"Our bookstore employees don't have a specific division of labor. The work they need to do each day depends on the day's schedule."

Qing Chuanyu led Xiangzi to walk among the bookshelves that were lined up everywhere. The number of books here and the complete variety of them made Xiangzi amazed again after seeing them in person.

She had just seen several books on composition and performance that she had always wanted to read. She had put them aside because of her busy studies when she was at Toyokawa's house, but she could buy them here later.

After all, one of the important reasons why I was attracted to this job was that I could buy books here at a low price and was allowed to study during my free time at work.

This part-time job at Qingchuan Bookstore will be a very good stepping stone, which can relieve financial pressure and pave the way for my future.

"Confirming new books when they arrive, sorting and arranging them, guiding customers to find the books they need, and even cleaning... although it seems like a lot of work, these tasks actually have their own cycles. During the really busy times, these tasks only come together once every one or two weeks."

Qing Chuanyu took Xiangzi on a tour of the bookstore and gave him a general understanding of things like where new books were temporarily placed and counted, the store's layout and design, and how the books were specifically classified and placed.

Qing Chuanyu was also very pleased with Xiangzi's performance. Xiangzi was a very fast learner. Almost as soon as she heard the instructions for how to arrange books, she could immediately put them into practice and basically tell which shelf to put the books she had chosen. She was also very careful and conscientious, and could accurately confirm the availability and price of books in the bookstore order. She even had a very good aesthetic sense and provided Qing Chuanyu with many bookstore decoration ideas that touched her heart...

"Xiao Xiangzi, oh no, Ms. Toyokawa Xiangzi, please accept this job."

"Miss Yu, you've gone too far." Xiangzi said this modestly, but the smile on her face showed that she was quite confident that she could successfully pass the interview.

Qingchuan Xiang, who was sitting on a lazy chair behind the cashier, holding a cup of water and reading a book, looked at the two people who had already walked around the bookstore and then circled back:

"It seems like the interview results are out already?"

"Hehe, Xiao Xiangzi is much more capable than you, Xiangni. In my opinion, you still need to practice your work skills in the bookstore."

"You're just thinking about grabbing your sister's labor." Qingchuan Xiang rolled his eyes, "Don't just tell others about the work, don't forget the benefits."

Speaking of welfare, Xiangzi began to feel a little excited.

"For this job, the hourly wage is 1400 yen, and you can pay it daily according to your needs." Qingchuan Yu first mentioned the salary, which was what Xiangzi was most concerned about. Although Qingchuan Xiang had told him before, he still felt a sigh of relief when he heard this number.

"Other benefits, such as being able to buy books at wholesale prices in our bookstore, should have been told to you by Xiaoxiang."

Qing Chuanyu looked at his watch. It was almost noon and all the guests in the bookstore had left. There shouldn't be any new guests for the time being.

"Since it happens to be this time, there is another benefit. Why don't you go and experience it yourself now, Xiao Xiangzi?"

Qing Chuanyu grabbed a sign from behind the cashier. It said: Tea time. If you need anything, please go to the next store to find someone.

Next door? If Xiangzi remembered correctly, it should be a coffee shop.

Qingchuan Xiang jumped up directly and left the lazy chair. Looking at her impatient look, Xiangzi could roughly guess what was going on.

"Could it be that the shop next door is also opened by Miss Yu?"

This time, it was Qingchuan Xiang who interrupted, "Hehe, although it's nominally my sister's shop because I'm still underage, I'm the actual owner."

As expected, what made Xiang so happy was indeed the drink mixing.

Looking at Qingchuan Xiang's excited expression, Xiangzi couldn't help but start to look forward to what he would be able to drink later.

Chapter 13 Bartender's Preparation

Qingchuan Xiang asked Xiangzi to follow Qingchuan Yu out of the main entrance of the bookstore and go to the coffee shop next to it. He then mysteriously opened a door behind the cash register, said "See you later" and went in.

The doorman's position should be connected to the backstage of the coffee shop next door, right?

