Speaking outside wasn't convenient, so the middle-aged woman didn't say much. When the city bus passed through a densely populated residential area, the two of them got off.
This area was likely a Rebel Army stronghold. As Xu Huo got off the bus with the woman, three gazes from different directions landed on him. Two quickly moved away, but someone inside the nearest building facing the street kept watching him.
Their attention was different from the curious looks of nearby residents who had simply noticed someone passing by.
The residential area lay in the southeastern part of the East District, still a considerable distance from the city center. Its buildings were much like those he had seen just after coming through Exit 3. Their main structures were made of specially treated glass, with metal dividers between floors. It was daytime, and many people had turned off the walls' light-blocking function, so homes stretched as far as the eye could see.
"Don't you have to go to work?" Xu Huo asked.
"Of course we do." The middle-aged woman smiled. "But the East District has a half-day work schedule. You can choose to work mornings or afternoons."
Although the East District was technologically advanced, society had not yet become fully mechanized. Unlike the high-welfare, low-pressure environment of the sub-district where the Enbel Maiden Dungeon had taken place, people living here still had to work. The benefits covered only the most basic food expenses, and couldn't support other costly purchases. Fortunately, wages were fairly high.
As they passed along the street, Xu Huo saw several job postings.
There were plenty of openings for cooks, designers, teachers, and emotional counselors. Other listings included home repair, craftspeople, and cleaners.
The lower floors were all shops. Along the way, the middle-aged woman ran into two neighbors