The original host planned to save up money to buy a bottle of ‘Vitality Pill’ from the East on the black market, to help himself break through his current martial arts level; William, on the other hand, wanted to buy a car—he had been longing for a pickup truck at a used car dealership for quite some time.

Ethan Thompson also attached great importance to this job; aside from scholarships and government subsidies, this was likely his only source of income in the near future.

If possible, he would have preferred to stay home today to try to recuperate his spirit and fully understand his physical condition. If he had extra time, he could also learn about this world through books and newspapers, and thoroughly sort through the original host’s memories.

But there was no choice—Ethan Thompson had learned from his memories that the Cai’s Chinese Restaurant where they worked was one of the busiest restaurants on Market Street.

And in America, the more popular the restaurant, the more tips you could earn. Jobs like this were coveted by countless people, always one carrot for one hole. Even if the boss didn’t pay any wages, many people would still flock to it. If you didn’t show up today, the boss might find someone to replace you tomorrow.

Chapter 7: The Gang

“Damn! I worked hard for three hours and only made less than 20 gold shields.”

William sighed, then rested his chin on his hand, musing, “It seems like you’ve had really good luck lately, Ah Mo. All the dozens of tables you served today were big spenders.”

—And then there was yesterday, that unbelievable victory.

“I think Andrew relies more on his looks;”

Another waiter disagreed: “Did you notice? The ones who tipped him the most were all women.”

“Looks and luck are one thing, but I think the most important thing is the quality of service.”

This was a female colleague: “Didn’t you all notice? Andrew’s smile was especially sunny today, his voice and tone were really pleasant, and his service was particularly clean and attentive, making people feel comfortable. If I were a customer, I’d be willing to be generous for him and open my wallet.”

Ethan Thompson felt a bit embarrassed by the slightly heated gaze from the female server, and turned his head away, his eyes showing a thoughtful look.

The speaker was unintentional, but the listener took it to heart—William’s words made him realize that his current state was indeed a bit unusual.

Could it be? His life-bound treasure hadn’t actually dissipated into the boundless void?

As this thought appeared in Ethan Thompson’s mind, a trace of excitement immediately flashed in his eyes. He even felt an impatient urge to hurry home.

At that moment, a few sudden ‘bang bang’ explosions rang out in the distance, shaking their eardrums. The glass curtain wall beside them shattered with a crash, and screams erupted throughout the restaurant. Before Ethan Thompson could react, William had already dragged him under the table. His face was deathly pale: “Damn! Someone’s shooting. Shit, this is Market Street!”

Ethan Thompson instantly understood, recalling the memories of ‘firearms’ from the original host.

These were modern inventions, using gunpowder or magic arrays to fire bullets. Some powerful guns could even threaten high-level professionals. This was the main reason modern governments could keep magic professionals and even outlaws in check.

But it was also the source of chaos in today’s America. The early federal constitution stipulated—a well-regulated militia was necessary for the security of a free state, so the right of the people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed.

This clause was originally intended to resist the dark world, evil creatures, invasions from former colonial powers, and threats from natives, but it was exploited by arms dealers. Thanks to their efforts, guns became rampant in America, with hundreds of people dying from shootings every day nationwide. In Atlanta alone, there were over seven hundred shooting incidents last year.

However, few dared to cause trouble on Market Street in Atlanta, as it was a key patrol area for the Atlanta Police Department, with heavy police presence.

Sure enough, after more than twenty gunshots in a row, a large number of police cars came roaring in. Over a hundred armed officers surged out, sealing off every street and alley, and quickly brought the situation under control.

Only then did the people crouching in the restaurant dare to lift their heads and look outside.

The shooting had happened just sixty meters away, but that area was now tightly sealed off by police cars and human barricades. Not long after, the restaurant’s operations manager walked over, his face ashen.

“The boss says we’re closing for the next two days. Everyone, get ready to wrap up.”

So, all the waiters, including William, let out a collective groan.

America has a five-day workweek, so most of those working here on weekends were students, in the same situation as William and Ethan Thompson.

If the restaurant closed for the next two days, it meant they’d earn nothing for the whole week.

Ethan Thompson, however, was happy about it—he was eager to get home and test his earlier suspicions. He figured this matter wouldn’t be resolved in just a day or two, so a two-day work break was just what he wanted.