Chapter 12: A New Roommate—What Did I Do to Deserve This?

What is the most painful thing in the world? If you were to ask Lin Xiao right now, he would surely tell you—it is having a table full of delicacies laid out before you, yet being unable and too afraid to eat a single bite.

The birthday banquet carried on, but since Lin Xiao couldn’t sneak food or drink, he began to observe his surroundings. He noticed that the elderly guests showed no hesitation while enjoying the dishes; none seemed to share his predicament. That, in itself, was a significant problem.

At Lin Xiao’s table, the older ladies kept inquiring about his situation. Aside from Liu Jiao, who knew how Lin Xiao had gained entry, the others were in the dark. Lin Xiao experienced firsthand just how gossipy women could be. It is said that three women can set the stage for a drama—how many plays, then, unfold at a table full of women?

Lin Xiao didn’t conceal anything when answering their questions, and soon enough, these grandmothers had learned everything about him. Some even wanted to introduce their granddaughters to him. This terrified Lin Xiao; he had no intention of dating anyone anytime soon.

His polite refusal left the elderly ladies sighing in regret, but they understood that feelings cannot be forced. Liu Jiao, sitting nearby, let out a sigh herself. This young man really didn’t know what an opportunity he’d missed. The women offering introductions were all prominent figures; if Lin Xiao had become the grandson-in-law of any one of them, it would have been a meteoric rise.

The birthday banquet lasted over two hours. Lin Xiao had come hoping to enjoy free food and drink, but in the end could only watch, the experience becoming a torment for him. As a newcomer, he couldn’t leave while others remained seated, so he chatted with Liu Jiao and the others, exchanging pleasant banter to ease the awkwardness.

His words were sweet, calling each of the elderly ladies “sister,” which delighted them greatly. Lin Xiao had hoped to glean some information from their conversation, but soon gave up. Aside from learning some names, he discovered nothing useful. Whenever he asked about the retirement home, the old-timers would brush him off with vague answers.

In short, they had learned nearly everything about him, while he gained nothing about this place. It couldn’t be blamed on Liu Jiao and the others; it simply wasn’t time for Lin Xiao to know the details. At the very least, they would wait until Xu Qing had thoroughly investigated Lin Xiao’s background before considering whether to tell him anything.

It was on a whim that Liu Jiao had decided to keep Lin Xiao around.

As for what to do next, they would wait until they understood him better. During this time, Sun Zhi Yuan went from table to table, offering toasts, and naturally did not skip theirs. He laughed and joked with everyone—except Lin Xiao, whom he ignored. Lin Xiao dared not object, only smiling along. After all, he had cursed Sun Zhi Yuan earlier; were the roles reversed, he wouldn’t treat someone who’d cursed him kindly either.

At last, the birthday banquet ended and everyone dispersed. Lin Xiao was no exception; his room had been prepared, and it was time to meet his roommate. He wondered who it would be, and whether they’d get along.

He’d hoped to find Xu Qing to ask her to show him the way, but after searching, he couldn’t locate her. Resigned, he headed toward his assigned room.

The door was tightly shut, and Lin Xiao didn’t know if his roommate was inside. Out of courtesy, he knocked.

“Come in!”

A strong, vigorous voice came from within. Lin Xiao frowned; the voice sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it, so he pushed the door open and entered.

The moment he stepped inside, Lin Xiao realized why the voice had seemed familiar. In the brief time since his arrival, few people had spoken to him, and the man before him was one of them—it was Sun Zhi Yuan, the guest of honor at today’s birthday banquet.

Lin Xiao: (???)

Could his luck really be so poor? How did he end up sharing a room with this man? Wasn’t this inviting disaster?

And Sun Zhi Yuan, too—his children had traveled so far to see him, yet he’d returned so quickly. Shouldn’t he have spent more time with them?

Sun Zhi Yuan was surprised to see Lin Xiao, but soon understood why he was there. This young man had mentioned being newly admitted, and at present, Sun Zhi Yuan’s room was the only one without a roommate. It seemed Xu Qing had arranged for Lin Xiao to stay with him.

He chuckled softly to himself. He hadn’t expected this youngster to fall into his hands so soon.

Thinking this, Sun Zhi Yuan stretched his neck, producing a series of cracking sounds, and put on what he considered a kindly smile.

“Lin, is it? From now on we’re roommates. I’ll be sure to take good care of you.”

Sun Zhi Yuan didn’t realize that the smile he thought so amiable appeared terrifying to Lin Xiao.

So this was his new roommate—what misfortune had he brought upon himself? Though he was unwilling, Lin Xiao knew he could only grit his teeth and endure.

“Brother Sun, I never expected you’d be my roommate. What happened before was all a misunderstanding. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Sun Zhi Yuan looked at Lin Xiao with surprise, suddenly finding the young man rather interesting. Despite everything, he dared to cozy up to him, calling him “Brother Sun” with such familiarity. Even his great-grandchildren were older than Lin Xiao, yet here he was, being called “brother.” Perhaps having such a youngster around wouldn’t be so bad.

“Don’t worry, what happened before is nothing. I won’t fuss with a kid like you. But I am curious—how did you get admitted here?”

Lin Xiao considered briefly, then decided to recount the whole story.

When Sun Zhi Yuan learned that Lin Xiao had stumbled in by accident, all because of his birthday, he was at a loss for words.

Tomorrow, he thought, he must have a good chat with Old Zhang. That fellow really had no sense; how could the Sun family take in someone so scrawny? And how had Xu Qing managed this? She’d let someone in just for paying the fee. If money alone granted admission, the place would have been overflowing long ago.

Lin Xiao truly had luck on his side. And since they’d accepted such a young resident, they owed an explanation.

As Sun Zhi Yuan was pondering this, his phone chimed. He picked it up and saw a message from the retirement home’s “Family of Love” group.

“All members, please convene in the meeting room to discuss the matter of Lin Xiao’s admission.”

Sun Zhi Yuan muttered to himself—it was as he expected; Lin Xiao was likely to be expelled. Yet, for some reason, he felt a bit reluctant.

He must be out of his mind. Well, it wasn’t for him to decide. What would happen next depended on Lin Xiao’s own fortune.