Jiang Baibai was a local. Her home was near Qingshan Road.
It was a narrow street, lined with low, aging buildings that looked like they hadn't changed since the 80s or 90s.
After clocking out from their shift, the two arrived at a five- or six-story apartment building and stopped in front.
When Jiang Baibai first heard Shen Mo say he wanted to visit her house, she was completely stunned.
In her mind, a guy coming to a girl's home meant something—it meant things between them were already... different.
But Shen Mo clearly didn't see it that way. Those deep, ink-black eyes that had drawn her in carried no hidden desire—only clear purpose.
He really just wants to come over and... check something out.
That realization sparked a strange frustration in her chest. She didn't know what he was thinking, but for her, it felt like bringing a boyfriend home for the first time.
Which, unfortunately, reminded her of that looming arranged engagement—one with a man she had never even met.
"Maybe you should go up first and talk to your parents. I'll wait here, so I don't catch them off guard."
The voice broke her out of her spiral.
"Ah… okay, give me a sec. I'll go talk to them first," she replied quickly, cheeks flushing red, and scurried up the stairs.
Shen Mo watched her figure disappear into the stairwell. Then he unzipped the backpack slung across his chest.
A cat's head popped out.
"Why'd you drag me into this mess?" Butch grumbled in his usual annoyed tone.
Shen Mo had stopped by home just to pick him up.
"Aren't you supposed to be monitoring me? I can't solve her problem by dating her, so the least I can do is help her. And since you're my so-called 'guardian' or whatever, don't you think you should pitch in too?"
Butch fell silent.
He wanted to say Shen Mo's logic was nonsense... but couldn't come up with a real argument.
"…Fine. I'll help. But I want compensation."
"Deal. What do you want?"
"That shop across the street that does sweet and sour carp—I've been smelling it since we got here. You settle this matter, and I want a full portion."
"Done."
The contract was sealed.
Just then, Jiang Baibai returned. Butch immediately ducked back into the bag.
"My dad's okay with it. Come on up."
Shen Mo slung the bag over his shoulder and followed her upstairs.
The one who opened the door was a slender, middle-aged man, hair graying, crow's feet etched deep in the corners of his eyes. Exhaustion seemed to hang off his frame.
This must be Jiang Baibai's father.
As their eyes met, information flashed across Shen Mo's mind:
[Target: Jiang Yi, Age: 48. Relation: Jiang Baibai's father. Current Issue: Owes 50,000 yuan in debt from a failed business venture.]
Debt and family burden—classic middle-aged crisis.
Shen Mo offered a polite smile and bowed slightly. "Hello, Uncle. I'm Shen Mo, Baibai's friend."
Rule number one when visiting someone's home: be polite to the elders. Make a bad first impression, and you might find yourself kicked out before you sit down.
"Ah, welcome! Come in, don't be shy," Jiang Yi greeted warmly. He seemed genuinely pleased. "Sit wherever you like. No need to be so formal."
Shen Mo nodded, following Jiang Baibai inside.
But just as he stepped in, a sharp, cold gaze cut across the room.
He turned.
Standing in the living room was a middle-aged woman, arms folded, expression icy. Her features bore a clear resemblance to Baibai's—maybe seventy percent.
Still beautiful, but there was a lingering edge.
[Target: Chen Wanyu, Age: 45. Relation: Jiang Baibai's mother.]
[Status: Observing Host. Emotion: Hostile.]
Hostile?
It wasn't hard to guess why.
After all, she had just arranged a marriage for her daughter—and now here comes some random boy showing up at their door. "Friend," huh? Who'd buy that?
Shen Mo stayed composed, offering a friendly nod. "Hello, Auntie."
Chen Wanyu said nothing. She simply turned and walked off into her room.
The mood in the room dropped ten degrees.
Jiang Baibai looked mortified. "I'm sorry, Shen Mo, my mom, she just—"
"It's fine," Shen Mo interrupted gently. "I understand."
"Huh?"
"Summer came to the shop this morning. You were in the back, so you didn't see her. She told me everything."
Jiang Baibai stiffened, head lowering instantly.
Shen Mo knew it wasn't exactly kind to expose something she'd tried to keep hidden. But they had to face it sooner or later. He figured it was better now than never.
He turned to Jiang Yi, trying to ease the tension. "Uncle, don't you have a night shift later? Feel free to rest. I won't be staying long."
Jiang Yi, clearly still tired, gave a small nod. "Alright. You two chat. Don't let him leave without something to drink, Baibai." Then he grabbed his keys and left.
That easy?
Shen Mo had been expecting some protective-dad interrogation. Instead, he'd just peaced out like it was nothing.
Do I really give off that "pure gentleman" vibe...?
He found an empty spot on the couch and sat down. Baibai, now in host mode, went off to make tea.
Perfect. No eyes on him.
He took a deep breath.
The All-Seeing Eye, activate—120% scan rate.
He swept through the room, scanning every corner.
[Target: Flower Pot. Material: Fiberglass. Source: Online purchase.]
[Target: Trash Can. Material: High-Density Polyethylene. Source: Convenience store.]
...Nothing useful.
A faint headache crept in. Overusing his mental energy again. But he pushed through.
His gaze landed on some hanging laundry on the balcony.
[Target: Women's Bra. Material: Cotton. Owner: Jiang Baibai. Source: Local supermarket.]
Whoa. That bra is... really white. And pretty round. Didn't expect her to be a C-cup. Those loose tops are deceptive.
But isn't that fabric a little thin? If it got wet, would it—
Nope nope nope—what the hell am I thinking!?
He shook off the mental static, turned his gaze slightly—and froze again.
...Is that Aunt Chen's bra?
[Target: Women's Bra. Material: Cotton. Owner: Chen Wanyu. Source: Gift from Lover.]
Huh?
Not self-bought, not from her husband... from a lover?
He blinked, then looked at the matching panties nearby.
[Target: Women's Underwear. Material: Cotton. Owner: Chen Wanyu. Source: Gift from Lover.]
...Well, damn.
Both pieces from the same man.
Could it be... Aunt Chen's sudden return, and this arranged marriage—are those things connected to this "lover"?
Something wasn't adding up.
And Shen Mo had just stumbled onto the first loose thread.