Chapter 4: Excited
I woke up around 5 p.m., and the house was empty. Mao was nowhere to be found, so I assumed he hadn't come home yet. I quickly made dinner and ate a few bites before work. Due to Aunt Ru's habit of measuring everything I cook, after dinner, I took a long, warm bath before getting dressed and leaving for work. As I stepped out of the door, I couldn't help but feel anxious about my new job.
When I arrived at work, the lounge was still empty and quiet. However, some of the servers in the staff quarters had already reported for duty. I could hear the faint hum of their voices as they started their day. I knew the lounge would soon bustle with activity, but for the moment, I was happy to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Let's eat before it gets busy. Cheng's voice boomed from behind me. I know he is happy we work in the same lounge now.
What happened to your jaw? Cheng asked when he saw my face.
"It's nothing," I said with a smile. "Just a small accident." I quickly dismissed his question, not wanting to get into details.
Once we finish eating, I will help you cover it up with concealer.
I nodded and thanked him in advance.
My mouth watered when I tasted the delicious food. I immediately made a mental note to start giving Cheng money since I am now earning extra money. I felt like charity, and I didn't like it. But I kept the thought at the back of my mind. Giving him money would be a way to ensure he could continue to bring delicious food. And if he rejects it, I will stop eating it.
By 8 p.m., the lounge was alive with activity. The lights were different from those in the bar, creating a more exotic atmosphere. The dim lighting helped set the mood for the evening, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. People were scattered around the room, chatting and laughing, while music played in the background. Some danced, while others enjoyed the ambiance. Even though the night had only just begun, the lounge was already bustling. Overall, it was an excellent place to spend an evening. "I am so excited that they put me here."
Cheng is a sight to behold in his uniform, with a boyish charm that ladies admire. The ladies swooned around him. They stare at him while he serves them drinks. He even has the bartenders blushing as they take drink orders. His good looks and charm make him an instant hit with the ladies, leaving them wanting more.
I was taken aback when a creepy guy said, "Hey, pretty boy, surprise me and my friends." I was told that you make the best cocktails ever. His demeanor was off-putting, and I didn't like the way he looked at me. I kept my distance, but his presence was unsettling.
Taking a deep breath, I put on a fake smile and asked him, "What table are you sitting at?"
He grinned, and I had to resist the urge to tell him to stop smiling. He looked like a ghost and smelled funny. His friends must have noticed too, as one of them quickly interjected, "Hey, that's enough. Let's just get to our table and order." He nodded and pointed to Table 1.
I remembered that Cheng had told me someone had booked Table 1 for a month to celebrate his birthday. Since the creepy guy was sitting there, I assumed it was him or one of his friends. I breathed a small sigh of relief.
I will have a server bring the drinks to you shortly.
He nodded and said "thanks" before walking away with his friend. I watched them leave, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
I quickly called a server over and started preparing cocktails. I made a special one for the birthday boy—a vodka-based cocktail with a hint of lime and a splash of cranberry juice—and I made my signature drink for the hottest guy on the table—a classic cocktail with a twist. I finished the drinks quickly and had the server take them to the table.
I showed her the celebrant's glass cup, a beautiful and elegant piece of art. I also showed her the hot guy glass cup, a distinctively designed cup that stood out from the rest. She was impressed by both pieces and smiled at me sheepishly.
She also admired the other cocktails on the table. This didn't mean the rest of the drinks were terrible; they were just as good as the celebrant and hot guy; each was made with the same dedication and skill. She was delighted to see that each one was as good as the last.
She beams when she returns, her face lit up with joy. They loved the drinks I prepared for them, and she squealed happily when they asked for another round. I quickly got to work, refilling drinks and setting up for the next round. Everyone was in good spirits, and the atmosphere was full of cheer.
I am standing behind the bar, feeling a rush of joy from the compliments my skills have earned. There are several people sitting at the island tables, enjoying a drink, and talking about my prowess. I have never been happier in my life. People all around me value my diligent work, and I'm appreciative of the chance to help them. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and I am truly in my element. I am proud to be here, and I hope to continue to bring joy to everyone who visits.
It was 3 a.m., but it felt like the night would never end. The lounge was filled with people, dancing and cheering. Music blasts, conversations continue, and laughter fills the air. It seemed like the party would go on forever. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling and having the time of their lives.
At 4 a.m., I had lost count of the number of tips I had gotten. I was smiling from ear to ear when Cheng tapped my shoulder and asked me to follow him. I was happy, making more money than I expected. I followed him out the door, feeling content and proud of my effort and work. I worked hard, and it paid off. I was almost too tired to think, but I was also so happy to care. I followed him down the corridor, not knowing where we were headed but excited to find out.
Cheng opened a thick brown oak door, and we stepped inside. The place was eerily quiet. We entered a small room, and we were handed face masks to wear. There was a large glass window separating us. It was a seemingly impenetrable barrier, blocking us from connecting with the individual on the other side. Each of us received a small piece of paper. Cheng opened his own to reveal a number. I opened mine to see the number 15.
We put on our masks and opened another door to see a row of small, exquisite stalls made of wood, which seemed expensive. Each stall had a number on it, corresponding to the one on our paper. Cheng's stall was number 10, and mine was number 15.
I nodded in agreement as Cheng whispered in my ear, "Don't talk to the client." I will wait for you in the bathroom when I finish before you, or vice versa."
I watched as people started entering their respective stalls in front of us, and I started feeling anxious. But before I could say anything, Cheng squeezed my hand reassuringly and then walked away, entering his own stall. I took a deep breath and followed him, entering my own stall.
I removed my mask as I entered the stall and closed the door behind me. I could still hear Cheng's words in my head, even though he was not in sight.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone