For the first few seconds, I was stunned.
And then the joy kicked in.
After hanging up the call, I jumped off the bed, unable to remain calm.
I looked at the time. 6 AM.
Work started at 9 AM but I couldn’t wait.
I took the quickest shower in my life, got dressed, and dashed out of my apartment like my ass was on fire.
I grabbed two buns and a soy milk on the way to the shop.
All kinds of thoughts popped into my head.
How am I going to spend 70,000?
I never had the opportunity of earning this kind of money so it all felt surreal to me.
I decided on some donkey burgers since I was getting sick of the buns here.
You can’t blame me for not having greater aspirations. This came all too sudden.
I was feeling thankful and lucky that I had not given up the night before. If I had given up, I really would have nothing left.
I arrived at the shop and found Teacher sitting by himself.
He was looking at the computer screen.
I reached my thumb out to clock in out of habit and paused. I was going to be taking home 70,000, do I really need the basic salary of 900 dollars?
Yet, after a few beats, I clocked in anyway.
Ding Dong~ Gou Dan is starting work.
Teacher turned to me and smiled.
I returned it with an awkward smile.
Come. I’ve accepted your order from the web at 65,000.
Really?
I walked over to him.
Yes, at 1 AM this morning. I checked it thrice before confirming the order. Probably someone who wants another surname for his child but has no money. It’s a good thing for you.
Is there anything I need to do? Sign a contract or provide my thumbprint? Leave all the errands to me, it’s not a problem!
It’s a… it’s a little strange. The buyer is from Beijing and he said he’ll take an afternoon flight to get here. He asked for your number and he said he will message you personally.
You gave it?
I asked.
Yeah,
he answered.
I took my phone out and noticed 23 unread messages. One of the messages contained a hotel address, room number, and a note saying that he was going to touch down at three and that I could head over to the hotel to wait.
This… do you think there will be any problem? He gave me his hotel address and said he’ll land at three,
I told Teacher, handing him the phone.
I think maybe he wants to cut the middleman and talk to you directly about the price and method.
But you’re the only one who knows the method! And isn’t my price low enough already?Though, to be honest, I’ll be happy with just 30,000. Oh my gosh, could he be a cop?
I worried.
While this industry is threading the fine line between what’s legal and not, I haven’t heard of the police arresting people like us. I figured that he’s just not that wealthy and wants to cut unnecessary costs. I’ll be taking a 5% commission after all and also a 10,000 operation fee,
he explained.
So you won’t be earning anything? Why did you agree?
I asked, puzzled.
I thought about declining at first. Whenever buyers make this sort of requests from your seniors, I always reject them without hesitation. But it’s you. I don’t want you to miss this rare opportunity so this gamble must be taken,
he answered.
Thank you,
I told him, my voice cracking.
Go. Call me if you have any questions,
he urged.
I nodded and turned around to exit the shop.
Before I reached the door, he called out,
Wait. If he makes an unreasonable demand or keeps trying to bargain, do not readily agree. Think it through. I set the price at 65,000 so whatever price you two agree on, I’ll still take 5% from 65,000. That’s 3,200 so be careful not to lose out.
Alright. Thanks, Teacher.
The shop wasn’t far from the hotel so I decided to just walk.
However, before even five minutes passed, I flagged down a taxi.
It was something I never would’ve imagined myself doing before since cabbing was a luxury I couldn’t really afford.
I felt somewhat skeptical about the client’s request to meet me directly. Of course, it made sense that he wanted to save on the procedure fee, but could he settle the processes on his own? Or did he think that I would able to help him with those?
I decided to clarify that with him upon our meeting. At worst, I’ll keep 55,000 and just seek Teacher’s help with the remaining 10,000.
I reached the hotel and I immediately went to the receptionist.
Checking in, sir?
a service staff greeted.
Yes, A418,
I replied.
The staff pressed a few keys on his phone.
Your room is ready. Are you Mr. Li DanFC?
I shook my head.
Then you’re his guest, Mister Gou Dan?
I nodded.
I’ll bring you up. You have a really unique name by the way. It seems that Mr. Li DanFC is a rich man. He’s booked our presidential suite for you,
the staff informed me with a smile.
Goosebumps rose when I heard his words.
Presidential suite? How much is it?
A chill ran down my spine as I thought about how Teacher had expected him to be a poor man.
I was wondering if I have been pranked.
12,000 a day and he’s already paid a week’s deposit. Looks like you’re a very important guest of his,
the staff continued.
A week? A huge rock dropped in my stomach. What is going on?
We arrived at A418 and the staff unlocked the door by swiping a card on the panel beside it.
This is your card, sir. You can enter and exit as you like, but the master bedroom is prohibited.
I took it and looked it over.
The card was made from a glass-like material and had a layer of shell-like metal covering it.
‘Guest Room’ was engraved on the card. It looked extremely classy.
I entered the suite and the sight that immediately greeted me was of a huge hall.
Never in my life had I seen such stylish interior decoration.
I’ll leave you to rest, sir. We are on duty 24/7 so feel free to give our reception a call if you have a problem. Your expenses will be charged to the deposit. Have a great stay,
the staff said before exiting and closing the door behind him.
Is this guy rich?
I wondered aloud, scratching my head. Perhaps he had a unique taste and was fond of my surname? If that was the case, 65,000 would be too good a deal for him, wouldn’t it?
I explored the suite and, indeed, the card given to me could unlock every door except the one to the master bedroom.
I entered the guest room and plopped down on the big bed. I have never been in such a comfortable bed like this before. It felt as though I was lying on clouds.
Of course, I don’t literally
know what it feels like to be on clouds, but I would think it was similar to lying on this fluffy bed.
Because I had been awoken by Teacher’s call early in the morning, I was tired and I was finding it impossible to get up from this bed. Instead, I fell asleep shortly after settling down.
When I opened my eyes, I saw a couple standing at the foot of the bed.
I scrambled to sit up.
Who are you guys?
You’re Gou Dan, right?
the man asked, smiling.
I looked them over and figured that they were a married couple.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a big man in a suit standing outside the door.
Sorry! I hope we haven’t startled you! You’re Gou Dan, right?
he repeated.
And you’re Li DanFC? You want my surname?
I asked nervously.
