Chapter 23: New Office Perks

"Master, this is the Heart-Clearing Mantra!"

"It’s the most basic minor spell. After one begins their cultivation and gains enlightenment, this is the first thing to learn. Cast it on yourself whenever you're feeling restless, and everything you study will be twice as easy!"

Before Shen Zhiyu could even threaten her with harsh punishment, Yuanbao confessed immediately.

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhiyu was delighted.

"In that case, whenever I'm reading from now on, you cast this on me!"

"But Master, you can learn it yourself!"

"No way, I can't learn it."

This was a world devoid of spiritual energy. That a spiritual beast like Yuanbao could survive here was likely due to the system cheating. As for herself, Shen Zhiyu didn't believe she had the talent to learn it.

"Just try it, just try it!" Yuanbao barked.

Shen Zhiyu chuckled and said, "Fine, I'll give it a try. But if I can't learn it, or if I learn it but can't use it, then from now on, you’d better fulfill your role properly!"

"I promise!"

Yuanbao was still too young and naive to understand the cunning nature of the human heart.

Soon, little sparks of spiritual light flickered from Yuanbao's paws. As the light landed on Shen Zhiyu’s brow, the incantation for the Heart-Clearing Mantra flooded her mind. By combining the incantation with the required hand seals, the spell could be cast.

The incantation was simple and easy to remember, and while the hand seals were a bit intricate, they weren't particularly difficult.

Shen Zhiyu learned the steps quickly.

However, when it came time to put it into practice, everything was done correctly, yet the spell simply wouldn't activate.

"See? I told you, there’s no spiritual energy here!"

"Woof!" Yuanbao was indignant.

Shen Zhiyu reached out to grab the creature; this little thing was trying to rebel against its master, actually daring to call her a failure.

It was simply unforgivable.

However, the little thing hovered in mid-air, dodging and weaving, and Shen Zhiyu couldn't get a hold of it at all.

"Yuanbao, if you come down now, I might still show some mercy. Let me tell you, if you really push me too far, see if I don’t go three days without feeding you!"

"Woof!" (I don't believe you, I just don't!)

"You really are looking to fly high, aren't you!"

Exhausted from the chase and unable to catch the spirit pet, Shen Zhiyu had to give up.

"Fine, then stay up there. I’m going to sleep!"

Having spent so much time playing with Yuanbao, Shen Zhiyu was truly tired.

She washed up, finished her personal hygiene routine, climbed into bed, and fell asleep.

She was out like a light in a second!

As for safety? If she couldn't be safe with a spirit pet by her side, she might as well go find a crooked tree and hang herself.

***

Waking up at dawn, Shen Zhiyu was roused by the hustle and bustle outside.

Everyone in the communal courtyard had to get to work, so it was bound to be lively at this hour. The children were heading to school, adding to the commotion.

A busy day began amidst the clamor.

Shen Zhiyu didn't bother heading toward the tap in the middle courtyard; she had already fetched water the day before, so her washing and cooking weren't delayed at all.

For breakfast, she made egg pancakes, adding a little bit of chives, turning them into chive and egg pancakes. Needless to say, they were quite fragrant. Her cooking skills were as excellent as ever.

Yuanbao, however, had it a bit rougher, left to finish off the eggshells, though Shen Zhiyu, in her kindness, did save it a pancake.

"Master, you really are the best! From now on, whatever you want me to do, I’ll listen to you!"

As it ate the chive and egg pancake, Yuanbao instantly became an obedient and sensible little spirit pet.

Shen Zhiyu chuckled, grabbing it and giving it a good rub.

The little thing hadn't been this obedient while it was trying to annoy her yesterday. Still, never mind; she was a human, why hold a grudge against a spirit pet?

After breakfast, she set off for work.

Before she even left the courtyard, four young men greeted her. Seeing the sparkle in their eyes, Shen Zhiyu knew exactly what they were thinking.

Even in her previous life, she had encountered this sort of thing plenty of times. But unfortunately for them, Shen Zhiyu had no intention of serving anyone.

