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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2013 10:31:29 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,bTable] | [atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS … And another mission complete.
Wilhelm sits on one of the park benches, inhaling his pipe for the first time today. His mind relaxed quickly after the nicotine kicked in. It’s already afternoon and his work has made him forget to take a drag, heck he didn’t have time for his usual morning coffee because his so-called client wants him to come as early as possible, only for him to wait for more than 3 hours in some cafeteria (fancy, but expensive one) near the Imperial College because the client are late. Late! If it’s not for the payment (and this client is loaded) Wilhelm will leave as soon as possible. But really now, investigate her ex, which is also a member of a so-so crime gang, so she can take revenge? Teenagers these days…
Now that it’s done, Wilhelm has some free time. He closed the bookshop today so he can focus on his mission. Now that he think about it, he really has to stop closing his shop when he goes out, it will arouse suspicion from neighbors and his patrons. But he can’t leave the shop open when he’s not even present…
The best solution is hiring someone to tend the shop while he’s away. Someone that can manage the shop, know how to clean the place, won't ask many questions to his employer, and the most important aspect, cheap. Maybe a part-time worker or someone desperate enough for a job he didn’t mind working for minimum wage.
But that can wait. For now, Wilhelm will enjoy his free time. Maybe some strolls inside the faculty free-for-visitors facility or visit the massive library. Being a Bookman – even though it’s just a cover – somewhat made him a book geek, and no way he will miss the opportunity. After taking some long drag from his pipe, Wilhelm put out the ember from the other tip of his pipe and put the pipe in his coat pocket.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2013 11:04:32 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 387px,bTable][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=valign,top] | [atrb=valign,top] OH NO I'VE SAID TOO MUCH How could I forget?
Ada ran through the hallway from student's dorm to the library. She completely forget that the due date of the books she borrowed from library has ended three weeks ago. Ada had forgotten returning library's book twice--past a week after due date--and the librarian had scolded her, saying that for third time she had to pay a fine. Said fine will be multiplied by days past due date and how many books she borrowed.
Ada couldn't afford this--she only had a little money left for food. That's why she ran like being chased by the devil himself to library, narrowly missed people in the hallway. "Excuse me!" she shouted, hugging her books tightly, "sorry! I'm in hurry!"
When she finally reached the library, the librarian was nowhere in sight, but the student who was currently in charge insisted she pay the fine.
"It'll be 5 pounds in total," the student, a young woman with short blonde hair said.
"I'm sorry!" Ada pleaded, "Please please don't make me pay... can I be volunteer here instead? Unpaid?"
"No," she said bluntly. "Pay or we'll take back your membership. You won't be allowed to borrow any of our book anymore."
"What--" being unable to read many interesting book here was quite a torture. Worse, she left her wallet in her dorm. There were few students in library and none she recognized. That moment, she realized she has to find a job.
Ada bit her lips. What should I do?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2013 9:25:57 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,bTable] | [atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS The Central Library of Imperial College London is one of the libraries that allowed outside visitors. It’s located near the Queen’s Lawn, the park where Wilhelm sat 30 minutes ago. Now Wilhelm was inside the 5 stories building, indulging himself in the European history section of the library. He takes out Max Havelaar from one of the shelf, and raise his brows quizzically. “It’s weird to find this book in history section. But still…” He open several page of the worn out book. It’s an old English language copy printed around on 1980-ish. “Maybe a student mistaking the story for real event and put the book here” he pondered.
One of the libraryan approaches him when Wilhelm just begins to read page 10. “Do you require some help sir? I recommend the couches over there if you want to be more comfortable reading the book” he pointing to his right where an array of soft couches lay.
“No thank you. I just finished here” Wilhelm then put the book in the shelf again, slightly irritated because somebody has disturbed him.
“You are allowed to borrow the book if you want sir” The librarian said with a small smile. He was much shorter than Wilhelm so he as to look up when he talk.
“I’m not a student or college staff” Wilhelm replied.
“I am aware of that sir. But here in Central Library we are accepting membership for visitors too. All you need to do is sign up. Of course not all books is available to public, but we still have a lot of collections”
Wilhelm then thinks about it for a minute. It’s actually tempting; to be able to borrow many books not accessible in normal library or bookstore. He takes the Max Havelaar again from the shelf. “Where do I need to sign up?”
“Right this way sir” The librarian guides him to a counter downstairs, where he saw another librarian arguing with a female student.
"I'm sorry!" Ada pleaded, "Please please don't make me pay... can I be volunteer here instead? Unpaid?"
