Chapter 46

Observing Patricia's hesitant expression, Edward found himself lost in thought.

The notion of asking her to work for him wasn't a sudden thought but a real need for assistance with the growing tasks.

At first, Edward's only focused was on recording and editing. Even though these tasks were challenging and time-consuming, he handled them well.

However, when skit creation was added, things got more complicated.

Over the last two weeks, Edward spent a good amount of time chatting with his friends in the group. He guided them through different tasks, like scripting and props, paying close attention to every detail and sharing insights based on his unique perspective of the future.

On top of that, Edward devoted time to practicing the bass guitar for his upcoming content. Additionally, the NG club, a recent establishment by his group, added to his responsibilities. This included tasks like recruiting new members and organizing club activities.

Feeling like there was just too much on his plate, Edward took a step back to think. The uncertainty and the growing list of things to do made his head spin whenever he thought about it. This made him seriously think about getting help—hiring someone to share the increasing workload.

However, a problem came up—he didn't know anyone suitable for the job, leaving him unsure about who to hire.

At first, Edward considered using online platforms for hiring, but he was worried about the uncertainty and unpredictability of hiring people online.

Even though it was convenient to hire online, the informal approach raised uncertainties about credibility and requirements. After all, in the online realm, many things can be fabricated.

Another option was going through a headhunting company; however, it turned out to be a complicated process. It meant involving his parents since he was a minor and showing an income statement with earnings above the standard—a difficult feat considering he couldn't deposit too much money into his accounts, or it would be traced by tax authorities (BIR) and lead to required tax payments.

Without that required income statement reflecting the standard earnings, hiring someone through headhunting companies was not possible.

This led him to rely on his friend's connections, which he saw as a more dependable option compared to using the internet. Furthermore, it spared him from the complicated procedures and formalities required by headhunting companies.

That had been the original plan, and he was already texting one of his friends about the details. His friend had also informed him that there were interested candidates, and all that was left was to arrange a meeting and finalize the deal.

However, just at this moment, Patricia unexpectedly approached, sparking a flurry of random intrusive thoughts in his head.

Hadn't she already been helping with his schoolwork?

He knew her quite well and understood her capabilities thoroughly. Patricia was proficient in academics, displaying exceptional skills and knowledge. Moreover, she was a master of time management, all of which emphasized her suitability for the role.

Why not choose her instead?

"..but, if I agree, six hours... doesn't that mean the work will end at 8 to 10 in the evening? I can't do it, my mom will kill me," Patricia said, her voice tinged with worry.

Thinking about her mom's reaction to the idea of coming home late and dealing with her disapproval was genuinely scary.

"Well, you can tell her first that you wanted to have a part-time job," Edward suggested, mulling over the best approach.

"But... even if she agreed, how can I safely get back home when it's already late... you know it's dangerous outside at that time," Patricia stated, worry evident in her voice.

The thought of walking the city's streets late at night was genuinely concerning, adding another layer of complexity to Patricia's decision.

"That... how about renting an apartment next door to mine? That way, you don't have to go back and forth between home and my place. Plus, my place isn't far from school, making it convenient for you, especially with all the things you need to carry,"

Edward quickly thought of a solution and suggested, not only for his convenience but also considering that she had to commute from school to home, especially with her heavy workload and late hours.

"But how can I meet my family if I lived in the apartment?" Patricia voiced her concern about maintaining family connections.

"You can visit them every weekend like I do," Edward proposed, understanding her worry.

"That's... okay... But how much is the rent in the apartment next to yours?"

"Well, mine is ₱2,800, and the one next is ₱2,100."

"N-no, that's too expensive!"

"I'll be paying you ₱8,000 a month."

"Too much!?" Patricia's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Well, if you take into account the previous school work tasks I had you help me with, then the total would be ₱13,000 a month," Edward explained, making sure she understood the difference between assisting with tasks and handling school work.

"₱13,000?" Patricia was incredibly surprised.

The ₱5,000 Edward had been giving her was enough for Patricia's needs—commuting, school work, and more. It meant she didn't have to ask her mom for extra money, and she could even buy nice clothes or play games at the Internet Cafe when she felt like it.

However, with the sudden extra ₱8,000, Patricia couldn't help but be utterly surprised.

At 17, her expenses weren't that high.

Unlike her mom, she didn't have to worry about electric bills, water bills, food, and other necessities. As far as she knew, her mom earned just a little over ₱18,000 a month.

After covering bills and purchasing necessities, wouldn't that leave her with more money than her mom, considering her mom's earnings?

"N-no, that's too much, after all, I'm only 17," Patricia stammered, finding it hard to believe.

"Nah, ₱13,000 is just right. Hiring professionals would cost me a lot more," Edward sighed, considering the costs realistically.

Hiring a professional assistant could easily reach ₱18,000 to ₱25,000.

Besides, professionals wouldn't handle additional school work, which would increase the cost even further.

The fact that he could hire her for ₱13,000 was already a bargain. Lowering it further... he decided against it. Even for a stingy person like him, there were some limits.

"But I'm not a professional. I'm just in my first year of college," Patricia reasoned.

"But I doubt some professionals could be as good as you. Your learning skills are the best I've seen, not to mention your achievements," Edward explained, trying to reassure Patricia about her worth.

Edward spent a while talking with her, carefully listening to her worries.

But seeing that she was still hesitant, Edward didn't pressure her into making an immediate decision. He encouraged her to take her time and assured her that the choice was entirely hers to make.

...

Back at her home.

After a half-hour journey, commuting via a Jeepney and a short walk from campus, Patricia finally arrived at her home.

The lively chatter of the bustling street and the sun casting a warm golden hue over the surroundings provided her with comfort, relieving her fatigue from the day.

As she approached their house, the sound of joyful laughter from her siblings playing with other kids welcomed her.

As Patricia approached her younger siblings, their excited chatter and laughter filled the air. She greeted them warmly, reminding them not to stray too far from home, and then made her way inside.

The usual chores around the house beckoned her. She began by tidying up, moving efficiently from one room to another. While engaged in these tasks, her thoughts drifted, reflecting on the day's events and the unexpected proposition from Edward.

After tidying up the house, she took a break to make a simple meal, hoping to calm the jitters that had built up throughout the day.

The delightful smell of the cooking food started to fill the air, mingling with the background sounds of a drama playing on the television.

As the clock neared seven in the evening, Patricia headed to the kitchen. The enticing aroma of dinner hung in the air, drifting from the pot simmering on the stove.

The rhythmic clinking of utensils accompanied her as she stirred the meal, lost in her thoughts, pondering the decision she was about to share.

Around 7:30, the front door creaked open, signaling her mother's return. Fatigue was etched into the lines on her mother's face, evidence of the day's trials.

Patricia, ever the dutiful daughter, immediately assisted her with the bags and offered a glass of water, hoping to ease her weariness.

A while later, after calling her younger siblings in from outside, the six of them gathered around the dinner table.

The room was infused with the aroma of the meal, and the warm glow of the lights created a comforting atmosphere.

In this calm ambiance, Patricia, a mix of nervousness and determination, chose this tranquil moment to voice her thoughts.

Her eyes were fixed on her mother, visibly tired from the day's work, yet exuding a comforting maternal aura.

Patricia cleared her throat, her hands slightly trembling as she approached the topic.

"Mom," she began, "I've been thinking... I want to get a part-time job."