C21 Enter the Job

They arrived here with two goals in mind: to scope out the situation and to see if there was an opportunity to make some extra cash. But now, it's clear that things aren't as straightforward as they hoped.

Forget about receiving a paycheck; just observing the principal's flamboyant personality is enough to raise eyebrows. And this is just a Senior University, yet the salary he's offering is suspiciously high, casting doubt on whether this institution is anything like a regular university.

As the other job seekers dispersed, Yang Chao stepped forward and laid out 8000 yuan in cash on the table, speaking in a gentle tone, "The elderly folks we have here are quite unique, even more so than you might expect. That's why I'm giving you an advance of 8000 yuan. I'm hoping you'll commit to working here and not consider leaving. Is that acceptable?"

Yang Chao had carefully considered his decision to offer this money. His Senior University was not quite like the others; the seniors here had peculiar eating habits. While most elderly people might stick to noodles and tofu, ours indulge in lavish feasts of meat and fish, boasting teeth that could rival those of the younger generation. It's quite astonishing.

The thought of a new girl witnessing them devouring hot pot could be quite a shock. This girl seems to be quite the busybody, with a decent, albeit fiery, personality. If she finds the environment challenging, this salary might just be the incentive she needs to stay put for a while. After all, with this money on the line, she'd likely stick around a bit longer.

Chu Sixue gazed at the substantial sum of money on the table, her mind reeling. It looked like several thousand yuan, easily a month's wages. What was his intention?

"Principal, what's the meaning of this? Handing over several thousand yuan just like that doesn't seem quite right. I haven't even started working yet."

Normally, don't employers hold back wages, maybe for a month or half, and then pay up when due? Or sometimes not pay at all? But here, the principal was ready to pay upfront, which was unheard of, especially for a 'wild chicken university' that supposedly wouldn't have any money to spare.

Chu Sixue came with a simple intention: to care for the elderly. Making money wasn't her primary goal, though it would be a welcome bonus. If not, she was content to consider it an act of kindness.

Yet, the boss handed her several thousand yuan upfront, leaving her bewildered, as if it were all some kind of joke.

"Here, take this money for now. It's part of our school's policy. The seniors here can be quite temperamental, so just be cautious," Yang Chao advised before leading the group into the school. Upon entering, they were greeted by a lively scene of old men energetically chasing and playfully scuffling, some wielding brooms like valiant warriors.

"Wang Jianguo! You old coot, hold on! What in the world are you up to? It looks like you've got a death wish!" one shouted.

"Chen Shouye, have you lost your mind? Put that broom down, then we can talk. Don't act like I can't see right through you. You're doing this on purpose!" another accused.

The old men darted about with surprising agility, giving no quarter, their movements as spry and skilled as any young person's might be.

"Our residents have unique health needs, but you won't need to fuss over their meals. Your main job will be to keep the place tidy. That's about it," Yang Chao explained as they moved deeper into the facility, eventually stopping to inspect the dormitory and its equipment.

Chu Sixue paused, her eyes wide with incredulity. Today's events were bizarre; the place felt more like a covert operation than a Senior University.

"Are you seriously telling me this is a Senior University? What kind of Senior University operates like this? You must be joking! And an 8,000 yuan monthly salary? This doesn't seem like any ordinary establishment."

...

Why is it that when the salary is generous, people are hesitant, yet when it's low, no one shows up? It's as if there's no pleasing them.

"This will be your dormitory. Settle in, and you'll be looking after the seniors daily. The work is fairly routine. You'll get the hang of it soon enough. I'll leave the details for you to discover," Yang Chao said, concluding the tour.

Yang Chao didn't feel like engaging in lengthy conversations here. Sure, the girl was pretty, but wasn't her wariness a bit excessive? He was just trying to be nice, yet somehow, he felt like he was being perceived as if he had done something wrong.

As time went on, Chu Sixue came to realize just how laid-back the job was. Nobody pushed her to do any work. It was entirely up to her; if she felt like working, she would work, and if not, that was fine too. She could spend the entire day lying around without a single complaint from anyone. Occasionally, a few spry old men would come by to liven things up or strike up a conversation.

These seniors, in particular, had rather unconventional diets, but the amenities were surprisingly good. This was no fly-by-night operation; it felt more like a prestigious university in disguise!

"Mom, don't worry, I'm doing well here," Chu Sixue reassured during a video call on a summer evening, showing off her living space. "It's clean and orderly, and I even have air conditioning."

Her family was visibly concerned, with even her youngest brother eagerly joining the call to see for himself what her situation was like.

"Sister, your room looks really nice, but are you sure everything's okay there? How much do you earn a month? Have they asked you for any money back?" he inquired.

Chu Sixue listened to her family's questions and responded with a gentle nod and a smile. "The boss is quite decent. He even advanced me 8,000 yuan when he arrived. I keep the place clean myself every day." She went on to describe her recent days in detail, which only heightened her parents' concerns.

In their minds, work was synonymous with hardship. They couldn't fathom a boss who would pay upfront and not work them to the bone. How could anyone expect to have an easy time?

"Daughter, it's your first time working away from home, and I want to make sure you know this—if anything feels off, call me immediately. I'll come to get you right away, okay?" Chu Sixue's father expressed his worry. As a father, he was already deeply concerned about his daughter working alone in a new place, and her unusual circumstances only intensified his anxiety.

He was concerned that his daughter might find herself in an unsavory location.

"Rest assured, the only issue we have here is with the principal, who's a bit eccentric. Other than that, everyone's in good health and the seniors have quite amiable dispositions," Chu Sixue reassured.