Chapter 18: Do Not Think About Controlling Me
After grabbing a bite to eat at a randomly chosen place, Caleb checked out some houses. A notice on a telephone pole caught his attention. The notice read: "Apartment 402, Unit 3, Building 5, Sunshine Residences is available for rent at two thousand per month. No need to pay for the electricity or water bill. For more information, please call (cr)ILLLL."
That’s not too expensive, Caleb thought, evaluating his savings. There wasn’t much left, but it was enough to support him for a few months. If he could land part-time online work, it would take care of his basic needs. At worst, he could grind through games, confident in his skills to earn money.
He dialed the landlord’s number. “Hello, I’m interested in viewing the unit. Is the monthly rent two thousand?”
“Ah… Yes, but there’s something I need to tell you in advance, because the situation has changed.”
Caleb furrowed his brow. “What has changed?” Did the price go up? In that case, he’d have to turn to cheaper options.
“An older gentleman was also interested in renting the unit. He suggested the idea of finding a roommate to share the place. Would you mind?”
“No, at all. How will the rent be calculated?”
“He proposed to split the rent between himself and the other person, so a thousand for each person.”
Caleb’s brow relaxed. “When can I view the unit?” Good, he didn’t think that guy would be annoying, and he only needed to pay half the rent. If the other person were younger, he would have really needed to think it through.
“Right now. I happen to be free.”
After discussing the specific time with the landlord, Caleb set off. He journeyed on, asking questions along the way, until he finally arrived at his destination.
“Apartment 402, Unit 3…” The door was open, allowing him to reach the fourth floor without any hindrance. Then, he knocked on the unit’s door.
“Coming.” The door was opened by a middle-aged man who had a kind and gentle appearance, not resembling a villain in the slightest. “Come in and take a look. Perfect timing. The gentleman who wants to sublet is here, too. You two can have a chat first.”
Caleb cautiously glanced inside, only proceeding once he was sure there was no danger. He had to do so because his past experiences had made him wary.
21:42 Mon, Apr 7.
Chapter 18: Do Not Think About Controlling Me
The landlord proceeded to introduce the place. When he was showing the bedroom, he suddenly paused.
Caleb asked, “Is the other guy inside?”
The landlord laughed awkwardly. “Yes, he insisted on checking out the layout of the bedroom. I really couldn’t understand what was so fascinating about it.”
Caleb pushed the door open, unexpectedly catching sight of a familiar figure.
The landlord said, “Mr. Quixall.”
Caleb immediately realized he had been duped and dashed toward the door, but it had already been locked. The landlord’s hefty figure blocked the way as he chuckled sinisterly. “Mr. Quixall, I really didn’t want to do this. You and your father have something to discuss, right? You’re all family here, so wouldn’t it be better to talk things out instead of letting the situation become so tense?”
Caleb smirked in anger. “No wonder you knew I was the tenant as soon as you laid eyes on me. You were waiting for me here all along!” The Quixall family sure has some impressive tricks! They’ll work with other people to bring me back by using such underhanded tactics! It’s certainly more impressive than Jesse’s.
“Had enough? Come back with me. That girl from the Sherman family isn’t right for you. If you’re after someone attractive, I can find another for you. She won’t do.” George’s voice was deep, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
Caleb provoked, leading to a defiant response. “What if I insist on choosing her?”
The gaze of George suddenly turned cold. “You don’t have a say in this. The Quixall family has raised you for twenty years. Whoever you choose to marry or love, it’s up to us to decide.”
“You want to control my life? Dream on!” Caleb seized the landlord’s shoulder, executing a swift over-the-shoulder throw.
10
21:42 Mon, Apr 7
Revenge Forged in Prison