Stay calm. Just keep a composed expression—don’t let that airhead Xu Qianqian notice anything’s off.

If even an airhead like her could spot a flaw, what was the point of me hiding anything at all?

“I was just kidding, don’t mind it,” I said, dousing my excited roommate—whose hair was tied in a slanted ponytail—with cold water, then swiftly changed the subject. “Let me check if there’s any update on the part-time job.”

“Huh? Why are you like this?” Xu Qianqian puffed up her cheeks in a pout. “So mean!”

What’s so mean? Photos can wait. Work comes first. Opening QQ, I was pleasantly surprised to find an unread email.

Reply this fast? Looks promising!

Heart full of hope, I clicked it open—only to see one bold line:

*Are you 18 or older?*

“…”

I dug out my student ID, borrowed Xu Qianqian’s phone to snap and send a photo, added a note stressing my “extensive work experience,” and hit send.

A few minutes later: *Come for an interview this afternoon.*

“Nice!”

I clenched my little fist and cheered happily.

“Is it *that* exciting?” Xu Qianqian muttered jealously, chin propped on her hands. “You’re gonna drown yourself in work?”

She was still sore about me dodging the photo talk earlier with the job excuse.

“It’s important to me,” I said simply.

“I know—you lost your phone, so you’re desperate to earn money for a new one,” Xu Qianqian declared smugly, hands planted on her hips, certain she’d nailed it.

If you think that’s it… sure, that’s it.

I didn’t argue. Sat down to pick an outfit. The sun was scorching. If not for this slight unease, a cute dress would’ve been perfect.

Ended up choosing brown shorts—same length as my sleep pants. Kept the off-shoulder T-shirt; it was comfy.

Tied my hair into a long ponytail too. Neck would sweat and break out otherwise.

“Alright,” I stood up. “Time to head out for my 48th job interview!”

Xu Qianqian, sprawled on the bed with chin in hand, squinted skeptically. “You’re bluffing. That number’s made up.”

It was. But if anything, I’d undercounted.

Stepping out of the AC-cooled room, heat slammed into me. I shielded my eyes with my hands, plotting the route.

The email said Century Center—dead center of Zhendong City’s inner ring. Seeing the address gave me pause. This employer’s wallet was no joke.

Everyone knows downtown real estate costs a fortune. Units 14 to 18, floors one through five? Staggering.

Five storefronts, five floors, basement warehouse included—astronomical cost. A shop this size needing hires… really just opening?

Still, five full-timers and ten part-timers for this scale? Way too few. Boss’s headache. My focus: the interview.

*Ding dong.* Subway arrived. I exited and headed straight for Century Center. Others might stress over interviews—I didn’t. Been there too many times.

Frankly? Battle-hardened and seen it all.

“Whoa… so many people!”

Premium location, premium crowds. Best infrastructure, busiest foot traffic in the city. I navigated slowly toward the shop’s address.

“This should be it… Huh?”

Spotting it was easy. Neighboring shops buzzed with customers. These five storefronts? Eerily silent.

Not for any reason—just… the main door was locked tight.

A heavy padlock clamped the tempered glass. Frosted windows hid everything. The cold door shut me out, leaving me looking utterly pitiful.

“Interview’s this afternoon… and no one’s here?” Head drooping, I sank down by the door.

Ugh. Came too early. No idea how long the wait’d be.

…

After a brief reunion, the Qin sisters parted ways. Qin Xue headed back to the dorm; her older sister moved deeper into the inner ring.

She was checking on the shop she’d bought for retirement—soon to open.

Just the storefront purchased, interior renovated. No staff onboard yet. Naturally, still closed.

But arriving there, she blinked in surprise.

A cute little figure was crouching by the entrance.