Chapter 21 The Old Man Who Plays Chess (2/2)
The workshop was largely coloured in black and white, and there was a second floor.
The first floor was the working area, and it was a fairly spacious area. There were a number of vehicle platforms and workbenches equipped with various tools and machinery. Han Xiao could tell from the blemishes on the workbenches that they were relatively old. There was also quite a number of metal shelves lined up against the wall that were stacked with all sorts of metals and spare parts.
”My name is Lu Qian. I'm the boss here. You can call me Sister Qian,” introduced the woman.
”Sister Qian,” Han Xiao greeted. He then inquired, ”I wish to take up apprenticeship here. Are there any requirements?”
”Tell me your situation,” replied Lu Qian. Her first impression of Han Xiao was quite favorable. She particularly liked the dead look in his eyes—they made Han Xiao look like he was a bum.
He will probably be content with a low wage, she thought to herself.
”I come from afar. My name is Han Xiao. I'm 21 years old, and I have some basic mechanic skills. You can call me Technician Han.”
Technician Han? A puzzled look appeared on Lu Qian's face.
”From afar... meaning you're not a student of the Western Capital School?”
The Western Capital School was an elite school that only a select few could enroll in. It followed a special syllabus based on the knowledge given to Aquamarine by the galactic civilization. There, students were taught Pugilist and Mechanic knowledge. Many of its graduates went on to become important figures in Stardragon.
However, as less than 1 in 10,000 people possessed superpowers, having guidance did not make it easier to awaken them.
”I've only learnt some basic Mechanic theory,” Han Xiao replied humbly.
”That's a pity...” bemoaned Lu Qian.
”Sorry, I didn't mean it that way,” she hastily added.
”It's fine.”
”Anyway, I still need to test you. I do need a helper, but you will have to meet my criteria first.”
Lu Qian went to fetch a faulty household appliance back to test Han Xiao. Before Han Xiao could begin, the shorter old man at the chess board suddenly spoke. ”Kid, why did you come here?”
Lu Qian frowned in puzzlement. Wasn't it just to find work?
Han Xiao looked at the old man and replied, ”I'm just looking for a job.”
For some reason, his reply upset the old man, and he flipped the chessboard.
”I am the owner of this shop. Pass my test, and I will allow you to stay.”
”Oi, Old Man Lu, you're being a sore loser again,” erupted the tall old man.
”I have something important to do,” stated Old Man Lu matter-of-factly.
”Shameless,” replied the tall old man exasperatedly.