【System Notification: Please recruit your first tenant to unlock system functions.】
Chen Mian looked at the system panel and then at the Elven woman in front of him.
This was his fiftieth year since transmigrating to the Continent of Cecia.
A world of swords and magic.
After all these years, the “golden finger” promised by that goddess was nowhere to be found.
During these fifty years, he had cleared major dungeons and traveled through various kingdoms. Just as he was ready to fully embrace his retirement, the golden finger finally arrived.
A modern apartment building located deep within the uninhabited Forest of Death.
A rent-collection system that constantly reminded him to “give those in need a warm home” while making bizarre requests.
Chen Mian once thought his so-called golden finger was his magical talent; it seemed he had overthought it.
Could a system that arrived fifty years late still be of any use to him now?
There was only one way to find out.
Chen Mian looked up and carefully sized up the Elven woman.
She looked to be in her twenties with delicate features.
However, her actual age was definitely much older; Elves in this world were a long-lived race.
Her long, light brown hair was draped casually over her shoulders. Even the loose mage cloak she wore couldn't hide her graceful figure.
At this moment, those spirited eyes held a hint of worry, and her red lips were slightly pursed. Coupled with those iconic pointed ears... she was quite beautiful.
But this mana aura... a Level 78 Red Jade Rank adventurer?
Such strength was rare, even among the long-lived Elven race.
For comparison, the current Royal Court Mage of the Hella Kingdom, who was also at the Red Jade Rank, was only Level 72.
However, the mana of the Elf before him seemed to be sealed.
There was a strong aura of a dark-attribute curse on her.
He had encountered this kind of aura before... it was the Shadow Cult.
A group of fanatical believers brainwashed by the Shadow Demon General.
Even though the Shadow Demon General had been dealt with long ago, the cult still existed.
Flora had fled all the way to the Hella Kingdom to escape the Shadow Cult's pursuit.
Unfortunately, she was attacked by a beast tide on the way and lost all her belongings. Now, she was penniless and homeless.
She never imagined things would turn out this way.
In her current state, having lost her mana, it would be difficult to evade the Shadow Cult if she were living on the streets.
“Miss Flora, you can rent even without money,” Chen Mian said, looking at the Elven woman.
Flora asked in surprise, “Really?”
“Yes, but you must agree to two of my conditions.”
“...What conditions?” Flora's eyes held a faint trace of concern. She had met people with ill intentions on her journey.
Back then, her mana hadn't completely vanished, so she still had the power to protect herself.
“Don't worry, they're very simple requests.” Chen Mian paused before continuing, “If you find them excessive when the time comes, you can just leave.”
Flora hesitated but eventually nodded. She didn't feel any malice from this landlord; at least, the way he looked at her didn't contain those uncomfortable emotions.
Her voice was low, carrying a hint of stubbornness. “Even though I'm penniless right now, I'm a gourmet. I'll definitely be able to pay the rent later.”
“Alright.” Chen Mian nodded nonchalantly. “If there are no issues, I'll take you to see the house.”
Flora hesitated for a moment but followed him.
The two of them moved through the crowd. Flora put on her mage cloak and pulled the hood low, completely hiding her distinctive long Elven ears. They navigated through several paths to leave the dense crowd behind.
Chen Mian led her quickly into a deserted alley.
“Mr. Landlord, is the house here?”
Chen Mian shook his head and lightly placed his left hand on Flora's shoulder. “The teleportation will be a bit special. Don't worry.”
The two of them vanished instantly.
Flora felt a wave of warm dizziness. It wasn't the tearing sensation of a typical teleportation circle, but rather like being gently lifted while wrapped in warm water.
In an instant, her feet touched solid ground.
So fast... what kind of teleportation magic is this?
A breeze blew from the wilderness, carrying the scent of grass and earth. In the distance was a dense forest.
But what truly caught Flora's attention was the beige apartment building standing before her.
A three-story building, square and sturdy, with exterior walls painted in off-white, devoid of any superfluous decoration.
Each floor had neatly arranged windows with glass so clean it reflected light, and the window frames were made of dark gray metal.
The roof was flat, with a low railing around the edge.
The entire building looked simple and solid, standing quietly in this wilderness as if it had always grown there.
“This is...”
“My home.” Chen Mian stood half a step behind her.
The wind blew, carrying a faint fragrance from her hair.
Chen Mian subconsciously sniffed, and then he saw the tips of Flora's Elven ears twitch slightly.
She turned her head and glanced at Chen Mian, her beautiful eyes filled with a bit of confusion and perhaps a touch of embarrassment.
“...Did you just smell me?” Her voice was very soft.
Chen Mian remained expressionless. “Yes.”
After his long experience in another world, Chen Mian no longer knew what shame was.
Flora fell silent, her ears turning slightly red.
Walking to the entrance, Chen Mian pressed his hand against the black panel next to the door. The panel lit up and emitted a short “beep.”
The door slowly opened.
Cool air rushed out, brushing against Flora's cheeks.
She subconsciously took a deep breath. There was no dust or musty smell, nor any residue of magical incense.
It was incredibly clean.
“The first floor is a common area,” Chen Mian said as he walked. “The kitchen, dining room, and living room are all here. The second and third floors are guest rooms.”
“Okay!” Flora followed behind him, her eyes unable to take everything in.
The thing overhead emitting a soft white light wasn't a magic lamp; she couldn't sense any mana fluctuations from it.
The walls were white and smooth, and the floor was covered with dark wood planks, with every joint fitting perfectly.
But what interested her most was the kitchen.
The countertop was flat and smooth, with no opening for firewood or slots for mana crystals.
On top were four rings covered by black glass. Above the stove was a large hood, where metal mesh and pipes could be faintly seen.
The sink was large, with two side-by-side basins and a sleek silver faucet.
There were also some small metal objects she didn't recognize, neatly arranged on the counter.
“What are these?” Flora pointed at the stove, her voice low but clearly laced with curiosity.
Chen Mian walked over. “A gas stove and an induction cooker. They use gas or electricity to heat. Next to them is a range hood, which sucks away the smoke while cooking.”
Flora turned to look at him, her eyes full of confusion.
Chen Mian completely understood her feelings. These were all modern facilities, and the Continent of Cecia hadn't developed a technology tree.
The most practical things in this world were magic, and many different professions were derived from it.
Chen Mian smiled and said, “It's fine, I'll explain it to you slowly later. Let's look at the rooms first.”
He took Flora to the third floor and walked to the room at the end of the hallway.
The moment he pushed open the door, she was stunned again.
The room was larger than she had imagined. A large bed with snow-white sheets stood against the wall, and directly opposite was a massive glass window. Thick beige curtains hung on both sides, and through the window, she could see the endless, dense jungle.
Most importantly, the blanket felt incredibly soft, with a fluffy and warm touch.
Living here would be so comfortable...
But... why would such a house be offered to her for free?
No matter how she thought about it, something felt off.
Would this landlord really not make excessive demands?
“How is this room?” Chen Mian asked, leaning against the doorframe.
“It's... it's great.” Flora's voice was a bit dry. “But, Mr. Landlord, can you tell me the conditions now?”
“There are two conditions.”
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