Wilhelm heard the female student voice when he’s standing near the counter. “What is this? A quarrel? Well too bad for the cute little… wait why I suddenly thought about cute…?” he then put his best stoic face and tried to ignore the conflict aside.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2013 9:15:27 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 387px,bTable][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=valign,top] | [atrb=valign,top] OH NO I'VE SAID TOO MUCH Footsteps nearing the counter tell her about other librarian approaching... with a tall blond man she had never seen before. That man carries a book that seems familiar for Ada--she might have seen it in her old grandfather's bookshelf. His fingers covering half of the book's title, so she only able to read elaar.
"Well, Miss... Notonegoro," the female librarian's voice made Ada's attention turns back to her. "I regrettably inform you that you're no longer a member of our library."
Ada made no sound, only stares to the books she just returned--a novel by Agatha Christie and newest edition of Fundamentals of Physics. She hasn't even finished reading the latter. "Fine... "she mumbles.
"Don't worry," she smiles, but her smile doesn't make Ada feels better at all. "We can return your membership anytime you want--"
"Really!?"
"--of course you still have to pay the fine, miss."
"Aw," she huffed. She still can read in library but being unable to borrow one means she will have to spend more time here just for studying. Libary's tables aren't a good place for mid-studying naps--it hurts her neck and invites unwanted attention."I'll pay that later... maybe after I sold some of my stuff."
"Just a suggestion," the blonde librarian leans closer to the counter, no longer looked so serious. "Try finding a part-time job. It pays quite good for us students and you can keep your stuff."
"Ah. I've been thinking about that lately," she admits. Of course she can't keep selling stuffs--she'll run out of them sooner or later."Thank you for your info."
"You're welcome. Good day, miss."
Ada smiled politely before leaving the counter and heading to a nearest couch. She sits and takes a science journal from the table, skipping its content without really paying attention. Her mind fulls of places where she might get a part-time job. She doesn't want to work in a fast-food chain restaurant--too many movements. And working outdoor doesn't sound pleasant at all.
Sighing, she relaxes her back and glances at the counter, half-consciously makes a mental comment about the tall blond man's hair--it looks like a tulip.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2013 7:16:21 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,bTable] | [atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS “Please fill this form and we will proceed the registration for you” the male librarian hands out several form in front of Wilhelm which he took. He takes a pen in the counter and start writing on the paper. Once in a while he will take a glance to his right where the student and the other librarian were talking. It’s rude to eavesdropes, but with the volume of the librarian talking (how can she work on a library with a voice as loud as a stereo in full blast?) he can’t help to catch what’s going on.
So the girl lost his membership because she can’t pay the fine. The girl looks lost and defeated, maybe something happens to her so she can’t pay it. Seriously, books fine are not that expensive isn’t it? Wilhelm reminding himself to never, ever, return the library books past the designated date. After finished writing the form, Wilhelm gives it to the awating librarian and finally turining his head to see the student more clearly.
First thing he recognized is the student is short. Typical for Asian girl, judging from her strange name he heard a while ago. She also has slightly brown skin and black hair. Her gestures are smooth and her words are polite, showing sign of growing up in a good well-of family. No wonder she can afford to study abroad. But why a lady-like student can’t even pay a meager fine (he just found out it was 5 pounds, it was cheap even in his opinion). And she also considers taking a part-time job…
Maybe Wilhelm just found his perfect candidate for an employee?
The librarian came back and gives Wilhelm an envelope and the book he borrowed. “Here are you card sir. You can borrow up to three books with the length of two weeks per book start from the day it was borrowed. I already checked out Max Havelaar for you.”
“Thank you for your trouble.” Wilhelm replied curtly after taking the envelope and the book. He opens the envelope and takes out a plastic dark-blue card out, checking it for a while and put it back in. After seeing everything is in order, Wilhelm gives a curt nod to the librarian and walk to the couch where he saw the Asian student sat. “Here, you can use mine if there’s any book you want to borrow urgently” Wilhelm held the envelope in front of her.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2013 4:34:30 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 387px,bTable][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=valign,top] | [atrb=valign,top] OH NO I'VE SAID TOO MUCH Shifting her attention away from the tall blond, Ada tries to read her science journal; but soon interrupted by distinct footsteps. She glances to her left, only to find someone's legs stops before her couch.
"Here,"
Ada looks upward, slightly surprised upon seeing the tall blond now standing close, holding an envelope to her. Her eyes dart back and forth from the envelope to his face, confused.
"You can use mine if there's any book you want to borrow urgently."
"H-huh?" Ada stammers and blinks a few times before everything clicked in her head. He was standing beside her on the counter--of course he heard her previous conversation with miss librarian! Embarassment filled her heart. Ada considers to refuse his offer, but he looks determined. Very.
So after an awkward silence passed, Ada slowly takes the envelope from his large hand. One should not refuse an offer, especially if one is in dire need of something! "Oh... okay then. Please excuse me for a bit," she politely nods, stand and walk fast to the counter, where the male librarian she saw coming downstairs with the kind stranger busy writing.