"Then let's go too." After watching Qingchuan Xiang happily walk in, Qingchuan Yu took Xiangzi out of the bookstore. Just by turning around, they could see the sign of the coffee shop next door: VA-11 HALL-A.

What a strange name.

As if Qing Chuanyu had anticipated that this name would confuse Xiangzi, he took the initiative to explain, "It's pronounced Valhalla. It's the name of a bar in a game that Xiaoxiang really likes."

"I see." Xiangzi nodded. She really didn't understand much about games.

As soon as Xiangzi pushed open the door of VA-11 HALL-A and entered, he felt a strong sense of déjà vu, and soon Xiangzi remembered where he had seen a store with a similar style and atmosphere.

It's simply an enlarged replica of Qingchuan Xiang's room that I had seen before.

There are decorations with flowing water elements everywhere, lampshades with wave patterns, paintings with sea and lake themes hanging on the walls, and the music in the store, including the background music, also has the soothing sound of waves.

The biggest feature is that the bar itself is converted from a huge water tank. Facing the customers is transparent glass, through which you can see the flowing water, as well as various water plants and fake corals as decorations.

It can be said that it has the style of Qingchuan Xiang.

"Gui'an, Miss Yu, and this cute little sister." At this time, there was a young girl who looked like a high school student behind the bar. She was wearing a very classic black and white uniform that reminded people of the stereotype of a bartender.

——If you look closely, it looks very similar to the combination of white shirt and dark vest that Qingchuan Xiang usually wears, except that this uniform is much more refined.

It would be better to say that the clothing combination that Qingchuan Xiang had always liked to wear was an imitation of the bartender's uniform?

"The shop owner just went into the lounge at the back. She should be changing clothes there."

The shop owner must be Qingchuan Xiang, right? He even changed his clothes just to mix the drinks.

"Thanks, Izumo." Qingchuan Yu greeted the clerk skillfully, "This is our new employee."

"Hello, Miss Izumo, please just call me Xiangzi."

Xiangzi also introduced herself, feeling a little concerned about the other party's initial greeting of "Hello", which was a very young lady-like greeting. Could it be that the other party was from Yuezhisen High School?

Xiangzi was subconsciously a little nervous, but soon relaxed. After all, the high school students probably didn't know him, a recent graduate of junior high school.

"Let's sit down for a while. Xiaoxiang will probably need some time." Qing Chuanyu took Xiangzi to sit at the bar. "She's very particular about the rituals when it comes to mixing drinks, so it will take some time."

Xiangzi was deeply moved by this statement: "Xiang really feels like a different person when mixing drinks. The kind of love and happiness that can be clearly felt by people."

"Xiao Xiangzi is quite familiar with my little sister."

"No, I'm a little embarrassed to say this. Although I've known Xiang for about a month, it's only been a day that I've truly gotten to know her."

"Really? So, Xiao Xiangzi, what do you think of Xiang?"

"Eh? What do you mean?"

Xiangzi was stunned for a moment. This question sounded as if Miss Yu thought he and Qingchuan Xiang were in a relationship, so she came to ask for clearance.

"What kind of person do you think Xiaoxiang is? Is she easy to get along with? I'm really worried about whether Xiaoxiang can make friends normally."

Xiangzi carefully recalled the time he spent with Qingchuan Xiang, but in fact, the only thing that could be said to have left a deep impression on him seemed to be that rainy day.

"Free and somewhat unrestrained... Although it may be a little strange, Qingchuan Xiang is usually as unfocused as he is today, but these two words are probably the ones that gave me the most profound impression."

Qing Chuanyu was a little surprised, then revealed a somewhat relieved smile: "Is that so...

What Qingchuanyu was most worried about about his younger sister was not her lack of emotional cognition, but that Qingchuanxiang became restricted because of this lack.

Because he wanted to fit in with the interpersonal relationships around him, he forced himself to imitate the so-called normal people in a way that shocked the whole family at the time.

In fact, Qingchuan Xiang did it. Her strong observation and reasoning ability allowed her to act in a way that made the other person feel most comfortable in front of different people. However, this also concealed her personality.

