Chapter 97: I Don’t Care What You Think—I Care What I Think!
Returning to the rental building, Zhang Yangqing strode straight to the door of Unit 8-4.
It was the same door, still engraved with strange patterns.
After knocking, footsteps echoed from inside. Soon, there was movement at the peephole.
Old Smoker was already irritated at being woken up so early in the morning. Finally able to get a good night’s sleep, he had been ready to scold whoever dared disturb him.
But the moment he saw it was Zhang Yangqing at the door, his expression instantly shifted into a smile as he welcomed him in.
“Big Bro, what brings you here?”
Ever since witnessing Zhang Yangqing’s jaw-dropping performance the day before, his attitude had become nothing but respectful.
He was practically on the verge of kneeling while talking to him.
Zhang Yangqing had eliminated so many violent spirits, solving countless problems for him.
Now, the entire apartment was his alone—no more living in constant fear.
“Just here to check on you.”
With that, Zhang Yangqing stepped into the familiar room.
Clearly, Old Smoker had tidied up. The walls hadn’t changed much, just slightly duller—probably hard to clean thoroughly.
But the floor had been scrubbed spotless.
Still, the familiar scent of tobacco lingered, as if this guy was never without a cigarette.
Even early in the morning, he was already puffing away.
Zhang Yangqing took a seat in his usual spot.
The moment he sat down, Old Smoker offered him a premium cigarette—one he normally wouldn’t even smoke himself, saving it for special occasions.
But Zhang Yangqing declined.
He wasn’t here for a smoke. He had business to attend to.
Seeing Zhang Yangqing’s serious expression, Old Smoker knew the man had something important to say.
He sat up straight, waiting for Zhang Yangqing to speak.
After a few casual words, Zhang Yangqing abruptly shifted the conversation.
“I just saw the supermarket hiring clerks. I think this job would suit you perfectly. What do you think?”
“I absolutely agree! It’s perfect for me!”
Old Smoker was sweating bullets. Like I’d dare say no?
I’ll go sign up right now, okay?!
Zhang Yangqing nodded. “I knew you’d need it, so I kept an eye out for you.”
“Thank you, Bro! I desperately need this job! I love this job!”
Moved to near-tears by Zhang Yangqing’s “concern,” Old Smoker’s gratitude was overflowing.
“No need to thank me. We’re family. I’m glad you like it.”
It had to be said—Old Smoker was sharp.
He had the instincts of a seasoned survivor.
The moment Zhang Yangqing said the job “suited him,” there was no room for negotiation.
This wasn’t a request. It was an order, wrapped in polite phrasing.
And this man had more than enough power to enforce it.
Zhang Yangqing was pleased. Old Smoker was as quick-witted as ever.
Talking to smart people was always easier.
Given how long this guy had been around the block, he definitely had his uses.
Their exchange had viewers in the Dragon Nation laughing their heads off.
[Holy crap! Other tenants beg their renters to complete tasks, but Zhang Tian Shi just assigns tasks to his tenant—without even offering a reward!]
[A reward? Didn’t he already give one?]
[Huh? What reward? I didn’t see anything!]
[Letting him live is the greatest reward of all!]
[Ohhh! Now it makes sense. I was totally lost before.]
[Alright, that’s the new meta interpretation, huh?]
Many viewers had noticed that Zhang Yangqing had helped Old Smoker by dealing with the landlord.
He’d likely cleared several deadly rules from Old Smoker’s survival conditions, drastically improving his chances.
Asking for a small favor in return wasn’t unreasonable.
True to form, Old Smoker was efficient. In no time, he was ready to head out with Zhang Yangqing.
The time was now 8:20 a.m.
On the way to the supermarket, Old Smoker hesitated before finally mustering the courage to ask:
“Big Bro… why are you looking out for me like this? Even helping me find a job?”
His words were carefully chosen—a roundabout way of asking why Zhang Yangqing was sending him into danger.
Zhang Yangqing replied casually, “Because you’re a good person.”
Old Smoker’s stunned expression seemed to say: What kind of logic is that?! Do good people just deserve to suffer?!
Zhang Yangqing’s deadpan look replied: Yes.
The answer left Old Smoker speechless.
Because, deep down, it made sense. If he needed someone’s help, he’d also pick a “good person.”
In the Rules World, Zhang Yangqing had a unique interpretation of the term good person.
After all, the rules themselves had labeled him as one.
Utilize people to their fullest potential.
That was one of Zhang Yangqing’s core strategies for conquering the Rules World.
I don’t know if others are “good people,” and I can’t be bothered to do their tasks. That’s why I need you to help me.
Old Smoker seemed familiar with the area, leading Zhang Yangqing straight to the supermarket.
At this hour, the store wasn’t open yet.
But as they passed the entrance, Zhang Yangqing spotted a list of rules posted outside:
Supermarket Shopping Guidelines:
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This supermarket offers fresh vegetarian food, but it expires within 10 hours.
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Warning! Do not sample food randomly in the supermarket. Violators will bear the consequences.
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You can trust our employees. If you find any food that isn’t fresh, report it to a staff member with a work badge for a replacement.
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Today, only 80 vegetarian meal packs are available. First come, first served.
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If you choose to dine in the cafeteria, you must leave before closing time.
Reading these, Zhang Yangqing fell into thought.
The supermarket has rules about the cafeteria?
It almost sounded like the supermarket owner was warning people about dangers in the cafeteria.
Or maybe it was just business rivalry.
After memorizing the rules, Zhang Yangqing decided to check out the cafeteria.
For now, his goal was just to drop Old Smoker off to apply for the clerk job and scout for anything unusual.
Old Smoker’s task was simple: secure vegetarian food for him. The man assured him he understood.
Interestingly, Old Smoker seemed well-connected here.
Several tenants greeted him as they passed by.
Clearly, he’d helped many people—a true “good person” in every sense.
After parting ways, Zhang Yangqing arrived at the cafeteria entrance.
The time was now 8:40.
Meaning, the round trip between the cafeteria and supermarket took about 20 minutes.
Just like at the supermarket, Zhang Yangqing found another set of rules posted at the cafeteria entrance:
Cafeteria Dining Rules:
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The cafeteria serves fresh meat dishes, but they expire within 8 hours.
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Only 60 meat meal packs are available for takeout, but dine-in customers may eat without limits.
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Each person may only take one portion of meat.
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To avoid waste, customers who leave uneaten meat will be penalized!
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If you purchase vegetarian food from the supermarket, do not consume it near the supermarket—it is dangerous.
Many rule-followers were puzzled, sensing hidden implications in these rules.
Zhang Yangqing, however, nodded in understanding.
Seems both places are aware of each other’s taboos.
Choosing either option came with risks.
