I met my first independent bookstore in 2017, and my fate with bookstores began.

So I wrote this item on my dream list, to visit the 50 most beautiful bookstores before I turn 30.

The bookstore Cat’s Sky City appeared on my check-in list without any surprise.

At that time, we had no choice but to find Maokong in Xuzhou, so we gave the opportunity to visit Maokong bookstores in Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Maybe it really proves the saying, when you really want to achieve a goal in your heart, everything will help you.

I am really lucky. In October 2018, Maokong’s footprints stayed in Xuzhou, in Huilongwo, the most literary and artistic place in Xuzhou.

I wasn't able to witness her opening, but I couldn't miss her charm.

Five days after it opened, I checked in to this most beautiful bookstore and checked many boxes on my list. At that moment, I felt like the happiest person in the world.

That day, my fate with Maokong began, and she became a part of my life.

At the beginning of this year, I accidentally saw the one-day clerk experience event on Maokong’s official account and signed up without hesitation.

A few days later, I received a call from Maokong. Unfortunately, this Maokong was not the other Maokong.

I don’t know if I chose the wrong store at the time. This Maokong was from Lijiang, so obviously I had no choice but to refuse.

I thought that my Maokong experience event would be premature, and I felt very sad.

Unexpectedly, a few days later, I received a call from Xuzhou Maokong, informing me that my application was approved.

I guess this must be the arrangement of Lijiang Maokong, and I am really grateful.

When I received the call, I was extremely excited. I agreed on a date with the other person on the phone and just waited for that day to arrive.

With great anticipation, the day of February 10th finally arrived.

It is stipulated to arrive at the store at 9 o'clock, so I arrived at the door of Maokong's store at 8:45, but the store was not open yet.

I wandered around, and after a while, I saw a short girl coming to the door of the store, but she just stayed at the door and made no move to take out the keys.

I wondered in my heart, could it be that she also came to Maokong to work as a trial clerk?

(I found out later that she was here to work part-time, but I still don’t know her name).

After a while, another little girl came from a distance. This time she did not disappoint me. She skillfully took out the key from her pocket, unlocked the door, and walked into the store.

I followed in and informed myself of my identity.

She provided me with a black, unadorned apron (boys should not put so many decorations on it, it looks a bit childish).

The moment I put on my apron, my experience in Maokong officially began!

The first job: sweeping + mopping the floor. This job is left to me and the part-time girl.

We divided things up and started taking action.

I’m very grateful to her for giving me, a “newcomer,” useful tools, which saved me a lot of effort during the cleaning process.

Sweeping and mopping the floor is an extremely boring task, but here it becomes a pleasure.

In the soothing light music and the harassment of two cute kittens, sweeping and mopping the floor become extremely interesting.

At that moment, I felt that my choice was the right one and that I would definitely have an unforgettable day.

The second task: tear off the window grilles. Because the Lantern Festival has just passed, the festive atmosphere in the store has not dissipated. There are still many window grilles on the floor-to-ceiling windows to embellish the last bustle.

After receiving the order to tear off the window grilles, the part-time girl and I started to take action.

We divided the work and cooperated, she tore up the low parts, and I tore up the high parts (who made me taller).

I thought it would be an easy job, but I didn't expect that the window grilles would be so difficult to tear off.

After tearing it off for a while, my fingernails hurt terribly, but I felt very happy inside. Maybe it was because I really enjoyed every moment here.

After a while, the window grilles were eliminated by the two of us, and we felt full of accomplishment.

The third job: cleaning tables and bookshelves? This job is still done by me and the part-timer.

Because I have done catering before, I am very good at this job.

After a while, all the tables and bookshelves were wiped clean.

Every corner sparkles in the sunshine, welcoming every reader with the best attitude.

The fourth job: Experience making drinks and desserts. I have great expectations for this job because I am also a foodie and gourmet.

Since the store manager is on vacation, an experienced store clerk "Juan" is responsible for teaching.

She first demonstrated how to make a cup of stocking milk tea and explained the proportions of various ingredients to me in detail.

I tasted what she made first and thought it tasted great.

But when I followed the proportions, it tasted bitter.

After all, it is the fruit of your own labor and cannot be wasted. Enjoy it while having fun and suffering.

Then she showed me how to make classic waffles.

Fortunately, there is a machine, so you don’t have to use your hands to shape the shape.

Although I didn’t try to cook it myself until I got off work, I was very satisfied and happy after eating what she cooked.

The classic waffles are really delicious, fragrant and soft.

Thanks to colleague "Juan" for providing delicious food that satisfied my taste buds.

The fifth job: issuing orders, clearing tables, and inspecting bookshelves and shelves. This is what I do most of the time.

Taking an order means delivering the prepared drinks or desserts to the guest's table.

At the same time, when guests leave, take back the tableware in a timely manner, clean the table, and arrange the stools neatly.