December approached swiftly, bringing colder days. The skies outside remained perpetually overcast, and snow had already begun to blanket other regions.
With the burdens of hunger and warmth alleviated, and the departure of their most despised neighbors, Zhao Lun and Maria found joy in these tranquil days. Their lives had finally stabilized, free from the fears of cold and hunger, and secure in their daily comforts. Each afternoon, they basked in the warmth of the sun, savoring the peace.
During these serene times, Zhao Lun devised plans for the future. However, before he could put them into action, snowflakes began to drift down from the heavens.
The cold was relentless, necessitating a constant fire in the hearth, lest the chill become unbearable. The snowfall persisted intermittently, and before long, the festivities of Christmas were upon them. Both the village and its outskirts buzzed with holiday preparations.
Zhao Lun, observing these preparations, began his own, though his efforts were not for himself but for Maria. The little girl, captivated by the festive spirit of others, compelled Zhao Lun to join in the celebrations.
Their two young dogs had shed their juvenile appearance, now resembling full-grown Labradors. Their growth was abnormal, surpassing the usual size, becoming sleeker and more robust, akin to leopards. Yet, their penchant for chewing bones remained unchanged—a habit, as the books suggested, to ease teething.
Amidst the falling snow, Zhao Lun remained industrious, reading books and encouraging Maria to study as well.
Children her age either attended school or played with friends, leading vibrant lives. Zhao Lun aspired for Maria to have a brighter, happier future. Without a teacher, he contemplated finding someone to educate her. Yet, the challenge was formidable, as finding a trustworthy, skilled individual was no small feat.
Zhao Lun pondered over this dilemma, considering every possible solution. He concluded that securing a reliable, competent professional was the best course of action. Such a person could not only handle daily troubles but also assist in executing his business plans. However, his youth was a significant drawback, making it challenging to find someone he could fully trust.
The talent he sought was not available in the village; he would have to venture to the nearby town to recruit.
As Christmas drew near, Zhao Lun planned a trip to the town, both to familiarize himself with the surroundings and to procure festive supplies.
He also kept an eye out for any anomalies—those unseen aspects of the world hidden from ordinary eyes. These occurrences were present even in the village, suggesting their existence in the town as well, though they seldom disturbed the common folk.
Maria accompanied him, gaining a broader perspective of the world beyond their village.
In the town, they encountered little recognition, a stark contrast to the ostracism of the village, and the bustling town offered a welcome change from the quiet of Tracy's village.
With pounds to ease their needs, their movements were unencumbered. In Britain's lax regulatory environment, money and a passport sufficed for nationwide travel.
They explored cinemas, parks, zoos, amusement parks, and other attractions. For Maria, who had never experienced such joy, it was a period of continuous laughter, which in turn lifted Zhao Lun's spirits.
After several days of enjoyment, they turned their attention to business. Their first stop was a local employment agency. Despite initial setbacks, Zhao Lun's persistence eventually earned him the agency's trust, granting him an opportunity to interview prospective recruits.
The candidates were carefully selected from their profiles, meeting two crucial criteria: reliability and a pleasant demeanor, with age being a secondary consideration. In a world that valued appearances as much as abilities, these traits were key to success.
The interviews were scheduled for the following afternoon at three o'clock.
The next morning, after leaving their hotel, they took time to dress meticulously. Their refined attire and unique aura gave them the appearance of affluent young nobles, commanding respect from all who saw them.
Accompanying them were their two Labrador pups, whose golden fur shone like sunlight and whose eyes, dark as onyx, exuded an intimidating power. These vigilant companions deterred any ill-intentioned onlookers, ensuring their safety throughout their travels.
For lunch, they visited a long-anticipated restaurant featured in television ads. Each ordered the house special steak, but Maria found the meal underwhelming, preferring her brother's cooking. Reluctantly, she finished her plate.
Zhao Lun understood that it was not the food's quality but the absence of the divine spring water they were accustomed to, which made other meals pale in comparison.
The recruitment meeting took place in a quiet café and patisserie, chosen by Maria for its delectable treats.
By three o'clock, all thirteen candidates had arrived—six men and seven women, all youthful, none appearing over forty. Among them was a lawyer present for contract signing.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. You've all reviewed the materials, and the terms are clear. I'll keep it brief. Today's task is simple: impress my little princess here, and that's all. Let's begin with introductions," Zhao Lun announced succinctly.
Following the order of registration, each candidate introduced themselves. The lineup included a boxer, chef, flight attendant, athlete, teacher (specializing in dance, languages, and communication), carpenter, nanny, actor, repair technician, and a manager with accounting skills. Their diverse talents were impressive.
Maria showed interest in four candidates. One was a towering young man, around six feet two inches, exuding a stoic yet confident aura, reminiscent of a cinematic bodyguard. His multifaceted skills added to his appeal.
The three women selected were equally remarkable, each excelling in two professions, with their charisma and elegance captivating Maria.
These four were to become their new team members.
Among the women was Angela Zhao, a stunning beauty from China; Nicole, from Australia; and Monica, from Italy. Each stood over five feet seven inches tall, with the tallest reaching nearly six feet. Their poise and confidence rendered them strikingly beautiful.
The selected bodyguard and driver, Hodar, a local, demonstrated commendable restraint and reliability, garnering unanimous approval.
Under the lawyer's supervision, they signed one-year contracts, with provisions for renewal if mutually satisfactory.
Following the contract signing, they spent another day in town, purchasing various supplies, including fruit tree saplings, rare beneficial trees, vegetable seeds, flower seeds, musical instruments, gym equipment, snacks, and Christmas essentials—items from their shopping list.
The tools required by their new staff were also acquired, filling a small pickup truck. Fortunately, with the pound's strength, their total expenditure remained under five thousand pounds.
The return journey now included six members. What began as a leisurely trip culminated in purchasing a van for their snowy return journey, which took three hours.
They departed in the morning and returned by midday.