compact dining area.

The interior was tastefully decorated—a plush off-white cotton sofa with decorative art hanging on the wall behind it. In front of the sofa sat a uniquely shaped coffee table atop a dark gray rug.

Opposite the sofa was a TV stand with a large flat-screen mounted on the wall.

To the right of the living room was a balcony furnished with a bean bag chair and potted plants—a perfect spot for afternoon tea.

To the left was a small dining area with a foldable white table for four, saving space when not in use.

Adjacent to it was an open U-shaped kitchen, fully equipped with a stove, range hood, oven, rice cooker, and more.

After Wang Qiang gave them a brief tour, Su Yang turned to Xia Zhiyu. "Well, Little Fish, what do you think?"

Her expression showed clear delight. "It’s beautiful!"

"Let’s check out the bedrooms."

Wang Qiang led them down the hallway next to the TV wall. "This way, Mr. Su."

To the left was a shared bathroom, and further down on the right was a guest bedroom.

At the end of the hall was the master bedroom. Despite the apartment being only 85 square meters, the master had its own ensuite bathroom.

Inside was a queen-sized bed, an off-white wardrobe, and a bay window overlooking much of the neighborhood.

Su Yang nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Pretty standard."

Wang Qiang grinned. "This place is really nice—I’d love it myself. But the decor leans feminine, which suits Little Fish perfectly."

Su Yang glanced at him. "Yeah, the style is definitely more suited for a woman. The landlord must be female too?"

"Yep, and she’s young."

"No wonder. Older folks wouldn’t decorate like this. Alright, let’s talk in the living room."

"Sure thing."

The three settled on the sofa.

Su Yang looked at Xia Zhiyu. "So, Little Fish, is this the one?"

She bit her lip and nodded. "Yes, I’ll go with whatever Su Yang decides."

"Great. Old Wang, call the landlord over so we can sign the contract here."

"On it!" Wang Qiang cheerfully dialed the landlord.

After a brief call, he hung up. "She’s nearby and will be here soon."

"Good. Did you bring the paperwork?"

Wang Qiang patted his briefcase. "All ready!"

"Perfect."

About ten minutes later, the lock clicked.

They turned to see a woman with long, wavy chestnut hair walk in.

She was strikingly beautiful—her hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup flawless, and her black dress accentuated by a thin shawl. Her long legs added to her elegant yet sexy presence.

She smiled at the group, but her eyes locked with Su Yang’s.

Both froze, wide-eyed.

Su Yang stiffened and stood. "Mengrou?"

"Su Yang?!"

Wang Qiang frowned. "Mr. Su... you know each other?"

Su Yang chuckled inwardly. Know each other? More than that.

The newcomer was none other than Zhao Mengrou, whom he hadn’t seen in a while.

She marched over, glaring. "So it’s you! Why are you renting a place?"

Su Yang sat back down, gesturing to Xia Zhiyu. "Not for me—for her. I’m just helping her look."

Zhao Mengrou’s gaze shifted to Xia Zhiyu. A flicker of realization crossed her eyes. Of course. Su Yang always has a beauty by his side.

Wang Qiang looked lost. "Wait... so you guys are acquainted?"

"Yeah, this is my Mengrou." Su Yang suddenly remembered Zhao Mengrou owned several rental properties in Haicheng.

He just hadn’t expected such a coincidence.

Zhao Mengrou set her bag down and sat. "If you needed a place for a friend, why not just ask me?"

"Didn’t want to bother you." Truthfully, he’d forgotten, but he couldn’t say that.

She rolled her eyes. "Since when do you worry about bothering me?"

Su Yang grinned, deflecting the question.

Wang Qiang cleared his throat. "Mr. Su... so about the apartment?"

"What about it?"

"Do we proceed as usual?"

"Of course. We’ll sign the contract, and you’ll get your commission."

Wang Qiang beamed. "Great, great!" He pulled out the paperwork.

But Zhao Mengrou cut in, shooting Su Yang another look. "Why bother with contracts? Your friend is my friend too." She smiled at Xia Zhiyu. "She’s adorable. If she’s your friend, she can just stay here. No need for formalities. Old Wang, take this listing down."

"Ah..."

Wang Qiang stood frozen, the contract clutched awkwardly in his stiffened hand.

...