Everything went according to Yuan Zhao’s plan.
The next day, before dawn, Yuan Zhao and Shi Wuxiang set off for town.
Qingshui Town was a large town, and Qingluan Village was a bit far. Walking there, the sun was already high when they arrived.
As soon as they got to town, Yuan Zhao was drawn to the fragrant smells along the street but resolutely turned away, still asking Shi Wuxiang, “Ah Xiang, do you want a bowl of wontons? They say it’s delicious, with meat inside. I even have some coins left—I can buy you a bowl.” His nose was red.
“I don’t want any,” Shi Wuxiang tightened his scarf and said, “I know this town well. I’ll find work myself. If you don’t want to wander the market, just follow me, and later we can buy rice and flour together.”
“Okay!” Yuan Zhao tightened the basket on his back and stuck close to Shi Wuxiang, ready to resist anyone trying to take him away.
In truth, Shi Wuxiang wasn’t sure what work he could find.
Previously a university professor and researcher, those skills weren’t exactly marketable here…
Even in another world, one had to find work to survive.
How tragic.
The original body was scholarly but lacked connections. He couldn’t open a private school or teach at the academy, and as a mere xiucai (imperial examination candidate), he lacked practical experience.
What work could he do here?
“Shi Wuxiang? Is that really you?!”
Yuan Zhao reacted faster than him, twisting to see the source: a few scholars walking together, with a young woman in front.
He recognized the clothes as those of the town academy—clothes Shi Wuxiang had worn before.
Though former classmates, there was a subtle malice in the air.
Shi Wuxiang instinctively shielded Yuan Zhao behind him, eyes on the lead pair—the very people from his dream, the man who had clashed with the original body, and the woman who had caused the conflict.
“I heard you were unconscious for a long time from a head injury. Now you’re even dumber than before? Shi Wuxiang, how will you fare next year?” Li Qingwei smiled, eyes full of unhidden malice, seemingly waiting for him to make a fool of himself.
Yuan Zhao didn’t dare speak. He knew his appearance might embarrass Shi Wuxiang.
“You’ve worried about the wrong person,” Shi Wuxiang raised his brows coolly, exuding a confident air. “You should be worrying about yourself.”
The original memory recalled Li Qingwei wasn’t particularly smart, just superficially slick, able to gather followers with charm. Even Cui Fuzhi’s daughter, Cui Xiuxiu, had been manipulated, indirectly leading to the original body’s death.
Shi Wuxiang disliked petty fights over partners. If someone had already chosen their heart, forcing them only made one appear ridiculous, and that wasn’t love.
However, shameless interference from others wouldn’t go unanswered.
Seeing Shi Wuxiang’s calm posture, Li Qingwei’s fake smile faltered. He ground his teeth. “With such confidence, if you fail to achieve next year, you’ll be laughed at.”
Shi Wuxiang’s lips curved slightly. “I already said, worry about yourself.”
After a brief exchange, he deemed them insignificant and focused on finding work.
With courtesy, he nodded to them and started moving with Yuan Zhao.
Yuan Zhao stayed silent, slightly hurt that Shi Wuxiang wouldn’t acknowledge him after all.
Shi Wuxiang’s attention scanned the market, thinking about where to find a job.
Suddenly, a quarrel erupted, and someone was pushed out of a restaurant.
“Better leave while the innkeeper is lenient, or your official rank will be at risk!” the waiter spat, then noticed Shi Wuxiang observing. “Scholar Shi!”
The surname was rare; Shi Wuxiang knew instantly he was being addressed.
It was for a job as an accounting clerk at Xiangxiang Inn.
“What happened here?” Shi Wuxiang asked, curiosity in his tone.
“The applicant tried to cheat—thought knowing a few numbers and letters was enough to get the job!” the waiter fumed. “The innkeeper nearly reported him, but spared him since he’s a child. Today’s mercy might be tomorrow’s favor.”
Shi Wuxiang’s eyes lit up. “Have you filled the positions? Is there still a vacancy?”
