I'll admit I'm the sort of guy that likes his own space, maybe a little more than the average mortal. Makes my communication skills a little on the weak side. I don't always know what to say to others and if I do I accidentally end up making things awkward. Pretty certain that everyone has gone through a moment like that. But this right now? This is worse. Slithering alongside a kung fu master like its a normal thing, mouth dry as a bone. I'm kind of at a loss here. What do I even say? Someone like this probably expects nothing but the highest respect-
"What brings you over to our village?" The viper asked suddenly out of the blue. I looked over to see her polite yet curious smile. "You clearly seemed to be quite invested in trying to reach the valley."
I returned the smile as best I could, hoping I looked normal doing so. "I have an interview for a new job opening."
"A new job opening? Well then I wish you the best of luck in achieving it. What kind of job if you don't mind me asking?"
"It's a small role as an assistant chef."
"Assistant chef? That certainly sounds..." She paused as she tried to think of the right word. "Ambitious! Do you have a lot of experience working with food?"
"Well... I have spent a fair bit of time cooking for my family if that helps."
Note to self, try sounding more confident before the interview. If I gave an answer like that I doubt the owner would be impressed.
"Oh." The kung fu masters smile dropped a little, most likely expecting a better answer. "Well it's the thought that counts. That's what matters right?"
"Right."
Silence followed quickly after. Guess I kind of killed the mood a little didn't I? Oh! I just realized I never asked her name did I? I mean, yeah the Crane called her Viper earlier but come on there's no way her actual name is just Viper surely? He probably just called her that due to the bandits still being around to be safe, like a code name. No harm in asking I suppose.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I asked your name? That's rather rude of me!"
"Oh don't worry it's alright, better to ask later than not at all. Most villagers here refer to me as Master Viper but if I'm being honest I prefer just my original name."
"I can understand that. What is your original name?"
"Viper."
...
...
...
"Viper? Just... Viper?"
"Just Viper."
...
...
"There's not like, a last name or... something extra?"
"Nope." She smiled cheerfully to my dumbfounded expression.
"Oh. That's very... um..." (Don't be rude, don't be rude!) "Unique."
"Thank you. May I ask of your name too?"
"Of course. I'm Jahmil Gin."
"Jahmil. Well it's very nice to properly meet you." She greeted with a bow. One I felt was only right to return.
"Thank you! It is very nice to meet you too."
Her attention was soon drawn as she looked directly ahead. "Ah, well it seems this is it."
I followed her gaze to find that we were now standing directly in front of what must have been the Valley of Peace. Several rows of houses both business and personal stood alongside each other separated by large open pathways (Why couldn't they have had those in the bamboo forest, hm?) and a bridge in the far distance where a river cut through the middle of the valley. Not to mention an enormous mountain that stood over the entire town. Looking closely you could even see a small grouping of buildings as well as what seemed to be a temple of no doubt great importance. Maybe somewhere to go where villagers prayed to the Gods? I'm sure I'd find out eventually. For now though, I'd better find that restaurant.
"Ah excellent!" I exclaimed. "Thank you for your help Vi- Uh, MASTER Viper."
"You are most welcome. Now if you'll excuse me I must inform my master that the bandit situation has been pacified. Do you need anything more before I carry out the rest of my duties?"
"No not at all. Wouldn't want to keep you from your duty. I can find my way around from here."
"Very well. Then I wish you luck with your interview." She slithered forth through the village, pausing for a moment before looking back. "And welcome to the Valley of Peace." She offered with a proud grin before properly leaving me to my own devices.
Speaking of, let's have another look at that flyer. Should be in this sack somewhere... Ah! Here we go! Okay so it looks like the place I'm supposed to go is... just down the main street and then somewhere to my right! Excellent! At least I don't have to worry about losing my way. Wonder if I should make my acquaintance now, show that I made it nice and early. That's something that would be appreciated I bet.
Also I have to say, slithering down this street right now, it's not that surprising why this place is called the Valley of Peace given how ... peaceful it looks. Might have something to do with the early morning sun shining down illuminating the land but yeah, it's really nice seeing the people go about their day. Heck I've only been here a few minutes and someone's already waving at me like they know me! The cobblestone roads are rather damn clean too, unlike the cracked spat on messes you get in the city. This village certainly has pride.
As nice as this place is though, I'll have to go sight seeing another time. Remember why you're here Jahmil! Job first, tourism later!
Thankfully as predicted it took only a minute or two to get to my destination. Kind of ecstatic to be here after thinking I was going to show up late. The place looked rather nice. Hygienic. There was an archway that served as the only way in at the front that led into a small open courtyard fitting about maybe twelve tables, and at the back of it was the kitchen stored within a two story building that took up the entire back end of the shop. At least I'm assuming it's the kitchen since the place isn't even open yet and the blinds are down, but this is definitely the place!
