One day, during her lunch break, Mei Yu did some tutoring, giving a lesson to an elementary school student in a nearby residential building to earn some extra money.
Mei Yu didn’t go home but bought some food on the way and went directly to the restaurant.
The restaurant was empty, with all employees already resting. Only the boss sat alone by a window table with several beer bottles and a plate of peanuts.
Mei Yu walked in, saw the boss, and stood at the door, respectfully saying, “Boss, not resting yet?”
The boss looked at Mei Yu and put down his drink, asking, “Why are you here so early?” Today wasn’t even her shift, and this small restaurant didn’t have strict scheduling.
Mei Yu smiled and said, “I… had something at noon, so I didn’t go home and came directly here.” Noticing the boss seemed slightly drunk, she closed the door behind her and pointed to the kitchen, saying, “Boss, if there’s nothing else, I’ll go help in the kitchen.”
Unexpectedly, the boss called out to Mei Yu, saying, “Mei Zi is on duty in the kitchen, and her boyfriend is helping her. What are you doing going in there?” As he spoke, the boss took a swig of alcohol.
Mei Yu was at a loss from the boss’s words, not knowing whether to stand or sit.
The boss said to Mei Yu, “Come here, Mei Yu, let’s talk. You’ve been doing a great job lately…” The boss was eating peanuts, casually tossing them into his mouth.
Mei Yu stood at the door for a while, then walked over to the boss.
The boss tilted his head, squinting at Mei Yu standing in front of the table. “Come, sit. Don’t be formal with your brother,” the boss said. He became unexpectedly polite, which made Mei Yu feel uncomfortable. The boss pointed to the chair beside her, asking her to sit.
Mei Yu looked up at the boss with a complex expression, hesitating before finally sitting down. She sat at the table, idly rubbing her hands underneath and turning her face away to look outside.
The boss took the opportunity to observe her. “Mei Yu, you’ve been at our shop for quite a while now.” The boss reached out to pour tea for her.
