3202 was Yang Mei's home.
This apartment had been her and Li Zhiqiang's marital home, purchased outright by both families using their relocation compensation.
At 145 square meters, it was considerably larger than Lin Dong's unit.
When Ding Yan suddenly suggested taking over her home, Yang Mei's first instinct was to refuse.
But then she remembered—that place had already been seized by that bastard Li Zhiqiang. She had even been driven out.
Could 3202 still be considered her home?
She lowered her head dejectedly, silent.
Lin Dong thought for a moment before speaking to Yang Mei. "Sister Mei, you have a share in that apartment. It's your decision."
Ding Yan and Cai Zhi were surprised. They hadn't expected Lin Dong to show Yang Mei such respect.
Yang Mei was deeply moved. Among everyone present, only Lin Dong still cared about her feelings.
She whispered, "Little brother, you know my situation. That place has already been taken over by Li Zhiqiang. I was even kicked out—what right do I have to decide anything about it?"
Lin Dong replied, "Don't worry about that. If you agree, we can find a way to take it back."
Yang Mei hesitated.
Ding Yan spoke up then. "Sister Mei, we're only borrowing it temporarily. Once we've stabilized and Liu Erlong can't threaten us anymore, more rooms will naturally open up."
Cai Zhi added solemnly, "Yang Mei, I don't mind for myself, but my wife and child can't keep living in the corridor with me. They've been feeling unwell these past few days—they might catch a cold. Please."
Yang Mei quickly waved her hands. "I… I'm not saying no. It's just… I don't even have the keys anymore. If you want to move in, you'll have to take them from Li Zhiqiang."
"So you agree? That's all we need." Ding Yan smiled.
Yang Mei sighed helplessly. She knew full well that the only reason these two were even asking for her opinion was out of respect for Lin Dong.
If she were alone, who would bother consulting her?
Seeing Yang Mei nod, Lin Dong stood up decisively. "Alright, then it's settled—the apartment across the hall. You two go back and pack your things. Leave this to me."
Cai Zhi quickly asked, "Brother, do you need any help?"
Ding Yan also inquired, "What's your plan?"
Lin Dong chuckled lightly, recalling how Li Zhiqiang, that petty man, had once secretly tampered with his door lock. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"I have my ways. Don't worry."
Cai Zhi and Ding Yan exchanged a glance and wisely refrained from pressing further.
They guessed Lin Dong might ask Yang Mei for assistance.
Cai Zhi stood up. "Then I'll go pack. Let us know when it's done."
Ding Yan nodded. "I'll head back too."
Both were decisive people. After saying their piece, they promptly left Lin Dong's apartment.
Once they were gone, Lin Dong turned to Yang Mei.
Her face was pale. She wanted to say something but didn't know how to phrase it.
Morally, she truly didn't want to join Lin Dong in confronting Li Zhiqiang.
No matter how terrible Li Zhiqiang was, he was still her husband in name.
If she did this, how was she any different from Pan Jinlian?
But she didn't dare voice her thoughts, afraid of angering Lin Dong.
Yet his next words moved her to tears.
"Don't worry. I won't make you face him."
"No matter what, Li Zhiqiang is still your husband. Even though he gave you to me for a piece of bread, I don't want to put you in a difficult position."
Yang Mei was instantly moved to tears. Unable to hold back, she threw herself into his arms and sobbed, "I'm useless, little brother. It's all my fault, wuwu..."
Lin Dong felt the softness of her body against his. Suppressing the heat rising within him, he gave her plump bottom a playful squeeze and chuckled, "Who said you're useless? Whether you're useful or not, I'll only know after I've tried you."
Yang Mei shuddered at his touch, her face instantly flushing crimson as her breathing grew heavier.
Lin Dong patted her bottom and said, "Wait for me to come back."
With that, he released Yang Mei and stood up, heading toward the bedroom.
A moment later, he emerged carrying a bundle of rope.
Yang Mei couldn't help but ask, "What are you going to do?" Lin Dong tied one end of the rope to a steel pipe, then pushed the pipe out through the air conditioning vent before giving the rope a firm tug.
The pipe, now secured, was firmly wedged against the outer wall.
Still not satisfied, he threaded the rope through the coffee table and then the balcony railing, creating a triple-layered anchor.
Only then did he reply, "The wall behind my living room connects to your spare bedroom. Is the window in your spare bedroom sealed?"
Yang Mei was slightly startled. "You... you're planning to climb in from outside? No, no, that's too dangerous! I've locked all the windows at home."
Lin Dong glanced at Yang Mei, noticing the worry in her expression. His brow arched slightly as he teased, "Are you worried about me?"
Yang Mei's face flushed again, but her eyes betrayed her concern. "Otherwise... let me go instead. I'll knock on the door. Li Zhiqiang might open it."
Lin Dong smiled. "He's spineless, but he's not stupid. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
As he spoke, he climbed onto the balcony and explained, "Our apartments are too close together. I've already boarded up my balcony in advance—partly to prevent desperate people from climbing down from the roof and breaking in, and partly to stop anyone from climbing over from your place."
"Now, though, I'll have to take it all down again."
He removed the wooden boards and, under Yang Mei's anxious gaze, climbed over the balcony railing.
With the safety rope in place and his recent physical training strengthening his arms, Lin Dong was confident he could make it to Yang Mei's apartment. Still, he remained cautious. After climbing out, he tied another knot around the base of the outer railing to secure the rope.
This way, even if the rope inside was cut, he wouldn't fall. To sever this outer knot, someone would have to climb out after him.
This precaution was, of course, meant to guard against Yang Mei.
Despite their time together and his sense that she was a kind person, Lin Dong wasn't willing to gamble.
This would serve as a test for her. If she passed, he might truly trust her in the future.
After all, all the food and supplies in his apartment were stashed away in his system's Item Inventory. Even if Yang Mei betrayed him, she wouldn't gain anything.
Holding onto the window frame, Lin Dong carefully edged along the outer ledge in the darkness, making his way toward Yang Mei's apartment.
Yang Mei watched his shadow in the night, barely daring to breathe as she pressed herself against the window, straining to see him.
"Little brother, come back. I'll go, I'll trick him into opening the door."
As if finally making up her mind, she couldn't help but whisper.
At that moment, Lin Dong suddenly smiled.
She had truly passed the test.
Only now did Lin Dong genuinely accept this woman.
He murmured, "Stay quiet."
Then, under Yang Mei's horrified gaze, Lin Dong leaped lightly.
Thud!
His figure landed on the outdoor air conditioning unit of Yang Mei's home.
This step marked his complete entry into Yang Mei's house.
The booming thunder masked the sound of his jump.
Lin Dong crouched beside the air conditioning unit, listening for any movement inside.
Amid the sounds of rain, thunder, and running water, the interior seemed utterly silent.
He reached for the grille window inside the air conditioning unit.
With a gentle pull, the grille window opened.
Hunching low, he slipped through the opening.
After waiting a moment and still hearing no movement inside, he quietly pushed open the balcony cabinet door and tiptoed onto the balcony.
(End of chapter)