“I knew Mr. Mo had gotten a wife—I even saw him coming back with meals and flowers… I just never imagined you’d be so outstanding in person…” The Security Guard sighed, unclear if it was admiration or something else.
Zhong Nian said a shy thank you: “Mr. Security, my… Mr. Mo, what time does he usually come back in the afternoon?”
The Security Guard replied: “Every day like clockwork at six. At 5:50, I’m sure to see him enter the gate, and he’s home around six.”
It was a very precise answer.
When Mo Heng had left at noon, Zhong Nian had deliberately checked the time—it was exactly two o’clock.
He had a strong sense of time, which was a good thing.
Knowing his husband’s schedule would make tasks much easier.
He was also curious about Mo Heng’s job, but such questions were too personal to ask outsiders.
Seeing the Security Guard was approachable, Zhong Nian boldly made a request: “Could you give me an Access Pass for entering and exiting the main gate?”
The Security Guard showed an apologetic expression: “That’s not under my control—I can’t give you one.”
“Then…?”
“It requires a vote. At least eighty percent of residents must agree. Oh, right—to vote, you need to have lived here for a full month first. Once the time’s up, Mr. Jiang will organize the vote.” The Security Guard paused. “Do you know Mr. Jiang? He’s our Apartment Administrator.”
“I just met him.” Hearing the harsh conditions for the Access Pass, Zhong Nian felt no discouragement.
If something so important could be obtained easily, this instance wouldn’t be B-rank.
A month was too long, with too many variables—he couldn’t just wait it out.
If he couldn’t get one legitimately, maybe steal or snatch it?
His husband had one…
Zhong Nian temporarily shelved the thought and continued: “What’s with the Apartment Rules posted at the elevator? Why is half of it torn off?”
This question was as crucial as the Access Pass, but he probably wouldn’t get the answer he wanted.
Zhong Nian watched the Security Guard’s expression intently, not missing any clues.
But the other said nothing—no change in expression at all.
Zhong Nian pursed his lips: “Mr. Security, can’t you tell me about this?”
Security Guard: “What?”
“I want to know the second half of the Apartment Rules…”
He repeated it, but the man in front of him acted as if he hadn’t heard, showing no reaction. He still looked at Zhong Nian with a serious listening expression, waiting for him to continue.
Zhong Nian sensed something wrong and shut his mouth.
In the silence, time seemed to freeze. The atmosphere turned eerie, and even the Security Guard’s expression grew unsettling.
But the old AC unit in the Security Booth kept humming, blowing cold air.
Zhong Nian curled his stiff, cold fingers on his knees, swallowed, and mustered courage once more: “I mean the Apartment Rules—can you hear me?”
The rigid figure before him suddenly came alive.
“Ah, that.” The Security Guard nodded. “In our Happiness Apartment, these rules are crucial. No rules, no standards. Just follow them, and don’t worry too much.”
Though the answer was unsatisfying, Zhong Nian relaxed.
He couldn’t get the second half of the Apartment Rules—it must be a Game System restriction.
“Your handling here is so blunt,” Zhong Nian couldn’t help complaining to the System. “So dumb.”
The System seemed hesitant but agreed: “…A bit, yeah.”
It wasn’t suitable to disturb him too much on a first meeting. Zhong Nian sat for a bit, symbolically drank some water, and took his leave, sincerely thanking the Security Uncle.
“You’re leaving already? Stay longer?” The Security Guard tried to keep him.
Zhong Nian took it as polite talk and smiled: “Next time.”
“Sure, you’re welcome anytime. I’m on duty during the day. I wasn’t prepared this time—next time you come, I’ll treat you to something good.”
“Got it. Carry on, sir.”
Zhong Nian didn’t look back. He didn’t know the Security Guard stood at the door, gazing wistfully after him the whole way. He only thought this Security Guard looked scary but was quite friendly and enthusiastic toward the residents.
He walked elsewhere, looking for other gaps like dog holes or low walls…
He didn’t find an exit but instead encountered someone he had just met not long ago by the flower bed.
The complex’s landscaping was well done. The flower beds held seasonal violas, neatly trimmed and blooming vibrantly.
The edges were washed clean too. The man sat sideways on the rim, extending Cat Treats into the bushes.
A half-read book lay open beside him.
“No worries, I’m not a bad guy. Eat a little?” The man coaxed softly, pushing the Cat Treats in. Unfortunately, the cat inside wasn’t cooperative—it kept hissing and retreating, never even poking its head out.
He sighed in frustration, withdrew his hand, and noticed Zhong Nian watching from the side. He paused, then smiled: “Mrs. Mo, what a coincidence.”
Zhong Nian walked over and asked: “Are you feeding the cat?”
Jiang Jingyun chuckled lightly: “Yeah, it’s a permanent resident here, part of the community. Everyone’s fed it, even taken it to the vet for neutering and vaccines, but it doesn’t warm up to people.”