C13 A Parttime Job in a Bar

Zhao Yuqin didn't insist. Ling Yifei bid her farewell and left the Yi'an Group, intent on finding part-time work in the vicinity. He recognized the necessity of supplementing his income with part-time jobs until he figured out a more permanent solution to his financial needs. Relying on Mrs. Zhao for everything wasn't an option. With this in mind, Ling Yifei took his first steps toward earning his initial fortune.

Determined to support his daily living expenses through part-time work, Ling Yifei set out on his quest. He scanned his surroundings as he walked down the bustling streets, searching for help-wanted signs in shop windows. Most jobs available were physically demanding with low wages—a reflection of the times, where work was either mental or manual.

Ling Yifei's educational background wasn't impressive, and high-paying positions required qualifications and experience he lacked. As a cultivator, he couldn't exactly explain his unique skills during an interview without coming across as delusional.

"Hey, this looks promising," Ling Yifei mused upon spotting a notice outside a bar. They were hiring a bartender with no experience necessary, offering on-the-job training with a starting salary of 4,000 yuan, negotiable upon discussion.

Deciding to give it a shot, Ling Yifei stepped into the bar, where three men and two women were busy setting up for the evening's service. A server approached him, "Sir, I'm sorry, but the bar opens at 7 PM. We're currently closed. If you're looking to enjoy yourself, please return at 7."

"I'm not here for fun; I'm interested in the job opening," Ling Yifei replied, gesturing toward the notice. The staff glanced up at Ling Yifei, then went back to their tasks, though the two female servers gave him an extra look.

Ling Yifei may not have been strikingly handsome, but his refined features and the unique aura he exuded—a result of thousands of years of cultivation—held a mysterious allure for those around him.

"If you're here for the job interview, go upstairs and turn left to the general manager's office," one of the waiters directed.

"Okay, thank you." Ling Yifei replied and headed up to the second floor.

Upon turning left, he immediately spotted the general manager's office. Ling Yifei politely knocked on the door. "Come in," a gruff male voice called from within. Ling Yifei imagined the general manager to be a towering, hairy-chested brute to match such a voice...

But as he entered, Ling Yifei quickly revised his assumptions. Inside the office were two people: a muscular, bald man lounging on the sofa and, behind the desk, a stunningly beautiful woman—a genuine beauty.

With her high nose bridge, large eyes, expressive eyebrows, petite cherry lips, and porcelain skin, she momentarily captivated even someone as seasoned as Ling Yifei. "May I ask who you are?" she inquired, her voice melodious. Ling Yifei felt a warm breeze wash over him; her voice was so different from the one he'd heard moments before!

Ling Yifei gathered his thoughts: if this woman was seated in the executive chair, she must be the general manager. Working for her would be a privilege. Considering her youth and beauty, he might even have a chance... But he quickly cleared his throat, reminding himself to stay professional.

The manager's gaze fell upon Ling Yifei as he stepped in. Despite her youthful appearance, her features were refined, exuding the charm of the boy next door. Little did she know, Ling Yifei's mind was far from innocent.

If she had any inkling, she'd likely send this seemingly harmless fellow flying with a swift kick. "Hello, I'm here to apply for the position I saw advertised," Ling Yifei said with a beaming smile, trying to project the image of the perfect candidate.

"Applying for a position? Alright, please take a seat over there and wait for a moment," the manager gestured, inviting him to sit on the adjacent sofa. Ling Yifei complied and settled down on the couch.

"Alright, Brother Xin, I appreciate your help. I'm entrusting you with the security of the bar from now on. I expect you to fulfill your duties with dedication, and I assure you that your efforts will be duly rewarded," she spoke, tapping her fingers gently on the desk, each tap resonating like a note in a melody.

"Don't worry, boss. I'll handle my responsibilities well, hehe," the bald man assured, thumping his chest confidently. Yet, his fleeting look of greed didn't escape Ling Yifei, a cultivator well-versed in observing such details. He knew this man was up to something, and he couldn't help but ponder his intentions.

"Hello, may I have your name and age?" The attractive manager poised her pen to jot down the information. Receiving no immediate response, she looked up curiously to find Ling Yifei lost in thought. She couldn't help but find his serious demeanor somewhat endearing.

The manager felt a rare blush creep onto her cheeks as she realized her thoughts. Shaking her head vigorously, she dismissed the notion and tapped lightly on the desk to regain his attention.

The tapping snapped Ling Yifei out of his reverie. He glanced around, noting the absence of the burly man, and only the manager remained, observing him with interest. Feeling a touch of embarrassment, he cleared his throat and straightened up.

"Hello, my name is Ling Yifei, and I'm 18 years old," he said, though he couldn't quite recall his actual age. If he had to be honest, he'd probably be over 2000 years old, but that was a detail he couldn't share without being regarded as delusional.

"Why are you applying for this job?" the manager inquired once more.

"My family isn't well-off, and it's been a struggle for my parents to afford my education. I'd like to work part-time to alleviate some of their burden," Ling Yifei reasoned internally. "Mrs. Zhao has completed my enrollment, so I'm officially a student now. Since our family business has shut down, it's only logical to say we're struggling. It makes perfect sense!" He couldn't help but feel a bit smug about his cleverness.

The manager was moved by his words. It was rare to encounter a young man who was self-reliant, dutiful, and ambitious enough to think about easing his parents' load while still in high school.

Without hesitation, she said, "Alright, you're hired. I'll notify you about the schedule. By the way, my name is Chu Yingxue. You can call me Ms. Chu."

"Thank you, Ms. Chu." Ling Yifei filled out an information form, and Chu Yingxue provided him with some final reminders. After expressing his gratitude once more, he left the bar, mindful that school was starting the next day and he needed to prepare for registration.

Stepping out of the bar, Ling Yifei glanced down at his attire, noting its age. While it wasn't a big concern for him, he had been referred by Mrs. Zhao and he didn't want to let her down. With a grimace, he felt the contents of his pocket and, with a reluctant resolve, decided to spend his remaining money on some new clothes.

He reassured himself that once he started his new job, he'd quickly earn back the money. With that thought, Ling Yifei hurried off to the pedestrian street.

Given his budget constraints, he couldn't splurge on anything too extravagant and had to opt for more affordable brands, which led him to the bustling pedestrian street, a hub for such purchases. Upon arrival, he was met with a sea of people. Without a second thought, Ling Yifei, pressed for time, plunged into the throng.