The man in the robe was named Slarrat, the deputy head of the HR department at the Silver Orchid Trading Company. He had seen countless people in his career.
Usually, just by looking at a resume, he could gauge a person’s capabilities. But this time, holding these two resumes, he couldn’t discern their strengths.
Damn, is the shopkeeper messing with me? These two look like they haven’t even grown up yet.
The shopkeeper glanced at the resumes and cleaned his ear with a finger.
“Take a good look. Although they appear young, they’re actually almost thirty.
I’ve heard they were adventurers before. The guy’s temper was too violent, and he killed someone in a fit of rage, which forced him to flee here.
No one told them about this place, yet they found it. That means they’ve been in this line of work for a while.
As for their strength, don’t worry. They had a conflict with someone a couple of days ago, arranged a fight, and ended up beating the other party half to death.
Of course, this is just my word. If you don’t believe me, you can confirm it yourself.
Look, they’re right behind you.”
Turning around, Slarrat swept his gaze over the tables and chairs in the shop, and indeed, the two people from the resumes were sitting right there.
The man, named Yang Yu, was leaning against the wall, with his feet up, occupying an entire bench. He had a rogueish demeanor, casually grabbing a handful of spiced beans and shoving them into his mouth, chewing loudly.
The woman, named Bai Jin, was nervously holding a cup of wine. She was dressed in ragged clothes, with messy hair draped over her shoulders, clearly not one to care about her appearance. She exuded none of the charm typical of a young woman and seemed like someone who would be thrown out even if she were given away for free.
The two of them sitting together created a palpable “do not disturb” aura.
They didn’t look like teenagers at all, more like seasoned street thugs, polished from years of hustling, greasy and golden.
They perfectly embodied the image of ruffians. Being outsiders with no connections here, if something went wrong, no one would care if they disappeared. It would just be two scumbags vanishing from society, nothing to fuss over.
Slarrat was quite pleased, thinking these two were perfect for their needs at the pharmaceutical factory.
With his routine ready, Slarrat smiled and approached the two, “Excuse me, sorry to bother you. I’m the deputy head of HR for a certain pharmaceutical company. I have some work I’d like to offer you.”
“Oh? How much can you pay, and is it safe?” Yang Yu asked nonchalantly, not even looking at Slarrat, while downing his wine.
“Whether it’s safe or not depends entirely on your abilities. To be honest, I’m looking to hire some security personnel.”
With a loud clatter, Yang Yu slammed his cup onto the table, his tone irritated, “What kind of crap security job is this? You know exactly where we are. If you wanted security, why not go to a regular agency?”
“Brother, don’t get mad. This is a rare job opportunity. Let’s not be picky. As long as it’s not a death sentence, who cares what it is?” Bai Jin said with a strange smile. “With the money, we can buy a lot of herbs, make potions, and make a fortune in the black market. Our lives would be worry-free.”
“Shut up!” Yang Yu slapped the table and stood on the bench, pointing at Bai Jin, “You spendthrift! You said the same thing last time! Last time, I listened to your nonsense and lost all our hard-earned money, ending up in debt, chased down three streets by thugs. Now we’re here, eating these disgusting beans.”
“Last time was an accident.” Holding her staff, Bai Jin showed an inexplicable confidence with no hint of remorse. “This time will definitely succeed.”
“Get lost! I’ll never trust you again.” Yang Yu sat back down on the bench, angrily grabbing another handful of beans and chewing loudly, the crunch echoing in the empty shop.
Lowering her eyes in disappointment, Bai Jin changed her tone to one of pleading, “Alright, my dear brother, don’t be angry. I promise not to mention potions again. No matter what, we both need a job. If we keep this up, we’ll starve. Didn’t you say that working as black laborers makes quick money, which is why we came here?”
“Tch—”
Clicking his tongue, Yang Yu looked disdainfully at Slarrat, finally giving him a proper look, “What kind of job is it, and what’s the pay?”
Here we go.
Slarrat smiled slightly and laid out his prepared pitch.
“This isn’t an ordinary security job. Our company has been targeted by competitors lately, and they occasionally send people over. If you’re not strong enough, it could be dangerous, and several people have already ended up in the hospital.
We’ve considered official channels, but they’ve already colluded with the military. It’ll take time to clear that up.
So, we need to protect ourselves and need people with real strength to handle them. You know what I mean by handle, right?”
Yang Yu squinted, understanding, “I see. They’re playing dirty, so you need black laborers. Not to brag, but I’m one of the best in the area, very daring. If I hadn’t been exposed, I wouldn’t be here. Let’s talk pay. How much are you offering?”
Slarrat held up three fingers, “I’m offering this much.”
“Three hundred a day? That’s too little! Are you trying to shoo away beggars?” Waving his hand dismissively, Yang Yu impatiently motioned for him to leave, “There are two of us, and you said the job is dangerous. We’re not doing it for that price.”
“I think you misunderstood. I meant thirty thousand a month per person, with room and board included. If you eliminate enemy spies or assassins, there are bonuses.” Slarrat smiled.
“Thirty thousand a month, with room and board, plus bonuses.” Yang Yu’s eyes widened in disbelief, then his face lit up with joy, his attitude doing a 180-degree turn, becoming extremely obsequious, “Sorry for my earlier rudeness. I didn’t realize you were so generous. We’ll take the job. Just tell us what to do.”
Haha, what a bunch of money-grubbers. But this makes them easy to manipulate.
Slarrat maintained a friendly expression, his smile insincere.
“Sorry, but I can’t hire you both just yet. As I said, this is a dangerous job. If you’re not strong enough, you could get hurt or killed.
To work for us, I need to test your strength. If you can withstand my attacks for ten minutes or defeat me, the job is yours.”
“Haha!” Yang Yu laughed, “Alright, just don’t get mad and refuse to hire us if you lose.”
“I won’t. I keep my promises, rest assured.”
Despite his courteous facade, Slarrat secretly scoffed. Being a deputy in the Silver Orchid Trading Company, how could he possibly lose to two down-and-out adventurers?