"I want to borrow the Fundamental of Physics over there," Ada nods to the stack of book waiting to be returned to their respective shelves. Both her recently returned books topped the stack. She already finished And Then There Were None, but the other... she needs it for studying. Badly.
The librarian raises his brow. "You just lost your membership, Miss Notonegoro."
"I know, but..." Ada opens the envelope, taking a blue card out. She glances to the name printed on it. "Mr. Wilhelm Janssen has kindly let me borrow his card. Just for one book, please?" she adds, half-pleading.
"Fine then, fine." he says, taking Wilhelm Janssen's card from her hand. He walks to the stack of books and takes the book she wants. "Here's your book. Please remember to return it before the due date, or your kind Mr. Janssen will have to pay for your fine."
"I'll remember it, sir!" Ada makes a vow to never let it happen. She'll just embarass herself if it does. She takes the card, returns it gently to its envelop before hugging her monstrously thick book and walking back to her couch.
"Mr. Janssen, thank you very much for lending me your card," Ada smiles brightly, really happy she won't need to stay up late in library for studying. She puts down her book on the table and extends her hand with envelope in its grasp, "Is there anything I can do to return your favor?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2013 10:03:41 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,bTable] | [atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS He saw the student went to the reception desk after taking his card with gratitude in her face. Well that’s feels nice to see that kind of reply from people, contrary to the poker face or annoyed look he received from his client. When the student (what’s her name? Nate? Noto something) is back, she held the Fundamental of Physics book, the one Wilhelm remember she returned earlier. He raised his eyebrows slightly.
So she was the ‘study-type’ of student, maybe a scholarship student? Since she’s definitely a foreigner and like to study so much she forgot to return the book on time. Wilhelm never made it to the university after high school due to ‘family circumstance’ (not financially of course, it’s just you don’t have much time for study when you need to do your job at 2 a.m), and he appreciate people that managed to go to uni and actually study. He already saw many teenagers went to uni just for partying, getting laid; etc, only a handful of them actually do what students supposed to do.
"Mr. Janssen, thank you very much for lending me your card,"Ada smiles brightly, really happy she won't need to stay up late in library for studying. She puts down her book on the table and extends her hand with envelope in its grasp,"Is there anything I can do to return your favor?"
Now the favourite part after helping people, the return favor. Wilhelm can ask her to help him manage the shop, but he would make it sounds like she’s returning the favor for lending her the member card. Quite a clever plan in a short time. “Well I do want to ask you something, but…” Wilhelm glance to his watch for a second. “I have to go now, I’m leaving my bookshop for far too long. A little understaffed here…” he said the last part in a not-too-loud whisper.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2013 9:05:58 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 387px,bTable][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=valign,top] | [atrb=valign,top] OH NO I'VE SAID TOO MUCH "...I have to go now, I'm leaving my bookshop for far too long. A little understaffed here..."
Ada tilts her head slightly. So he is a bookshop owner... no wonder he taken stroll to a college library. And... and did he say understaffed? Does that mean he needs someone to help him run the shop? Excitement starts to bloom in her heart. Did she just find opportunity of getting a part time job? Working in a bookshop doesn't sound bad, it's even quite good in her thoughts and definitely will not require too many movements. Perfect!
Ada opens her mouth, ready to ask Mr. Janssen if he needs a helper, before she stops herself. Her brain quickly calculating and analyzing the circumstances: they are strangers who just met few minutes ago, she doesn't know if he really owns a bookshop--good thing Ada hasn't told him her name yet. Her eyebrows slightly crease. But he had been so kind lending his card so she can continue studying... not everyone would do that to a total stranger, right?
Mr. Janssen might be in need of a helper and she needs a part time job. On the other hand, Ada is not sure if he can be trusted. Well, the best way to meet both ends is...
"Um, do you need help running the shop, Mr. Janssen?" she begins, her smile returns. "Actually I've been looking for a part-time job so... maybe I can help around your shop." She reaches her pocket, taking her phone (second hand, recently bought after selling her 'old' one, a high-end smartphone from the famous Pear Factory covered with studs and beads her grandmother hand-picked for her--Ada never liked that thing) out.
"I would like to see your shop right away, but unfortunately I have class to attend in an hour." That isn't completely a lie; the class is Quantum Physics, scheduled for ninety minutes but earlier today something came up so the professor canceled today's class. "May I have your shop's address? I will visit once the class dismissed." Ada offers her hand, gesturing the European to take her phone and jot his shop's location in it.
