Chapter 34: A New Day
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 34: A New Day
The day flew by.
I clocked out, changed my clothes, and was ready to make a break for it. Senior Sister Tang Yihan looked like she was about to head out too; after all, it was almost closing time.
"Xiao Han, hurry up. Be careful on your way back."
"Mm, you too, Senior Sister," I responded politely.
"Heh, if it were me, the bad guys are the ones who should be careful. If you’re free tomorrow, remember to come in early."
"I will!"
After nodding, I took the small bag of cookies Senior Sister had insisted I take and headed back to the dormitory.
These cookies were a gift, I suppose. Tang Yihan mentioned they had been sitting around for a while, but when I tried one, they tasted great—not stale at all.
Since she’d offered, I didn't refuse. To put it bluntly, they probably wouldn't have sold anyway if they just stayed there.
I have to say, the "all-you-can-eat bread" perk for lunch and dinner is amazing, but seeing the look of utter soul-weariness on Senior Sister’s face while she ate, I realized I’d probably end up the same way.
Eating the same thing every day really does get old.
No wonder Tang Yihan kept trying to invent all those bizarre new products. Even if the flavors were weird, she seemed happy just to be tasting something different.
According to her, many of the shop's new arrivals were discovered through this kind of trial and error. She was the main force behind the shop's product innovation.
Of course, the wasted ingredients didn't count toward that success.
Because of this, I wanted to master baking techniques as quickly as possible. I really hoped I could recreate some of the pastries from my previous world—a culinary collision between two different worlds.
Back at my grand villa, I was honestly looking forward to having new roommates, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
Tonight, I was once again the sole occupant of the house. It seemed that unless it was the very last day, not many freshmen would arrive early.
As for how I knew so quickly that no one else had come, I just asked the Smart Butler. This little gadget spent its time wandering around the house and knew exactly if anyone had entered.
It even seemed capable of climbing the stairs to the upper floor, which surprised me. As expected of an alchemical product powered by mana.
Truly magical.
I planned to sleep early and wake up early tonight so I could get to the shop first thing in the morning. It shouldn't be too crowded then.
As for the chores in the dorm, I didn't mind them much. Since I was the only one here, I didn't have to worry about anyone else's feelings.
Still, I couldn't let things go too far, or I’d come across as a total slob.
I actually had quite a bit to do tonight, like sorting the clothes I hadn't finished organizing yesterday into the wardrobe.
And washing the clothes I’d worn... Oh, wait, I didn't need to hang them to dry; there was a dryer here.
I’d never actually used one of those before. Personally, I preferred the scent of clothes dried in natural sunlight—it’s very refreshing.
Just before I went to bed, I received a "goodnight" greeting from Sister Bai. That was unexpected. Even though she had left in a hurry, there was no reason for her to send me a goodnight message the following night, was there?
I’d never received this kind of treatment before.
Did Sister Bai still feel some sort of guilt for bringing me into the Witch Academy?
I thought I’d made it clear before: she wasn't responsible. Besides, this was my own choice, and I haven't regretted it for a second.
Still, seeing her try to find things to talk about like this was actually quite cute.
I slept soundly that night.
My biological clock had returned to normal, so I woke up early, feeling completely refreshed and full of energy.
Today is another day to make the big bucks!
I wondered if the Shopkeeper and the others were back yet—especially Senior Sister Ying Shiqian. If she wasn't back, it would just be me and Tang Yihan again.
I might end up washing dishes for half the afternoon again. I really hoped Senior Sister wouldn't whip up too many "innovative" creations today. We really can't sell that many!
As for my breakfast, it was naturally the cookies I’d brought back yesterday. I hadn't eaten many last night, since eating too much before bed makes you gain weight.
Though, I’m not exactly fat right now. In that old house of mine, it was hard to gain weight even if you wanted to.
I practically jogged to the shop. Seeing Tang Yihan busy inside, I knew the Shopkeeper hadn't returned yet.
They said they were delivering a Red Velvet Cake, but does it really take that long?
If I recalled correctly, they were plotting something regarding this year's Top Scorer. I remembered seeing it pinned on the Academy Task system, and quite a few people had accepted the mission.
"Xiao Han, you're here so early! Hurry and change so you can help. My dough is waiting for me in the back."
"Got it."
I looked at the customers browsing the bread and found it hard to believe. Was this the same bakery that was practically deserted yesterday?
Or was it just that the morning rush was a thing here?
I suppose it makes sense if people buy pastries and bread for breakfast. It really does get busy during meal times.
Even though I’d been complaining about the lack of customers, once things actually got busy, I felt stretched thin.
I went straight to the back, changed, and took over the front desk from Tang Yihan.
"Thank goodness you're here, Xiao Han. I really couldn't handle this alone. Anyway, I’m going to check on my new product. I spent all night brainstorming it."
"Sure, go ahead. I've got things covered here." I signaled to her, quickly settling into the work rhythm.
"Oh, a new clerk! Are you a freshman?"
"Yes, I am. I just started yesterday. Please let me know if there's anything I can improve on," I said politely. Since she was a customer, why was she so interested in the staff?
She must be a regular here.
Probably someone who knew the two Senior Sisters.
"Can I really give any suggestion?"
"Of course. If it's a reasonable suggestion, we'll take it to heart." I flashed a standard professional smile, though I had a feeling this customer was going to be a handful.
Please don't pull any nonsense on me.
"Then can you give me a sweet morning blessing? Ideally with some cute gestures!"
At that moment, my smile finally faltered. She really did throw a curveball at me.
I’m just a part-time clerk; why make life difficult for a working man?
I racked my brain for the few morning greetings I knew, and after a long pause, I finally spoke under the Senior Sister's expectant gaze.
"Good morning~ On this new day, I'm sending you a ray of sunshine, two portions of bread, three points of hope, four blessings, and five helpings of luck. Have a happy day today~"
I timed it so I handed her the bread she’d bought right as I finished, which saved me from having to think of any "cute gestures." Doing something like that would have been deathly embarrassing!
"Oh~ Oh! Thank you! With your blessing, I’m sure I’ll be able to snatch that freshman I’m after today! Bye-bye!"
I watched with slight awkwardness as the Senior Sister left the shop looking satisfied. Regardless of her intentions, I offered a silent prayer for that unknown freshman.
And an early congratulations on becoming a part of the Witch Academy.
"Junior~ Sister~ I want a blessing too! You wouldn't play favorites, would you?"
The next customer stepped up, looking at me with the same expectant eyes. I knew right then I was in trouble.
I had started a trend I never should have started. God help me, my meager vocabulary was already running dry!
Do you want me to curse you instead? I ranted inwardly.