Chapter 1

I bought an apartment four years ago, never even moved in or furnished it.

Two years later, I suddenly got a collection notice for overdue utility bills.

Completely baffled, I went back to check it out. And found strangers living there!

After work, my phone buzzed with a utility bill collection notice.

I stared at the unfamiliar apartment number on my screen; it took a while for my brain to catch up, but then I remembered – oh, right, I actually owned an apartment with that number.

It was an apartment I'd bought years ago, saving up for the down payment and taking out a loan after I started my career.

But then I'd made a last-minute decision to study abroad, so the apartment had been sitting empty ever since it was renovated.

A flicker of doubt sparked in my mind. Logically, no one should be living there. So where were these utility bills coming from?

A knot of confusion tightening in my gut, I headed for the complex, following the route etched in my memory.

…

Standing before the apartment door, I frowned. The developers had originally installed a drab, industrial-looking door, but this one was brand new, sleek, and black. I double-checked the number, just to be sure.

"808. Yeah, this is it…"

The starkly different black door, combined with the faint scent of perfume wafting from beneath it, sent a chill of dread through me. Without hesitation, I called a locksmith!

The locksmith arrived quickly, his gaze sweeping over me, sizing me up.

"This your place?"

I quickly pulled my apartment deed and ID from my bag, handing them over.

"Of course. Here are the papers, check them out."

The locksmith took the documents, studied me carefully, but still seemed hesitant.

Desperate to get inside, I quickly said:

"I'm in a hurry. I can pay extra. How about a hundred bucks?"

He finally handed the papers back, crouched down, opened his toolbox, and muttered under his breath:

"That's weird. Wasn't a young lady living here last time?"

"What was that?"

I didn't quite catch it. Just as I was about to ask again, a shrill voice cut through the air behind me:

"What are you doing?! What in the world are you doing?!"

My shoulder was roughly shoved. A stylishly dressed young woman stormed over to the locksmith, pointing a finger at his nose and unleashing a torrent of abuse:

"Oh, you actually dared to break in, right in broad daylight! You're trying to rob my home!"

As she spoke, she reached out, trying to grab the locksmith's tools!

The locksmith, caught off guard, pointed at me:

"I'm not a thief! This has nothing to do with me! She's the one who asked me to open the lock!"

The girl's face whipped around. Her eyes raked over me, then snagged on the watch on my wrist, a greedy glint flashing in them!

She stomped towards me, muttering curses under her breath:

"You psycho! Trying to break into my place in broad daylight? I'm going to teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

With that, she lunged at me!

I frowned, instinctively stepping back a couple of paces. The girl missed, her eyes darted around, and the next second, she plopped herself onto the ground!

"Oh, help me! In broad daylight, a big man is not only trying to break into my home but also bullying a poor, defenseless girl like me…"

Her voice was like a siren, and within moments, neighbors were peeking out of their doors, drawn by the commotion.

I'd never encountered such audacity in my life. I felt an urge to retreat.

Seeing the crowd gather, the girl wailed even louder, reaching out and grabbing onto my pant leg:

"You're not going anywhere! You just pushed me to the ground, and now I can't move! You have to take responsibility!"

What?! I hadn't even touched her!

"Ma'am, you need to be careful with your accusations! I haven't laid a hand on you! The locksmith can back me up!"

My pleading gaze landed on the locksmith, but he just averted his eyes, not daring to look at me or say a word!

A flicker of triumph crossed the girl's face. She tightened her grip on my pant leg.

"See? Anyone with a conscience wouldn't testify for you. You better just pay up, honestly!"

Her eyes were fixated on my watch, greed practically screaming from them. Her motive was crystal clear!

Realizing no help was coming, I took a deep breath, calmed myself, and let out a cynical chuckle.

"So, how exactly do you want me to compensate you?"

The girl's eyes lit up. She pointed directly at my wrist.

"I can't even stand up! A hospital visit will cost at least ten to twenty thousand! But I'm a really kind person, so how about you just give me that watch on your wrist as compensation, and we'll call it even!"

I nodded.

"Alright. But before I do, can you answer two questions for me?"

Her eyes practically gleamed at the mention of money. She nodded without a second thought.

"What do you want to ask?"

I gestured towards the black security door, a faint smile playing on my lips, and asked:

"Is this your home?"

"Duh! Of course, it's my home!" the girl blurted out without thinking.

I continued:

"Oh, really? Then why is the apartment I bought suddenly your home?"

Her face froze. She stammered out:

"You… what do you mean? I don't understand!"

"Exactly what it sounds like. Why are you living in my apartment?"

A flash of guilt darted through her eyes. She jutted out her chin, snapping back:

"What do you mean, your apartment? This is clearly my boyfriend's apartment! I live here! What proof do you have that it's yours?!"

"Of course I have proof!"