Chapter 79: Part‑Job Introduction: Waiting

Good news doesn't go out.

Bad news travels a thousand miles in an instant.

Although this isn't exactly bad news, it's certainly not good news either.

The news likewise spread across different levels at different speeds.

Those who got the news quickly grasped the whole story.

Lin Ke had just stepped out of the Academy's Enforcement Office when, before even going downstairs, he received a summons from Paro Wizard.

Turning upstairs, Lin Ke quickly arrived at the 5th‑Floor 'Thesis' Review Office, knocked to announce himself, then went inside.

When the relationship isn't close, it's best to wait for permission after knocking before entering a superior's office.

When the relationship is sufficient, or slightly lacking, one may choose, depending on the circumstances, to wait for permission after knocking or to go straight in.

Depending on the person and the matter, with differing personalities and styles, the choice naturally needs to be flexible.

Lin Ke had come a few times before and always found Paro Wizard's office door open; this time he felt less formal and chose to knock and then enter directly.

Indeed, Paro Wizard did not demand superficial respect or absolute obedience from his subordinates.

"Sit."

He gestured with his eyes to the chair before the desk, and Paro Wizard got straight to the point: "Have you wrapped things up from start to finish?"

"Nice partner!"

"Just arrived and you hit me with such a tough question?"

Could it be that all the official wizards working at the Junior Academy know I killed Harold Andrews?

Lin Ke sat down in the chair while inwardly complaining.

Of course, he didn't dare keep Paro Wizard waiting, and immediately replied: "No leaks, I did what needed to be done and didn't do what shouldn't have been."

That line is typical: those who understand get it, and those who don't don't need to.

It answered Paro Wizard while leaving no opening for anyone with an agenda to exploit.

"Hmm, that's good."

Paro Wizard nodded and then told Lin Ke something he should never have known,

"I and a few close friends once made a bet on this matter, wagering whether you could resolve this trouble during the vacation, and if so, within what time frame."

Lin Ke, hearing this, was quite surprised, and his thoughts began to wander.

So Paro Wizard also likes to keep an eye on the rumors on the forum, huh.

And you're still betting on this?

Your circle sure knows how to have fun.

Lin Ke let out an inner gripe to ease the pressure that inevitably arose when facing Paro Wizard.

But since the big shot already brought up the topic, we can't let the conversation die.

Lin Ke then picked up the thread, saying: "I wonder if the result will satisfy Paro Wizard and your friends."

"Haha..."

Paro Wizard's face broke into a rare smile as he waved a hand and laughed: "They all thought you'd only settle the trouble in the middle or later part of the vacation, but I was certain you could handle it right at the start."

"Thank you for your confidence, Paro Wizard!"

Lin Ke immediately became solemn, his tone sincere: "I'm also glad I didn't disappoint Paro Wizard."

Paro Wizard hearing this, knowing Lin Ke was flattering him and going along with his words, still couldn't help feeling a bit pleased.

Who doesn't like hearing kind words, right?

After laughing a little, Paro Wizard's smile faded as he turned to the real reason for summoning Lin Ke and asked: "You went to Ruowosith City on the first day of the vacation—do you have any plans?"

Having already invested, and seeing the investment target show qualities worthy of more funding, Paro Wizard naturally wasn't stingy about increasing his input a bit.

To him it's a drop in the bucket, but placed on Linke Grand it's of vital importance.

Lin Ke honestly replied: "I plan to find a part‑time job in the city, work while learning about the outside world—I can't just stay cooped up in the Academy."

"Part‑time job?"

Paro Wizard pondered a moment, then said: "I do know a few places hiring part‑timers; I just don't know which direction you want to develop."

"I've been self‑studying pharmaceutics lately, and if it doesn't cause trouble for Paro Wizard..."

Lin Ke couldn't pass up such a good opportunity or waste the windfall handed to him; he immediately declared: "I want to try to find a part‑job related to pharmaceutics."

"Pharmaceutics‑related?"

Paro Wizard muttered to himself and began to think.

Moments later he had an answer: "I have a friend whom the Academy assigned to teach third‑year Alchemical Pharmaceutics in the Northern District, but she quit and just opened a pharmaceutics shop in the Eastern District that's lacking regular or part‑time staff. If you're confident and capable, you can give it a try."

"Thanks, Paro Wizard!"

Lin Ke was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him.

"On the forum, someone had already revealed that a first‑year Storm Sea Newblood hoping to find a suitable part‑time job in Ruowosith City would face great difficulty."

"Those owners, bosses, and operators don't trust your knowledge level or professional ability."

"The study time is too short, hands‑on ability can't keep up with job demands, and so on—these are the common ailments of first‑year Storm Sea Newbloods."

"Even if Lin Ke claims to be first in overall rank for his year, it's basically useless."

"In the end you might end up just hauling packages or delivering meals—jobs with no technical content that could be replaced at any moment by intelligent puppets."

"Don't rush to thank me."

Paro Wizard waved a hand, indifferent, and said: "Whether you land the job still depends on your own abilities and whether you can win over Selin Wizard."

"That's already enough; thank you very much."

Lin Ke, ignoring everything else, just kept thanking him.

When superiors are modest and polite, you must never take it at face value or base your words and actions on it.

Even if they truly think that, you cannot think that.

You should have a sense of proportion, right?

"Alright, let's leave it like that."

After the Paro Wizard finished the main business, added an investment, and did not keep Linke Grand any longer, making it hard for him to say nothing but pleasantries and flattery.

Lin Ke followed his words, performed the proper courtesies, rose and prepared to leave.

Upon reaching the door, the Paro Wizard, just like last time, quietly said: "Your combat talent is not bad; don't waste it."

Walking out of the administration building, Lin Ke's smile gradually faded; he felt his back sweaty, just like last time.

That last sentence truly frightened Lin Ke.

We've been targeted!

After taking several deep breaths and adjusting his state, Lin Ke walked toward the dormitory.

In the distance, Lin Ke spotted a familiar figure.

Mo Li Kidman.

The girl sat on the lawn in front of the dormitory building, her arms wrapped around her knees, her head tilted, resting on the back of her right hand which was placed on her left arm, gazing toward the direction of the academy gate.

Lin Ke quickened his steps, lightly tapped Mo Li's head, and asked: "Why are you sitting here? When did you arrive?"

Ah!

Mo Li suddenly heard Lin Ke's voice, jumped up in surprise, and exclaimed joyfully: "You're back!"

After the words fell, possibly from jumping too hastily and landing too hard, her stomach was stimulated, and Mo Li's belly let out a gurgle.

This was a bit awkward.

"Why did you only come back now?"

Mo Li's face flushed crimson, she rubbed her stomach with her right hand, and said aggrievedly:

"I'm about to starve to death!"

Thanks to the reward from reader Qing Tian zzj, thank you!

Even if the big shot came just to give a negative review,

(End of chapter)