At first glance, it looked like any other job agreement.
But the more he read, the more unusual it felt.
It was fair. Too fair.
Benefits for the worker were listed clearly.
Flexible hours. Clear terms.
No hidden punishments.
And most of all – no binding to any sect or oath.
Tian Lu digested the all the information in minutes.
He liked what he saw.
One part caught his eye.
A personal room.
Private.
A good hideout.
That alone was worth considering.
He didn’t care much for the free food.
He no longer needed to eat.
And he only needed to guard for ten hours?
That was… generous.
Twice as high as the usual market rate for something this easy.
He frowned behind the mask.
Was this real?
Or was this entire store a scam dressed in gold?a
Hao could sense Tian Lu’s thoughts, even if he couldn’t see his face.
He didn’t need to.
Tian Lu’s hesitation was clear.
“Don’t worry.”
“You’ve read the contract. It’s fair for both sides.”
’Fair?’ Tian Lu thought.
It’s more than fair, it’s almost too good to be true – it was practically leaning towards the worker’s side!
He couldn’t help but reminisce about his youth.
If such an offer had existed back then, would he have strayed from the path he had chosen?
Not that he regretted his choices, but the thought made him pause for a moment.
Finally, with a deep breath, he nodded slightly.
“I.”
“Agree.”
“How.” “Do.” –
Before Tian Lu could continue, Hao quickly interjected.
’If Tian Lu keep talking like this, it’ll take years to sign.’
“Just drop a little blood on the contract, and it’s done.”
Tian Lu blinked. “Okay.”
With one hand holding the scroll, Tian Lu reached for his side with the other. His finger brushed the sharp edge of his chakram, causing a small scrape.
Blood slowly gathered at the tip of his finger.
Using his thumb, he flicked the blood, sending a single splurt of blood straight to the bottom of the contract.
“Completed.”
“Nice.” Hao didn’t bother asking for Tian Lu’s name.
After all, Hua Feixue and Yue Xueyan might recognize him.
Besides, he’d already communicated with the system to automatically fill in the details.
The scroll glowed faintly before flying out of Tian Lu’s hands.
It hovered in front of Hao, causing a stunned silence in the room.
Tian Lu was shocked, as were Hua Feixue and Yue Xueyan.
The flying part wasn’t impressive. They could easily do that with their swords.
But this… this was different.
There wasn’t even a hint of spiritual qi coming from Hao, nor any other trace of power.
It just… shined and flew.
“What is this?” Tian Lu thought, completely bewildered.
Hao pressed his palm over the contract, sealing the agreement.
The scroll’s glow effect intensified, enveloping his hand in a radiant flare before –
Swoosh!
The light blinked out of existence, taking the contract with it.
Tian Lu, Hua Feixue, and Yue Xueyan stared at the spot where the contract once was, still unsure of what they had just witnessed.
[Congratulations, host! You have successfully hired your second store guardian. Tian Lu’s uniform and name tag have been delivered to the storage area. Please continue working hard to grow the store.]
Hao grinned widely and extended his hand toward Tian Lu.
“Welcome to the store, Lu. I think that will be your name now.”
Tian Lu glanced at the Hao’s hand, quietly considering.
He accepted the handshake.
“Employer.”
Hao nodded. “I’m Hao.”
Across the store, Hua Feixue and Yue Xueyan stared blankly.
Their minds were not ready for what they had just seen.
The dangerous man who scared them woth just his presence…
Was now an employee?
Just like that?
Hao turned his head toward them. He tiptoed, trying to look taller.
“You two watch the store for a while, okay? I’ll be quick.”
“If a customer comes, just tell them to wait, alright?”
“Got it, Boss Hao.”.
“Understood, Senior.”
Hao turned back to Tian Lu.
“Follow me first, Lu. We’ll get your uniform.”
They stepped into the back.
The storage area was vast, larger than the store itself.
A space formation.
Tian Lu already suspected it. His employer was no ordinary mortal.
’He might even be stronger than me.’
A box waited near the center.
Inside was the same uniform style as Kurome’s – fit for a human this time.
There’s also new pair of black tactical boots rested beside it.
On top of everything sat a name tag.
’Tian Lu.’
He stood still for a moment.
A strange feeling crept into his chest.
All of this belonged to him now?
He shut his thoughts down.
No overthinking.
He simply admired it all.
Hao’s voice came from the side.
“Like it? You can try it.”
Tian Lu looked at him.
“Appreciated…”
“Employer.”
Hao gave a thumbs up.
“I’ll wait for you in the store.”
Tian Lu saluted like a soldier.
Then turned to change.
It didn’t take long. The uniform slipped on easily.
Every piece fit like it had been made for him. Not tight. Not loose. Just right.
The black baton rested firmly in his right hand. His twin chakrams hung silently at his sides.
Then he stepped out of the storage room.
The store’s lights washed over him. To the two girls, it felt like a new person had entered.
Still the same man. But not the same presence.
He looked cleaner. Sharper.
Less like a shadow. More like someone with purpose.
His aura remained unchanged. Still heavy. Still choking.
But not as much as before.
Hao looked up. Smiled.
“Looks good on you, Lu.”
Tian Lu gave a small bow. “Employer.”
“I.”
“Want.”
“To work.”
Hao shook his head. “Alright, alright.”
He walked over to the shelves. Grabbed a bag of Salted Original Potato Chips.
Then reached for a cold can of Peach Oolong Tea.
With a smooth throw, he tossed both toward Tian Lu.
Tian Lu caught them in one large hand.
His ring and pinky fingers hooked around the bag. Thumb, index, and middle cradled the can.
Not a tremble. Not a shake.
Perfect grip.
Hao let out a low whistle. “Now that’s style.”