34：Interviewing for a Housekeeper

Shen Hao sent private messages to both Lu Jie and Sun Zhenzhen, inviting them to come over at 5 PM. He asked each of them to prepare a signature dish to showcase their cooking skills. Then, he added both women on WeChat and sent them each a 100-yuan red envelope to cover the cost of ingredients. This small gesture reassured them—clearly, Shen Hao wasn't a scammer.

Around 4:50 PM, Lu Jie and Sun Zhenzhen arrived, carrying large bags of ingredients. To Shen Hao's surprise, both women were stunningly attractive—real head-turners.

Sun Zhenzhen was wearing a gray OL (office lady) dress from her hotel job. Her figure was accentuated by the tailored uniform, complemented by sheer black stockings that made her legs look long and slender. She had fair skin, big eyes, delicate eyebrows, and a small mouth—a sophisticated beauty. Shen Hao found it surprising that someone like her would apply for a housekeeping job.

Lu Jie had a small, oval face with delicate features. Her beauty wasn't just a product of filters—she was genuinely attractive. She had black hair tied in a casual high ponytail, wore a simple white T-shirt that hugged her figure, and black cropped pants, giving off a neat, capable vibe.

Though Lu Jie seemed a bit reserved, Sun Zhenzhen broke the ice with a bright smile.

"Hello, boss. I'm Sun Zhenzhen," she greeted warmly.

Shen Hao nodded, amused. "Just call me Shen Hao. Honestly, I didn't expect you two to look like this. You don't seem like the typical housekeeper candidates. Is the housekeeping job market this competitive now?"

Lu Jie quickly explained, "Boss, the wages in small towns are just too low. I used to sell men's clothing at a mall—800 yuan base salary plus commission. After the New Year, business dried up, and I barely made 1,300 yuan a month. Then the mall closed. This housekeeping job is flexible—just cooking two meals a day with decent pay. Plus, I'll have time to pick up my kid from school."

Sun Zhenzhen nodded in agreement. "That's what attracted me too. I used to be a hotel manager making 2,600 yuan a month. Even though the pandemic's over, business hasn't recovered, and I haven't been paid for three months. The hotel's under renovation now, and I haven't worked for half a month. I still don't know when I'll go back. I have a daughter in school, and the financial pressure is huge, so I wanted to give this a shot."

Shen Hao understood. In small towns, many young mothers stay at home to care for their kids, especially with the low wages available. The men who stay either have decent jobs, run businesses, or work in government positions. Most others have to leave town for work.

"Alright, no more small talk," Shen Hao said. "Each of you will make a signature dish. You've got thirty minutes. If I'm satisfied, you'll get the job. If not, I'll still send you 200 yuan as a token for your time."

"Sounds good, boss," both women agreed, clearly satisfied with the arrangement.

They liked the job—and the boss. Shen Hao was tall, handsome, and seemed easygoing. Even if they didn't get hired, walking away with a 200-yuan red envelope wasn't a bad deal.

Cooking Challenge

Both women took the task seriously. Lu Jie was quick and efficient, whether washing vegetables or chopping them. Sun Zhenzhen, however, seemed less confident and even needed to watch cooking tutorials on her phone. But Shen Hao didn't mind—taste was all that mattered.

After about thirty minutes, they finished.

Lu Jie prepared stir-fried pork with chili peppers and a seaweed egg drop soup.

Sun Zhenzhen made scrambled eggs with tomatoes and braised eggplant.

There was also steamed rice to accompany the dishes.

Shen Hao invited them to sit and eat together.

"No need, boss. You eat," they both politely declined.

Good—Shen Hao appreciated their professionalism. If they'd sat down casually, it would've been an instant no. He was hiring a housekeeper, not a guest.

He tasted each dish carefully. The two women watched nervously—this was the moment that would decide their fate.

After a thoughtful pause, Shen Hao announced, "I really like the stir-fried pork and the soup. Congratulations, Lu Jie—you're hired."

Lu Jie's eyes lit up with joy. "Thank you, boss! Thank you so much!"

Sun Zhenzhen's face fell with disappointment, though she'd mentally prepared for this outcome. She wasn't confident in her cooking skills anyway.

"Well, boss, I'll be going now," she said politely.

"Alright," Shen Hao replied. "I've sent you the 200-yuan red envelope. It's yours for coming today."

"Thank you, boss," Sun Zhenzhen replied, leaving with a mix of disappointment and gratitude.

Starting the Job

With just Shen Hao and Lu Jie left in the room, he laid out the details.

"After I finish eating, clean up the place. Today counts as your first paid day. I'll settle your salary on the last day of each month. No deposits required—you can leave anytime, and I'll pay you immediately. Keep all your grocery receipts, and I'll reimburse you.

Your daily tasks are simple: tidy up the house and cook two meals—lunch and dinner. The rest of your time is your own. The agreed salary is 3,500 yuan per month. If you have any requests, feel free to bring them up."

Lu Jie quickly waved her hands. "No requests, boss. This arrangement is perfect."

"Alright," Shen Hao said. "I'll give you an access card for the building and register your fingerprint for the door."

"Thank you, boss," she replied.

After Shen Hao finished eating, Lu Jie cleaned the apartment thoroughly. Once she'd taken out the trash, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Shen Hao—he'd sent her a 200-yuan red envelope.

"This is for the interview, separate from your salary. Just like I gave to Sun Zhenzhen," the message read.

"Thank you, boss!" Lu Jie replied happily.

"Such a generous boss," she thought, feeling reassured that she wouldn't face issues with delayed payments like her previous job at the clothing store, where even a 1,500-yuan salary had been unreliable.

Now, with this new job—just cooking two meals a day and light cleaning—she was earning 3,500 yuan. Plus, she had enough time to care for her child. It was perfect.

Back to Business

After Lu Jie left, Shen Hao activated his space ability, reappearing in his room in Yangguan Town. Everything looked as if he'd just left.

"What would you like to eat later, sir?" asked Song Yongci.

"I'm not hungry. You and Ji Dongge make something for yourselves," Shen Hao replied.

The two women, now familiar with each other, chatted as they prepared dinner—mostly about Shen Hao. Ji Dongge realized that Shen Hao wasn't the ruthless person she'd assumed. He was, as Song Yongci had said, quite easygoing.

About thirty minutes later, Wenren Yiyi arrived—not through the front door, but leaping effortlessly over the two-meter-high wall.

She tossed a wooden box in front of Shen Hao.

"Two thousand taels of gold. Count it if you'd like."

Shen Hao opened the box, weighed it in his hands, and nodded. "The amount's correct. Wait here while I get your wine."

He returned to his room, pulled a bottle of cheap white liquor from his space, and grinned. 38 yuan per bottle, selling it for 46 million. Feels amazing.

Composing himself, he handed the bottle to Wenren Yiyi.

"Here you go—my family's ancestral wine. I almost hate to part with it."

Wenren Yiyi eagerly opened the bottle. A rich aroma filled the room.

"Perfect. This is exactly what I wanted," she said, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Both of them were thoroughly pleased with the deal.