Chapter 49: The Assistant to the Northern Teacher

Fangyu City, First Hospital.

“Dad, don’t worry. Even though I didn’t get first place in the preliminary round of the Star-Moon Cup this time, he’s willing to lend me money. He’s my friend,” Chang Yue said softly.

“Yue’er, I’m sorry you have to go through this. Since someone is lending us money, you must repay them in the future,” the pale-faced middle-aged man on the hospital bed replied.

“I understand. Mom, take good care of Dad. I still have something to do,” Chang Yue said with a gentle smile.

“Don’t worry about us. I’m here with your father, and this money is more than enough,” the middle-aged woman sitting in the chair nodded.

“Dad, get some rest. I’ll visit you again next time. Don’t be reluctant to spend money, and don’t worry about the farm work,” Chang Yue stood up and gave some last instructions before heading out the door.

...

Yun Xuan stood in the corridor, watching it all unfold.

Chang Yue’s parents were genuine, ordinary people, living in the mountains on the outskirts of Fangyu City.

Just like the world he once knew, ordinary people made up the majority.

As for Chang Yue’s father’s illness, Yun Xuan didn’t know the specifics. He had paid the hospital fees, and given the rest to Chang Yue.

“Let’s go,” Chang Yue said quietly as she stepped outside.

Yun Xuan was taken aback, sensing something was off.

Once outside the hospital, Chang Yue walked to a hotel nearby and stopped.

“This is my first time... I just hope you’ll be gentle,” Chang Yue lowered her head, tears falling to the ground.

Yun Xuan was speechless.

If he didn’t understand now, he’d have to hit his head against a wall. Clearly, Chang Yue had misunderstood his intentions.

“I’m not after you, but your talent. I think I need to clarify things. Don’t cry, let’s go to the coffee shop next door. I’ll explain the work,” Yun Xuan said with a wry smile.

...

Inside the coffee shop, Chang Yue’s face was flushed red. Did she really get it wrong?

She was confident in her looks—she might not compare to the heiresses of the Art Academy, but she had plenty of admirers herself.

“Before we talk about work, to put your mind at ease, take a look at this. These are all my friends, any of whom I could potentially date. I won’t deny I have some playboy tendencies, but I’m telling you the truth,” Yun Xuan said, pulling out his phone and showing her photos of himself with Yun Xun’er and others at the Culinary Academy.

“They’re all so beautiful…” Chang Yue exclaimed in surprise.

“That’s why, to be honest, I couldn’t possibly like you based on looks alone. Even if it sounds harsh, I hope our relationship is strictly professional,” Yun Xuan said earnestly.

“Thank you, I understand,” Chang Yue breathed a sigh of relief, finding his sincerity reassuring.

She wasn’t complicated or prone to overthinking, and Yun Xuan’s straightforwardness made her feel at ease.

“Now, let’s talk about your job, and please, try not to be too surprised.” Yun Xuan opened his public account.

Chang Yue nearly gasped when she saw it, quickly covering her mouth.

“You’re an art student, and your style leans toward anime. I’ve decided to have you join the Bei Fang Sauce webcomic team as my assistant. Your job will be to design backgrounds and help brainstorm the story—I’ll handle the characters. You can choose a pen name, and when we publish, you’ll debut as my assistant,” Yun Xuan said with a smile.

“What?” Chang Yue’s eyes widened. To debut as Teacher Bei Fang’s assistant?

Didn’t that mean that as long as her future original works weren’t terrible, she’d gain some popularity through Teacher Bei Fang?

“Also, your salary will be five thousand yuan a month, just for working weekends and holidays. Even if you’re still in school, it’s still five thousand a month, as long as you complete your tasks. Work for me for three years, and you don’t have to repay the hundred thousand. You’ll still get paid, and if you stay on after three years, I can let you draw Bei Fang Sauce doujinshi, maybe even give you a project to run—though you’d need to share thirty percent of the profits,” Yun Xuan presented her with a huge opportunity.

In Fangyu City, where the average income was less than three thousand, five thousand a month for just weekends and holidays—sixty thousand a year—was a dream come true for an art student from the mountains like Chang Yue.

What’s more, she wouldn’t have to repay the hundred thousand, and after three years, she could get her own project or draw official doujinshi for Bei Fang Sauce!

Bei Fang Sauce was the most valuable meme right now. In three years, its popularity was bound to explode. The success of the Bei Fang Sauce comic would definitely rival that of a top-tier manga artist!

If she really got the chance to draw Bei Fang Sauce doujinshi, its value would be immeasurable.

“Can I really do it?” Chang Yue’s heart raced. Now, the only thing she cared about was whether she was up to the job.

“Of course you can. I’m a rookie manga artist myself, and the post-production will be handled by QQ Company,” Yun Xuan reassured her.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I’m willing to work for you for five to ten years,” Chang Yue said, taking a deep breath.

“As my assistant, you’ll have to work hard,” Yun Xuan said, extending his hand.

“I can handle hardship. No matter how tough it gets, I’ll persevere,” Chang Yue replied, shaking his hand.

...

That afternoon, Yun Xuan and Chang Yue signed a maid contract. He gave her half a million as start-up capital so she could buy a place to use as a studio.

Chang Yue could hardly believe Yun Xuan’s trust, but she kept silent, determined to repay his kindness in the future.

Just after leaving the contract management office with Chang Yue, Qin Zhihua called, asking Yun Xuan to wait for her there.

Helplessly, Yun Xuan had to sign another maid contract.

He also arranged for Chang Yue to get in touch with Qin Zhihua and provided Qin Zhihua with a place to stay.

Only after finishing all this did Yun Xuan head to the restaurant.

...

Inside the newly renovated restaurant.

Yun Xuan gazed at the lavish interior, which could accommodate eighty diners. The atmosphere was elegant, with a space for piano performances.

“By the way, Xiao Xuan, you haven’t named the restaurant yet, have you?” Yun Xun’er suddenly remembered an important detail.

“...No,” Yun Xuan answered awkwardly.

“Then let’s call it Xuanxue Restaurant. What do you think?” Yun Xun’er suggested with a smile.

“Alright, I’ll leave everything to you,” Yun Xuan didn’t dwell on the meaning.

“I’ll take care of the restaurant. You just focus on preparing for the Star-Moon Cup finals in the capital. When you return, I promise you’ll be surprised,” Yun Xun’er said with a gentle laugh.

“I just hope it’s not too much of a shock,” Yun Xuan wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Oh? What do you mean by that? Are you doubting your big sister’s abilities?” Yun Xun’er feigned displeasure.

“No, not at all. You’re amazing, big sister,” Yun Xuan replied, unable to hold back a laugh.

Yun Xun’er laughed as well; it was just a bit of playful banter between them.

Off to the side—

“Yun Xuan’s sister is so gentle,” Sakagami Ginzi said enviously, looking at Yun Xuan.

“Yeah,” Yeshan Yuanting nodded in agreement.

“We should get ready, since the grand opening is tomorrow,” Alice reminded them.

The three of them headed into the kitchen.

(P.S. There’s a surprise in the next chapter, and it’s one of the main storylines. No recommendations next week, sigh, please send recommendation votes.)