Chapter 71 : The Store Manager’s Abducted Academic Prodigy

Although I found it hard to believe, I had indeed joined the Bakery Club.

Of course, joining came with immediate benefits.

My part-time contract’s salary increased, a perk for club members.

This was a huge help, as I was genuinely short on cash.

After settling the club matters, I grabbed some cookies to fill my stomach and then went to the back to learn baking techniques from Senior Tang Yihan.

Though Senior often produced some disastrous dishes, her baking fundamentals and knowledge were solid, worthy of observation and learning.

And even if that failed, I still had the ingredient list booklet she gave me couldn’t I just teach myself?

As for the storefront, Senior Ying Shiqian took over temporarily, as that was the usual setup before I joined.

“Um… Senior, can I ask something?”

I kneaded the dough, shaping it into peculiar forms on the baking tray.

“Go ahead,” Senior Tang Yihan nodded.

“Well, Senior, what do you think about me getting a flying license during this pre-semester period? Any suggestions?”

I had seen something about it while browsing my phone earlier, so I brought it up.

“Flying license? Hmm… it’s a good idea. Mastering a skill is always beneficial, and it’s much more convenient than traveling by car,” Tang Yihan thought for a moment before giving an affirmative response.

“If you’re interested in getting a flying license, Little Han, I can recommend a good place.”

“Huh? Senior, you know a place that handles flying license assessments?”

I asked, slightly surprised, as having connections would make things much easier.

It was like getting a driver’s license in my previous life.

“Not exactly ‘know,’ but I do have a flying license myself, so I’ve met people there and know the quality of their training.”

Just as I wanted to ask more, a commotion from the front caught my attention.

It didn’t sound like customers judging by Senior Ying Shiqian’s reaction, it was probably the store manager?

Senior Tang Yihan and I exchanged a glance, put down our work, and went to check.

After all, Senior Tang needed to show the club application to the store manager.

I followed behind, surprised that the store manager would visit at this hour.

Sure enough, the commotion was caused by the store manager.

Seeing Xia Li’s beaming smile, I felt as if my little savings were waving at me.

What surprised me even more was that the store manager brought another girl with her.

Instinctively, I activated Spirit Vision and saw the girl had only one, slightly restless Magic Power Source, indicating she was a freshman like me.

But why did she seem so familiar?

Before I could react, both seniors had already approached, with Senior Ying Shiqian being the most enthusiastic.

“Store Manager You actually came to the shop today? Are you here to see me?”

“Obviously not. Are you blind? Can’t you see there’s someone with the store manager?”

Senior Tang Yihan remained calm, her gaze shifting to the girl beside Xia Li.

Though the girl appeared composed, the distinct freshman aura was unmistakable.

“Tan Han, right? We met once before,” Senior Tang Yihan stepped forward with a smile.

“Little Han, let me introduce you. These are your seniors. This is Tang Yihan, and that one is Ying Shiqian,” Xia Li eagerly pulled Tan Han’s arm to introduce them.

“Store Manager: What's with calling me ‘that one, Ying Shiqian’? How can you introduce me like that? Little Sister Tan Han, just call me Senior Shiqian,” Ying Shiqian protested from the side.

“Alright, call her Senior Shiqian then or just Shiqian, that’s fine too. And… um… this is Yang Yuehan…”

Xia Li recalled my name and casually introduced me, “She’s our new shop assistant and also a freshman this year. Oh, and she’s called Little Han too. Two Little Hans you two are quite fated, aren’t you?”

Feeling slightly awkward, I stood to the side.

Only when her name was mentioned did I realize who this tall, cool-toned girl was.

Wasn’t this the academic prodigy who scored perfectly in our year?

Realizing her identity, I felt the overwhelming pressure of her prodigious status, almost suffocating me.

This girl, who hadn’t uttered a single word since arriving, perfectly embodied the cold aloofness of an academic prodigy, fitting my stereotypical image of one.

She seemed like someone hard to get along with.

Wasn’t she supposedly abducted and still being comforted at the academy?

Had she accepted reality so quickly?

And the moment she arrived, she stole my “Little Han” nickname.

How was this “fated” like the store manager said?

“Hi… hello?”

I said tentatively.

Regardless, I had to greet her.

I couldn’t seem impolite; her status already outshone mine, and lacking manners would be disastrous.

“Hello,” Tan Han’s appraising gaze swept over me, and her first greeting was directed at me, which caught me off guard.

The atmosphere grew awkward until the store manager stepped in to ease the tension.

“Oh, Little Han is just like that, not much of a talker. Don’t mind her…”

Xia Li closed the glass door and led Tan Han inside.

“You two are both freshmen, so you should have plenty to talk about. Little Han, didn’t you say you were interested in my Bakery Club? Feel free to look around. If you like anything, you can try it, don't be shy with me.”

After speaking, Xia Li hurriedly headed to the back, as if she had urgent business.

Ever since I learned that this bakery was the Bakery Club’s base, I understood why the back was so spacious not just for storing ingredients but also for club equipment and gatherings.

As the store manager got busy, the two seniors followed to join the excitement, leaving me awkwardly alone with Tan Han.

Where did the idea come from that freshmen automatically have common ground?

I barely had experience interacting with peers.

I didn’t even have many friends.

I clutched my work uniform and apron, feeling they paled in comparison to Tan Han’s seemingly custom-made outfit.

“Um… would you like me to get you a stool to sit on?”

I asked tentatively, as the bakery’s front counter had no chairs it wasn’t meant for dining, just selling baked goods.

“No need, thank you. I’ll just look around,” Tan Han declined my offer.

“Alright then…”

I readjusted my emotions, brushing off the rejection.

“Would you like me to introduce you to the… huh? Wait That one can’t be eaten!”