Following Gu Qinghuan into the warehouse, Jiang Beiran heard Xiong Ba’s eager voice as soon as he stepped inside.
"Greetings, Young Master."
Xiong Ba bowed deeply as he spoke, knowing full well that the opportunity to earn this money today was all thanks to this very man. Nodding at Xiong Ba, Jiang Beiran walked toward the crowd and stopped in front of a middle-aged man wearing a black round-collared robe. The robe looked relatively formal, though it was patched in several places.
Seeing Jiang Beiran’s gaze on him, the middle-aged man—who had already deduced from Gu Qinghuan and Xiong Ba’s reactions that this was the true employer—quickly introduced himself.
"This lowly one is named Zhu Jing. I’ve worked as a steward for two wealthy households before, but my former masters—" "Good. You’re hired. Stand at the back."
Zhu Jing froze for a long moment before repeatedly bowing.
"Many thanks, Young Master! Many thanks, Young Master..."
After selecting the steward, Jiang Beiran turned his gaze to the young man standing behind Zhu Jing. The young man was sharp-witted and immediately stepped forward, kneeling before Jiang Beiran.
"This lowly one is named Xue Chongliu, from Tong Family Village. I’m strong and can endure hardship. I don’t eat much—just four flatbreads a day! No—three will do!"
Jiang Beiran listened with interest before asking, "Chongliu? Do you have a younger brother named Chongba?"
"Young Master, how did you know? I do have a brother named Chongba! It’s just... he caught malaria years ago and passed away young."
"My condolences. Stand at the back. Work hard from now on."
"Many thanks, Young Master! Many thanks, Young Master!"
Xue Chongliu kowtowed three times with a loud thud before standing beside Steward Zhu. Seeing that Xue Chongliu had also been chosen, the remaining people couldn’t hold back anymore, crowding forward to shout at Jiang Beiran.
"Young Master, my name is Liu Fu! My younger brother also died young! I’ll also eat just three flatbreads! Please take me too!"
"Young Master! My younger brother is also named Chongba! My name is Chuer!"
"Young Master! I can endure hardship too! I’m also strong!" ...
As these people clamored to introduce themselves, multiple system options suddenly appeared before Jiang Beiran’s eyes—meaning every single one of them was a walking disaster. But Jiang Beiran understood. Even if they were just servants, they would still be people close to him.
If any of them couldn’t control their mouths or hands, who knew what kind of trouble they might bring? After making his selections, Jiang Beiran ended up with a total of eleven attribute points—an unexpected windfall. Seeing the situation getting out of hand, Xiong Ba quickly stepped forward and roared, "What’s all this racket!
You all want to die?! Get back in line!" Clearly, Xiong Ba held considerable authority among these people.
Those who had been shouting their introductions moments ago immediately lowered their heads and returned to their original positions. Once order was restored, Xiong Ba turned to Jiang Beiran with an ingratiating smile.
"Young Master, don’t mind these lowly folk. They’re just refugees with no upbringing. If you don’t like this batch, give me some time, and I’ll find you a better group."
Even without Xiong Ba’s explanation, Jiang Beiran had already guessed that these people were refugees. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so desperate for menial work. No matter how the world changed, refugees remained the most wretched of the lower class.
These people had been forced to leave their homes due to war, natural disasters, plagues, or oppressive taxes. Arriving in unfamiliar lands with no fields to till or relatives to rely on, they truly lived hand-to-mouth, with no sense of security. Xiong Ba had specifically mentioned their refugee status to curry favor with Jiang Beiran.
He knew that nobles and officials particularly liked hiring refugees as servants—because these people had fled their original households, making them unregistered "black citizens." If they were beaten to death, no one would seek justice for them. No one even remembered they existed, so no one cared whether they lived or died.
Hearing Xiong Ba suggest replacing them, the refugees immediately dropped to their knees, kowtowing and pleading, "Young Master, we won’t dare cause trouble again! Please don’t send us away!" Waving his hand at Xiong Ba, Jiang Beiran said, "No need."
"Understood. Please continue your selection."
Xiong Ba retreated respectfully. Soon, Jiang Beiran picked out all those who didn’t trigger system options—fifteen people in total. This was actually more than necessary for his residence, but it didn’t matter much.
He could consider it a good deed.
"These will do. The rest can disperse."
Jiang Beiran then added, "Also, find a place to house these fifteen for now. I’ll send someone to fetch them tomorrow. Of course, I’ll cover the expenses."
Xiong Ba nodded repeatedly.
"Young Master, you flatter me! This small matter is nothing—it won’t cost much."
Not bothering to argue about payment, Jiang Beiran turned to Gu Qinghuan.
"Handle the rest."
"Yes."
Gu Qinghuan cupped his hands in acknowledgment. Those who hadn’t been chosen desperately wanted to chase after Jiang Beiran and beg again, but they knew better than to provoke Xiong Ba. If they caused trouble and angered him, they’d be finished.
So they could only sit there sighing in despair.
"Young Master, what about us...?"
Just as Jiang Beiran was about to leave the warehouse, several clear, delicate voices called out. Turning his head, Jiang Beiran saw a few rather pretty young women. Before he could ask, Gu Qinghuan stepped forward to block the girls and explained with a cupped fist, "Elder Brother, these are all..."
Understanding immediately, Jiang Beiran waved his hand and looked at the five girls.
‘Well, well... this would be a great way to farm attribute points.’
The moment the thought of taking these five girls back as maids crossed his mind, five system options popped up—all at least Mysterious-grade, far worse than those he had just rejected. After making his selections and gaining five attribute points, Jiang Beiran briefly considered doing this daily to avoid mountain patrols.
But the thought lasted only a second—the system would undoubtedly stop rewarding him if he tried farming points the same way repeatedly, creating unnecessary trouble instead. Seeing Jiang Beiran pause, the selected servants grew nervous. If their new master took these maids and dismissed them instead, they’d be ruined.
But their new master merely glanced at the girls, shook his head, and left. Leaving behind a stunned crowd.
‘This new master... is truly unlike any other.’
(End of Chapter)