With the help of Ueshima Kousuke, someone within the real estate industry, Ma En easily found an apartment residence with extremely high cost-performance. Needless to say, the rent was cheap, and the location was also satisfactory. The apartment was located in a relatively prosperous area of Bunkyo Ward, only a twenty-minute walk from both his upcoming workplace and the station.
Others wouldn't have such good fortune. The apartment owner was a woman who resided abroad long-term; rental-related business was entrusted to Ueshima Kousuke's agency. However, the reason for the cheap rent, besides the acquaintance relationship, also involved some issues that Japanese people particularly cared about.
Ueshima Kousuke parked the car in the attached parking lot, and while pulling out the key, said to Ma En: "The parking space here is not included in the property management fee; it needs to be purchased separately, paid once a year. Does Ma-san have a driver's license? If so, I can help you transfer it to a Japanese license. If not, you need to take another test; even if you know how to drive, it will take at least three days."
"I have a driver's license, I'll give it to you later," Ma En replied.
The two got out of the car, taking Ma En's huge luggage case from the trunk. Ueshima Kousuke originally wanted to help, but didn't expect the luggage case to be much heavier than he imagined; he couldn't lift it even with two hands, but Ma En used only one hand, which surprised him somewhat: "Ma-san's strength is really great." The implication, however, was that Ma En's physique didn't look that sturdy.
"Brought quite a lot of materials; daily necessities need to be bought anew," Ma En smiled and said.
Ueshima Kousuke made no effort to hide the admiration on his face: "Continuously learning and improving, Ma-san truly is a model Party member. Food and clothing are important, but books are equally important."
"It's nothing, there are many geniuses who love learning in the home country. If I don't put in extra effort, I'll definitely fall behind."
"Truly enviable. Our country just doesn't have enough young people like Ma-san. Otherwise, how could there still be two-party governance," Ueshima Kousuke said this, and Ma En just listened; it was merely a modest joke.
The two chatted idly like this out of the parking lot, registered at the security guard post, and only then could they enter the main entrance of the apartment building. Many cameras were installed around and inside the apartment, making the security system look comprehensive and rigorous.
But Ueshima Kousuke had previously mentioned the issue of cheap rent, which made it impossible for one to completely relax. Ma En, however, didn't feel there was any problem; encountering a bargain in this day and age wasn't just a matter of luck. Ueshima Kousuke seemed to need help too, and besides, he had some interest in the hidden secrets within. Intuition told him encountering such a situation upon arriving in Japan was definitely not accidental.
For others, it might be trouble they couldn't wait to get rid of, but for him, it might be trouble he couldn't ask for.
The apartment had four elevators, assigned to different uses. The residence was apartment number four on the thirteenth floor. The coincidence in numbers also made Ma En feel he might know what kind of problem forced the rent reduction. Actually, it wasn't hard to guess; since it wasn't a problem with the entire apartment building, but just one unit, and it was something Japanese people cared about, but wouldn't matter to an inland person like him, the answers after screening weren't many.
After the other people in the elevator left one after another, leaving only Ueshima Kousuke and Ma En, just as Ma En expected, Ueshima Kousuke began to speak: "Regarding the problem mentioned earlier, some people say this unit is haunted."
"Not the first time, right?" Ma En said calmly.
"Correct, not the first time." Ueshima Kousuke showed no surprise at Ma En's insight, as if to him, this young man he was receiving should be this sharp. "In the twenty years since the apartment was built, seven or eight people have died, haven't checked the exact number. Although the causes of death were different, the date and location of death were the same. August 24th, right in unit number four. The room has been renovated four times, religious figures have also been consulted, but the problem wasn't solved. The most recent death was just last year on August 24th, then the haunting rumors spread again. It's almost that date again this year, so the original tenant hurriedly moved out. I heard you guys over there don't consult religious figures?"
"Not encouraged, but folk practices aren't deliberately prohibited either," Ma En smiled calmly.
"Oh, I see."
"So Mr. Ueshima did me a personal favor?" Ma En said knowingly.
"Correct. Normally, although the rent for this unit is cheap, it's not cheap to this extent." Ueshima Kousuke turned his head to glance at Ma En, asking: "Our Party does not believe in ghosts and gods; I feel it shouldn't be a problem for you. Besides, even if there is a problem, someone just died last year; I don't really believe someone will die again this year. Past cases have never happened every single year, it's just that we Japanese are more concerned about this kind of bad luck."
"No problem, actually, the common folk over there are quite particular about these things too," Ma En said. "Personally, I don't care much. Besides, if there really are ghosts, I'd actually quite like to meet them."
