Chapter 14
Chapter 14
The sun was blazing.
Robert’s slightly worn minivan rolled into a neighborhood that looked like it had some history. Lush green vines climbed up the sides of old buildings, and trees with colorful blossoms made the place feel peaceful, charming, and just a little mysterious.
“Unit 201…” After parking, the Edwards family double-checked the building number and unit.
Not far away, in a shady gazebo, an old man playing chess looked up and adjusted his glasses as he watched the family head upstairs. He clicked his tongue in surprise. “Moving into Mercury Block this young? That’s something.”
“What’s wrong with Mercury Block?” the other old man said while making his move. “Sure, the place is old, but prices never drop. As the former mayor of Hanston, you should know why.”
“Hey, don’t go saying stuff like that, Joseph.” The man with the glasses smiled calmly as he moved a piece. “Checkmate.”
“Ugh, this is so annoying! Can’t you let me win just once?” Joseph stood up, clearly frustrated. “I’m out. It’s noon, time for lunch. If I’m late, my grandson’s gonna complain again.”
Meanwhile, the Edwards family was unlocking the door to their new apartment.
When they opened the door to Unit 201, they found a clean and tidy living room.
The main color was light green. A beige fabric sofa and an ivory coffee table gave the space a soft, cozy look. The place had a TV, air conditioner, and even some casual, cheerful graffiti art on the walls.
The window was open, and a light breeze carried in the faint scent of flowers. The whole place felt quiet, simple, and full of charm.
Nina smiled a little. This was the surprise she had prepared for her parents-though it had clearly given Robert and Yvonne quite a shock.
Just then, a cheerful voice came from outside the door. “Oh, are you the new folks who just moved into 201?”
It was a woman carrying a bunch of vegetables. She looked friendly and a little under fifty.
‘Hello, ma’am,” Robert said with a smile. “Do you happen to know who used to live here?”
The woman looked confused. “You didn’t meet the owner before buying it?”
‘Well…” Robert didn’t know how to explain.
‘Oh, I get it. You only met the agent, not the owner, right?” she said, suddenly realizing. “That’s how it works these days- more convenient.”
She seemed straightforward and chatty. “I live right upstairs. The one who used to live here was an old man. Seemed rich, but maybe something was a little off in his head.”
She tapped her head and sighed. “He used to give money and gifts to everyone, said he was making up for something. Scared most of us. We stopped talking to him. He moved out years ago.”
Robert and Yvonne exchanged a look-they were pretty sure she was talking about the old man from the hospital. Nina just
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Chapter 14
raised an eyebrow.
Thanks, ma’am,” Yvonne said politely. “Would you like to come in for some water?”
“Thanks, but I’m good. Gotta get lunch started,” the woman said, waving as she headed upstairs. But after a few steps, she came back down.
She looked at Robert and Yvonne’s clothes a little awkwardly. “By the way, do you two have jobs?”
Robert and Yvonne looked puzzled, but shook their heads. “We just got here.”
“Perfect!” she said, lighting up. “Did you see the little grocery store downstairs? It’s mine. Business is great.
“But my son and I are moving overseas soon, so I’m in a hurry to sell it. I can give you a good deal-store and all. What do you think?”
9:09 pm
