Leo didn't argue with Nicky's quip about the heartburn meds "clearing his mind"—he did feel like a mental block had been lifted. Yesterday's anxiety had mostly faded, replaced by focus on how to execute the next three months of streams well.
The car glided through the morning light. Nicky rolled down the window, letting the cool dawn air rush in. One arm rested on the window frame, the other held her phone pointed at herself. Her hair whipped wildly in the wind as she perfectly timed a selfie. Click. An unedited, filter-free photo was born—her in a simple cotton tee, eyes bright as starlight, with blurry streets zipping by in the background.
A minute later, Nicky's TikTok account updated: "#NickyFuneralHomeJob On my way. See you soon~" accompanied by the casual selfie.
The comments section exploded:
[OMG this selfie is so random! But why do I find it kinda stunning? ✨]
[No way this isn't professionally edited! Her skin is flawless! 🤯]
[She's really going to work at a funeral home? How do I sneak-watch the stream at my job?? Help a girl out! 👀]
[Waiting for her to chicken out! The dishwashing was an act—no way she goes through with this! 🙄]
The comment count skyrocketed. People plotted how to skip work, others simp-commented on her looks, but most haters were eagerly waiting for her to fail. Even Mia, the anti-fan who'd first "suggested" the job, @'ed Nicky: "Waiting at the door! Don't be scared! 💪"
Nicky watched her phone, a glint of amusement in her eyes—why would she miss such a perfect chance to boost engagement? She immediately replied to Mia, adding a heart for good measure: "Almost there! Ready for my escort~ #NickyFuneralHomeJob ❤️"
By the time Leo parked and caught up with her social media activity, he glanced from the lively interaction to Nicky's utterly calm face. "You took this photo yourself?"
"Who else?" Nicky raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "Should I say an 'invisible friend' helped me? Would that make this place feel colder?"
Leo shivered involuntarily. They were right in front of the funeral home's entrance—a solemn, grey-white building. Combined with Nicky's words, the air felt several degrees chillier. He quickly changed the subject. "It's a good photo. Post more real ones like this. It could attract fans who just like your look—they stick around, good for long-term growth."
"Relax. Why hide this face?" Nicky handed him her phone without a hint of modesty. "You're on camera duty once we start. Remember—less talking, more filming me."
"Got it!" Leo snapped into professional mode, adjusting the phone's angle. "I'm the 'talk-less, film-more' cameraman. Won't steal the spotlight."
Nicky patted his shoulder with a smile and stepped out of the car.
Four people stood near the entrance: three girls in their early twenties and a man in his fifties wearing a dark uniform, his face professionally stern. Among the girls, Mia, in a black hoodie, stood at the front, looking defiant and ready for a confrontation.
"Nicky actually came!" one of the girls whispered, disbelief clear in her voice.
"So what? She has to actually do the job for it to count," Mia said, taking a deep breath and striding toward Nicky.
At almost the same moment, Leo hit "Go Live."
"Hey everyone, it's Nicky, $137 million in debt. Day two of the debt-payoff hustle." Nicky waved at the camera, never breaking stride as she walked directly toward Mia. "And coming right at us is my anti-fan—but I gotta say, she's a real one. Not everyone hooks you up with a well-paid gig. From what I hear, jobs here pay well and have short hours. Super competitive."
She glanced at the live comments, saw someone asking if she had a team, and laughed. "Yep, we've got a team! Call us 'Mood-Dependent Madness.' Your support is appreciated~"
By then, she'd reached Mia. Leo smoothly pixelated Mia's face on stream. Nicky enthusiastically extended her hand. "Seriously, thanks for the job lead! So, who's the supervisor? What's the hourly rate?"
The barrage of blunt, practical questions left Mia stunned. She had expected a scared, fleeing Nicky—not someone unfazed and asking about the pay! Mia struggled for a response before finally blurting out, "Nicky... aren't you scared?"
Nicky looked genuinely surprised, her eyes going wide. "Scared? Why? Can the... clients here come back to life or something?"
The comment section went wild:
[LMAOOO I'M DEAD! Her thought process is incredible! 💀]
["Can they come back to life?" I did NOT see that coming! 😂]
[Anti-fans: My prepared insults are useless now! 🤡]
[I was feeling creeped out, but Nicky just made it not scary at all!]
Mia was completely speechless, mouth agape. The man in the uniform stepped forward and extended his hand. "Hello, I'm Tom, the supervisor here. Today's tasks involve assisting with organizing personal effects and guiding family members. The pay is $25 per hour. There's a brief 10-minute training first. Is that acceptable?"
"Absolutely!" Nicky nodded instantly, even more eager. "Can we start the training now? The sooner I work, the sooner I get paid~"
Tom paused, seemingly thrown by such an enthusiastic temp, then nodded. "Follow me."
Nicky followed Tom inside. As she passed Mia, she stopped, turned to the camera, and gave a confident thumbs-up. "Shoutout to my anti-fan Mia for the 'recommendation'! Loving this gig! Stick around to see me work~"
Left standing there, Mia watched Nicky's retreating back, then the chaotic flood of comments on her phone. A sudden realization dawned on her: she hadn't come to humiliate Nicky. She'd come to deliver clout and a job opportunity on a silver platter.