"Isn't it hard to believe how fast time has passed? It's already year 2007."

"Wei, Jasper. So eat what now?"

It was new year's eve. There Don was, in the middle of Plaza Singapura, with Jasper. Yes, Jasper is a guy's name. On new year's eve, yes.

"Hmm... There's a PastaMania here, right? Hey, I wanna eat that, leh."

"Suay pian."

If not for Jasper's whims, Don may not have found a new job.

The orange glow of PastaMania peeked through the brightly lit corridors of the Plaza Singapura's basement floor. There, many shops laid closed due to the late hour and occasion.

"Hello, welcome to PastaMania! Table for two?" A female voice squeaked above the crowd chatter.

"Huh, you guys still open, ar?" Jasper asked.

"Yep. Wanna place your orders first?"

"Uhh, okay. Want anything, WeiWen?"

"WeiWen?"

Don was too busy reading the sign on the glass panel by the side of the outlet.

Looking for part-timers! Must be above 16, fun, and energetic!

Above 16, check.
Fun, double check.
Energetic... Unchecked.
Hyperactive, check check check check check.

I think I'm suitable.

Don eyed a middle-aged man wearing a uniform different from the rest.

Should be manager, right? Anyhow hantam, sure can one.

"Erm, excuse me. May I have the job application form for PastaMania? I would like to join our crew," Don asked unwittingly.

"I'm sorry, sir. You'll have to come back another day. We only do job interviews on weekdays, preferably 2-5pm in the afternoon."

And that particular moment? Sunday, Public holiday, and 11pm in the evening.

"Oh, alright. Ah, sorry for the inconvenience! And please, don't call me sir."

"Hm?"

"Because I may have to call you sir soon!"

Good tactic, no?

Don went to take a seat at the table with Jasper, who was mighty curious of his friend's actions.

"Eh, you went to apply for job, arh? This time they accept, meh?"

"No la, but at least try luck, mah!"

"Orh, chey."

Just then, the very same man who Don asked about the job application came to the table.

"Excuse me, do you have any past experience working in a F&B outlet?" The portly man questioned.

"Uhhh, ya. I once worked as a hawker's assistant, then in Terra Cafe@Vivo."

"Work for how long?"

"Uhh, which one?"

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The conversation went on for just about a minute more, then things took a change for the better.

"Wait here, please. I'll go get the form for you."

... And after the form was filled up?

"When can you start work?"

"Anytime you want me to."

"Good. You start first thing next week."

WAHAHAHAHAHA.

"Wa, pro." That was all Jasper could muster up.

"Duh, of course pro. I'm Don, what."

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"By the way, sir. How should I address you?" Don just had to ask.

"Oh, uhh. You can call me Edward. I'm the manager." And so, he walked away.

"Psst, that's Boss. He owns this whole outlet," a waitress nearby told me.

Zomg.

- - -

"So, where to now?"

"Go see fireworks, lo."

"Kay."

And just for the record...

- The last thing Don ate in the year 2006 was an egg-and-onion roti prata, smothered in mutton curry. Such a meal took place with Jasper as company, in a certain Juliet restaurant off the pier of Raffles Place.

- An attempt was made to enter Fullerton Hotel to take a look at its decorations, and to enjoy 'free air-conditioning'. Sadly, the security outside proved it un-admittable.

- Year 2007 fireworks display was watched with Jasper as company. He was probably the one that Don actually wished 'happy new year' to in year 2007.

Hence,

Don spent new year's eve with a guy in an indian restaurant, watched fireworks with him and both of them almost ended up in a hotel.

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Happy new year!