She could lead a perfectly good life on her own, so why bring trouble upon herself? Cooking for one was enough, but if she were married, she’d have to cook for two, eventually three or four, and if the in-laws moved in, even more.

She had been raised as the apple of her parents' eyes; she wasn't born to be a nanny for anyone.

Offering a calm and indifferent response, Shen Zhiyu walked out of the courtyard.

People in this era were extremely enthusiastic, especially among neighbors. In the future world, interactions between people were often cold and indifferent, with many saying it wasn't as good as it used to be.

But such matters are like drinking water—only the one who drinks knows if it's hot or cold. At least, Shen Zhiyu didn't like overly enthusiastic neighbors; if they were warm to her, she couldn't very well be too cold, could she? Through such back-and-forth, as relationships grew closer, so did the troubles.

Shen Zhiyu had suffered enough from this, which was why she was so resistant to such socializing.

Upon arriving at the textile factory, she cleaned the office briefly to make a good impression on the older sisters. After all, she was a newcomer, a young person, and a complete novice.

Shen Zhiyu understood the ways of the workplace. Young people need to be tempered, industrious, and observant. That was how the older generation had come up, and Shen Zhiyu had no choice but to follow the customs of the land.

Sure enough, when the senior sisters in the office arrived and saw her initiative, they were very pleased and showered her with praise.

Shen Zhiyu just laughed and started asking them where one could buy a bicycle without needing a ration coupon.

"Little Yu, you're looking to buy a bicycle?"

Sister Lü from the office was instantly interested.

Shen Zhiyu smiled and said, "Isn't it a bit inconvenient to walk to and from work? I was thinking of going home for lunch, but if I walk, the round trip takes too much time!"

"For a bicycle that doesn't require a coupon, you should check the repair shops or the consignment stores!"

"That's right, the mechanics at the repair shops might piece one together from spare parts. The consignment stores usually have second-hand bikes that others have left to sell!"

"The ones at the repair shops might be quite a bit cheaper."

"If you ask me, go to the consignment store; at least they're complete, new-looking bikes!"

Once the conversation started, the group of sisters chimed in one after another.

Shen Zhiyu added a word here and there, and the atmosphere remained very pleasant.

When the office director arrived and heard that Shen Zhiyu wanted to buy a bike, she laughed immediately. "Why buy a second-hand one? Starting this year, our office gets two bicycle coupons every year. I'll just give you one!"

"And for the rest of you, if anyone wants to buy a bike, just come and tell me. We can usually scrape together a few of these coupons!"

As soon as Director Zhao finished speaking, the whole office was abuzz with excitement.

"Three rounds and one sound!" (A popular phrase referring to luxury items: a watch, a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a radio.)

A bicycle was one of the "three rounds."

"Director, what's the situation?"

"How did our office suddenly get such great benefits?"

It wasn't just the sisters who were curious; Shen Zhiyu was too. Bicycles usually required a coupon to purchase; otherwise, one had to do as the sisters suggested—either hope for luck at a repair shop or buy second-hand at a consignment store.

"In the past, didn't people say our Seventh Textile Factory was like a stepchild? The factory leadership went to the higher-ups to plead our case twice, and we finally got some real benefits back. The bicycle coupons are just one part of it; our office is just tagging along for the perks!"

"The bulk of it went to the workshops!"

"Every year, the outstanding employees get bicycle coupons, sewing machine coupons, and other ration vouchers!"

"For us, there are only a few of us here. We take turns, and we can manage to get one for everyone without having to fight or scramble for them!"

When Director Zhao put it that way, everyone was overjoyed.

"Director, if we all get one in a couple of years, will there be more coupons for us later?"

"Why wouldn't there be? The 'three rounds and one sound' all need coupons, and how many coupons do we actually have?"

Director Zhao was quite bold. No sooner had she finished speaking than the room broke into applause.

Shen Zhiyu was just as happy. This job and these benefits were truly no exaggeration. It was no wonder that in this era, so many people were desperate to get into a factory.

The treatment of workers was truly excellent.