how do i get past into the upper layers of new ark?
Well first you need some food, second go by the Don's home, facing it behind you is the Beggar Slum, upon entering left of the screen are two people, one will ask for food, give a few until they mention a snippet about Fake Passes/Tickets, to the Slums market, is a junk vendor, should have new items for sale then.
After all that go get a nice massage to recuperate from all that Labor, from Lin-Lin, no doubt.