Chapter 1305 - 577: Staying True to the Original Intention, Securing the Order_2

Chapter 1305: Chapter 577: Staying True to the Original Intention, Securing the Order_2

"However, as long as you can guarantee working part-time for a certain number of days, then it’s not really a big issue. After some simple training, handling basic tasks shouldn’t be a problem."

"Ms. Li, I don’t have any practical experience, but I do have theoretical knowledge about basic car repairs and tool identification," responded Lin Li.

"Oh? Theoretical knowledge, is this what you studied?"

"Not exactly, but I do have a hobby in this area."

"Then why don’t you tell me about your theoretical knowledge?" Ms. Li showed some interest.

"For example, in car repairs, I understand that the core of basic maintenance is oil, water, electricity, and wheels—

Changing engine oil and coolant, checking the thickness of brake pads in the braking system—which must be replaced if below 3mm—detecting electrical faults, checking the battery voltage with a multimeter, which should be ≥12.6V under no-load conditions, then checking for blown fuses or poor connection wiring—like if the headlights don’t work, you can first check fuse number F15—

As for the car wash process, it’s even simpler. I’ve also studied the standardized procedures—first, spray the car body with a pH-neutral pre-wash to soften dirt and sand for 2-3 minutes before rinsing, to avoid scratching the paint with high-pressure water, and use an iron remover to dissolve brake dust on the wheels..."

Lin Li began to speak fluently.

This wasn’t nonsense; it’s because Lin Li had taken the time a few days ago to read related books and watch videos. With Lin Li’s current memory and comprehension, mastering this was a piece of cake. Although there might be some operational errors, adapting wouldn’t take long.

Ms. Li nodded frequently as she listened.

It was evident that Lin Li had quite an understanding of both car washing and repairs.

Although the core issues of repairs might still be a long way off, recruiting apprentices and part-timers wasn’t intended for newcomers to solve those issues—the shop had several veteran employees for that.

"Good, good, I see. Your theoretical knowledge is more solid than I imagined, which is nice," once Lin Li finished speaking, Ms. Li raised her hand signaling he didn’t need to continue, moving on to the next topic, "So Lin Li, what are your salary expectations, and when are you generally available? How long can you work each day?"

"Ms. Li, this is the point I need to discuss with you." Lin Li straightened up and began to articulate his prepared thoughts:

"Firstly, regarding salary expectations, the rate is something you can absolutely accept because I only ask for one yuan an hour."

Without waiting for Ms. Li to question this, Lin Li continued:

"It’s not that I’m a fool not wanting money; it’s because I’m genuinely interested in mechanics and hands-on operation, but my aim is more about the experience.

You know how it is with young people, our holiday schedules are pretty flexible and can often have unexpected arrangements, so I might not meet the stability needed for full-time or even regular part-time work."

"Also, I can’t guarantee how long I can work because, after all, both my vacation time and my interest might fade one day."

"For me, learning new things and experiencing the atmosphere in an auto repair shop is more important than making money. Based on this point, along with the other factors causing inconvenience to you, that’s why I’m only asking for a token wage of one yuan an hour."

"However," seeing Ms. Li’s slight frown, Lin Li raised his voice a bit, sounding particularly sincere:

"Ms. Li, rest assured, as long as I’m here at the shop and on duty, I’ll absolutely perform all required tasks without slacking, 100% following instructions. Moreover, I won’t back out at the last minute, saying I’d come the day before and then not show up. Even if that really happens, I will definitely find someone to replace me, so manpower shortages won’t occur.

Additionally, I assure you of a positive attitude, efficient work, and I won’t slack off just because it’s a one-yuan wage.

If I break something or delay matters, I will cover the full cost of any loss without shirking responsibility.

And if you catch me lazing around, feel free to deduct my wages based on your standard rates, even if it goes into negative figures—I’ll cover the difference myself, ensuring the shop won’t incur any losses!"

"Moreover," Lin Li held up two fingers,

"While I can’t promise how long I can work, I can guarantee at least twenty hours of work. I wouldn’t just experience it for an hour or two and then run off. If you want to sign a contract, you can include it, saying that if I don’t work at least twenty hours, there’s a penalty fee of a thousand yuan, for example."

Lin Li snapped his fingers:

"In short, you can completely consider me as free, skilled labor with decent abilities but inconsistent attendance.

The expenditure on me doesn’t prevent you from hiring a regular part-time employee. That’s my plan. What do you think?"

Currently, Lin Li didn’t know how long the task required him to work, and once completed, with all the treasures and Taoist methods he had for cultivation, he really wasn’t keen on wasting time on this.

However, from the business’s perspective, such a candidate is the least preferred—who knows if it’s just a fleeting enthusiasm—they might better decide to pass up entirely.

Therefore, Lin Li offered a minimum 20-hour guarantee, meaning even if he’s there full-time, it would require at least two days for that.

As for why he still asked for a one-yuan wage.

It’s symbolic, as Lin Li was worried that without a payment, the system may not recognize it as a formal employment relationship, and he wouldn’t be considered part of the shop. So, it needed to be established.

"Hold on, let me process this..."

And after Lin Li smoothly laid all this out, Ms. Li continued to frown.

After all, such an unusual request was unprecedented.

From a certain angle, it could be described as... a mature yet not entirely responsible apprenticeship?

But... as Lin Li mentioned, if everything went as planned, neither she nor the shop seemed to suffer any losses.

Lazing around for 20 hours? That’s just 20 yuan.

Moreover, to admit a bit of vanity, with Lin Li’s demeanor and way of speaking, she didn’t believe he’d really cause any trouble for the shop.

"In essence, you don’t know when you might need time off, right? It’s possible, as long as you request leave a half-day in advance. Even at normal wage rates, it’s okay," Ms. Li said after some thought, still frowning,

"But are you available later? I might still need to see how you actually perform as a part-timer before deciding on any long-term employment."

"Rest assured, even if we decide not to hire you, today’s afternoon wage will be paid normally. How does that sound to you?"

"No problem," Lin Li replied crisply.

He didn’t actually have any plans for the afternoon.

"Alright, then let’s do that for now. I still have interviews. After you step out, talk to Liu Men—the crew-cutted employee repairing cars outside—and tell him about the situation, letting him know I asked him to guide you. I’ll come find you after I’m done with interviews."

"Okay, should I head out then?"

"Mmm, and please call in the next person."

"Alright."

Lin Li nodded, feeling content with the outcome, and got up to leave the room. Outside, there were only two people eagerly looking at him.

"The next one can go in."

Of course, the two then asked Lin Li about his interview results.

"I’m just doing part-time, so the requirements and procedures are different from yours. I’ll be doing a trial run later, so asking me isn’t meaningful."

"Oh, okay."

Lin Li then walked over to the man still repairing cars.

"Hi, are you Brother Liu?"

Liu Men rolled out from under the car again, realizing it was Lin Li, whom he’d mistaken for an insurance agent, and nodded, "That’s me, what’s up?"

"I succeeded, Ms. Li asked me to find you," explained Lin Li.

"Interview success, congrats, congrats," smiled Liu Men.

Lin Li: "No, Brother, I meant I succeeded in my insurance sales pitch, and Ms. Li wants you to purchase a policy too OvO."

Liu Men: "?"

"Why are we still talking about insurance!!!"