Chapter 4 SHOPPING

I looked at the rows of colorful backpacks enthusiastically. "Excuse me ... where is the latest model?"I asked one of the saleswomen on duty. "I want wear it to go to college," I added. There was a feeling of euphoria that I hadn't felt in a long time.

The sweet saleswoman deftly showed several bags with a friendly smile. "This is the latest model. The bag has a special compartment to protect things from rain. This Model is very popular for college because of the thick material and lots of pockets. This bag is always up to date, it never goes out of style. All materials of our bags are of high quality, with official certificates and lifetime warranty for zippers."I listened carefully to her explanation.

"Which one do you want, Miss?"asked the saleswoman with a smile. Being called "Miss " makes me feel flattered.

"Um, I choose all of them," I said, pointing to the three kinds of bags in front of me. The saleswoman frowned, hesitating. "I want these three bags, Ma'am," I replied again with a smile.

"Whoa, all right. I'll make a purchase note. Please wait a minute."After a while, a purchase note was handed to me. "This is the total, please pay at the checkout. I will prepare the selected bags."

After paying, I went back to see the saleswoman. "This is proof of payment. Paid with cash."

"Thank you very much, Miss. Good luck with your study. This bonus folding umbrella and wallet." She said, handing me my bags.

"Thank you very much, Ma'am."I replied with joy. I walked out of the mall with a satisfied smile, both my hands full of groceries I needed later. It feels like there is a different satisfaction after shopping this time.

**

"This your lipstick orders sist," I said while handing a small rose gold paper bag to Sarah.

"So ... how much is everything in total?"asked Sarah.

I shook my head, "that's it, consider it a treat from me."I smiled.

"Thank you," Sarah said happily, opening the paper bag. "Is this a perfume? I didn't order this, did I?"

"That's a bonus."

"Bonus? What Bonus? You look so happy. You have a boyfriend, don't you?"

"No way! I'm not interested in commitment!"

Sarah laughed, "it's just weird, all of a sudden you bought me expensive perfume. There must be something that makes you happy."

"Right, maybe because we are close like real sister. I'm so happy, I just don't know why."

"Strange! It's very unlike you. Is it because you want to go to college again?"

Sarah's guess may be correct. "It could be, I'm not sure either."

"If it's just for fun, why not take a short course or class?"

I took a deep breath. What Sarah said is true. If it's just for fun, why register for college? Why not just applied for baking or sew course?

"I don't know, Sarah. As soon as I read the book, I suddenly wanted to go to college. I have a major that I used to idolize."

"How do you feel now?"

"Honestly, it's nice to be accepted there."

"Well then. Just go ahead, Rose. When you go on vacation, think about what's best for you."

I looked at Sarah, "your advice is very qualified. I'll think about it."

"From now on, also think about the consequences of this decision. Will you stay here or quit."

"I still choose to work here. Here I was well received. I don't think I've ever had a boss as good as you."

Sarah smiled, "oh my Gosh Ravelia! ... You're so overreacting."

**

Water is still dripping from my wet hair. Taking a shower and shampooing makes me feel fresher. Today's shopping and sightseeing was a lot of fun. I stared at the groceries scattered on the bed. My feelings were mixed, between impatience and fear. My hand moves to grab the gift from earlier. When i get a bonus of tens of millions, it feels very pleasant, but why when I get a gift just a simple wallet like this, my happiness is also no less thrilling?

I looked in the mirror at the end of the room. The look on my face after taking a shower made me giggle. What if someone recognizes me? Do they want to be friends with a girl like me? Various bad thoughts suddenly burst into my mind.

The sudden sound of my phone ringing brought me back to consciousness.

"Hello?"

"You're home already?"asked Sarah. From his frantic tone, I suspected something was wrong.

"Yes, of course. What's wrong? Looks like something urgent?"

"You can go to Wonderland now, Ravelia? As soon as possible!"For a moment I was silent. There must be something very important.

"Oh, okay. I'll be ready for a while, then I'll be right there."

"Ah, thank God. Hurry up, El!"Sarah ended the phone call.

**

Sarah's face looked frantic, making me wonder what really happened.

"What is it, sist? Why are you panicking so much?"

"El, Can you replace Sylvia tonight?"Sarah looks pissed.

"Replacing Sylvia? Where Is Sylvia? Why is he not responsible for her work?"I asked as I looked at Sarah who was biting the tips of her nails, a bad habit when panicking.

"Damn! She ran away, El."

"Huh? Ran away, how? How so? Are you sure Sylvia really escaped?"

"Her roommate said she had been looking strange since this morning ... It's just that she also didn't expect that Sylvia really intended to run away."

All Wonderland employees live in special dormitories for easy supervision and monitoring of health conditions. Except for me, because it is a senior employee who pioneered the Wonderland business, I can live separately. There are two other workers who have the same status as me, may live in different dormitories.

"So you mean ... Sylvia will have guests tonight?"

"Yes, El. You know, if a guest feels that he has been harmed, he has the right to demand triple compensation. Not to mention if he protests and goes wild like what happened a few years ago. You must remember, right?"

No wonder Sarah was so scared. Surely she is still traumatized by the incident a few years ago, when a guest felt aggrieved and suddenly pierced the stomach of one of the security officers with the tip of a pen!

"So you mean you asked me to come to replace Sylvia, right?"

I saw Sarah nod slowly, she must still feel guilty.

"Don't worry. I will help. Now you better get some rest. What time do the guests arrive? In which hotel?"

"El..."Sarah's voice sounded shaky. "You're all right, replacing Sylvia? I can find other personnel if you mind, this is a Category A guest, El..."

I quickly shook my head, "it's definitely okay! I'm fine. I only changed the category once. Don't be so panic ... I'm okay to replace Sylvia."

"Thank God you don't mind." Sarah then opened her work record book and look for Sylvia's schedule. "Hotel CC, around seven o'clock tonight."

I nodded, "in that case, I'll get ready faster. 'll be on my way to the location in a minute. I'm afraid stuck on road."

"Oh, okay, all right. Thanks in advance, El."Sarah looked at me with relief.

***