Chapter 99: A Standard Contract
Ren picked up the contract and began reading it carefully.
Although Mei Mei's sales pitch had sounded incredibly persuasive—What we want is you, and only you—as though a legendary talent scout had finally discovered a once-in-a-generation prodigy, he still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"Fifty percent commission?!"
Sure enough, it didn't take long for him to spot the first red flag.
Pointing at one of the clauses, he stared at Mei Mei in disbelief.
According to the contract, once he became an employee of Black Bird International Security, any missions he accepted through the company would automatically be subject to a fifty percent commission fee, leaving him with only half of the payment.
"That's standard industry practice," Mei Mei replied with a bright smile.
"The company doesn't run itself, you know. We maintain relationships with government agencies, corporations, and all kinds of organisations. We arrange missions, provide logistical support, handle post-operation cleanup, and take care of countless administrative matters. Keeping a company like this running costs money."
She spread her hands casually.
"So, a fifty-fifty split is perfectly reasonable."
Then she leaned forward slightly.
"And I can guarantee that even with only half the reward, you'll still earn far more than the fixed salary and tiny performance bonuses Jujutsu High offers."
"The stronger you are, the higher-level missions you'll qualify for. And the higher the mission grade, the wider that income gap becomes."
She raised a finger.
"If you're lucky, a single mission could earn you as much as a month's—or even a year's—salary at Jujutsu High."
"Really?"
Ren looked at her with obvious scepticism.
"I stake my reputation on it."
Mei Mei confidently patted her chest.
"When it comes to money, you have absolutely nothing to worry about."
"Everyone at Black Bird International Security is united by one common goal: making money. If we couldn't offer compensation people were happy with, this company wouldn't have survived this long."
Ren nodded, still only half convinced.
"And," Mei Mei added, "didn't I already mention this? As part of your special treatment package, you'll receive an additional fifteen percent commission bonus."
"So your actual share will be sixty-five percent."
Ren's expression relaxed slightly, and he continued reading.
A few moments later, however, another clause caught his eye.
"...Wait, what the hell is this?!"
He jabbed a finger at the page, nearly shouting.
> From the date this contract takes effect, the signatory shall not establish cooperative relationships with any competing organisations. Should the signatory violate this agreement, the company reserves the right to reclaim all income earned during the violation period and pursue additional compensation for damages. Unless terminated by the company, this agreement shall remain valid until the natural end of the signatory's life.
"This is a standard non-compete agreement," Mei Mei explained without batting an eye.
"There are many freelance sorcerer organisations in the jujutsu world, and competition is fierce. Clauses like this are common practice to prevent rival companies from poaching employees."
She smiled serenely.
"In reality, though, it's practically meaningless."
Patting her chest once more, she continued confidently,
"That's because Black Bird International Security is already the industry's undisputed leader, both in size and employee benefits."
"We're the first choice for anyone who wants to build a career as a freelance jujutsu sorcerer."
"So I can personally assure you, Ren..."
"This clause has no practical significance whatsoever."
"Because once you join Black Bird..."
"...you'll never want to work for another company again."
More like they wouldn't dare leave...
Looking at the dense wall of clauses detailing penalties, compensation demands, and financial recovery measures in the event of a breach, Ren's lips twitched involuntarily.
"And what about this?"
Flipping to the next page, his eyes landed on another provision.
A second later, they widened in disbelief.
This contract shall remain valid until fifty years after the signatory's death. During this period, should any direct descendants of the signatory possess a powerful innate technique meeting the company's evaluation standards and choose to enter the freelance sorcerer profession, this contract shall automatically be extended. Black Bird International Security shall automatically establish a cooperative relationship with said individual. The company likewise reserves the right to pursue liability for any breach of contract committed by said individual...
Ren stared blankly.
Then he slowly raised his head.
"You call this normal?"
Mei Mei calmly lifted her coffee and took a sip.
"Like I said, it's a standard non-compete agreement."
"A non-compete that extends to my descendants?" Ren exclaimed. "Does that genuinely sound normal to you?"
Ignoring his incredulous stare, Mei Mei smiled serenely.
"Furthermore, we firmly believe this would also be the optimal choice for your future descendants."
"The clause was drafted entirely with our clients' best interests in mind."
She folded her hands gracefully.
"After all, if one of your descendants chooses to become a freelance sorcerer in the future, it's highly unlikely they'll find a better employer than Black Bird International Security."
"...So I should thank you on behalf of my children, grandchildren, and every generation after them?"
Ren laughed despite himself.
An eternal debt of gratitude spanning generations. How touching.
"That's unnecessary."
Mei Mei took another leisurely sip of coffee.
"As I said before, our relationship is mutually beneficial."
"That principle applies to all our partners."
"While the company wholeheartedly supports its employees, our employees also contribute greatly to the company's prosperity."
She smiled with complete composure.
"This is a healthy partnership."
"No special gratitude is required."
"If anyone insists on expressing thanks, then it should be mutual gratitude."
Ren stared at her speechlessly.
Not only did she say it without the slightest embarrassment, she sounded completely sincere.
At that moment, he began seriously questioning whether joining Black Bird International Security was actually a wise decision.
Still...
He couldn't deny that some of her offers were extremely tempting.
First, with Black Bird's support, he could become a Grade 1 sorcerer far more quickly than through the normal process.
Second, the salary and benefits she described struck directly at one of his greatest weaknesses.
He was, after all, an ordinary person without family influence or financial backing.
The only reason he could comfortably study at Jujutsu High instead of juggling part-time jobs to survive was largely thanks to the scholarship Utahime had fought to secure for him.
Even then, the scholarship only covered his basic expenses.
And that support would end once he graduated.
Sooner or later, he would have to earn a living himself.
If he was going to make money anyway...
Why not make more money?
Caught between temptation and suspicion, Ren began a fierce round of negotiations.
Clause after clause, he challenged the contract's wording and proposed revisions.
The bargaining lasted throughout the entire morning.
After lunch, they resumed.
Then argued through the entire afternoon.
By the time they finally finished, the sun was already sinking toward the horizon.
Mei Mei neatly gathered the signed contract and rose from her seat.
Golden evening light streamed through the café windows, illuminating her graceful silhouette and confident stride as she walked away.
Watching her elegant figure disappear into the distance, Ren couldn't shake a nagging feeling.
Perhaps his negotiations had been far too gentle.
Or perhaps...
There was some horrifying hidden clause he had completely overlooked.
After agonizing over it for quite a while, he eventually pulled out his phone and dialed Utahime.
His throat was dry from arguing all day, but he was eager to share the good news that he would soon become-
A Grade 1 sorcerer.
Unfortunately, he barely managed to start speaking before Utahime's panicked voice interrupted him.
"Wait."
The alarm in her tone was immediate.
"The woman you met today... what was her name again?"
"Mei Mei," Ren answered blankly. "Why? Is there a problem?"
"REN!"
Her voice instantly rose an octave.
"Check your wallet right now!"
"What?"
"I said check it immediately! You didn't hand over your bank cards or savings account books to her, did you?"