The waiter nodded eagerly. “Yes, but the minimum requirement is a xiucai degree. They test on the spot. This one failed and was kicked out.”
“Good. What’s the monthly wage? When is it paid? Any days off?” Shi Wuxiang asked meticulously.
“Such careful questions! Are you interested?” The waiter, skilled in reading people, flattered him. “It would be wonderful! Everyone in town knows your scholarly talent!”
Shi Wuxiang nodded. “Could you recommend me? I need a job to support my family.”
The waiter quickly led him inside. Yuan Zhao followed, ready to carry his basket unnoticed.
Curious, the waiter asked, “And this young one?”
Yuan Zhao lifted his head, eyes bright, and said before Shi Wuxiang could: “I’m his village brother, just following him to town to look around.”
“Oh, then you can’t come in. I’ll find a corner for you to wait. Free tea will be brought,” the waiter said, seating him in a quiet corner.
Yuan Zhao watched Shi Wuxiang head upstairs without looking back. The slight sting of being left out settled on his face but only as a faint disappointment.
Shi Wuxiang was shown into a private room; the innkeeper, initially worried, brightened upon seeing him and was both surprised and delighted when learning his purpose.
“Therefore, if I can find a position here, it would be ideal,” Shi Wuxiang said calmly, without any trace of humility. The family was barely making ends meet, and appearances mattered little under such circumstances.
Moreover, the role of accountant at this time was a rare and respectable opportunity. If fortune hadn’t been on his side today, he might not have another chance like this.
The shopkeeper could have hired him outright, but he adhered to principle and gave Shi Wuxiang a test.
The calculations were effortless for Shi Wuxiang; his mind was sharp and logic flawless. The shopkeeper had no choice but to employ him immediately.
“Six taels a month, paid at the end of each month, with two days off each month, alternating with the other two accountants,” the shopkeeper explained clearly.
According to the original owner’s memory, six taels wasn’t much compared to wealthy townsfolk, but for a village family, it was a considerable sum.
Shi Wuxiang was very satisfied.
“If it’s convenient, I can start tomorrow. Today, I’m accompanying a fellow villager and will return together with him,” he said softly.
“Of course, that also makes the monthly pay calculation easier,” the shopkeeper replied with a smile. “Then just come directly to me tomorrow.”
“Thank you, shopkeeper.”
Fearing that Yuan Zhao might grow anxious or get lost, Shi Wuxiang hurried downstairs after bidding farewell. He reached the spot where Yuan Zhao had been but saw no one, and panic set in.
A fifteen-year-old going missing was no trivial matter.
“Where did the boy go?” he asked the shop assistant urgently.
“I was just about to tell you. Earlier, a table of customers wanted to sit in the corner. He went outside first—”
“Ah—Shi Dage!” Yuan Zhao called, sticking his head out. His face still carried the same cheerful smile. “I’m here! Are you upset? What happened?”
Shi Wuxiang furrowed his brows as he scanned him, only relaxing when he saw that Yuan Zhao was indeed fine. His voice carried a hint of reproach, “Why did you run off? Aren’t you afraid of getting lost?”
“I’m fifteen! How could I possibly get lost?” Yuan Zhao exclaimed.
Shi Wuxiang sighed, his habit of bringing along someone from his previous world kicking in. Even for a twenty-five-year-old, sudden disappearance warranted worry.
Seeing him silent, Yuan Zhao leaned closer and whispered, “Don’t be mad. You haven’t told me why you’re upset yet. Even if the shopkeeper hadn’t hired you, it wouldn’t matter! I can farm and hunt, or do odd jobs; I can even carry loads—I can support you!”
Such sincere words were like a warm spring, softening Shi Wuxiang’s slightly detached heart.
“This desire of yours, I’m afraid, won’t go unfulfilled. I will start work here tomorrow,” he said.
“Then I will support you too. I’ll farm for you.”
“I’ll look forward to that,” he replied lightly.