Renting a Place

After reviewing the website design, Yuga looked up and said, "I'm quite satisfied with the website you've designed. If you're willing, you can start working here anytime."

Upon hearing Yuga's words, Windy nodded without displaying any particular expression. There was neither joy nor discernible displeasure.

Yuga continued, "Let me tell you about your salary and job responsibilities."

Windy spoke very little; it seemed like they preferred not to speak if possible. However, they frequently nodded and shook their head in response to Yuga's questions. Consequently, Yuga had to take the initiative to explain the situation to them.

"Your salary will be the same as Sister Koen's. Oh, Sister Koen is the lady who just greeted you in the shop. Her name is Suzuki Koen, and she's the only other employee here apart from you. You can call her Sister Koen as well."

Windy nodded in understanding.

Yuga went on, "So, Sister Koen's monthly salary is 3,000. Yours will be the same. Do you have any objections?"

Windy shook their head, indicating they had no objections.

Yuga continued, "Great, now that the compensation issue is settled, let's talk about your job responsibilities.

Apart from daily website maintenance and management, you'll also be responsible for answering customer queries on the website, gathering customer feedback, introducing the Day Care's services, and handling promotional activities.

What do you think? Any questions?"

Windy listened attentively, and after Yuga finished explaining, they indicated that they had no issues with these tasks.

Yuga felt somewhat apologetic as he added, "Your workload might be a bit heavy and the tasks might be somewhat intricate. So, if you perform well, I'll provide you with bonuses.

By the way, have you found a place to stay?"

Windy shook their head, indicating that they hadn't. They had come straight to the YoYo Day Care as soon as they arrived in Verdant Shade Town and hadn't had the chance to look for accommodations yet.

Yuga pondered for a moment and said to Windy, "Wait here for a moment. Let me inquire around and see if I can find a place for you to stay. After all, you're new here and might not be familiar with the area."

In truth, Yuga felt somewhat guilty. Windy was a talented individual, and even though the wage he offered wasn't high, he was still willing to work here. Yuga felt he should help him out a bit.

Yuga wasn't quite sure where Windy could find accommodation. After leaving the shop, he stood at the entrance of Mr. Kate's house and called out, "Mr. Kate, Mr. Kate, are you there?"

The door of Mr. Kate's house creaked open, and Mr. Kate walked out. Seeing Yuga standing at the doorway, he asked, "What's the matter, Yuga?"

Yuga explained, "Well, I wanted to ask if you know of any houses for rent near our place."

Mr. Kate thought for a moment and said, "Ah, yes. The house across from your place, owned by Grandpa Banana, is up for sale. You could ask him if he's willing to rent it to you."

Yuga found this puzzling and asked, "Why would Grandpa Banana want to sell his house? Isn't he living there just fine?"

The house owned by Grandpa Banana was right across from Yuga's Day Care. The two houses were adjacent to each other on the north and south sides of the street, and they had been neighbors for quite a few years.

Mr. Kate chuckled and said, "Do you remember Raiu you used to play with? He's working in Rustboro City now, and he's bought a house there. He's planning to bring his grandpa to live with him. I heard he doesn't intend to come back here, so they've decided to sell this old house."

Yuga thought for a moment. In his original memories, there was indeed a big brother named Raiu. He was about five or six years older than Yuga. Yuga used to play with him often when he was a child. However, he hadn't seen him since he left for another city.

"I see, that's the case. I'll go ask Grandpa Banana then."

With that, Yuga turned and headed across the street.

However, Yuga was unsuccessful in securing the rental. Grandpa Banana wasn't willing to rent out the house.

The reason was that Raiu wouldn't have the chance to come back in the future. Selling the house was more preferable than renting it out, as collecting rent from a distant place would be inconvenient. Even though rent could be transferred electronically, it was still one's own property, and there would always be some level of unease about it being far away.

Feeling disappointed that he couldn't be of help, Yuga walked home with a deflated spirit.

At that moment, Mr. Kate, who was about to head out, saw Yuga's return and asked, "What happened? You couldn't secure the rental?"

Yuga looked up at Mr. Kate and sighed, saying, "Yes, Grandpa Banana isn't willing to rent; he only wants to sell."

Mr. Kate responded, "Why are you looking to rent anyway? Don't you have a house of your own?"

Yuga slapped his forehead, realizing that he did indeed have an empty house!

In fact, apart from Yuga's room on the second floor of his house, the rooms that once belonged to his grandparents and his parents were all vacant.

The room that had belonged to his grandparents had been unused for many years and had been turned into a storage room by Yuga's parents. The room belonging to Yuga's parents, however, remained intact. Perhaps due to the influence of his original memories, Yuga hardly ever went in there; he always felt a sense of discomfort.

Yuga thought for a moment and concluded that it wouldn't be an issue for Windy to stay in his parents' room. As long as they didn't cause too much damage, it should be fine. So, he hurriedly returned to the shop.

When Yuga entered the shop, he found Windy sitting under the weather tree on the stool Yuga usually used for studying. Their laptop was on their lap, and they were typing away, seemingly engrossed in something.

Sitting next to Windy was Dian, who was clutching strawberry, staring at Windy without blinking.

Yuga went over and immediately scooped up Dian, asking, "What are you looking at, little one?"

Dian was startled by Yuga's sudden movement, but upon seeing that it was Yuga, it broke into giggles.

After a bout of giggles, Yuga pinched the chubby little face and asked, "You still haven't told me what you're so focused on. You seem quite engrossed."

Dian pointed a giggling finger at Windy.

Yuga smiled and said, "This is Brothet Windy, the one you've been watching."

Dian mimicked Yuga and called out, "Brother Windy!"

Yuga straightened up and set Dian down, saying, "Alright, go play on your own. The Big Brother manager and Brother Windy have something to discuss."

After Dian scampered off, Yuga turned to Windy and said, "I didn't manage to find a place to rent."

Windy paused their typing and replied, "It's alright. I'll look for one myself later."

Yuga continued, "I haven't finished yet. You're in a hurry. There's an empty room in my house. It used to belong to my parents. If you don't mind, you can stay there. I won't charge you rent either. After all, it's just sitting vacant. You moving in will give it some life. Just make sure to keep it clean."

Windy nodded and said, "Sure, thank you."

Yuga smiled and extended his right hand, saying, "Welcome aboard YoYo Day Care."

Windy shook Yuga's right hand, saying, "Nice to meet you."

The two exchanged smiles.