"Another dull day at work," Lin Jie sighed as he poured himself a cup of tea before starting to read.
Idle days were a common occurrence in Lin Jie's daily life. It had been three days since Old Wil and Rich Young Miss had arrived. There were no customers during this period of time.
It was easy to lose track of time due to the incessant downpour outside. Only a handful of people went out to get spare groceries in this overcast weather that enveloped the entire town.
The sound of rain and rushing water were the only sounds on the quiet streets. The water level on the roads had already risen to about ten inches, but luckily 23rd Avenue was located a little higher.
According to the report, residents of more than thirty Norzin streets have already been temporarily evacuated to other neighborhoods. Such abnormal weather had only happened a few times in Norzin's history.
However, for Lin Jie, life went on as usual, the only difference was the need to wear a jacket due to the colder weather.
He didn't need to worry about food because he had three months' worth of supplies. The backup generator meant that Lin Jie didn't need to worry about power.
Especially since boredom wasn't a problem here.
This was the repository of all the books in the world. Lin Jie wouldn't have been able to finish them all even if he possessed quantum reading speed, especially now that he was scrutinizing the books and taking notes.
Although Lin Jie was not born with a compulsive reading disorder, the accumulation of books had more or less forced him to develop the habit over the years. This kind of life was simply heavenly for a severe homebody like Lin Jie... he just didn't have much money.
"Ah, but it's all thanks to this little dark-skinned lady that I can lead such a frugal but fulfilling life right now. If it wasn't for her supporting the bookstore and helping me get my work license and temporary residence permit, I really have no idea where I would be right now," Lin Jie pondered to himself.
Flipping the page, Lin Jie muttered with a tinge of disappointment, "She hasn't gone to the store in a long time."
These former customers all seemed to be very busy people. Despite their good relationship with Lin Jie, there were quite long periods of time between visits. There were few regular customers like Old Wil.
One such example was his very first customer, Qili, a young dark-skinned lady with snow-white hair.
Qili was in a bad mood due to bullying at school when she first walked into this bookstore. At that time, Lin Jie gave her some advice and recommended a book called Nonviolent Communication. Since then, Lin Jie never saw her return.
Haa... She must be busy studying. But considering that she could register my Unlicensed Shop right now, and sponsoring a significant amount of money means that she's probably a wealthy young miss like Ji Zhixue.
In this terrible weather, there were no customers for the past few days, and the strange, unknown entity did not appear again after showing its presence that day. After Lin Jie had finally realized his calling as a migrant, he had started to feel like an idle person again.
Over the past three days, Lin Jie had dug up all of his past works and reviewed them. After all, with the mission of distributing his own books, Lin Jie would have to give due thought to how best to protect them.
Promoting such academic works is a difficult task. There are very few people with a specialization like Old Wil. - Lin Jie pondered.
Suddenly, there was a muffled chime of the bronze bell at the door. Lin Jie thought deeply and carelessly called out: "Welcome."
Lin Jie closed his book and looked up, finally noticing that Ji Zhixue, who had first arrived a few days before, had arrived. He was slightly stunned at first, but quickly smiled professionally.
Another regular customer appears as I thought back to Old Wil. Hadn't it only been three days? Had the business of my bookstore finally changed for the better? This lady might very well be a bringer of good fortune, I should nurture her properly.''
Lin Jie's smile grew wider, remembering this thought. ''Ah, this is Ms. Zhixue. My shabby bookstore has never seen customers return in such a short time. You're the first!"
Ji Zhixue bit her lip as she suddenly felt a wave of shame overwhelm her.
She should have solved the entire matter in one shot after receiving such a powerful guidance, but still, she ran back to seek help halfway.
Am I the most useless among all his 'clients'?
She sensed that the bookstore owner wasn't mocking her. Instead, he had an encouraging and concerned smile, as if he was trying to encourage a child.
But this made Ji Zhixue feel even more pitiful and embarrassed.
"I'm sorry for disappointing you," Ji Zhixue mumbled embarrassedly as she walked over to the counter and sat down.
Her attention immediately turned to the sculpture on the tabletop, which almost made her jump. A magician's gargoyle?
This evil and devilish black sculpture was indeed a gargoyle used by magicians.
Although Ji Zhixue couldn't feel any aether fluctuations coming from the gargoyle. It was as unsightly as this ordinary bookstore at first. However, the owner then took out a Blood and Beast book . full of mysteries. There was definitely something in this bookstore, it was just too well hidden.
"Boss, is this the place you wanted to bring me to?" Ruen pushed open the door and entered, looking around the place suspiciously. "A bookstore?"
His gaze then fell on Lin Jie behind the counter - an ordinary person?
However, he didn't say it out loud and kept his suspicions to himself because he noticed Ji Zhixue's respectful attitude.
Lin Jie was pleasantly surprised. Did you bring someone?
He looked at Ji Zhixue and asked: "This?"
Ji Zhixue nervously gestured for Ruen to remain silent and wondered if the master was displeased that she had brought someone else.
"This is my subordinate. Please don't worry, he is absolutely loyal to me," she replied.
Lin Jie looked at Ji Zhixue sympathetically and nodded.
Poor thing, having to use the label 'loyal' to introduce someone after being freed from the scoundrel's shadow... Wait a minute, she shouldn't be so lacking in confidence if she carefully gave that scoundrel a 'bosom for a tooth'. Moreover, she said 'sorry for disappointing you'."
Lin Jie watched Ji Zhixue a little more closely and noticed the ashamed look in her eyes.
He then crossed his arms and solemnly said: "You lost?"