Rui Mengmeng didn't possess any extraordinary abilities beyond close-combat skills. Since leaving the Super God Academy world, it was unclear how she could obtain the resources needed for her growth.
The reason Zhang Da Ye didn't recognize her immediately was that her appearance in the Super God Academy had changed several times, and her screen time had been minimal.
When Zhang Da Ye and Tom returned after washing their faces, Rui Mengmeng was sitting across from Artoria, a fruit platter and teacups between them. Artoria ate calmly, while Rui Mengmeng held her cup somewhat timidly.
Zhang Da Ye invited Tom to sit and said to Rui Mengmeng: "Hello, I'm Zhang Da Ye, 18 years old. I used to be a student, and as you can see, I now run this tavern."
Realizing how awkward it sounded—like a dating show introduction—he added, "Anyway, just call me Da Ye."
"Oh, okay," Rui Mengmeng nodded seriously and introduced herself: "I'm Rui Mengmeng, 20 years old, from Juxia City. I look forward to living, learning, and saving the world with everyone!"
"Uh… saving the world?" Zhang Da Ye wondered if she was a bit over-the-top.
Rui Mengmeng hesitated: "Well… usually when summoned from another world, it's to save the world, right? And it seems I've also gained superpowers."
Zhang Da Ye ignored her quirky logic and asked curiously, "What does your contract say exactly?"
"Contract… it's like an agreement, I guess. After sending that harasser to the hospital, I worried about compensation. Then I received a contract asking me to help you—basically a job. I can learn various skills here, and…"
She blushed and lowered her head: "…there's also… salary and benefits."
Unlike Tom and Artoria, whose agreements were called "contracts," Rui Mengmeng's was more like a work contract. Zhang Da Ye thought to himself: an internship contract with training and salary, but no social security benefits?
Artoria commented: "Da Ye, you haven't paid salaries yet."
Tom jumped onto the table, paw raised, signaling Zhang Da Ye to pay.
Zhang Da Ye patted his paw: "Stop joking—pets don't get paid."
Though, whether Tom was a mere pet remained debatable.
"Ah? You don't get paid either?" Rui Mengmeng looked concerned, thinking she might have been scammed, oblivious to Tom's peculiar behavior.
Tom and Artoria nodded, confirming they didn't receive a salary but joined in for fun, not needing money themselves.
Zhang Da Ye hadn't considered this—most tavern profits were spent on food. Strictly speaking, Tom and Artoria could have profit shares, but since they always acted together, Zhang Da Ye covered expenses.
"So, Mengmeng, how much salary do you want?" he asked.
Rui Mengmeng, shy as many new employees, softly replied: "The contract says ten times my previous salary, which after taxes is about six thousand per month."
"…You only earned 600 before?" Zhang Da Ye thought she had it rough. Coming from a major city like Juxia, earning 600 per month was low.
"Paid, paid, paid! The tavern opens on the 7th; salaries will be issued monthly on the 7th." Zhang Da Ye decided to treat it as pocket money.
Noticing she had no luggage: "Meals and lodging are covered. Here's a month's advance for clothes and essentials. Let us know if it's not enough."
Converting to Beli, this came to 130–140k, still less than a day's tavern profit.
(TL/N: This is different that previous chapter's Beli value so yeah, don't think too much about the inconsistent forex between the multiverse xD)
"Boss, you're amazing!" Rui Mengmeng was deeply touched. "So, what will my work be?"
Zhang Da Ye took the "good person card" silently: "Just call me by name. For work, you'll start as a server."
"Okay," she nodded earnestly. Having worked in net cafes and restaurants before, this felt similar but with better pay.
"As for learning skills, you can study with Tom," Zhang Da Ye gestured toward the cat.
Tom stood proudly on the table, tail up, thrilled to be "teaching" again.
Rui Mengmeng, surprised: "Learn from a cat? Not Artoria?"
She had been drawn to Artoria's elegance, confidence, and poise, but now realized Tom was incredibly capable.
"Want to learn combat? Artoria can teach. Everything else, Tom handles." Zhang Da Ye pitched Tom's abilities: "Don't underestimate him—he's extremely smart."
Artoria nodded, noting that aside from combat skills beyond normal limits, learning from Tom was viable.
Zhang Da Ye placed a doctoral hat on Tom and handed him a pointer: "Teacher Tom is proficient in languages, instruments, sports, and cooking…"
Tom demonstrated each skill: twirling the pointer, playing the violin, juggling a tennis racket, flipping a frying pan—showing all his talents.
Rui Mengmeng's eyes widened: "I think… I've come to an extraordinary place…"