Celestia's Point of View
"Ate? She has a part-time job. One night shift on weekdays as a waitress and three shifts every weekend."
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Renne collapsed after doing it repeatedly. She studied all night and completely exhausted herself. Since she had no money, she remained at home instead of being taken to the hospital.
Three days. It had been three days since my head hit the car door. I don't know if that was enough reason to lose consciousness for that long, but I think it was the cause.
We switched places after our disgraceful moments. If she’s suffering there, that’s her fault. She’s the one to blame, after all.
She is clumsy and stupid.
I faced her small mirror, but my entire body didn’t fit. No wonder she’s a nerd—she couldn’t even check herself properly in a mirror. I need a new one.
"Miss Celestia, I can't accompany you to Ate's part-time job. I have to watch over Mama." Ugh. I already told him to call me 'Ate,' but he said he wasn’t comfortable with it.
Well, we're the same, so I didn’t insist.
But I’m practically a prisoner in that mansion, so what do I know about part-time jobs? I don’t even know where it is.
I pouted. "I don’t know where your sister’s part-time job is. And I have no idea how it works."
Ruxe nodded. "Oh, right. You’re not Ate. What now? If you lose your job, what will happen to the whole family?"
We’d be in big trouble. If I want to enjoy a life of freedom, I should at least stabilize our finances first.
If this works out, then I won’t have grades to maintain, no requirements to meet, and no orders to follow. I have to play the role of Sairenne.
But I also can’t send Ruxe away from the house. His mother can’t walk, and something might happen. I’m not a killer, even if I hate that nerd. Besides, Ruxe is kind. I only hate her, not her family.
"Alright. I’ll figure something out."
He nodded. "By the way, don’t speak too much English, or else—"
"No!" This is all I have left. My knowledge, my brain... "Just tell them I’m preparing for an English voice acting audition."
"But—"
"No more buts. I still have work to do." I turned my back on him and left the house.
The moment I stepped outside, a foul stench greeted me—the smell of fish scraps from the neighbors. These people are so unhygienic. Looks like we need to move.
That nerd’s glasses had scratches, too. I’ll have to buy a new pair soon.
But first, I have to keep the job.
As I walked further, I spotted a row of tricycles parked along the road. If that nerd ever went out, then these drivers must know where she works.
I might not be the top student in academics, but I’m not dumb.
As I approached, one of the drivers grinned at me. "Oh, Renne. Heading to work again?"
I smiled back. "Ye— I mean… yeah, I am."
"That so? You’re really hardworking, hija. Your future husband is so lucky to have someone like you," he praised.
I froze for a moment and mumbled, "Husband?"
"Hija?"
Husband? Was he talking about Sivy? And now that I’m in Renne’s body, that means my Sivy—she might try to steal him from me. Wait… no, I’m currently Renne. He’ll be even closer to me now.
I knew this life wasn’t a total disaster.
"Hija, are you alright?"
Snapping out of my thoughts, I smiled again and nodded.
"And, oh! By the way, could you take me there now?" I knew Renne was frugal, but I needed to attract as little attention as possible. I couldn’t ask them where she worked.
"Of course. Though, you seem different today. Is it because of the restaurant owner's son?"
I quickly shook my head. "Oh, no. I just… I got sick recently. I just hope I haven’t been fired yet."
I climbed into the tricycle, and soon, we were speeding down the highway. Thankfully, I managed to find a way out of this mess.
The vehicle finally stopped in front of a restaurant with glass walls.
Even from the sign, I could tell—it wasn’t written in the English alphabet. Circles and lines. Hangul. The Korean alphabet.
So this is a Korean restaurant?
"How much is the fare?"
"Fifteen, Renne."
I pulled out Renne’s wallet, took fifteen pesos in coins, and handed it to the driver before stepping out.
Just as I was about to enter, my gaze caught sight of Gallant standing near the entrance.
So this is where the two secret lovebirds meet. That nerd… how shameless.
"Why weren’t you here for the past few days?" His voice was sharp, almost like a rabid dog ready to bite.
He must be frustrated after being apart from Renne for so long.
I rolled my eyes. "Excuse me? Several days? It was just three!"
I might have decided to live as this nerd, but that didn’t mean I’d continue whatever nonsense she started.
I refuse to play games with Mr. Artazo.
"Three days? That’s already a long leave. We’re not paying you just to slack off." His glare was practically burning into me, but I simply raised an eyebrow at him.
"We?" How many guys does this nerd have, exactly? I knew it—I hate her for a reason.
I sighed. "Whatever you're referring to, I quit."
"Good. Saves us the trouble. We don’t need lazy staff here." His voice was cold as he crossed his arms. "Pack your things—"
"Wait, what?!" My voice dropped to a whisper to avoid attracting attention. "You're talking about my job here?"
Gallant and Renne aren’t secret lovebirds? Then why is he so furious about her absence?
"Did you forget? I own this restaurant."
Oh, shoot. I didn’t know that.
Gallant owns this place?!
I’m screwed.