"In the past hundred years, our Party has continuously cracked down on feudal superstition throughout Asia and Australia, advocating religious laws in various countries. The burden on various governments has indeed lessened, which is sufficient proof of our Party's correctness in this aspect." Ueshima Kousuke paused here, then said: "However, Ma-san, this does not mean all rumors of ghosts and monsters are superstition. Many dangerous things are spread under the guise of gods and ghosts. If this unit is truly dangerous, please act decisively, Ma-san. For example, Shinjuku has many serious criminal acts fabricated into urban legends. Urban legends are false, but the human crimes behind them are real, and dangerous."
"..." Ma En didn't speak. He felt Ueshima Kousuke wasn't entirely without belief. When Ueshima Kousuke's gaze turned towards him, he didn't avoid it either; he nodded.
"Actually, the Red Party International's crackdown on feudal superstition in the Russian region and our country is not thorough, and the religious laws also have many compromises. This is a complex and specific national condition issue; one cannot say efforts weren't made. Precisely because of this, it is even more necessary for Party members to lead by example, break superstitions. Fighting crime is not Ma-san's duty, but assisting in cracking down on criminal activities is the obligation and responsibility of all Party members." Ueshima Kousuke said this,
"I personally investigated some materials about unit four, I'll hand them over to you later. For more specific circumstances, Ma-san will have to judge for yourself. I don't believe the haunting rumors, but I also feel things aren't that simple. If Ma-san were a frail scholar unable to truss a chicken, or lacked sufficient experience, I would not have recommended this unit to you."
"Then I must thank Mr. Ueshima for his trust. I will choose how to handle it based on the specific situation. If I'm truly incapable, I won't try to hold on by myself," Ma En heard the implicit reminder from Ueshima Kousuke.
"That's fine then. Ma-san is a smart person; smart people should know that one person's strength is limited. One more friend means one more share of strength," Ueshima Kousuke said. "No matter what problem arises, you can call me anytime. If I cannot solve it, we still have more friends. Perhaps you are already tired of hearing this phrase, but I will still solemnly say it once more:
Our Party is your strongest supporter. Whether on the Yellow River, the Yangtze River, in the Sea of Trees at Mount Fuji, or on the Siberian snow plains, even in the main camp of the capitalist remnants, the brilliance of the Red Party is always by your side."
"We don't talk like that over there," Ma En couldn't help but smile. Although he had heard in the past that Japanese daily rhetoric was somewhat exaggerated, loving to give strange nicknames to things, actually hearing it always felt a bit awkward. In the home country, such words would be considered jokes, not spoken seriously in a serious topic.
Unexpectedly, Ueshima Kousuke's expression turned serious: "I know, you don't favor such expressions over there, but this is Japan. The mass base of Japan grew up in such a linguistic environment. If you treat this issue with a joking attitude, fail to adapt to our customs... Simply put, it will make people feel you are rigid. Complicatedly put, it will cause you to lose significant points in the public's mind, detrimental to integrating into local society.
You've just arrived, I don't require you to immediately integrate into our country's environment, but you must pay attention to this issue in conversation and interaction. You need to observe more, don't treat these daily words and actions as jokes."
Ma En pondered for a moment, then also replied seriously: "Understood, I will pay attention to this issue. Respecting the local customs of various countries and integrating into local society are also basic requirements for Party members; I will not be negligent."
"That's best. What seems like exaggerated speech to you is a vivid form of expression in Japan. This is closely related to our country's cultural living environment, and besides, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Does Ma-san watch anime usually? If not, I recommend you watch some, learn more about the industry knowledge in this area. Recently, the anime industry has strong upward momentum, about to become an important pillar of our country's economy, and the lives of the populace will also undergo further changes." Ueshima Kousuke said this, his expression relaxing somewhat. At the same time, the elevator doors opened. They had arrived at the thirteenth floor.
Unit number four was the second room to the left of the elevator; from the surface, it looked no different from other rooms. Consistent door style, consistent doorplate material, same style numbers, equipped with a peephole and doorbell; the overall feeling was more modernized than the place Ma En lived in the past. Ma En noticed there were no stainless steel security doors common in his home country here.
"Stainless steel security doors? The rate of home invasion crimes in ordinary cities over there is even lower than in our country, yet you still need to install security doors?" Ueshima Kousuke seemed to be hearing about this for the first time; the surprised expression on his face wasn't feigned. He found it inconceivable, looking at Ma En as if looking at an alien. "Over here, we rarely even install security locks. Of course, recently some people have started liking to install security locks, and doors are also made thicker, but an extra door..." He thought for a moment, then said: "Don't you think that thing is very unsightly? Making your own home look like a prison."
Ma En did not argue, just smiled. Although the rate of home invasion crimes in his country was very low during this period, the sense of security among the populace was decreasing year by year; the specific situation was very complex. Conversely, it was precisely because prison-like security doors and even balcony security nets were installed that the probability of home invasion crimes gradually decreased. However, Ueshima Kousuke's words were not without reason; domestic security doors and nets were generally not very aesthetically pleasing. This was the coordinated result of many aspects such as practicality, aesthetics, creativity, and production costs, and also the choice of the populace themselves.
