Chapter Thirty-Nine: Working a Part-Time Job

“Where to now?” After walking far from the art building, Hei Yu Yi glanced back at the third-floor window, his expression complex. What was that? A romantic encounter? It didn’t feel like it. His intuition told him that nothing in this world was that simple. Even if he thought he looked decent, would such a beautiful and proud girl be so interested in someone she’d only met once?

Unable to comprehend her intentions, Hei Yu Yi shook his head, raised his right hand to scratch the back of his neck, and walked out the school gate.

He had just handed over the last of his money, so now he had to figure out a way to earn some cash; otherwise, he wouldn’t even have money for food. Though he could fill up at the cafeteria at noon, relying on just one meal a day was far from enough. Even if he had a way to stave off hunger, only a healthy diet could keep his body in top shape.

At Linchuan Middle School’s gymnasium, which housed an indoor soccer field, basketball court, badminton court, and table tennis area, dozens of people stood on the green turf. At center field, sitting gloomily on a chair by the kickoff spot, Matsutani’s face was dark as he fiddled with his phone.

“Has that kid run off?” Uno Takashi glanced at the large clock by the soccer field. It was already six o’clock, an hour and a half after school ended, yet Hei Yu Yi had still not shown up.

“Maybe he can’t find the place?” A subordinate, thinking of Hei Yu Yi as the new transfer student, voiced a hopeful suggestion, trying to make a good impression in front of the boss.

“I doubt he’s coming. Even an idiot could have scouted every corner of the school in an hour and a half. How could he still be missing?” Miyamoto Tsuneyasu, sitting cross-legged on the grass with a lollipop in his mouth, shot the subordinate a sharp glare.

“Let’s call it off,” Matsutani waved his hand impatiently.

“Just like that?” Uno Takashi asked reluctantly.

“He’s not coming, so why wait? But of course, we won’t give up that easily. If he doesn’t want to learn his lesson the easy way, we’ll try another.”

Matsutani pocketed his phone and left the gymnasium.

“Damn, finally a chance to scratch the itch, ah well.” Uno Takashi punched the air twice, the swift friction making a whooshing sound.

“Tiger, send someone to deal with a guy—Hei Yu Yi, the new transfer student in our class. I don’t want to see him tomorrow. Take the crew, don’t bring those useless riffraff,” Miyamoto Tsuneyasu said as he pulled out his phone and dialed.

Since Matsutani and his group needed the gym, the entire place had been cleared out. Even the supervising teacher found an excuse to leave. No one wanted to witness a bloody scene and risk trouble.

About two kilometers south of Linchuan Academy, the large neon sign above a nightclub flickered to life. The glowing characters “White Tiger” shone seductively.

Two white Cupid statues flanked the entrance, one on each side, bow drawn and aimed at incoming guests. There were no security guards or receptionists at the door. It was quiet, like an ordinary bar with lavish decorations, but the faint purple-red glow spilling from inside exuded a languid aura, drawing in men and women tired from a day’s work, seeking release or solace.

At the bar sat a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows, round eyes, a face marked by small scars, and a slightly stocky build. Holding a phone, he hung up and minimized the screen to his desktop—a majestic tiger image stared back at him.

“Tiger, back to work again?” A young man with a pale complexion, dressed as a waiter, handed the middle-aged man a freshly mixed drink.

“A new transfer student at Linchuan Middle School named Hei Yu Yi,” Tiger said, sniffing the glass deeply before downing it in one gulp. “I hear he’s got some skills. Xiao Bai, have Leopard take ten good men and bring him in.”

Hei Yu Yi walked down the street with hands in his pockets, glancing left and right. It was his first time out alone off the island, with so much free time and many fascinating things catching his eye.

Street food stalls, small toys, trinkets, electronics... Having lived on the island like a primitive, his only exposure to computers and high-tech came from Professor Inoue Izumi’s lessons on evading electronic tracking. Everything else was new and piqued his curiosity. Every time he saw an unfamiliar object, he leaned in to examine it.

“Wow, how did they put this little house inside a glass ball?” Hei Yu Yi marveled at a crystal ball containing a tiny villa, with snow falling inside.

“If you like it, you can pick it up and have a look,” the vendor warmly invited, though he couldn’t explain the making process and wouldn’t have even if he could. He handed the crystal ball to Hei Yu Yi.

“It’s beautiful.” Hei Yu Yi touched the smooth surface, admiring it.

