Arriving at Century City by bus, a serious problem suddenly hit me.

After all the twists and turns, the seventy-seven yuan I’d woken up with—my entire worldly possessions—had dwindled to just thirty. With over ten yuan for the round-trip fare plus lunch and dinner… how many days could I even last?

No. Once upstairs, I’d text Qin Ning for help—maybe an advance on salary, or a little friendly support…

At the Anxin Breakfast Shop beneath Century City, I spotted the shopkeeper busy behind the counter. Too shy to approach right away, I waited until things quieted down before stepping forward and murmuring,

"Excuse me… are you Auntie Wang? Um… Sister Qin Ning said to come here for the keys."

The auntie smiled warmly, pulling open a drawer. "I don’t know that beautiful lady’s name. She just left something with me for a pretty young lady. Guess that’s you."

Sweat. So she didn’t even know her? Just randomly dropped the keys with the nearest person? I let out a dry chuckle. *Boss Qin, you really have nerves of steel.*

She handed me the keychain. Alongside the main gate key were several tiny mystery keys—and a car key.

*A car too? What perks.*

Unlocking the heavy gate, I struggled with the latch, heart fluttering. This whole vast space… mine alone today.

*Better not wander. I still need Qin Ning’s help.* I obediently headed to the office and texted:

"Hospitalization drained all my money. Even meals are tight. Could Sister Qin Ning possibly advance some salary?"

Sent.

Three minutes later: "Take what you need from the cash register. Keys are in your hands."

*So one key opens the register… and you entrusted it to a total stranger?* I mentally sighed—*rich people really do have bold hearts*—then fumbled through the keys.

*This one. Cash register keys all look alike anyway.*

"Alright. Time to grab lunch money."

Just as I stood—*knock, knock, knock*. I quickly sat back down, cleared my throat, and said gently, "Come in."

No need to "boost presence" today. With only me here, if the interviewee didn’t look at me… they’d just face the wall.

"U-um… sorry to disturb you."

A voice like a startled rabbit made me pause. In stepped a little loli with a neat bun, even shorter than me.

I blinked. She blinked back with wide, innocent eyes.

"Um… excuse me," the little rabbit—no, little loli—asked timidly, "Is this where the shop assistant interview is?"

"Mm, yes," I recovered quickly. "Full-time or part-time?"

*(Just a formality. She’s way too young for full-time.)*

"Full-time."

"…" I froze half a second. "Are you… of legal age?"

"N-no," she twisted her fingers nervously. "But I’m sixteen."

*Phew. Knew it. "Legal lolis" aren’t that common. Su Xiaoxi was the exception.*

*(Old saying: under fourteen = loli. Now? Under fourteen = elementary schooler.)*

Unaware of my thoughts, the bun-haired loli glanced around anxiously. "I’m sixteen! I can sign a contract…"

"No, that’s not it," I hesitated. "Are you… not in school?"

"Mm." Guileless and earnest, she explained softly, "Family’s struggling. I want to help."

My heart softened. Such a sensible kid. *We’re both broke souls—no need for formalities.*

"Your name?" I started writing.

"Xu Wei."

*Xu…* I paused, silently apologizing to yesterday’s assumptions. *I thought same surname = same "style." Sorry, Xu loli.*

This gentle loli’s vibe? Worlds apart from that airhead in my dorm. Same surname, same ancestor five hundred years ago… how’s the gap *this* huge?

"Anime knowledge?"

"N-not much," Xu Wei stammered. "But I’ll make time and study hard for the job!"

I nodded. Expected. Kids in tough spots rarely had exposure. No big deal—others could guide her.

My pen stilled. *If none of this matters… what’s my real standard?*

After thinking… I laughed inwardly. *Same as Qin Ning’s: just a pretty, cute girl.* Wow. I’m in the looks-focused club too.

Glancing at the rabbit-like girl before me, I asked gently, "Just curious… why apply here? We haven’t even opened."