It all started with an mp3 player. and maybe my face.
See, my mp3 player broke down, and I've often walked past this electrical shop ever since secondary school, so I thought, why not give it a try, and decided to let the shop owner service my portable audio player.
I've been to the shop before. Once. It was to purchase a set of stickers to accessorise the letters that I was exchanging with my godsis of 6 years now.
Therefore it was with great astonishment that the shop uncle remembered me buying the stickers, though how he forgot that I'm not from China is rather a mystery. Guess sales mean a lot to him.
Blinking once as I concealed my surprise at his mental memory skills, I then proceeded to make light conversation with him. To my dismay, I learn he remembers everything about me. My school and my course.
After offering me a job as a helper in his shop, which I turn down with much difficulty, [his side, not mine], he then questions me on where I live!
Feeling slightly violated, I slowly incline my body towards the exit, hoping that he could read my body language. To no avail.
He then asks me to help him find foreign students to rent his flat. Before I have a chance to interject a negative response, he rambles on about how the current tenants he has are rude and do not clean up and are heavy drinkers.
In less than five minutes, not only do I have a stack of his name cards [50 at the very least], I have the details of his flat, his working hours, how much he charges and have turned down numerous requests to grab a bite or go for a drink with him at his expense.
Trying my utmost best to accomodate his sudden eagerness to make me his estate agent, I struggle to make my way out of his shop through diplomatic eloquence, and I succeeded! With numerous namecards in my pocket and as many 'Why Me?' trains of thoughts chugging at full speed within my mind.
This holidays has definitely been insightful, offering me a wide range of educational experiences. Apart from being thrust upon the mission to get tenants, and helping 4 friends secure jobs, [no commission, alas], I've learnt numerous life skills, like never go to the Marina Square during lunch hour, and there's just nothing Giant doesn't sell!
T. Randy, Employment Agent??
Jobs for Sale.
Yucky-dandle.
T. Randy, Housing Agent??
Rooms for Rent.
Yucky-doodle.
T. Randy, Student.
Flirt and Slack.
Yeah.. baby.
