The Gate of Rebirth: Chapter 03

Milk Cow KTV is a highly prominent enterprise in the tertiary sector of Golden City, boasting over twenty branches across more than a dozen districts. The branch where Xiao Ming had just been hired was the only one in the Seventh District.

While the total annual tax contribution of all branches in Golden City exceeded ten million yuan, this Seventh District location was the lowest-performing of them all.

"This entire building belongs to our branch," Xiao Hong said, leading Xiao Ming out through the back door and gesturing toward the row of tall buildings behind them. "The first through third floors are karaoke rooms, the fourth is a buffet, the fifth is a bathhouse, and everything from the sixth floor up consists of guest rooms. All of this falls under our branch's management. However, Manager Luo and I both belong to the KTV department, and of course, if you choose to work here, you will be part of the KTV department too," she added with a hint of pride.

"Oh, I’m willing! I’m definitely willing!" Xiao Ming quickly agreed. Working for such an impressive company meant his salary would surely be secure. He grinned foolishly while staring at Xiao Hong.

Because he had been so nervous earlier, Xiao Ming hadn't dared to look the girl directly in the eye. Now, he noticed her alluring eyeliner, bright pupils, and long, sweeping eyelashes, all of which made her eyes appear incredibly captivating.

Xiao Ming gazed blankly into those windows to the soul, something he had never truly looked at before. His heart began to race with unbidden nervousness, and Xiao Hong, feeling the weight of his gaze, grew slightly flustered.

"Have you seen enough? Let’s head to the dormitory first!"

Xiao Hong was accustomed to such reactions. Ever since she started working at this company, regardless of which department she was in, she had encountered far too many gazes like Xiao Ming’s—some even filled with rudeness or insolence. Or perhaps she simply thought, "My beauty is heart-stirring, but what does that have to do with me?" Youth and beauty—what powerful assets they were.

Xiao Ming nodded sheepishly and continued to follow her.

Behind the main building lay an empty courtyard, where one could see a cluster of low, red-brick, old-tiled houses connected by a web-like maze of alleyways. It was unexpected that such a luxurious KTV storefront would have such a hidden world behind it. The sight reminded Xiao Ming of his hometown, and that sense of familiarity provided him with some subconscious comfort. A spark of self-confidence ignited within him; he secretly resolved that he would make a name for himself in this city and prove to his father that his choices could earn the same expectations his father held for others—and, of course, the care of his mother.

Rounding a corner from the back door, the two stopped in front of a red-brick bungalow that looked quite dilapidated from the outside. Xiao Hong used a key to open a rusted, red-painted iron door and stepped inside. Her high heel caught on the threshold, causing her to tilt backward, nearly twisting her ankle.

Just as Xiao Ming was about to ask if she was alright, a distinct scent wafted from her toward him. He found it strangely familiar, yet the proximity made him feel incredibly awkward. He was very familiar with that scent—it was just like the fresh milk he used to drink as a child. But why would she smell like that? Xiao Ming was left in confusion.

Noticing Xiao Ming was "spacing out," Xiao Hong suddenly changed the subject. "There are two empty beds; you can pick whichever one you like."

"Wait, there's another auntie? What does that mean?"

"It’s nothing; you’ll find out in time. The auntie is also in our KTV department. There are only four of us in the whole shop, excluding Xiao Li, of course."

"You live here too?!" Xiao Ming was a bit stunned. The word "auntie" kept bothering him.

"Of course not. Manager Luo and I are both locals, so we go back to our own homes when work is done."

"Can four people manage three floors of KTV?"

Xiao Hong smiled at the corner of her lips. "Each floor is equipped with a certain number of intelligent robots, so our workload isn't that heavy. You’ll learn about that later, too."

As the uneven clicking of her high heels faded into the distance, Xiao Ming began to arrange his "new home."