novelraw Chapter 148: Apartment Hunting
Chapter 148: Apartment Hunting
“Why’d you choose Tianhe City?”While Si Jinliang and Shi Wanglin were still hyped over their decks,The two sisters arrived at the entrance of the very complex where Li Xue lived.
Today, Tang Xun wasn’t in her school uniform.She wore a creamy white, oversized down jacket. The puffed-up look made her appear soft and cuddly.Below, she had on fleece-lined dark blue jeans and white canvas shoes.Simple, but charming.
At that moment,She stood at the gate, looking at her sister. Her petite hands tucked inside her sleeves, only the delicate knuckles peeking out.
Next to her, Tang Yao wore a similar winter outfit—Except her jeans were more form-fitting.The snug fabric outlined her slender waist and shapely hips in clean, confident curves.
Well, she was the older sister, after all.
“Don’t you think this place is pretty good?”Tang Yao stretched her neck, gazing into the complex.
The landscaping was well done.Even in winter, the evergreens and neatly trimmed bushes looked vibrant.The roads were clean, the atmosphere quiet—Most importantly, peaceful.
“…”Tang Xun poked half her pale little face out of the jacket collar and let out a visible breath.“But I feel like you’re hiding something from me…”
“What could I be hiding?”Tang Yao replied easily.“It’s just that a friend of mine lives here too. So I figured we’d check this place first.”
“...Miss Li?”Tang Xun paused, then asked calmly. She knew her sister had a close friend—after all, Tang Yao mentioned her often.
“Mm.”Tang Yao nodded and smiled.“If we end up living nearby, I’ll introduce you.”
“…Okay.”Tang Xun didn’t react much. She just answered softly and retreated back into her coat.
“Let’s go take a look.”Tang Yao glanced at the shivering real estate agent nearby and gave an apologetic smile.“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
The agent—an auntie around fifty—smiled back warmly.Despite the cold, she held no complaints.
After all, both sisters were beautiful and polite.It was hard to be upset.
Especially the elder one. That smile—gorgeous.The agent couldn’t help but compare them to her own ungrateful daughter back home...
That girl was nearly thirty and couldn’t even make fried rice.But here? Tang Yao wasn’t even twenty and already taking care of her little sister so gracefully, never pushy, always respectful.
Good grief.
If Tang Yao could hear her thoughts, she’d probably leap up and punch her with a pink fist—“Who’re you calling not twenty yet?!”
“This way, please.”The agent composed herself and guided them in with a practiced smile.As they walked, she enthusiastically introduced the complex.
“Tianhe City is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the area.
Great greenery, top-tier property management, 24/7 security patrols—very safe.And the facilities are top-notch…”The sisters listened while glancing around.
They had to admit—The environment was excellent.
“Also, the units we’re looking at today are fully furnished with stylish décor—just bring your bags and move in.”
“The landlord’s very tasteful. You’re going to love it.”
They entered one of the buildings.
“12th floor. Great lighting and views.”The agent pressed the elevator button while continuing her pitch.
Ding.The elevator arrived.They rode up, and the agent unlocked the door.
As soon as they stepped in—
Tang Xun was stunned.
The décor was warm, natural, with a wood-themed aesthetic.The light wood floors and cream-colored fabric sofas created a soft, inviting tone.
Large plants in each corner of the living room added vibrance.Sunlight spilled in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting golden patterns on the floor.
It felt like home.
Clearly, Tang Xun loved it.
As for Tang Yao…She was too busy marveling at how none of the plants had died.
“This is a 4-bedroom, 1-living room layout, about 160 square meters.Fully furnished, all appliances included—move-in ready.”The agent led them through the rooms as she explained.
The sisters followed, inspecting each corner.
Soon,Tang Xun found herself drawn to the massive living room window.She gently parted the curtains to let in more light.The city skyline in the distance sparkled under winter sunlight.
In that moment,Her delicate face practically glowed.
But then she saw the big, lonely bed in the master bedroom.Her expression dimmed.
And when she noticed the oversized bathtub—Her eyes lit right back up.
“So?”Tang Yao asked quietly.
She could read her sister’s thoughts.Even if she didn’t understand why a bathtub was the dealbreaker—“Waste of water and time,” she thought—But hey, if Xun liked it, she’d take it.
“…”Tang Xun didn’t answer. She looked up and asked instead:“Do you like it?”
“Yeah, I do.”Tang Yao responded without hesitation.
Honestly, she wasn’t picky.
The old apartment had been fine—just too far.In the end, what mattered was who she lived with.Tang Xun whispered,“I like it too.”
The agent saw her chance.
“If you think it’s suitable, we can sign the lease right away!
The landlord said if it’s a long-term rental, the price is negotiable.”
“Can we sign it now?”Tang Yao turned and asked.
Half an hour later—
The agent left, practically skipping.
Tang Yao had paid for two years—upfront.Didn’t haggle one bit.
After politely seeing her off,Tang Yao locked the door, walked back inside—
And flopped onto the sofa.
“Two years.This place is ours now.”
She could’ve bought the place.But buying meant paperwork—and she hated that.
Tang Xun stood by the window, looking out at the view.No one could see her expression—But she seemed… happy.
Tang Yao watched her, head tilted.
“I’ll ask around for moving companies.After work, I’ll help pack.Let’s aim to finish in two days.As for bedding—we’ll get new ones after we move.”
Tang Xun turned around.
Her oversized sleeves swallowed her hands, leaving only her fingertips showing—The cool aura she usually carried vanished.Combined with her gentle features, she looked like a soft little animal.
She walked over, sat next to her sister, and murmured:
“Mm…”
“Are you happy?”Tang Yao smiled.
Looking straight ahead,Tang Xun whispered:“Happy…”
It was quiet.But genuine.
Tang Yao’s grin widened.She reached out and pinched her sister’s cheek.
“You’re always so cold and stoic, but look at you—finally acting like a little girl. I love it.”
Tang Xun didn’t dodge.She blushed and lightly batted at her sister’s hand.
Satisfied, Tang Yao leaned back and sighed.
“We finally made it.”
Back when she first arrived…
Wrong gender
Poor
Clueless about the job
Worried about her sister’s tuition…
She’d seriously thought about restarting.
But then—Her little sister clung to her, voice shaking, crying:
“I only have you…”
That day, Tang Yao gave up the idea.Even if she’d hijacked someone’s life—She refused to ruin another one.
So she worked hard:To adapt to her new body.To become a real editor.To handle those impossibly annoying mangaka.
It wasn’t a tear-stained journey, but it wasn’t easy either.
Now…
She’d adapted.She’d earned money—a lot of money.And most importantly—
She hadn’t ruined someone else’s life.
Tang Yao looked over.
At the girl sitting next to her.
She slowly turned back.Took a deep breath.Raised her hand, stared at her own pale fingers—
And for the first time,It felt real.
Tang Xun noticed.She turned her head to look.
She saw her sister’s hand glowing in the sunlight.Then—
Placed her own hand over it.
Tang Yao blinked at the sudden warmth.
Then smiled.And gently interlaced their fingers.
Tang Xun finally dropped her act.She rested her head on Tang Yao’s shoulder.
Her voice was soft.“Thank you, Jie…”
She knew how much her sister had given.From those early struggles…To this quiet life now.
Everything.Was built on her sister’s shoulders.
Honestly—Looking around at this apartment, it all felt like a dream.
“No need for thanks.We’re sisters, aren’t we?”
Tang Yao nudged her forehead against Tang Xun’s.
The two of them leaned on each other.Sunlight streamed through the window,Spilling across the floor—
Warm, golden, gentle.