Chapter 11: Living Together

In the end, Han Jiayi relented. After all, there was an order to things, and Bai Renzong had already rented this apartment for a year. She wasn’t the landlord, either. With Han Xu keeping silent, she had no right to drive Bai Renzong out, so after much consideration, she could only agree to stay here for now.

As for how long she would stay… Han Jiayi wasn’t sure herself. She didn’t want to leave; living at home was always more comfortable than elsewhere. But Bai Renzong had rented it for a whole year… Was she really going to live with this loudmouth for a year?

No! Han Jiayi shook her head; she was certain she’d soon find her next opportunity. Until then, she’d just have to endure.

“Let’s make it clear from the start,” Han Jiayi said, watching Bai Renzong warily, “No matter what happens, you are not allowed in my room. The contract is explicit—my room isn’t rented to you.”

“So, by your logic, every other room in the apartment is rented to me. Does that mean you can’t use them? Bathroom, shower, living room?” Bai Renzong retorted impatiently.

Han Jiayi was momentarily at a loss, searching for a rebuttal, but Bai Renzong waved his hand dismissively. “Enough. I don’t plan on entering your room, I have no quarrel with you. Your brother cut my rent by two thousand a month—basically, we’re sharing the place. Let’s just get along.”

No quarrel? You’re the bane of my existence! Han Jiayi thought bitterly, then took off her sunhat and sunglasses, preparing to unpack.

Bai Renzong eyed Han Jiayi suspiciously and frowned, “Are you Han Xuerou?”

You only just recognized me! Han Jiayi glared at him indignantly. “So you finally figured it out?”

“You had straight hair in the movie, now it’s curly, and your whole vibe is different. Plus, you use a stage name. I didn’t realize right away,” Bai Renzong replied. “Are you not acting anymore?”

“None of your business…” Han Jiayi deflated, not wanting to answer that question.

Bai Renzong didn’t press, but continued, “No wonder you’re so angry with me… Is it because I said in my video that you stole the scene?”

You know, and you still ask… Han Jiayi gritted her teeth.

“But I was complimenting you! Your acting was really impressive,” Bai Renzong said, puzzled. “Besides, why didn’t the crew make you the lead? You’re much better than the actress who got the role.”

“Things aren’t so simple in the industry,” Han Jiayi gave him a sidelong look. “The lead role was supposed to be mine, but out of nowhere, the director tells me the writer thinks my aura isn’t right. They handed it to that woman, Yao Tong. Later, I found out she’d been cozying up to the writer from the start…”

“So that’s what happened,” Bai Renzong said, suddenly understanding. “Ah, show business…”

Having let it out, Han Jiayi felt much lighter. “Anyway, I was pretty upset about losing the role, so I deliberately stole the spotlight when acting.”

“Reasonable enough,” Bai Renzong nodded. “But why stop acting? Your talent and looks are outstanding.”

“I just don’t want to anymore…” Han Jiayi pushed her suitcase towards her room. “The industry is too messy. It’s not for me.”

“I’m usually upstairs,” Bai Renzong pointed to the second floor as she closed her door, “I won’t bother you, but when I record videos, please keep it quiet so you don’t disturb me, alright?”

“I work during the day, who has time to disturb you…” Han Jiayi replied, shutting the door.

Gazing at her old room, Han Jiayi suddenly felt herself relax completely.

“Home again…” she sighed, throwing herself onto the bed and hugging her teddy bear. “Let’s start over. Run the restaurant well before thinking about anything else…”

In truth, Bai Renzong wasn’t entirely opposed to living with Han Jiayi. With such a beauty in the house, just catching a glimpse now and then was enough to brighten his mood.

More importantly, she could serve as a motivation. Bai Renzong hadn’t forgotten what Han Jiayi said to him in the restaurant. Her words would drive him forward. The best way to answer those who doubted him was to show them results.

That afternoon, while Han Jiayi was sorting her room, Bai Renzong edited and uploaded his gaming video. By then, night had fallen. He went downstairs to heat his dinner, pondering his next steps.

Besides this game video, he’d already planned tomorrow’s film review content.

But the real focus was the upcoming food video. Bai Renzong intended to achieve the “Divine Tongue” accomplishment before releasing it. Of all the current challenges, this was the only one he could complete quickly.

Though it meant tasting a hundred different ingredients, most were merely spices, and the rest were some exotic foods. Bai Renzong had already ordered them online; they should arrive tomorrow.

Since the achievement challenge included data from before downloading the “Connoisseur App,” a third of the materials for the “Divine Tongue” had already been completed. Bai Renzong estimated he could finish tasting the rest within three days.

Once he had the Divine Tongue, combining it with the app’s challenge content would give him more confidence in his food reviews.

Lost in thought, Bai Renzong went downstairs to heat his meal, only to see Han Jiayi sitting on the sofa watching TV. She had changed into home clothes—a large T-shirt that looked like a dress. Her fair, slender legs had graceful curves, full of feminine softness, making the scene especially pleasant.

“Sort your own dinner. I don’t usually cook, and there’s nothing in the fridge,” Bai Renzong said, heading to the microwave.

Han Jiayi glanced at the food in his hands, suddenly finding her purpose: Yes! I’ll create a menu so flawless that this critic can't find a single fault, then make a film he can't criticize, and finally develop a game he actually enjoys!

Exactly, that’s it. Han Jiayi nodded, full of fighting spirit: Start with the menu.

The next morning, when Bai Renzong woke up, Han Jiayi was already gone—presumably off to “work,” though he had no idea where she actually worked, given she was an actress without a film at the moment.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Bai Renzong opened it, signed for his delivery, and ordered more takeout. Soon, a pile of ingredients covered the table.

“Houttuynia, sage, curry leaves, oregano, parsley…” Bai Renzong counted the items. “Thirty-three… With what I’ve already tasted, only about thirty remain. I should be able to complete the achievement in three days.”

He took a deep breath, ready to begin sampling, when the door opened and Han Jiayi came in, carrying several bags.