Chapter 8

"...At the end of the week you will be choosing subjects you will be doing for the whole year. You will be allowed to change but not in your final year so choose subjects you know you will pass and qualify you for your careers. In other words choose wisely" Mr Jia the headmaster said after he had finished introducing himself.

He was short and a bit round. His lack of hair at the centre of his head could be used as a mirror and he was very redundant which was very annoying.

After the last lesson all the year 10 students were called into the school hall for a meeting. And this was the result.

We could only pick nine subjects. Considering Cardan's part-time and subject matters it looked like he would drop from 28 Class 10 A to 3 10C. It's not that he was dumb it's just that this school had academically and somewhat social intelligent students. Including the fact that I

Cardan may be working part-time. He have to start preparing for next year.

"Which subjects are you doing?" Cardan asked turning to Zaden who had a frown on his face.

"I'm not sure yet but I think science for now..." Zaden murmured as he sighed in thought.

"What about you?" he turned to Cardan after a while.

"Probably business related honestly speaking" not like he had a choice in that but Cardan also didn't hate it.

Nodding Zaden looked absent minded and Cardan's focus returned back to the loud hall. It was one of the largest buildings in the whole school with white chairs and a few black chairs occupying the room. There where large windows to his left and right which brightened up the place making it beautiful.

Students were talking to their friends and far back he noticed two students who looked a bit older standing guard at the entrance. Cardan hadn't noticed them when entering. They were both wearing yellow blazers with a few badges on them. One was a girl with a pony tail and the other a boy with neatly combed hair.

They must have been part of the student government.

"...What do you think Mai is going to choose" almost jumping out of his seat because of the close voice. Cardan put a hand over his chest as he glared at Zaden.

"Damnit you scared me" Cardan said as he tried to catch his breath. Zaden just rolled his eyes at Cardan and turned away. Wanting to say more Cardan suddenly remembered the question Zaden asked him and a slow but suggestive smile made its way to his face.

"Mia she looks more like a business type of girl, why do you ask?" Cardan said blinking multiple times in order to create a sense of innocence.

"Really...?" he looked like he didn't believe Cardan especially now that he looked very constipated, and Cardan's worry was that love had already dumbed Zaden down.

"What don't you believe me?" Cardan asked dramatically in an accusing tone. He shouldn't believe Cardan because he's only just arrived and Zaden should know her best.

Looking at him for a while Zaden blinked as if realising that it was absurd to ask Cardan a question. Grumbling a bit he stood up and left the hall.

Looking at him in amusement Cardan shook his head.

"Ding" Cardan's head turned to his pants as he took out his phone. It was an email from the grocery store he applied to work at.

//Dear Mister Chang

We have seen your signature and sign up form therefore we would like to have you work for us. Come at 16:00 and we'll discuss the details.

kind regards//

A smile made its way to his face. The message has brought a sense of fulfillment to him. Is this what it's like to get an employment notification. It wasn't bad.

In addition it looked like he wouldn't have to worry about where he would get his next meal. Although the Liao's offered Cardan didn't want to keep on relying on them. After all this was his test.m

Looking around the hall once more a few students had already left. Cardan made his way back to his class and picked up his bag.

'Ding' switching on his phone he saw that it was a message from Zaden.

//Sorry I had to live without you...// Cardan scoffed at the message something was telling him that Zaden had followed a certain someone home. He decided to live as he made his way back to the flat.

As soon as he entered he fortunately hadn't received any homework yet. So Cardan just changed from his school uniform to a blue button down and clean washed jeans. He practiced how he would introduce himself and before Cardan knew it, it was three thirty not wasting time he immediately made his way to the grocery store.

As soon as Cardan entered he was greeted by an old popular song playing in the background. Making his way to the male receptionist who had a messy beard and long messy hair he introduced himself.

"Good afternoon I'm Cardan Chang and I'm here for an employment contract" Cardan said taking out his phone to give proof.

"Ahhh miss Dai should be here in a few minutes" the man said "Oh and my name is John you see the door behind me enter and wait for the boss to come" John finished pointing at the brown door behind him.

Cardan nodded as he entered the room. It looked like any other small office with a slightly large brown desk and three comfort chairs. One where Mrs Dai would sit and the other two where visitors would sit.

Not bothering to sit down since it seemed rude and looking around the room would seem like a disturbance of privacy Cardan didn't know what to do with himself which created a form of anxiety for him.

Hearing voices outside the room Cardan could only guess that the boss had arrived. "Flying pigs" Cardan murmured was he about to have a panic attack, think Cardan what would father do think think think.

'Danny just breathe..." and like that his once fast beating heart began to calm down and just in time as a short woman entered the room. She was a bit chubby and looked to be about forty years old. She had kind yet strict eyes and a smile that spread throughout her face.

"You must be Cardan" Mrs Dai said as she made her way to her seat.

"Yes I am Ma'am" Cardan replied.

"Respectful I see. Now sit and let's discuss your employment" after waiting that she set down he soon followed after.

"Manners too. Anyway since you will be working as a janitor and will clean every time the store closes and since you can't work in the morning you will be paid less. While you're working you'll learn from my son how to run the reception I don't trust John will do a good job at teaching you" she paused to make sure he understood her words before continuing.

"Since you are working part-time you will be earning 250 CLR per month plus five products of food each month do you have any issues" she finished and looking at the conditions it wasn't bad.

One pack of noodles cost 16 CLR which was the currency of the country, electricity I still didn't know I'd have to check as well as for the geyser too. Although it was still small compared to the US currency which was 1$=50CLR not that he cared much. Plus he still got 5 picks of free food each month Cardan would have to choose wisely.

Not forgetting the pots, dishes, spoons and cups he would have to buy which was fine since he still had the master card that would soon end after this year. He would have bought the weekend he stayed but he was busy learning how to wash his blankets with the help of Zaden. He wasn't about to call Mrs Liao and Noa which would embarrass him and lessen his chances of getting Noa.

"When do I start" Cardan asked as he sent her a smile.

Returning it she answered "Today if you want, but I would recommend you start next week" she replied. Cardan understood what she meant since next week would be the beginning of a new month.

"I would prefer starting today" he said after some thought.

"May I ask why?" she asked curiously.

"It's not a big deal I just want to familiarise myself with the job that's all"

"A hard working man too. I see a bright future ahead of you boy" she said as she reached for his hand which he moved to hers as we had a firm hand shake. It was strong and firm.

"You flatter me Mrs Dai- I mean boss" Cardan added cheeky.

Letting out a loud laugh she patted his head.

"Hey mom I heard the new... employee s-" the door opened to reveal Easton whose voice gradually slowed down as soon as he noticed who the new employee was.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me" Easton and Cardan both said at the same time.