Fragile Phantasy

Part 9

As KC stood in front of the old man store, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Finally, he had found a job. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it was a job nonetheless. Andok, the old man who had hired him, seemed approachable and friendly, and for the first time in a while, KC felt like he had found a place where he belonged.

"Are you looking for a worker?" KC asked the old man with a hint of desperation in his voice.

Andok smiled warmly and replied, "Yes, I need someone to help me hunt for plants, harvest fruits and vegetables, and talk to customers. Are you interested?"

KC hesitated for a moment. He really didn't want to talk to customers, but he knew he didn't have much of a choice. "Can I work for you, sir?" he asked, bowing his head slightly.

Andok nodded, "Yes, if you want, you can start now. Let's keep an eye on the store. It's almost noon, and it's sure to get busy soon."

"Can I ask your name, sir?" KC inquired.

"Just call me Andok. What's your name?" the old man replied, smiling.

"KC," he answered.

Andok motioned for KC to join him in front of the store. As they stood there, the old man exuded an aura of cheerfulness that was contagious. KC found himself starting to relax, feeling like he had finally found a safe haven in this strange city.

But just a few minutes later, as people started coming out of their almost dilapidated houses and pouring into the store, KC began to sweat and feel a little bored. He couldn't help but wonder what he had gotten himself into. But he knew he had to endure this if he wanted to earn enough money to buy the card he so desperately needed.

Andok noticed KC's unease and offered some words of wisdom. "You are too tense. Take it easy in life, everyone could feel as if the sky and the earth fell on you with the weight of your problems. Don't worry about everything," he said, his tone calm and reassuring.

KC didn't respond, but he felt grateful for Andok's kind words. As the day wore on and the store became busier and busier, Andok's cheerful demeanor never faltered. He smiled and talked to customers, making everyone feel welcome and at ease

As KC and Andok sold their goods, the old man's friendly demeanor and low prices drew in a steady stream of customers. "Buy now at a low price, all for you," Andok called out with a smile, his genuine enthusiasm for his products shining through. KC couldn't help but notice that Andok's goods were not only affordable but also of high quality, especially when compared to the other stores in the central capital.

One customer approached Andok, grateful for his affordable prices. "Yes, I'll pay for all of that. Thanks to you, Andok, I can feed my family everyday," the customer said, looking worn out from a hard day's work.

As they were selling, some women flirted with KC, trying to get his attention. "How much for this handsome man?" they cooed. KC was irritated and snapped, "Fifty each! Just hurry up and buy! There are many more in line!!" The women pouted, but Andok intervened, giving KC a friendly tap on the back. "KC, don't do that. Just relax. They just want to make friends. Take it easy and try to act calm," he advised.

Although KC felt anxious about losing his job, he heeded Andok's advice and tried to approach the women more politely. "What do you want?" he asked with a forced smile.

But the women teased him, telling him that his smile was too scary. KC gritted his teeth and asked, "Are you going to buy or just make fun of smy smile?" But eventually, even he began to lighten up, laughing along with the customers who were joking with him.

After lunch, Andok's goods had sold out. KC let out a sigh of relief and leaned back, exhausted. "It's finally over now, huh?" he muttered.

But Andok was quick to praise him. "Good job, KC! We sold out today. The customers must have enjoyed joking with you," he said, handing him a cold drink.