The following day, Xin Tuyong exhausted all of his resources to look professional. He bumped into an old friend on the street while eating a snack that a nice vendor gave to him and begged for a place to stay for the night.
Filthy, ragged, and starving, Xin Tuyong slept at his friend's house and borrowed some clean clothes in the morning. His friend was truly kind to help him without prying into his situation or expecting a payment, despite him intruding on his family. He was moved almost to tears with gratitude, much to the annoyance of said friend. He repaid his hospitality in a large breakfast for the whole family... made of the ingredients that were already in the fridge.
One shower and new (borrowed) set of clothes later, Xin Tuyong was a new man. Who would have thought that the stinking beggar could transform into a prince?
Well... he wasn't actually that handsome, but he was clean and didn't smell. From under the caked mud and who-knows-what-else, his cherubic skin glistened plumply. Any stanger might think that the 27-year old was at the fresh age of 20.
Freshly invigorated by his cleanliness, Xin Tuyong went to the library and created his resume. Filling out his application, determination and hope flowed through his veins. He would not fail.
...
Xin Tuyong returned to his future employer's home and walked up the path lined with blooming flowers. The air was crisp with a slight breeze and the sun warmed his skin as he walked up the steps.
'You can do this,' he told himself. 'The man who survived storms does not fear the rain.'
With a deep breath, he knocked.
Moments later, the door opened and a tall young woman who looked about his age stood in the doorway. Xin Tuyong froze, not expecting to see such an intimidating beauty open the door. He caught himself gawking and gathered his bearings.
"Hello! I'm Xin Tuyong and I'm here to apply as a housekeeper! I have my application and resume here and ready to go!"
His energy and loudness so early in the afternoon made the woman's mouth turn downwards in distaste as she sized him up. He held out his papers in front of him with his arms far forward like a swimmer.
"Thank you for applying. I'll bring these to the boss as soon as possible. Have a good day." She took the papers and closed the door immediately, leaving Xin Tuyong gawking like an idiot.
The last time he applied for a job was just a few years after he graduated high school and it was a quick process. The employer had told him whether he was fit for the job or not right after reading through his qualifications. Had times really changed so much? Was it necessary to be so detailed? It's not like he was joining a triad...
He was back down to earth and returned to his sad reality. Soothing his injured confidence and his growling stomach, he told himself that it wasn't personal and that he'd get the job. He would survive somehow.