“Like it? Then buy one, twenty yuan only. Take it home as a gift for your girlfriend,” the vendor grinned, guessing Hei Yu Yi would buy it based on his enthusiasm, already reaching out for payment.

“Uh, sorry, I don’t have a girlfriend.” Hei Yu Yi almost laughed and nodded, but remembered he was out because he had no money. Quick on his feet, he returned the crystal ball and made a show of casually slipping away.

After wandering for over an hour, the sky had begun to yellow with the setting sun. Hei Yu Yi had yet to find a place to work. Small family-run eateries couldn’t afford to hire help; large restaurants required educational qualifications even for waitstaff; construction sites operated in the day, conflicting with classes. He returned empty-handed.

Just as Hei Yu Yi was about to head back home and try his luck with Uncle Tongye for a night’s work, a flyer nailed to a utility pole caught his eye. It advertised positions for male hosts, requiring good looks, height over 1.7 meters, and a strong build. Work hours were 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., with a monthly salary of eight thousand yuan.

“What’s a host? But I meet all the requirements and the hours fit my schedule. Most importantly, the pay is high—a godsend!” Hei Yu Yi excitedly tore off the flyer.

“Such a handsome young man, what a pity,” two middle-aged women carrying vegetable baskets passed by, overhearing his muttering and shaking their heads.

Ten minutes later, Hei Yu Yi stood before the White Tiger nightclub.

“Wow, what a grand place. This is where a real man should work,” he said, feeling a surge of tiger-like spirit from deep within as he gripped the flyer, squared his shoulders, and stepped inside.

Upon entering, pulsating music hit his ears, and dim, shifting colored lights—red, blue, green—bathed the room. The air was thick with a mix of alcohol, smoke, perfume, and cologne, an odd blend that made Hei Yu Yi wrinkle his nose in discomfort.

Yet, oddly, the heavy atmosphere did nothing to dampen the revelry inside. Men and women swayed to the music, mingling freely. When tired, they returned to booths for drinks. Men who succeeded in striking up conversations escorted women away; those rejected returned to their seats to endure friends’ teasing, then set out again after a few drinks.

Without overthinking, Hei Yu Yi, a first-timer in such a place, failed to notice the more clandestine “pleasures” occurring in shadowy corners.

Clutching the flyer, unsure whom to approach or who was in charge, he could only stand among the crowd and observe.

The bartender handed a prepared drink to a waiter, then waved to several men in black suits and ties who looked like bodyguards. They promptly approached, listening intently to the bartender’s instructions.

“So he’s the boss,” Hei Yu Yi thought, deducing from the bodyguards’ obedience that the bartender held a high position, perhaps even the bar’s owner. With that in mind, Hei Yu Yi stepped forward.

“Go ahead, make it clean,” the bartender noticed Hei Yu Yi approaching and waved the men away.

“Hello,” Hei Yu Yi smiled politely, adopting an earnest demeanor as if for an interview.

“Handsome guy, what can I get you?” The bartender greeted with unexpected warmth, mistaking Hei Yu Yi’s approach for ordering, impressed by his appearance and aura.

“Um, I’m here to apply for a job.”

“Apply? But we’re full on waitstaff,” the bartender mused, placing a finger on his chin and lightly biting his lower lip like a woman.

“No, I’m applying to be a host,” Hei Yu Yi explained, waving his hand.

“A host?” The bartender scrutinized Hei Yu Yi up and down, puzzled.

“Isn’t that what this flyer says?” Hei Yu Yi showed the crumpled paper in his hand.

“Yes, we’re recruiting hosts—but are you sure you can handle it?” The bartender’s eyes showed a hint of regret, though his enthusiasm remained intact.

“I think I meet the requirements?” Hei Yu Yi asked somewhat uncertainly. He had no formal education, and while he was sharp, his knowledge mostly revolved around combat skills; he was almost clueless otherwise.

“You do. Your qualifications are perfect.” The bartender examined him once more, then placed a hand on Hei Yu Yi’s shoulder, squeezing his arm and pressing on his chest, nodding in approval.

Hei Yu Yi instinctively wanted to react to the touch but restrained himself, feeling uncomfortable as the bartender’s hands moved over him.

“So, when can I start working?” Hei Yu Yi asked excitedly—finally, some income.

“Anytime,” the bartender replied with a suggestive smile.

“Thank you, boss.”