Chapter 268 Taking on a Part-Time Job
"When that time comes, I'll follow Hongxia around. I can earn a dollar or two a day."
In recent years, prices have been soaring, and wages have increased accordingly, but purchasing power has not changed much from before.
"In this sweltering heat, are you really committed to standing under the sun handing out flyers all day? Part-time jobs aren't easy!"
"Hmph, don't try to dampen my spirits. Hongxia, what part-time jobs are available this weekend? Talk to the middleman and ask if I can join you!"
"Wearing a mascot costume at the entrance of the amusement park to attract children earns 3.5 yuan a day, but... this job is not easy!"
It was stuffy and hot, and she didn't dare to drink water. Because she was wearing a mascot costume, going to the toilet was extremely troublesome. Therefore, in Li Hongxia's mind, this part-time job was the most difficult, even more tiring than working as a laborer on a construction site.
"Wow, this is amazing! I've wanted to wear a mascot costume for ages, but my parents won't buy it for me. This way, I can fulfill my little wish and even make some money at the same time. I'm so happy! Hongxia, since we're in the same dorm, could you help me put in a good word with the middleman?"
After some hesitation, Li Hongxia looked at the bread in her hand and thought to herself, "He who eats another's bread is bound to do his bidding." She then nodded, "However, we have to agree that if you're going to do it, you have to do it for the full two days. You can't quit halfway through and disrupt the part-time job market, otherwise it will affect my reputation when looking for part-time jobs in the future."
Li Xinxin raised her fair little hand and made several promises. Then she stuffed a bunch of snacks into her hands. She then said that she would maintain her perfect figure and not eat sweets. She then happily ran to the washroom to wash up.
The weekend arrived quickly, and the part-time team gathered at the school gate. After the middleman briefly explained the amusement park's rules, they began assigning tasks.
With Li Hongxia's help, she and Li Xinxin successfully landed jobs wearing mascot costumes. A dozen or so young and beautiful college students, chatting and laughing all the way, arrived at the amusement park entrance by bus.
As assigned to their pre-arranged positions, the two teamed up to report for duty. After receiving their mascot costumes, they went to the changing room and, amidst someone's incessant laughter, finally managed to change into the tedious clothes.
"Xinxin, stop fooling around on the road. Save your energy; we still need to solicit customers at the park entrance later!"
Wearing a heavy duck costume and engrossed in teasing the children, the person wouldn't listen to her. Under Li Hongxia's forceful dragging, the two finally arrived at the school gate on time.
Unexpectedly, less than an hour later, Li Xinxin felt suffocated. With the comfort of her roommates, she persevered for another hour, but she couldn't take it anymore. She took off the doll's head and took many deep breaths, showing that she was really suffocating.
"Xinxin, put your head back on quickly. The administrator will be inspecting later and will deduct your pay if he sees this."
"So what if they deduct it? Is money more important than life? Besides, it doesn't interfere with my work of soliciting customers."
A glint of cleverness flashed in her clear eyes. She took off the mascot costume completely and, ignoring Li Hongxia's objections, went to the restroom to put on a delicate... clown makeup.
When she came out, her roommate was startled. "Xinxin, what are you doing?"
"Of course we'll bring people into the park! Just you wait and see!"
Her unique makeup and amusing actions quickly attracted the attention of a group of children. In addition, Li Xinxin had a sweet tongue, and in no time, she had pulled several people into the park. This efficiency was much better than wearing a mascot costume.
“Hongxia, why don’t you take off your mascot costume too, and I’ll put on clown makeup for you? If we work together, we’ll definitely attract even more people.”
The amusement park is built next to the park. On weekends, many parents bring their children to the park. Even if they didn't plan to go into the amusement park at first, some parents can't resist their children's pleas. As for how much they spend inside, that depends on the number of people inside.
Upon hearing this, the law-abiding Li Hongxia shook her head and said, "No, I'd better just do my job honestly, otherwise the administrator will see me and fine me."
Knowing her personality, Li Xinxin stopped trying to persuade her and returned to her post, continuing to leverage her strengths to attract children and adults to the amusement park.
More than an hour later, the manager came out to patrol and found the duck mascot costume lying in the corner. Just as he was about to go up and get angry, he saw a tall, well-dressed woman with funny clown makeup helping the amusement park attract customers, so he stood at the entrance and observed her for a while.
In just ten minutes, he had brought in three groups of people, which was quite efficient, so I went up to ask.
"Young lady, you seem like a good fit for an amusement park. There's a job opening recently, would you like to give it a try?"
Li Xinxin glanced at him up and down, guessing that he was an administrator. She flicked her bangs and said arrogantly, "With my abilities, I wouldn't come if I wasn't in charge of people. Besides, I'm still in school, so I only have time on weekends."
"Hey, perfect! This position only works on weekends. It's about managing part-time workers, selecting the best ones, and assigning them to suitable positions. The pay is 15 yuan a day, and with all the miscellaneous expenses, it should be around 200 yuan a month. How about that?"
"So... can I... use the facilities inside for free?" I'm actually a little excited just thinking about it!
"Free to play, and you can also bring friends or family members to play for free, but the maximum number of people is three."
"Deal! I'll take the job. I can start next week!"
"No problem, I'll go back and draft the contract right away. Let's sign a three-month contract first, what do you think?"
Li Xinxin nodded. Everyone here is straightforward, there's no need to waste time on a few measly things.
After the administrator left, Li Hongxia kept wanting to ask what he had asked, but being a rule-abiding person, she didn't dare to leave her post without permission. It wasn't until lunch break that she took off the mascot costume and, while eating her boxed lunch, asked the administrator what he had come for.
After hearing Li Xinxin's answer, he froze.
"Hey, snap out of it! What's wrong? You're upset that I'm going to be in a management position?"
Coming to her senses, Li Hongxia quickly shook her head and said, "No, I was just a little shocked. Indeed, intelligent and cheerful people thrive wherever they go, unlike me..."
After a busy day, you can only earn a maximum of 3 yuan, and a daily wage of 1.5 yuan is common.
"Relax, everyone has their own expertise. Your strengths are that you're hardworking and can endure hardship. There's no use worrying about this now. I'm only working part-time at the amusement park. The real test will be after my one-year internship. Maybe the job I find will be even worse than yours or Yunxia's!"
"However, Yunxia doesn't need to worry. Her boyfriend is so capable, and her family has someone holding a director-level position in Anhe. She... will find a job easily. You, just relax. Your down-to-earth and hardworking personality is exactly what the hospital wants. My little tricks won't fool you."
Li Hongxia felt uncomfortably comforted, but she didn't show it on her face. She gave an awkward smile and buried her head in her cold noodles. She knew that there were differences between people, and she wouldn't be like Yang Mei, who couldn't stand seeing others do well and would always cause trouble. She was very clear about her own shortcomings, and all she could do was try her best to make up for them.
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