Even though she does want to return Mr. Janssen's debt, Ada still sounds a bit wary. One does not simply trust a stranger after all.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2013 5:44:34 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,bTable] | [atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS He saw the girl tilt her head when eyeing him with much curiosity? Maybe she’s calculating him or something. No matter, in the end he will gain the upper hand, he won’t acting like an idiot for nothing. He waited for a good 5 second before start walking when he heard the girl finally said
"Um, do you need help running the shop, Mr. Janssen?" she begins, her smile returns."Actually I've been looking for a part-time job so... maybe I can help around your shop."
“... well that is very kind of you...” Wilhelm stops and talk to her as if he’s confused with her offer. But yes, he’s actually confused a little about how’s the girl can easily trust a person she just met just because the person helped her a little. You always have to be careful in this time and age after all. Maybe that was Asian trait. He has a couple of Asian-descent client that asked his help for some revenge or punishment to someone that tricked them and took advantage of their trusting habit.
"I would like to see your shop right away, but unfortunately I have class to attend in an hour. May I have your shop's address? I will visit once the class dismissed."
So she had some doubt after all. That’s good because he can’t have an over-trusting Asian girl running his shop for him. Wilhelm glance at the phone in her hand. A normal, seemingly ‘outdated’ phone, but looks decent enough to use. He takes the phone slowly and start to write his bookshop address. “I don’t mind”. After he jolted down the address and his phone number (the normal one, not the one he gave his clients), he gives the phone back to it’s owner. “I really have to go. If you are... still interested, that would be a great help. I’ll see you again miss...” and he realized he’s the stupid one for forgetting to ask the girl’s name. “I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name earlier”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2013 10:54:58 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 387px,bTable][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=valign,top] | [atrb=valign,top] OH NO I'VE SAID TOO MUCH "I don't mind"
Ada bit her inner lips, preventing her from smiling too wide. Her eyes fixed to the man's finger, typing on her phone. If he does own a bookstore--and don't look shady at all--Ada considering to apply as a part-timer there. She's been living very economically from selling her stuff and she needs to learn how to support herself. Ada hopes this will be a good place to start. "Thank you," she says politely after Mr. Janssen finished putting in his contact. She looks to the shop's name... 'The Scribble'. Ada would have to look at the address in the internet later.
"I really have to go. If you are... still interested, that would be a great help. I'll see you again miss..." Mr. Janssen stops, for a second he looks confused. "I'm sorry I didn't catch your name earlier."
Shoot! Ada curses in her head. How could she forget manners? Her grandfather taught her to always introduce yourself to someone who will be working with you. Well, in this case, Ada is the one who will be working for the European--but it's still business, after all. She draws a deep breath and makes an eye contact with her boss-to-be. Her voice is clear and determined in tone. "My name is Adania Notonegoro," she extends her hand, prompting for a firm handshake. "Just 'Ada' for short."
I didn't sound bad, she thinks. Then she adds, "I'm looking forward to meet you in The Scribble, Mr. Janssen." She takes her Fundamental of Physics from the table. "Thank you for your help," Ada nods politely, her smile unconsciously changes from a little shy into determined. Unknown to her, she now uses a mask people mostly use in formal meetings--something that Ada used to resent, but absorbed it nonetheless.
Huh, that sounded too business-like, she mentally comments her own action. Too much like grandfather.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2013 7:52:24 GMT -8
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,bTable] | [atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS Wilhelm was a bit confused when the girl suddenly sees him directly. He assumes she will back out and a little bit shy after he asked for her name, but no, the girl actually has the courage to meet him eye-to-eye.
"My name is Adania Notonegoro," she extends her hand, prompting for a firm handshake. "Just 'Ada' for short."
“Noto… Ms. Ada then”. Wilhelm has to admit he don’t know how to pronounce the last name, so he’s glad the girl didn't go with that name. He glances into the offering hand and shake it firmly. “Will Janssen. Pleasure.” Wilhelm don't want to give his full name, least the girl is actually a spy or worse, enemy. Call him paranoid but hey, one can never be too careful. But still, he can’t help but to catch a strong aura from the event. The girl – Ada, Wilhelm repeated the name in his mind - looks like she knows how to deal with people in business world. Her shake is firm to show his confidence, but not too strong to make it look desperate. The way she spoke is also smooth and clear. Where is the slightly scared and desperate girl he saw earlier?
"I'm looking forward to meet you in The Scribble, Mr. Janssen. Thank you for your help," after saying that, Ada took the big physic book and smile to him, a brief smile he usually saw on a experienced businessman, not a teenager/under 20 foreign female student. ‘She will make a good business-woman one day if she keeps this up’ Wilhelm comprehends. Maybe the girl is not ordinary girl after all, this is getting more interesting. “Until we meet again Ms. Ada” Wilhelm then finally walking out the library for real. Too much time has been wasted, but at least he got a good deal. Who knows such a simple card can lead to many things…
Now it ‘s time to go back to work.
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