Money's satisfaction quickly turned into a burning, almost condescending impulse.
He took a step forward, spreading his arms, wanting to pull Celine into his embrace.
This was the most direct "reward" he could think of right now for Celine's "deep feelings" and "efforts."
Celine instinctively took a step back, avoiding that suffocating and nauseating smell, almost shouting:
"Lorenzo, the IOU!"
The two words "IOU" were like a bucket of cold water poured over Lorenzo's excitement, which had just flared up because of the money.
His outstretched arms froze mid-air, and the joy and pride on his face instantly faded away.
Even the primitive impulse and interest brought by the hundred thousand yuan disappeared completely.
A faint flash of anger and disgust appeared in his eyes.
The money was already in his hands, so why mention the IOU now?
But these words were his own promise. Just a few minutes ago, he had sworn, "I'll write you the IOU right now."
If he backed out now, it would look very bad.
Although he was very unwilling and thought Celine was being unreasonable, Lorenzo kept a serious face, grabbed a flyer from the nearby table, flipped to the blank back, found a pen, and quickly scribbled.
His handwriting was messy and careless, as if writing an extra word was an insult to him.
After finishing, he handed the thin piece of paper to Celine, his tone much colder: "Here, it's done."
Celine took the IOU, carefully checked the amount and signature, confirmed it was correct, then folded it carefully and put it in her pocket.
She didn't want to stay one second longer or look at Lorenzo's fake face again.
"Well... I'm leaving now."
She lowered her eyes, keeping a soft and slightly aggrieved tone.
"It's almost lunchtime at Big Brother's place, I need to rush back to the hospital to get food."
This reason made sense and fit her usual "caring family member" image.
Lorenzo was now fully focused on the hundred thousand yuan he just got, not really caring if Celine stayed or left.
He pretended to nod, forced a smile, and replied casually:
"Okay, go then. Be safe on the way."
"If Big Brother needs any help, just let me know anytime."
Of course, this was just empty words.
Celine nodded softly, then turned and walked away quickly.
Only after the door of the rental room slammed shut behind her, blocking Lorenzo's smell, did Celine breathe out deeply.
The cautious, tearful gentle expression on her face disappeared without a trace.
She took out the IOU, now a bit wrinkled from being squeezed, stared sharply at the messy signature "Lorenzo" on it.
With this IOU, everything was really starting.
This was only the first step, but a very important one.
In this life, she would still use the "debt collection" as the fuse.
She would expose Lorenzo and Vanissa's dirty secrets precisely in public, making them both "trend" on social media!
She wanted to slowly tear off Lorenzo's false phoenix-man mask, and reveal the dirty truth behind Vanissa, the rich daughter!
The old saying was right: Fall where you stumble, then get up from there.
Her finger brushed over the messy name one last time. With a slight thought, the paper carrying the start of her revenge quietly disappeared into her space.
Safe.
She took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, then turned and walked down.
The stairwell was dim, carrying the damp smell typical of old apartment buildings.
Just as Celine was about to step out of the building entrance, a familiar figure blocked her way.
It was landlady Auntie Zhang.
This was no coincidence.
Celine's heart skipped a beat.
Auntie Zhang was a gossip.
Celine had seen her carrying a ton of supplies before and had even heard her mention that Lorenzo and she "might break up." If Auntie Zhang went upstairs and started talking nonsense to Lorenzo...
Celine made up her mind in a split second.
She quickly put on a slightly tired but polite smile and walked up to greet her.
"Auntie Zhang, no afternoon nap today?"
Auntie Zhang looked her up and down. Her voice was friendly as usual, but there was a hint of probing underneath.
"Celine, I was just wondering if you came back to pack your things… What's this, you and Lorenzo… made up again?"
Celine's heart tightened, but she kept her expression calm. Instead, she followed her lead and gave a faint, bitter smile.
"No… I just have a few things left to take care of."
She paused for a second, as if making up her mind, then looked up at Auntie Zhang and spoke sincerely.
"Auntie Zhang, I'd like to extend the lease for two more months. I can transfer the rent to you right now."
Two months.
That would be just about the time Lorenzo would fully cling to Vanissa and toss her aside.
Without giving Auntie Zhang a chance to ask more questions, Celine quickly pulled out her phone, opened WeChat, and tapped rapidly.
Ding!
The crisp sound of a payment notification rang out.
"Auntie Zhang, take a look—two months' rent, not a cent short."
Celine tilted her phone slightly to show Auntie Zhang the successful transfer screen.
Auntie Zhang's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
This young couple had just had a fight, and now she's renewing the lease?
Just a while ago, Celine seemed completely determined to break up…
Still, Celine had always paid on time and never caused any trouble—a good tenant.
Since she wanted to stay longer and had paid up front, there was no reason to say no.
It was only two months, anyway.
"All right, I got it," Auntie Zhang nodded, her doubts easing a little.
"Well then, go ahead with what you're doing. I'll get going."
"Okay, take care, Auntie Zhang."
Celine nodded politely and watched Auntie Zhang turn and leave.
She stood there for a few more seconds, making sure the woman was far enough, then finally let go of her tense expression and quickly walked out of the building without looking back.
…
Not long after Celine left, the door to the upstairs apartment opened again.
Lorenzo had finished getting ready—his clothes were neat, and his hair was carefully styled.
He was clearly heading out.
This wasn't a last-minute decision.
A few minutes earlier, Vanissa had posted a new update on her social feed.
The photo showed her holding a coffee cup, with the background being a cozy corner of the café near her office. Outside the window was a blurry street scene.
The caption was just one short line: "Afternoon tea alone, it's quiet."