Free, spontaneous, full of passionate romanticism, and at the same time very approachable, Qingchuanxiang is as charming as the clear water flowing freely.

And now someone can actually see this side of Qingchuan Xiang. No matter what the reason is, whether Qingchuan Xiang takes the initiative to show it or the other party is keen enough to realize Xiang's true nature, it is a good thing.

"Tap tap." A series of sounds of heels hitting the ground came from behind the bar, interrupting the conversation between the two. Following the sound came Qingchuan Xiang, who had changed his clothes.

The base is still a white shirt, but it is not as loose as the previous daily style. It is obviously tightened at the waist, making Qingchuan Xiang's slender body curve more clearly highlighted. The cuffs at the wrists are neatly rolled up to better show the hands and wrists.

A dark blue vest was worn over it, with a row of light gold buckles in the middle, like small islands dotted in the deep blue sea, also tightly cinching the waistline. A bright red tie was tucked between the shirt and vest, tied at the collar, making this young bartender look even more formal and serious.

She changed into a pair of light grey trousers, which were also very close fitting, forming a clear layering effect with the dark vest on the upper body. It allowed people to intuitively feel Qingchuan Xiang's leg-to-body ratio which was close to the golden ratio. Although she was not tall, she looked tall.

The low-heeled leather shoes on his feet also explained the source of the earlier "tapping" sound. The uppers were polished clean and bright, and every step he took was elegant and calm.

Even her hairstyle has changed. Her hair, which was originally tied up in a bun, has been re-braided into a refreshing low ponytail. Just this small change makes Qingchuan Xiang look completely different.

Just like a real professional bartender. This was Xiangzi's first impression.

The second feeling is that it is quite beautiful.

Qingchuan Xiang's clean appearance, which originally gave people a cold feeling, was further enhanced with a sense of restraint after she put on this slim black and white outfit. But in fact, Qingchuan Xiang always had a friendly smile on her face.

It is this contrast that pulls at every guest's heart, wanting to get to know her better, but at the same time being kept away by the vague sense of distance.

"How do you feel?" Qingchuan Xiang leaned on the bar with his hands.

"It looks great. Xiang is very suitable for this kind of clothes. Not only does it look good, but it also matches her temperament."

Qingchuan Xiang was quite proud of getting the answer he wanted, but suddenly sighed: "It's a pity that even though it's a bartender's outfit, it can only be used to open a coffee shop."

"After all, selling alcohol requires an additional license, and I wouldn't dare leave the bar to you before you come of age." Qingchuan Yu reached out and knocked on Qingchuan Xiang's head. "I still remember what you did last time after I let you drink just a sip of beer."

"cut……"

Although Qingchuanyu didn't say it out loud, Xiangzi had already guessed it. Qingchuanxiang used to get a little "drunk" after drinking too much tea, and she also said that she was looking for a source of water that could bring her a sense of freshness. Now minors are not allowed to drink alcohol. If Qingchuanxiang really touched alcohol, she would probably go crazy.

To be honest, Xiangzi was quite curious.

Chapter 14: Drinking canned drinks is prohibited within 3 meters of the bar!

“Mix a drink and change your life.”

Qingchuan Xiang stood straight and upright behind the bar and said something very solemnly.

Before Xiangzi could ask what this meant, Qing Chuanyu, who was sitting next to him, had already teased:

"Do you have to recite this line every time you come here?"

"It's a sense of ritual." Qingchuan Xiang replied to her sister in a bad mood, "People like you who only know how to guzzle anything you drink won't understand.

"Making a drink isn't just about mixing ingredients and throwing it to the customer. Creating a great atmosphere at the bar is crucial! From a comfortable environment, stylish attire, to a satisfying drink...

"And this line is where it all started!"

When it comes to the subject of drink mixing, Qingchuan Xiang starts to talk about it. At this time, Qingchuan Xiang always shows considerable enthusiasm and a certain romantic persistence.

Xiangzi also understood Qingchuan Xiang's persistence. For Xiangzi, her greatest love was the piano. Even though Xiangzi had no conditions to play it now, sometimes her hands would unconsciously fly in the air, recreating the movements of playing the piano.

