Rhapsodies

“What do you mean this is my apartment?” Hsin was incredulous, nearly dropping the drink Lin had handed to him.

Lin grinned. “I need someone to look after this place for the rest of the time.  You didn’t really think I’d be staying here all the time? It defeats the purpose of being an international playboy.”

“And your father wouldn’t approve…”

“Only if someone tells him, and that’s why everything here is in your name. In case he or your grandmother check.”

Hsin gave his friend a long look. “You don’t think they’ll get suspicious with me suddenly living beyond my means?”

“You’re not,” Lin said rolling his eyes.

“You’re kidding, right?” Hsin waved a hand at the window indicating the Homestead skyline.  “How is this not living beyond my means?” he continued.

“You’re not paying anything. So in fact you’re living below your means.”

“Uh, no.” Hsin replied, “that is not how living beyond your means works.  This apartment rents for way more than I make, people will wonder how I can afford to live here.”

“So what’s the problem? It’s completely paid for, just tell them that you take care of it for a friend.  The only thing that matters is that my father and your grandmother not know which friend.” Lin responded, looking at him pointedly.

Hsin sighed. The problem with Lin was that a lot of the things most people worried about never even occurred to him. And the problems he did notice were always problems that he, or his people, could solve by being decisive.  Still he gave it one last try.  “I already have an apartment you know,” he said carefully.

“Move.”

“I don’t think my landlord will care for it if I pull a surprise like this.”

“I’m sure he’ll get over it.  Look it’s no big deal, I’ll make some calls and you’ll be all settled in in no time.”

“That’s not the point!”

Lin patted him on the shoulder his smile was less mischievous now… more kind and slightly patronizing.  “I know… and it does you credit.  But you’ve had your fun playing with your trumpet and now you’re getting back to important things.  Now you can reap the benefits and enjoy yourself.”

“I like being a musician!”

“So keep it up, It’s not like I’m forcing you to quit, but let’s face it how far did you expect it to go?”

“I didn’t expect anything.”

“Look at it this way, now you’ve got someplace nice to impress your new girlfriend with.”
Hsin gave up… He didn’t want to go into explaining how he didn’t have to impress Michelle about anything… it was one of the many things that puzzled him about his relationship with her. And if things started getting better in ways that might impress her did that really count as luck?