"If you have money, they can also be made very beautifully," he said.
"If you have money, you should look more into other security systems; they are much stronger than one door," Ueshima Kousuke felt this topic was quite uninteresting. He keenly felt the difference in thinking regarding customs between foreigners, even if this foreigner was a "close neighbor," and also a smart fellow Party member. However, this wasn't a major issue.
Ueshima Kousuke rummaged through his briefcase, found the key and opened the door, then handed one of the keys to Ma En.
"I have indeed handed the key to you," he said very deliberately.
"Thank you." Ma En was still not quite accustomed to the other party's choice of attitude in different situations.
Ueshima Kousuke turned sideways, respectfully gesturing for Ma En to push open the door himself. Ma En could only comply. After pushing the door open, Ueshima Kousuke reminded from behind: "You need to take off your shoes in the entrance hall; shoes for going out and shoes for home must be separated." He lightly pressed the inner wall, and the wall surface popped open, revealing it was actually a built-in storage cabinet.
"Here you can put shoes, coats, umbrellas, and some miscellaneous items for going out. Very spacious, right? Everyone who chooses this apartment building likes it very much," Ueshima Kousuke said proudly, then turned to the other side, where a vase and calligraphy/painting were placed in the corner. The wall decoration had a very Japanese style often seen in movies, but also lacked no modern atmosphere. "Experts were hired for the decoration here; basically, modifying it yourself is not allowed."
"Oh, oh—" Ma En was also a bit surprised, unable to speak. This was truly quite meticulous, worthy of being a high-end apartment. Ma En didn't know if those high-end rental houses in his country were this meticulous, but ordinary rental houses basically wouldn't be made so well, yet allowed self-renovation. When the previous tenant left, the house would mostly retain traces of their having lived there.
Afterwards, the two toured the living room, master bedroom, guest room, and balcony. The kitchen was semi-open, meaning only half a wall was built, separating the dish cabinet storage and various kitchen appliances, not completely enclosed into a single room; one could see the living room clearly while cooking. Conversely, besides the vertical range hood, there was no more equipment for removing cooking fumes.
"We don't do heavy stir-frying here, and only use small amounts of oil and salt," Ueshima Kousuke said. "Also don't recommend Ma-san make those Chinese dishes that require heavy stir-frying, because the kitchen is open-style. Your daily eating habits will need some changes."
"Truly difficult," Ma En gave a wry smile for the first time since arriving in Japan.
"So, if not for truly envying foreign countries, or truly having no other way, who would leave their hometown?" Ueshima Kousuke said this, unknown whether he was referring to Ma En. Afterwards, he explained one by one the matters needing attention when living in Japan, and in this apartment, including life trivia like how to dispose of garbage. Because there were too many things needing attention, Ma En had to take out pen and paper to record them. He didn't dare be casual; this was closely related to his future life.
"The bathroom is also very luxurious." If Ma En were to say which part of this foreign residence he was most satisfied with, it was the bathroom, although in Ueshima Kousuke's view, it was merely a standard bathroom set: shower, bathtub, washbasin, and separate changing room.
"It's just that the decoration looks nice. To truly enjoy bathing, Ma-san can go to the nearby public bathhouse , or go to a hot spring further away. Of course, the high-end suites in high-end hotels are also nice," Ueshima Kousuke recommended. "Your salary is enough for you to visit these places during holidays. I also suggest you travel more, see more. Japan isn't large; get on the high-speed train, and you can make a round trip quickly. Many places have their own unique aspects; we have recently developed many tourism projects. Since Ma-san plans to settle in Japan, naturally you would also want to understand other places more deeply, right?"
"Of course," Ma En nodded.
"Basically, these are the things to note." As Ueshima Kousuke spoke, he took out a stack of materials and a magnetic disk from his briefcase again. "These are the materials about the haunting rumors I mentioned earlier. I only preliminarily sorted them; there are definitely omissions and incomplete areas. Please bear with me on this point, Ma-san."
"You are too polite, sir. It should be me thanking you. I will handle it well," Ma En learned from Ueshima Kousuke, nodding slightly and bowing to express thanks.
"Very good, Ma-san, your attitude is very proper; this puts my mind at ease. The basics of a Party member: seek truth from facts, respect local customs and traditions. Having achieved these, I believe you will quickly get used to and integrate into this country. Our country is somewhat xenophobic in some aspects, but still very open-minded towards elite Party members like Ma-san," Ueshima Kousuke reminded again. "If you have any problems, whether private or public, you are welcome to come and inquire."
"Definitely, definitely."
"Then I shall take my leave first."
"Okay, please take care. When I'm settled, I will definitely give you a call."
After speaking, Ma En saw Ueshima Kousuke off. From now on, he had a place to settle down. After handling some more matters, he could further start his work. Even now, he had many things to do; first was to organize the materials he brought. He felt that tonight, he would still go to sleep very late, just like in the past.