Two large tables and two grand chairs were placed side by side. The participants who came to apply were divided into two teams, with two individuals resembling stewards registering each one on the tables. In the center stood a tall signboard - the registration place for the recruitment of servants in the Xiao Family.
Lin Wanrong glanced around and observed that among the people dressed similarly to him, there were those genuinely seeking the position of a servant and those with ulterior motives, forming about a thousand people in total. Everyone rushed to sign up, fearing that others might seize their opportunity.
Even for a mere servant position, there was fierce competition among so many applicants. The difficulty of employment seemed to be a universal issue in every era.
Thinking about how all these people would become his competitors, Lin Wanrong felt a bit overwhelmed. That darned Wei old man seemed to be trying to make his life difficult.
In his mind, Lin Wanrong cursed Wei Laoda eighteen times. He walked around the crowd several times, understanding that today and tomorrow would be merely a simple registration process. Since Uncle Wei had already registered for him, Lin Wanrong could avoid the hassle of queuing. He decided to explore the surroundings.
Most applicants for servant positions wore worried expressions, evidently concerned about whether they would be accepted, much like applicants in Lin Wanrong's own era.
The literati who considered themselves refined were disdainful of mingling with lower-class applicants. In groups of three to five, they chatted amongst themselves. The common feature among them was that each one held a fan, subconsciously swaying it while engaging in poetic exchanges.
In the deep autumn, these gentlemen swayed their fans as if to fend off the cold. Lin Wanrong found this amusing.
As these literati gathered, a discussion inevitably ensued. A fellow beside Lin Wanrong approached three others and, swaying his fan, greeted them, "Oh, brothers Wang, Zhao, and Li, you've come too."
The four men exchanged greetings and suggested, "Since it's not our turn to register yet, rather than sitting idle, why don't we compose a linked poem?" The initiator was once again the one who spoke, and the other three enthusiastically agreed. In this era, publicly composing poems was fashionable, just like public displays of affection, such as kissing and cuddling, in Lin Wanrong's previous world.
The first person to propose was rightfully elected as the leader and took on the responsibility of starting the poem.
After a moment of contemplation, his gaze fell on several fallen leaves on the ground. His eyes lit up, and with joy, he began to recite, "One, two, three, four leaves—"
"Five, six, seven, eight leaves—" Brother Wang continued.
"Nine, ten, eleven leaves—" Brother Zhao continued.
Counting all the leaves, Brother Li, who had the last line, turned his eyes and recited, "Fallen in between, none are seen."
"Excellent poem, excellent poem!" The four men cheered together.
Helpless, Lin Wanrong watched them. These guys were more shameless than he was. Regrettable, regrettable.
Suddenly, a commotion arose in front as someone loudly exclaimed, "Madam Xiao is coming out, Madam Xiao is coming out!" Lin Wanrong's heart leapt with joy. This was what he had been waiting for.
The front of the crowd was already in chaos, everyone eagerly rushing forward. Even those literati, who considered themselves above the commoners, disregarded their status and squeezed in. It seemed like being a minute earlier might secure the favor of the prospective mother-in-law.
Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment. To hell with it, early birds catch the worm. There's no room for gentlemen's conduct at this time.
With a burst of strength acquired from the mysterious exchange between Uncle Wei and him, Lin Wanrong effortlessly pushed through the four men. He loudly declared, "Excuse me, excuse me."
Uncle Wei had given Lin Wanrong a boost, and now, even after pushing the four men aside, Lin Wanrong felt unstoppable.
The four young men, looking at Lin Wanrong's tattered clothes and unable to surpass him, shook their heads helplessly, saying to each other, "This is purely a matter of quality. I don't want to talk to you."
In the midst of the crowd stood an attractive middle-aged woman, elegantly dressed in palace-style robes. Delicate eyebrows, phoenix eyes, smooth skin, and a radiant complexion made her look more like a thirty-year-old beauty than a mother. Her dignified and composed demeanor while greeting the applicants and potential servants exuded an air of grace and nobility.
From others' address to her, Lin Wanrong understood she was Mrs. Xiao, the head of the Xiao family. She had married into the Xiao family at the age of sixteen and, raising two daughters, she demonstrated both virtue and wisdom. Ever since Mr. Xiao's early demise, she and her two daughters had relied on each other for survival. Fortunately, the Xiao family's young miss possessed strong business acumen, and the recent focus on business operations had at least maintained the family's prosperity.
Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of a serious problem. If this widow from the Xiao family unintentionally admitted a wolf in sheep's clothing, successfully wooed the elder daughter, and still had designs on the younger daughter, who says a man wouldn't dream of such an exciting and scandalous affair? Lin Wanrong felt his heart skip a beat. This matter was truly a significant stimulus for him. When he worked as a sales manager in his original world, he had done all sorts of unscrupulous things to meet sales targets. Although most of the time, he had been forced into such situations, in this foreign world, he now had the opportunity to experience such thrilling and stimulating events.
Considering the idea further, he couldn't help but smile at himself. Why did he even bother? What did someone else marrying sisters or a mother and daughter have to do with him? It was truly shameless of him, but who could stop him in this world where there was no one to fear?
As he continued to contemplate, Lin Wanrong laughed at himself. What was he thinking? Others marrying sisters or playing with mother-daughter combinations had nothing to do with him. In this world, he was free to think about how to survive.
Speaking of survival, Lin Wanrong had some ideas. The Xiao family was a prominent figure in Jinling City. Although its glory had diminished, it was still a big tree. In his current state, with no power, no money, and no connections, relying on the Xiao family as a big tree to lean on wouldn't be a bad idea.
Lin Wanrong had been somewhat indifferent about this so-called servant competition, but now, with this in mind, he started to take it seriously. In his previous role as a sales manager, accompanying clients for wining and dining, as well as engaging in various indulgences, seemed glamorous on the surface. However, the inner emptiness and loneliness were known only to him. If it weren't for supporting his parents and funding his sister's education, he would have quit long ago.
Now, fate had brought him to this unfamiliar world. With no one recognizing him and being a lone individual, there was no need to set lofty goals. In this light, becoming a carefree and comfortable servant didn't seem like a bad idea.
Madam Xiao
slowly ascended a raised platform and gracefully spoke, "Thank you all for your attention to our Xiao family. Please believe that we will conduct servant recruitment in accordance with principles of openness, fairness, and justice. Please queue up in order, and everyone will have their chance."
Her voice was gentle and melodic. Although not loud, everyone listened attentively, hearing her clearly.