Chapter 3: Sound Wave Localization +1!
After entering what appeared to be an ordinary restaurant and taking a seat at a table, the portly owner Liu Zhijie began, "Mr. Yang Bo, you probably have many questions. Allow me to explain first."
Yang Bo nodded, and Liu Zhijie continued, "Our company primarily provides high-end cleaning services—that is, we offer domestic cleaning for celebrities and politicians."
"Now, you might ask, don't these people have smart cleaning robots in their homes?" Liu Zhijie anticipated.
"No, Mr. Yang Bo. I've reviewed your information, and in today's age of technology, wherever there's a machine, no secret can remain hidden."
He went on, "All of our employees are residents. When they are on duty, their watches must be set aside separately. During service, you must follow instructions precisely because these celebrities possess many valuable items."
"Of course, as service personnel, confidentiality for our clients is paramount. I do not want anyone to reveal even a glimpse of what they see."
By now, Yang Bo almost understood. These celebrities clearly had their own secrets or private matters. While smart robots are excellent, the risk of a leak is simply too high.
"Understood. I will adhere to the company's regulations," Yang Bo replied with a nod.
"Very good, Mr. Yang Bo. I've looked over your resume, and if I may ask boldly—why are you seeking employment?" Liu Zhijie inquired as he looked intently at Yang Bo.
Yang Bo glanced at the watch on his wrist. Liu Zhijie then added, "Rest assured, Mr. Yang Bo, this restaurant is a privately customized establishment. Any smart systems that enter here will be rendered inactive."
Yang Bo was startled; the background of such a restaurant was clearly no ordinary affair. Yet, he said nothing more and simply replied, "I want to buy a house."
"Understood. Our company provides dormitories. Are you interested, Mr. Yang Bo?" Liu Zhijie asked again.
"Not at the moment." Yang Bo, uncertain of the other party's true nature, hesitated—living in someone else's dorm might mean being monitored.
Later, a dish was served: "These are traditionally roasted lamb chops—grass-fed, naturally raised, with no technological additives, and even the seasonings are produced naturally."
After finishing his meal, Yang Bo went home. He didn't even get a chance to experiment with the time-traveler's perks; he wasn't sure if his watch possessed any other functions.
"Master, I suggest you exercise for an extra twenty minutes tomorrow; your activity today did not meet the standard."
"Master, I recommend replacing the carpet with a thinner one to avoid potential hazards."
"Master, I advise you to lower the temperature by 0.8 degrees; your pulse is a bit high."
Yang Bo felt as if his head were about to explode. He wondered how his original self could have tolerated such constant monitoring. Lying in bed, he felt strangely disoriented—was his previous life solely about eating, drinking, gaming, and sleeping? Now, with these conditions imposed upon him, why did he have to work?
"Master, we have detected that you are experiencing insomnia; we suggest you play some soothing music to relax…" the watch continued.
The next morning, Yang Bo woke in a sour mood. He hurried through breakfast, meticulously sorted the trash into separate categories, and disposed of it in the appropriate bins.
The An Zhijie Service Company was housed in a standalone building in an upscale community—a structure resembling a villa with very simple decor.
"Yang Bo, welcome aboard. Most of our service personnel handle projects individually. This is Wu Bing, who will guide you for the first couple of days; after that, you'll be on your own." Liu Zhijie introduced an experienced worker to Yang Bo. Wu Bing, also wearing a watch, was dressed in a hoodie and jeans. Appearing to be in his thirties with black hair and eyes and standing around 1.8 meters tall—with a slightly chubby build—one could guess he at least owned his own home.
"Yang Bo, hello," Wu Bing greeted, extending his hand.
"Brother Wu, I look forward to your guidance," Yang Bo replied as he shook his hand.
Soon, Wu Bing led Yang Bo to collect their equipment. "Our services here are all custom-tailored. The pay is high, but there are many requirements. In short, you mustn't see what you're not supposed to, nor know what you shouldn't. Understand?" he explained.
"Understood," Yang Bo nodded.
"Today's task is to clean the garden. Just take the task sheet, and the logistics department will have everything prepared," said Wu Bing, who appeared to be an ordinary, slightly rotund man.
After collecting their equipment, Wu Bing added, "The company provides a car, and many of our clients will send someone to pick us up. This time is no exception."
"Once we get in the car, we won't be able to see outside, because service begins as soon as we board."
"Before service, we are required to remove our watches—they'll be returned when we leave. Don't worry; the company guarantees the safety of every subordinate."
The two changed into their work uniforms and gathered their gear. Wu Bing handed Yang Bo the task list and said, "Once on board, review the service details carefully."
"Don't we need to sort this trash separately?" Yang Bo asked as he looked over the service details.
"No. Our clients live in upscale communities where the property management takes care of re-sorting the trash," Wu Bing explained.
Yang Bo nodded. Not long after they left, they saw a luxurious champagne-colored anti-gravity car pull up.
Wu Bing checked the license plate and led Yang Bo into the car. Once inside, the windows turned gray, completely obstructing the view outside—even the front was hidden. The upper part of the car resembled the bubble cockpit of a fighter jet Yang Bo had seen in his previous life.
"Relax. Your watches are now in sleep mode as well. Since this is a private car, federal law—unless overridden by judicial authorities—considers its interior private territory, with absolute privacy and rights."
There are so many federal laws that, without a lawyer, you can hardly tell what might be illegal. Naturally, unintentional violations that cause no harm are generally not penalized.
When the car windows finally revealed the outside again, they found themselves at the entrance of a manor. Wu Bing led Yang Bo out of the car with their gear in hand.
At the manor entrance, a security officer verified their identities and instructed them to place their watches in a box before handing each a paper badge.
Only then were they allowed to enter the sprawling manor, which featured a lake, lawns, a castle, stone-paved roads, and an old-fashioned electric car parked nearby. The two boarded the car.
The castle had a hint of Gothic style, though not entirely so. Yang Bo wondered if this world had any connection with Earth—after all, he hadn't found any information online.
The car stopped at the left side of the castle, where a butler dressed in antiquated attire was waiting.
"Please excuse us, gentlemen. Kindly remain within this garden. Should you need anything, press this button here," the butler said in a firm, unyielding tone, his expression severe as though he were in his fifties.
"Understood," both Wu Bing and Yang Bo replied with nods.
The two then began clearing the garden—pulling out all the plants, bagging them, leveling the soil, and thoroughly cleaning the grounds.
Dressed in their work uniforms, Yang Bo and Wu Bing set to work.
While clearing some vines, Yang Bo suddenly saw a dark shape dart upward. Instinctively, he swung his shovel, striking a bat that fell to the ground. Its blood slowly seeped out.
Sound Wave Localization +1!
"Brother Wu!" Yang Bo called, abandoning any thoughts of his time-traveler privileges, and hurriedly sought out Wu Bing.
(End of Chapter)