Chapter 5: This Nursing Home Is No Ordinary Place!

With this thought, Lin Xiao, who had been ready to find a place to hide, stopped in his tracks. This was his own affair; if the gatekeeper grandpa were to suffer misfortune because of it, he could never bring himself to let that happen.

He looked back, and sure enough, the group of thugs had gathered at the entrance of the nursing home. The gatekeeper stood before them, barring their way.

“Old man, let us in! We have some private matters to settle!”

Without even lifting his head, the gatekeeper replied coolly, “Sorry, this is private property. You can’t come in just because you want to.”

“Old man, are you trying to make things difficult for us? Let us in if you know what’s good for you, or don’t blame us for not respecting our elders!”

“No need to waste words with him. Get in there!”

The thugs made as if to rush the entrance, but at that moment, Lin Xiao, compelled by his conscience, returned.

“Grandpa—” Lin Xiao began, but the old man cut him off.

“Little Lin, that’s enough. No need for you to act. Do you think I’m here at the Red Sun Nursing Home just for retirement? It’s been a while since I stretched my muscles, and now these fools have delivered themselves right to my door.”

“Grandpa, actually, these people—”

“Just stand aside and watch.”

Without waiting for Lin Xiao to finish, the gatekeeper turned to the thugs. An overwhelming aura radiated from him, so strong that Lin Xiao was left stunned. Was this really just a nursing home’s gatekeeper?

Collecting his thoughts, Lin Xiao remembered that while his original self had awakened the most useless F-rank ability, he had, through his memories, witnessed many battles between powerful individuals. But none had ever possessed an aura as formidable as the old man before him.

The thugs, too, sensed that something was off and hesitated.

“Boss, something doesn’t feel right. The old guy looks pretty tough!”

The gang leader wavered. If they backed off now, he’d lose all credibility—how could he lead his crew after that?

“Don’t be scared! He’s just a gatekeeper. Get him!”

The lackeys tried to psych themselves up, and many of them began to emit fluctuations of spiritual energy, preparing their own techniques. Though their abilities were only E or F rank, that didn’t mean they were harmless.

Seeing fireballs and wind blades forming in their hands, Lin Xiao’s heart leapt into his throat. The gatekeeper, however, seemed unbothered, conjuring a fireball of his own.

It was a small fireball, even smaller than those in the thugs’ hands, yet standing nearby, Lin Xiao could feel its searing heat.

Before the thugs could attack, the old man hurled his fireball. It exploded just short of the thugs, and the powerful shockwave sent them sprawling. Their gathered energies scattered instantly.

What astonished Lin Xiao was that, aside from knocking the thugs down, the technique hadn’t so much as scratched the surrounding environment—a level of control not easily achieved.

The thugs realized they’d tangled with a real hard case. At their leader’s order, they slunk away, shooting Lin Xiao venomous looks as they left. He could faintly hear them muttering that they’d get him sooner or later.

Initially, seeing the thugs driven off, Lin Xiao had planned to leave as well, but now he reconsidered. This place seemed quite safe. He might as well stay here for a while.

“Grandpa, you’re amazing!”

“Alright, you rascal, your grandfather is waiting for you. Go on in.”

Lin Xiao wasn’t a fool. He could tell this nursing home was no ordinary place. If even the gatekeeper was this powerful, there had to be more to it. Of course, it was possible the old man was simply a hidden master, retired and bored, keeping the gate.

Whatever the case, Lin Xiao’s curiosity was piqued. He wanted to see what lay inside.

With those trailing him temporarily out of the picture, Lin Xiao felt completely at ease. After bidding farewell to the gatekeeper, he walked into the home.

Looking around, Lin Xiao had to admit the environment was excellent. This was one of Xuncheng’s high-end villa districts; to use such a large plot for a nursing home, the people behind it must be extraordinary.

Soon, Lin Xiao reached the reception desk. Behind it sat a stunning young woman, whose surprise was evident when she saw him—outsiders were a rare sight here.

Still, professionalism prevailed and she gave him a polite smile. “Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?”

Lin Xiao scratched his head. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

Should he claim to be here to celebrate Elder Sun’s birthday? That would be too absurd—he’d be exposed the moment he set foot inside.

As Lin Xiao hesitated, a thought sprang unbidden to mind. Since being reborn into this world, he had no desire to become a big shot. His F-rank ability meant he couldn’t exactly live recklessly. Living quietly, like a salted fish, didn’t sound so bad.

If he was going to be a salted fish, why not check himself into the nursing home? He’d just come into a large sum of money—surely enough to stay here comfortably for a long time.

The more he thought about it, the more tempted he became, his eyes brightening with excitement.

To retire at eighteen—what a way to avoid a lifetime of unnecessary detours!

Besides, with such a formidable gatekeeper at the door, he’d be well cared for—far better than in some shabby rental.

The decision was made.

“Miss, I’d like to check in as a resident,” he said.

At this, Xu Qing, the receptionist, frowned. She hadn’t heard about any new arrivals. But if he’d been let in, approval must have been given. She knew the kind of people who could stay here and dared not show the slightest neglect.

“Sir, are you here to arrange accommodation for a family member? If so, could you provide some information about the elderly resident?”

Lin Xiao waved her off. “No, I’m not applying for a family member. I’d like to check in myself. Here’s my ID. Actually, let me introduce myself. My name is Lin Xiao, male, hobby: making money, just 504 months short of sixty. If possible, I’d like to sign up for a lifetime package.”

Xu Qing’s mouth twitched at his response. Out of sight, a flash of lightning flickered in her hand.

Receptionist: (╬￣皿￣)

What’s going on? Why is Old Zhang letting anyone in?

She needed to come up with a way to get rid of this guy—this wasn’t a place just anyone could stay.

Sizing up Lin Xiao’s ordinary clothes, she quickly had an idea. No matter who he was or what he wanted, she’d frighten him off!