Dragon Bites' café.
The university canteen of the Hua University was known as the Dragon Bites' café. It was a vibrant and dynamic space, filled with the energetic hum of students engaged in lively conversations. The aroma of various Chinese cuisines wafted through the air, creating an enticing atmosphere that beckoned hungry students from all corners of the campus.
The canteen was a large, well-lit area with rows of long tables and benches, providing ample seating for the diverse student body. The rhythmic clatter of chopsticks against porcelain plates and bowls echoed throughout the canteen, creating a symphony of dining sounds. Groups of friends gathered at tables, sharing laughter and animated discussions over their meals.
Amid the chatter and laughter, Xin Yue was speaking to her little brother Mu Haoran on the call.
[First, you have to promise me that you will not eat your cake even before cutting it, like you did on your last birthday.]
[Okay sister, I promise. I will wait until the cake cutting ceremony, okay?]
[Okay then. Don't you worry, little Haoran. We will definitely have a party today.]
[Yay! Yay! Yay! Thank you, sister!]
[Okay, now I have work to do. I will call you later, bye.]
Xin Yue hung up the call and the smile on her face was immediately replaced with a frown as she thought, 'I have promised to throw a birthday party for little Haoran, but how will I arrange the money for the party?'
As she was deep in her thoughts, one of the students called Xin Yue and ordered rice balls. Xin Yue nodded in acknowledgment; her pen poised to jot down the details. Minutes later, Xin Yue returned to the student's table, her uniform neatly pressed as she balanced a tray in one hand.
As she placed the tray on the student's table, the faint odor of spoiled food reached her nose, causing her to pause momentarily. Concerned about the quality of the dish, she made a swift decision.
Maintaining her composed demeanor, Xin Yue gracefully picked up the tray, her eyes apologetic as she addressed the student, "I'm terribly sorry, but it seems there might be an issue with the rice balls. I want to ensure you have the best dining experience. I'll personally make sure a fresh batch is prepared for you right away."
The student, understanding and appreciative of Xin Yue's honesty, nodded in acknowledgment. Xin Yue hurried back to the kitchen, conveying the issue to the kitchen staff. With a sense of urgency, she requested a replacement for the unsatisfactory dish, emphasizing the importance of delivering a high-quality meal to the customer.
As soon as she said this, a shadow fell over the scene. The owner of Dragon Bites Cafe, a stern and formidable figure, had observed the entire exchange. Her face was twisted with apparent anger as she reprimanded Xin Yue for causing losses.
"You have caused me enough losses by bringing back the dishes from the customer's table even if they didn't complain about it. Now, I have decided, I won't bear these losses anymore. You yourself have to bear these losses now."
Xin Yue's heart raced as she faced the owner's anger, her eyes widening with fear at the thought of potential consequences. The owner's stern words about the losses caused by such incidents struck a chord of worry within Xin Yue. If the owner fined everything on her, how would she pay? She didn't have any money on her right now. Just as quickly as the tension escalated, the owner's expression shifted.
A sudden smile replaced the previous frown, catching Xin Yue off guard. The owner's change in demeanor was swift and unexpected. Xin Yue, still in a state of apprehension, listened intently as the owner's tone transformed into one of reassurance.
"You've had your share of challenges, Xiao Yue," the owner acknowledged, her smile becoming more genuine. "But I've been watching you closely. Despite the occasional mishaps, you've shown dedication and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Your sincerity and hard work have not gone unnoticed."
Xin Yue's confusion deepened as the owner's words took an unexpected turn. The owner continued, "My contract with the college is coming to an end, and I've been considering passing the reins to someone who truly understands the spirit of Dragon Bites Cafe. Xin Yue, I want you to take over the canteen."
The sudden revelation left Xin Yue momentarily stunned. The weight of the situation shifted from fear to a mixture of astonishment and gratitude. The owner elaborated on her decision, expressing confidence in Xin Yue's ability to uphold the standards of the canteen and further enhance its reputation. She then handed a form to Xin Yue and asked her to fill it and submit it in the college.
As Xin Yue absorbed the unexpected turn of events, a sense of responsibility and excitement began to replace the initial fear. She exclaimed, "You are handing over the canteen to me? Ma'am, you don't know how much I needed this opportunity. If I really get selected for handling the college canteen, all my worries will disappear. Thank you, ma'am; thank you very much."
The owner smiled before she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small wad of bills. Xin Yue's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude as the owner handed her the money—the accumulated tips that Xin Yue had earned from serving the cafe's customers. The unexpected gesture added a layer of warmth to the atmosphere, and Xin Yue's eyes lit up at the sight of the money.
"This is for you, Xiao Yue," the owner said with a kind smile, "Consider it a token of appreciation for your hard work and dedication. I know you'll continue to make Dragon Bites Cafe a special place for everyone."
Touched by the owner's generosity, Xin Yue thanked her earnestly, a mix of emotions playing across her face. A spark of joy ignited in her eyes as she realized that with this unexpected bonus, she could finally fulfill her wish of throwing a birthday party for little Haoran. The prospect of bringing joy to her brother's special day filled Xin Yue with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.