1351 Wisdom (1/2)
The next morning.
Zhang Zian hoped that the weather forecast, which had been getting increasingly accurate, would trip up for once. However, the power of nature was not dictated by the will of the individual. When he woke up in the morning and opened the curtains, he looked outside at the sky. The heavens had pulled open the veils holding raindrops. Passing pedestrians were holding colorful umbrellas, like a bunch of moving mushrooms.
It had, indeed, started to rain.
Even if he didn't consider the outbreak of caterpillars, the rain would have a negative impact on the business of the pet shop and aquarium. No one was willing to go shopping during rainy days. Thus, the staff could happily play on their phones.
There was, unfortunately, no way around this. Even if he knew that there was no business, he should open the business as usual. This was a matter of professional ethics. It was just like Pi, knowing that no one would read his novel but still updating it every day.
The staff arrived on time with umbrellas over their heads. They started the daily cleaning of the store. After they had finished, they found a place to rest.
Zhang Zian leaned by the doorway and looked at the pedestrians passing by. He started thinking about the caterpillar problem.
Sun Xiaomeng drove past slowly in her car, winding down the window and making a gesture to him. What she meant was, ”It is the end of the month. The money for vaccinating the injured stray cats is due, so please transfer it to me. I am waiting to pay my nurses their salaries.”
Zhang Zian yawned and pretended not to see it. After all, with the money sitting in the bank for a few extra days, he could earn a few extra dollars in interest...
Due to the bad weather—or perhaps because it was the day for college final examinations—the freelance actor who passed by the store every morning was not to be seen.
The Swallowtail larva at the entrance of the shop had not changed its position for several days. At this time, the dust outside the store was being washed away by the rain and fog. It could now be seen clearly, and it was very green.
”Mr. Store Manager, good morning!”
It was Little Celery, wearing a translucent child's raincoat. She had reached the store on time.
”Good morning, Little Celery. Do you want to come into the store to avoid the rain? There is a towel you can use to wipe your face.” Zhang Zian saw her little face stained with rain droplets and invited her into the store.
Little Celery wanted to visit the hamsters and lop-eared rabbits. However, she shook her head and wiped the rain off her face with her hands. She said, ”No, today is the final exam. I have to hurry and do some last-minute prep.”
”Oh, the final exam... Little Celery must have prepared very well for the exam and is taking it seriously.”
Zhang Zian suddenly realized that in the blink of an eye, they had already reached the end of June. The students would have a break after they finished the test. Because of that, he would not be able to see Little Celery here in his store every morning.
”Well! I hope that the prepared article about the caterpillars can be used in the language test,” she said with a nervous look.
”It doesn't matter if you can't use it. In the process of carefully preparing the article, your ability to write has also improved. The store manager believes that you can do well,” he encouraged her.
”Okay! Alright, I will leave now. Mr. Store Manager, goodbye!” Little Celery waved, ran a few steps, stopped, and said, ”Oh, yes, the teachers asked me to thank you!”
”It is alright! Go on now to school, and be careful on the road.”
Zhang Zian wanted to say that the thanks were not necessary. However, if any of the teachers knew a young, beautiful girl, it would be good for them to introduce him to her...
Little Celery was now very far away. Her figure disappeared in the direction of Zhonghua Road Primary School, and he was still where he'd stopped, leaning by the doorway in a daze.
Vladimir soon appeared next to him, sitting by the door and staring thoughtfully at the rain.