Abnormal Gourmet Chronicle-Chapter 877 - 436: Vitality (Part 3)_2

"The remaining ones I found okay, and those who would have me required signing a contract of sale, with fingerprints and everything. I secretly observed these employers, but the good ones didn't want me, and those who did, I didn't like too much."

"Then I thought, since I had to sell myself, going door to door was too much trouble. So I decided to squat in a place with many employers; I stayed outside the city for two months."

Zhao Cheng'an's fascinating job-search story deeply shocked Xia Sheng, and Qin Huai could tell from Xia Sheng's dumbfounded expression that he couldn't understand or make sense of it.

Qin Huai could also tell that Chen Qiusheng didn't quite get it either, but Chen Qiusheng chose not to understand. He directly labeled Zhao Cheng'an as someone with a bit of a mental issue, and his gaze toward Zhao Cheng'an carried a hint of pity.

A regular beggar raising himself like this could be considered self-reliant and independent, but for a fool to manage this, it seemed a bit too extraordinary and difficult.

"Mr. Chen, buy me, sir. Even though I can't read or do calculations now, I learn things especially quickly. I can learn any job, and I'm willing to learn anything!" 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"If you're willing to buy me, you can give me a name since I don't have one yet."

Although Chen Qiusheng had already spent a little money on Zhao Cheng'an, he clearly wasn't interested in acquiring a possibly free Attendant Student, so he shook his head and refused outright.

"I've said it before, I only need an Attendant Student; I'm just an ordinary cook, and my family doesn't need extra servants. Now, you can already apply for an apprentice position at Taifeng Building; whether you get selected depends on your fate, but this is as far as I can help you."

After saying this, Chen Qiusheng led Xia Sheng in the direction of his home, with Zhao Cheng'an cheerfully following behind. After seven or eight steps, Chen Qiusheng helplessly turned around, seeing Zhao Cheng'an's face full of the intention of sticking to him for the day.

Zhao Cheng'an couldn't understand the meaning on Chen Qiusheng's face; he stopped happily.

Chen Qiusheng sighed helplessly, and Qin Huai understood his expression. His face clearly said: "Forget it, no point in arguing with a fool; it's not easy for a fool to live like this either."

"You don't have a place to stay, do you?"

"No," Zhao Cheng'an shook his head, "I usually dig a pit."

Sure enough, Qin Huai guessed right; Zhao Cheng'an continued the fine tradition of the Mayfly, burying himself underground.

Chen Qiusheng hesitated for a few minutes and finally relented: "Today, you can come home with me and stay in the woodshed. If you're lucky enough to get hired tomorrow, you can stay in the woodshed permanently. If not, I can only provide shelter for one night."

"But one thing you must remember: you absolutely cannot steal anything. If I find out, I'll report you to the authorities immediately," Chen Qiusheng warned sternly.

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen, why would I steal from my employer? I only steal from others!"

Chen Qiusheng: "…You can't steal from anyone!"

After saying this, Chen Qiusheng stopped speaking further and turned around to lead the way. Xia Sheng followed closely, and Zhao Cheng'an walked happily at the back.

As Chen Qiusheng had described, his economic situation wasn't that of a particularly wealthy family. He lived in an ordinary alleyway within the city with an independent courtyard, not needing to share with others. Apart from a small main hall, his home had four rooms in total: one woodshed and three living rooms.

The layout of Chen Qiusheng's house was quite strange; it clearly looked like it had been split off. The layout and area were much more luxurious than the small house Chen Huihong lived in at the Outer City, and the furniture was much more abundant. There was even a desk in Chen Qiusheng's son's room.

This was quite a luxury.

"Dad." Seeing Chen Qiusheng return, his son and the old servant greeted him with an oil lamp, pausing in surprise when they saw two people following Chen Qiusheng.

The oil lamp cast a very pale yellow light on their faces. Qin Huai observed the relatively introverted son that Chen Qiusheng had mentioned and found that Mr. Chen's condition seemed genuinely poor. His face was indeed sallow and somewhat pale, and he had a thin, small stature, looking no more than five or six years old while being held by the old servant.

No wonder Chen Qiusheng didn't want to buy a big child. Big kids, if their intentions were a bit bad, and they were a bit clever, could indeed bully Young Master Chen.

"Ping'an, it's cold outside, hurry in." When Chen Qiusheng saw his son at the door, he quickly stepped forward to hold Chen Ping'an's hand. Noticing Chen Ping'an curiously observing Xia Sheng and Zhao Cheng'an, he pointed at Xia Sheng and said, "Ping'an, from now on, he'll be your Attendant Student. He'll keep you company for reading and playing."

"Hello, Young Master," Xia Sheng promptly greeted respectfully.

"As for him," Chen Qiusheng pointed at Zhao Cheng'an, somewhat hesitantly, "you needn't pay him much mind; he's just staying the night."

Zhao Cheng'an greeted Chen Ping'an with a bright smile, startling Chen Qiusheng, who quickly led his son into the house.

"Sir, is this...?" The old servant was a bit confused about the situation.

Chen Qiusheng briefly explained the situation's start to finish and instructed the old servant to arrange for Xia Sheng to sleep in the woodshed with Zhao Cheng'an that night, keeping an eye on him.

The old servant quickly agreed, not preparing any bedding, and merely laid some straw in the woodshed. Each of the two received a piece of black bread and a pot of water before the old servant locked the door.

Upon hearing that Zhao Cheng'an was a mentally deficient thief, the old servant thought it safest to lock the door, just in case.

The door lock might stop Zhao Cheng'an, but not Qin Huai. Qin Huai wandered around and finally returned to the woodshed, discovering Zhao Cheng'an and Xia Sheng already lying down. Xia Sheng lay cautiously, with his duty almost putting him in a state of nerve-wracking tension, whereas Zhao Cheng'an was completely relaxed and comfortable.