Suppose I'm better off waiting until they open up. Tempting to just curl up and sit down but that's a risk in and of itself. Keep in mind that I've been up for a good long while just to get here, and the last thing I need is to accidentally fall asleep at the last hurdle. THAT would be extremely embarrassing! Maybe if I just sat at that table in the corner out of the way, head up back arched I'll be fine. Okay, up we go... and... Oh wow, this chair is actually quite comfy! The soft material coating this seat has is really... very... ... nice... ...
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TWO HOURS LATER...
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*Yawn* Ah...! That felt great! I really needed that! Okay now what was it... I...?
...
...
!
SHIT!
Oh Gods Oh Gods Oh Gods! No! Please don't tell me I fell asleep! Jahmil you stupid idiot! You were right there! You had that job in your tail and you messed up you dumbass!
The owner didn't see me did he?! Oh who am I kidding, how could he not have!? The blinds are now open I can't help but notice! Place is still closed it seems since no-one else is here but right now, I don't think I could feel any worse off! Okayokayokay, calm down! Maybe there's still a chance! Maybe if I knock on the door, explain myself he'll understand and we can have a good old laugh about it and he hands me the job! That can happen, right? Maybe...?
The door was within reaching distance.
Well I don't think I can head back now... Okay. Deep breath, just relax... everything will work out if it's supposed to, just like you were taught.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK*
The twenty two seconds I had to wait for an answer felt like agony, as though I was already rejected. But minor relief washed over me when the door did open and I found myself face to face with the owner! Indeed it was the goose that had given me the chance to be interviewed. He was a middle aged grey fellow with a stern look and a hat that had been fashioned to look like a bowl of noodles. It was quite amazing craftmanship. My head hovered eight inches higher than his and he looked up, staring at me no, looking over me. Judging me. It was a little concerning until he finally decided to speak.
"Here for the job huh?" He demanded with a no nonsense tone. I felt like sweating under his glare.
"Yes sir! Yes I am." I weakly smiled.
He glared a little longer. I felt the cracks in my expression starting to crumble.
Then, like two sides of the same coin he smiled! "Good good! I mean you're here a little early but that's a good sign! The earlier you are the sooner you can be put to work!"
"I know I'm so sorry! I didn't-"
...
"Did... you say early?"
"Of course! A whole day early! Not bad for someone who lives so far away! I assumed that was you basking in the corner, you know being a reptile and all, waiting for the place to open."
"Basking? ... I mean yes! Of course, basking! That's exactly what I was doing! Nothing else hehe...!" Hold on, I could have sworn that the flyer showed three vertical lines instead of two for the date! Don't tell me I've somehow misread! I'll need to take another look once I've finished up here!
"Well then, since you're here let's begin! Just take a seat and I'll be out in a second."
With that the goose waddled back indoors and I did exactly as asked and took up at the nearest table. Taking a quick glance up at the sun it was good to see that it was still early morning. Can't have been asleep for too long then thank heavens for that. As he said, the goose was back out almost right away, this time with a rather small notebook grasped in his wing and a small paintbrush. They looked like they were mainly used to write down orders for customers, and now they were going to be used for my processing.
Alright Jahmil. You've been given a second chance here so take this seriously! Remember every possible question that your parents and sister spent hours practicing with you and the lengthy detailed answers you perfected! All of it comes down to this!
The goose licked the tip of his wing and used it to flip over the page before asking. "Name?"
"Jahmil Gin." I answered politely.
"Tell me Mr. Gin. Do you like noodles?"
"Yes sir I do." My response came without fault, bit of a weird question but hey, if it helps me get one step closer it helps.
The goose (Man I really should have asked his name! Hope that's not going to be an ongoing habit with me now) wrote the answer down, nodding briefly in satisfaction before looking me in the eye once more. Three seconds came and went before he decided to ask the next ques-
"Congratulations you're hired!"
Wait what?
What jus- Hold on! I- Just- HUH?!
"Wait. That was it? That's the interview? Like, the WHOLE interview!?"
"Mhm. Welcome to Mr. Pings Noodle Shop!"
...
Are all jobs this easy to get or am I just the luckiest idiot in the history of the universe?
I was beaming. "Wow! That is... thank you sir! I won't let you down!"
He waved the enthusiasm off. "Yes yes alright you're welcome. Now your room is up the stairs, furthest door on the left. I haven't had time to clean it out so that will be your job. You'll begin work on the evening shift which should be an easy start where you'll also receive your uniform. Any questions?"
"No sir. None."
"Good. I'll leave you to get settled in."
And with that, in a span of two minutes I had gone from unemployed to employed just like that. Yeah, I can't believe it either! Wasting no time I took my very light luggage and made my way up the bamboo ladder to... what seemed like a childs bedroom? Ah whatever, I'm too happy to care right now! With that I settled down on the bed and had the best sleep I've had in the last three days.