Although Ferdinand knew nothing about the property market, he had at least managed to buy the place Shang-Chi lived in.
That day, Shang-Chi returned from washing dishes at the Continental Hotel, ready to discuss next month's rent with his landlord.
Instead, he found a young man in his home.
"Who are you?" Shang-Chi grew wary.
He suspected that his father had sent the man standing before him.
It had to be said, the boy's instincts were spot-on.
John took out the property deed and smiled. "Your new landlord."
Shang-Chi was dumbfounded. "But I'm still renting this place!"
Under the law, the place couldn't be sold while he was still a tenant.
But John said, "I'm happy to keep renting it to you. This was just a casual investment, not somewhere I intend to live."
He looked around Shang-Chi's home. "Not a bad place."
Facing his new landlord, Shang-Chi watched John anxiously. His time working had taught him a little about how the world worked.
"I'm willing to pay more." He had grown used to living here and didn't want to move. "I recently got financial aid."
"Oh?" John glanced at Shang-Chi. The guy had managed to qualify for financial aid while practicing martial arts.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, but even if I don't evict you, with your current income, you'll have to move in another two months because you won't be able to afford the rent."
John offered a suggestion. "As it happens, though, a friend of mine lives nearby with her child."
"The fact that you qualified for financial aid means you're a good student." John smiled. "If you're willing to tutor the boy after school, I'll cut your rent in half."
"Really?" Shang-Chi's face lit up.
The rent was already becoming more than he could handle,