"Nnnggghhh!!" Kang Sola stretched and flexed her arms and legs outward then flapped them against the earth.  She stared at the blue sky above and the moving clouds as she blinked her sleepiness away.

"You'll dirty your clothes by doing that."  Xue Guangxi who was quietly seated beside her on the gra.s.s observed and commented, unrestrained.

The girl ignored his commentary.

"Hey, Sola.  I've been thinking.  I know you wouldn't accept any help from anyone.  The thing is, I know a place where you can stay for free, but let's strike a deal, shall we?"

Kang Sola s.h.i.+fted to a sitting position and then hugged her curled knees. "Okay, I'm listening." For some reason, her interest was piqued. 'If there's a way to further improve my living conditions, then I'll grab it… That is, under acceptable conditions.'

"I know of an apartment which incurs electricity and depreciation whether there are occupants who live in it or none at all.  So, if there's anyone who could live in it, I think that would be economical, right?  Do you agree?"

"Yes, I think so.  What exactly are you saying?"  Kang Sola's interest heightened, but she's trying to manage her expectations.

"You can stay there.  But I know you don't want to freeload, so it's not for free.  Well, uhm…" Xue Guangxi scratched his head with embarra.s.sment.  "You don't have to pay with cash, you know, but you can pay with favors…"

"Favors?" Kang Sola's voice increased in pitch an octave higher.

"I… uhm, don't laugh alright?" Xue Guangxi darted his eyes to the ground, but once in a while, he stole glances at the girl beside her.  "I need your help."

"My help?"

"En."

"Actually, I… uhm, it's so embarra.s.sing, but… I would like to go to work part-time with you.  I want to know how it's done.   I mean, I… can you teach me?"

The lad helplessly sighed.  "I'm quite impressed with what you are doing, and I would like to try it out for myself before I leave for my studies abroad."

"Can you help me? Please?"

"You're impressed?  But I'm not doing anything big.  What I have are small menial jobs, not worthy of praise.  It wouldn't even be impressive enough to be included in my personal working portfolio."

"Still… You're supporting yourself, right?  I want to know how you do it, and I want to experience it for myself.  It can be our little secret.  The truth is, the apartment… the real owner is Xu-Jie, but I have a key.  You can stay there, and I would tell not a single soul about it."

"You don't have to do much, just let me tag along in your part-time gigs, like an a.s.sistant.  You can even keep all the pay."

"Are you serious right now?  Go work at your company.  You're such a rich kid born with a silver spoon in your mouth.  Those part-time jobs… How do I put it?  Let's just say, it won't suit you and your status, Second Young Master…" Her forehead was wrinkled as she responded.

"Hey!  You're mocking me."

"No, I'm not.  I'm just telling the truth, and relaying in front of you the scenario, in case you are forgetting."

Xue Guangxi grew silent for a few moments.  He gazed far onto the horizon.  His face turned ugly with a little bit of derision.  After a few seconds, he seriously retorted, "As a friend can you help me?  I'm at this state wherein I'm expected to do great things because of my status, but I cannot even do the smallest of tasks.  I hope you understand my predicament as my close friend.  I want to be independent.  I want to live alone, and in doing so, I need to learn how to support myself.  People outside of our circle would not know me nor my status.  My older brother mentioned before that when we leave the threshold of our home, we would be subjected to the harsh realities of this world just like anyone else.  No one is exempted."

"Once I leave for my studies abroad, then, I would have to live independently.  I would be alone there, without any maids or butlers or drivers.  Xu-Jie did it, and brother even experienced more.  I want to learn how to live in the real world without the protection of my family's name.  I'm begging you as my friend to help me."

"I'm dead serious."

"R-Really?" Kang Sola blinked several times and even rub the remnants of sleep from her eyes.

"En."

"Well… I guess it wouldn't hurt if you tag along, right?"

"Of course!  So is it a deal, huh?"

"I guess so…"

"Great!  Then, you'll save rent and physical energy, too since I'm going to help you out!"  Xue Guangxi flexed his muscles in front of the girl with a smug expression. "I'm a quick learner and smart and strong, too!  I'm at the prime of my youth! Hahahaha!!! Great!!! Awesome!!!"

The lad stood up and extended a hand towards the girl.  "Come on, isn't it time for your part-time job?"

Kang Sola checked her wrist.w.a.tch and gasped, "Huh!  It's three in the afternoon already?  We let the morning pa.s.s by like that?" She took his outstretched hand and stood up.

Xue Guangxi waved a finger at her, "No, you got to rest even for a short while, and we got to strike a deal.  We will be more efficient from now on.  Let's go to work!  I'm so excited."

"Okay, let's hurry.  We have a few minutes to spare, though.  I think the café where I work is looking for more staff to hire.  I'll recommend you for the job."

"Then you can help me conceptualize and edit my vlogs.  I'm gonna squeeze most of the creative juices out of your system."

"Okay!  Alright!  Let's do it!  Let's go!" Xue Guangxi grabbed Kang Sola's hand as they walked away together.

Kang Sola, with a happy smile on her bright, enlightened face, did not flinch at her best friend's hold and simply allowed him to tow her towards the paved road.

She was extremely delighted by the deal, and by the enthusiasm that Xue Guangxi was showing for work.  At least now, she gets to ensure that there's a decent roof above her head – for free – and even got a bonus a.s.sistant at work that went along with it.