"Xiang is really dedicated to mixing drinks." Looking at the enthusiastic Qingchuan Xiang, Xiangzi said this with some empathy.

"Yeah, I can't learn the professionalism of a small shop owner at all." Ms. Izumo, who helps run the coffee shop, also agreed.

"Izumo is already amazing. Other coffee shop employees are still only willing to make drinks made with quick stuff like milk tea powder."

Qingchuan Yu interrupted and praised Izumo, but Qingchuan Xiang put his hands on his hips and said, "Huh, as a drink mixologist, Izumo still has a lot to learn."

"There you are, you're showing off as soon as you stand behind the bar. Aren't you showing off your usual modesty and politeness?" Qing Chuanyu pointed at Qing Chuanxiang without any hesitation.

“I think I’ve managed to maintain the humility and courtesy that comes with being a bartender.”

Xiangzi found the two sisters joking with each other very interesting. His tense state of mind due to the job interview also relaxed. At this time, he smiled and gave Qingchuan Xiang a stab:

"He's clearly using his sister's shop, yet he's quite adept at calling himself the owner."

"Well - when I come of age, I will take this man's place. This kingdom was built for me..." Qingchuan Xiang covered his chest with his slightly exaggerated hands, pretending to be heartbroken.

"I didn't expect that in just a short time, Xiangzi would switch sides with my sister. How unfortunate."

"Haha." Xiangzi chuckled softly, covering his mouth and laughing, amused by Qingchuan Xiang's serious and funny look. "It can be regarded as... a counterattack against your blunt words to me the other day."

When Qingchuan Xiang saw Xiangzi laughing, he immediately put on his serious look again. The speed of his expression changed even amazed Xiangzi.

"You see, this is the effect of the atmosphere. Xiangzi is obviously much more relaxed now than before."

"That's not a good atmosphere at all! I think you're just being unreasonable and trying to make little Xiangzi laugh." Qing Chuanyu sarcastically complained, but then he said to Xiangzi gently, "But Xiangzi was a bit arrogant before. Now that he's relaxed, it seems more natural."

Xiangzi tucked the hair behind his ears, feeling a little embarrassed: "After all, I'm here for a job interview today, so I should act more formally."

"A bad guy like me wouldn't care about these things at all." While they were talking, a few cocktail-making tools that Xiangzi thought were very classic appeared on the table, and Qingchuan Xiang started wiping the cups without knowing when.

Bartender Stereotype +1

"Xiangzi, you can relax a little. Neither Sister Yu nor the shop owner cares much about these etiquettes." Even Miss Izumo gave the same advice.

"Hehe, please don't confuse me with my sister." Qingchuan Xiang had just said this when he saw his sister grabbing a shaker that she loved very much and holding it hostage. He immediately changed the subject and said:

"You know, I've always respected Miss Qingchuanyu. How can I be compared with her... I was wrong. Put down my shaker."

This time Xiangzi finally couldn't help it and laughed out loud, as clear as a silver bell, and her white dress trembled slightly.

"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at Xiang. I was just a little surprised. Is Xiang like this in front of her sister?"

Looking at Xiangzi who was able to relax and laugh in front of outsiders, Qingchuan Xiang blinked, very happy that Xiangzi could let down some of his guard so quickly.

Then it makes sense for me to dress up in this funny way.

I have to thank my sister for her active cooperation. I guess she had already seen through my thoughts.

"Okay, we've been chatting for so long in this hot weather, it's time to quench our thirst with some drinks." Qingchuan Xiang pointed to the drink menu hanging on the wall next to the bar, "Come and see what you'd like to drink. If you'd like something different, you can make a request yourself."

Speaking of this, Qingchuan Xiang also confidently straightened her chest - under the effect of the clothes with obvious slimming effect, it can be seen that she also has a very cute curve:

"Special blends made to meet customer requests are also a must-try part of the drink mix."

"Then I want a can of Sprite." Qing Chuanyu was the first to order.

"ha--?"

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