Despite Duan Mingyuan having mentally prepared himself in advance for the difficulties of the job, he hadn't expected the situation to be much worse than he imagined.
In Yunlong City, a metropolis of 3 million people, they had only three people.
Moreover, considering the current rate of workforce depletion, there was a good chance he would be the last one standing in a week.
"…We can still recruit people."
When Jiuyue said this, she had no confidence at all. The industry was really in a slump lately, and it was extremely hard to recruit new people. If a demon hadn't targeted Duan Mingyuan causing trouble at his company, and had she not been persistent to the point of annoyance, Mr. Mingyuan would most likely have been unwilling to even consider this matter.
"Were the other two also recruited by you?"
"No, that's not the case. Each special envoy only pairs with one person. Apart from exorcising demons, they also accompany them to take care of their daily life, which the organization calls the 'Companion Demon Plan.'
As time advances rapidly, the organization's recent predicaments are growing ever so challenging, but the higher-ups have been actively searching for ways to overcome these difficulties. "This plan was inspired after they watched stories about magical girls, with monsters acting as familiars, guiding the chosen ones onto the path of exorcising demons... What's wrong?"
"I'm suddenly thinking that working in an electronics factory might be the better option."
"You're under too much pressure."
Warm palms were placed on Duan Mingyuan's forehead, and Jiuyue looked at him full of concern, as if he were the one suffering from a cold or fever, "Being unemployed isn't so scary; everything will get better."
"Unemployment isn't scary."
Duan Mingyuan said, listlessly; the scary thing was that he might be joining a "magical girl" company.
Although dealing with demons wasn't necessarily the profession that would accompany him for life, until he figured out if the demon that invaded his company today had accomplices, he wasn't in the mood to look for another ordinary job, as it would constantly put those around him in danger.
He had encountered many demons in the past, but one like today that would seek revenge at his doorstep and even blackmail him was unprecedented.
Thinking pessimistically, it was very possible that the demon industry in Yunlong City had flourished over the years, with intelligent demons no longer acting individually but coming together, perhaps even forming clubs or other organizations.
"Mr. Mingyuan, I've just realized something—from the first time we met, you've always been talking about work."
Even after making the decision to resign, he never once relaxed.
Jiuyue frowned deeply; she thought Duan Mingyuan was the epitome of a workaholic, "As far as I know, you've been working overtime for a month straight up to today, which is a reflection of your four years of work. Don't you ever take a break?"
Generally, people who resign would allow themselves some time to relax and adjust, but Duan Mingyuan had started preparing for his next job by taking down a dust-covered notebook from the shelf even before he formally completed his resignation procedures.
She had no doubt that on the day of his resignation, Duan Mingyuan would be able to seamlessly transition into a new job.
"This is a basic professional quality for an office worker."
Jiuyue's reactions were always beyond his expectations. Was there really a company these days that cared if their employees got enough rest? After interviews, weren't they supposed to be concerned about when employees could start and how much value they could bring to the company?
"No, that's not right, our slogan is to be healthy and happy!"
Jiuyue, petite in stature, suddenly exuded a charisma unlike anything before, a stark contrast to her previously unsure demeanor.
In that moment, she finally understood the significance of her job.
Without a doubt, Duan Mingyuan's strength was unprecedented, an indispensable aid in the fight against demons. However, this was a long process, and given his personality, anxiety and stress would crush him sooner or later.
"Starting today, I will become your personal rest reminder assistant!"
Jiuyue declared, "Your assistant reminds you that it is now 17:05, time to get off work. You should put your notebook and work aside, and properly enjoy your leisure time after work."
17:05.
Duan Mingyuan had never left work this early before.
At this time of day, he often found himself at the peak of drowsiness. Brewing a cup of instant coffee, stepping out of the office to gaze distantly out the window for ten minutes, he would then be dragged back to his desk. Through his long-term observation, he knew the section chief's tolerance for rest wouldn't exceed ten minutes.
But now, he had met the first person who urged him to set aside his work and take a proper rest.
From the company's point of view, Jiuyue was clearly not a qualified employee.
He kindly reminded Jiuyue, his voice softening a bit, "You won't be able to complete your performance goals if you keep this up."
Monsters were rampant, and Yunlong City was desperately short of staff. It was a time that demanded overtime—recruiting personnel, setting up a robust supply and demand chain, delving deeper into monster research to discover the source of their Strength, and oh, creating a corresponding tier system, setting examination and promotion standards, specifying exam details...
If these tasks were assigned to their department, the overtime agenda for the coming year was all set.
The section chief would rally everyone to push harder and then thoughtfully stock the office with some cheap instant coffee and black tea to show his caring side toward the subordinates.
"Then I won't complete it, so what? It's not like it's the end of the world. But if you go on like this, you'll certainly ruin both your body and mind. In the worst-case scenario, you might even die."
"I won't die, and even if I do, it won't be because my job wore me down..."
Duan Mingyuan's retort abruptly stopped as Jiuyue's index finger touched his lips and earnestly gestured the "silence" sign, "Don't tempt fate, it's very unlucky."
This was a lesson learned by the organization's upper echelons when they were studying magical girl themed works.
Even the strongest characters swiftly met their end after tempting fate, and considering the dangers of their profession, the higher-ups strictly emphasized the severe consequences of tempting fate. They banned any pre-battle declarations like "After this battle I'll go back home and get married."
Suddenly recalling something, Jiuyue asked, "You've been the one asking questions all along. Now it's my turn. What are your hobbies when you rest?"
This was undoubtedly a tricky question, leaving Duan Mingyuan hesitating for a long time without an answer.
The roles of the two had inadvertently shifted, with Jiuyue taking the dominant position.
He had no hobbies.
One day off each week, with the rest spent working overtime. When he got home, he'd throw his clothes into the washing machine, wash up, watch some videos briefly, and then it was time for bed.
As for the one rest day, it was usually spent relieving a week's worth of stress and fatigue, sleeping all day long. When he woke up, it was already afternoon. Then, opening an app to order some takeout and idly lounging around, the rest day would be over.
"Sleeping."
After careful consideration, Duan Mingyuan gave the answer that to him most closely resembled a "hobby".
He spent most of his rest time sleeping.
Immediately afterward, he noted the change in Jiuyue's expression. "What is that look in your eyes?"
"I understand now. You, you really don't know how to relax and rest."
"Rest?"
Duan Mingyuan said subconsciously, "There will be plenty of time to rest later."
Back when he was studying, the teacher told them to grit their teeth and endure until graduation, and afterward, they could play however they wanted.
Upon joining the company, what the section chief most often reiterated was waiting until the busy period was over to relax for a long time.
And before he knew it, the present had arrived.
Upon reflection, Duan Mingyuan felt Jiuyue's words were not quite right.
To him, rest was not an unfamiliar concept at all; it always seemed close, as if just a little more perseverance was needed to reach it.