Chapter 19: The Manager Said It Well!
The whole situation could be explained clearly in just a few sentences.
While the three maids were explaining things, Lin Muqing quietly slipped behind Sister Yu, trying to hide behind her like she was seeking protection.
Unfortunately, even if she escaped today, she’d still have to face the same problem tomorrow.
That’s also why the three maids let her go instead of blocking her again. They knew they’d get another chance.
“I see.”
After listening to their explanation, Sister Yu crossed one arm over her chest and placed the other hand under her chin, nodding as if deep in thought.
“But after all, this is about Lin Muqing, so we should hear what she thinks first.”
After thinking for a moment, Sister Yu looked at Lin Muqing behind her, then at the three maids by the long table, and finally spoke slowly.
In the cafe, if you asked who had the most authority after the manager, it would definitely be Sister Yu.
So when she said that, Lin Muqing couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. If Sister Yu is on my side, I should be safe now, she thought.
But unlike her, the expressions on the three maids’ faces didn’t look happy at all.
They wouldn’t complain to Sister Yu, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t take it out on Lin Muqing later. Their looks toward her were anything but friendly.
“I think it’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with my clothes.”
Taking the opportunity, Lin Muqing quickly raised her little hand to express her opinion.
Even if her clothes looked a bit “vintage,” they weren’t worn out, so why couldn’t she keep wearing them?
“But Lin Muqing is the face of our cafe. If she’s wearing clothes like that, it really doesn’t look good. People who don’t know better might think we treat our staff poorly.”
As if she hadn’t heard Lin Muqing at all, Sister Yu kept speaking to herself.
After that, she nodded to herself and gave the three maids a meaningful glance, her lips curling into a playful smile.
“Huh?”
That comment left Lin Muqing completely confused. She didn’t know whose side Sister Yu was on anymore.
And what was that about being the “face” of the café? When did that happen?
“Also, as the manager’s secretary, dressing so… shabby. It really doesn’t give a good impression.”
Sister Yu continued, throwing a glance at the three maids. Her expression looked like she was helpless, but the corners of her mouth kept rising with amusement.
“Yeah, that’s right!”
“Sister Yu is absolutely right.”
“Totally agree!”
The situation flipped again. The three maids took the opportunity to show their support, raising both hands to back Sister Yu enthusiastically.
“Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Manager?”
Sister Yu finished her speech and turned toward the break room door, where their manager, Ye Ziming, was now standing.
Because of where he was standing, no one else had noticed he was there… except Sister Yu, who had come in with him.
Now, the situation had reached its most critical moment. The manager was the top authority in the cafe, whatever he said was final.
“Boss…”
Seeing her good buddy enter, Lin Muqing felt like she was seeing the light of hope again.
And the way he entered, with that blank expression and the aura around him. It made him look super cool in Lin Muqing’s eyes.
As her friend, she believed Ye Ziming would definitely take her side. He wouldn't make things hard for her. He’d stand with her and face the others together.
“Mhm.”
When he heard Lin Muqing softly calling his name and saw her cute face full of hope, those big eyes blinking as she stared at him, Ye Ziming gave her a reassuring look, then smiled gently.
That look seemed to say, ‘Leave it to me.’
Lin Muqing: Ah~ this is totally in the bag! Time to head home and play games!
“The assistant manager is right.”
Facing the four people in front of him, and the maids behind them who had gathered to watch, Ye Ziming finally spoke.
“(ÒωÓױ)!?”
“But considering Muqing’s financial situation, I’ll personally pay for her new clothes. Don’t worry.”
He walked over to Lin Muqing and smiled quietly at her shocked and adorable expression.
That last line “Don’t worry” wasn’t clear who it was meant for. Maybe it was for Lin Muqing, or maybe for the maids who were watching the whole thing unfold.
“Wait, what?! You—why would you…”
Finally snapping out of it, Lin Muqing’s eyes widened in disbelief. She was stunned by her good buddy’s “betrayal” and didn’t even know how to respond for a moment.
“The manager is absolutely right! (￣▽￣)”
Before she could say anything more, the maids all joined in with cheers and applause, praising the manager for his “wise decision.”
Standing off to the side, Sister Yu squinted her eyes, secretly laughing as she watched Lin Muqing. Then she quickly covered her mouth and stepped back, lowering her presence so she could quietly enjoy the show.
The break room stayed noisy for quite a while, and in the end, Lin Muqing couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed her good buddy’s hand and ran straight out of the break room, heading for the back door.
“Wow~ Lin Muqing is blushing!”
“Aww, I’m so jealous~”
“……”
Watching the girl holding the boy’s hand as they ran off, the maids sighed and swooned.
Especially the faint blush on Lin Muqing’s face as she left, it sparked all sorts of wild imagination.
The maids all shared that classic “auntie smile” and turned to look at the closed break room door, laughing in a weird but happy way.
Outside the cafe’s back door, Lin Muqing was breathing hard as she held Ye Ziming’s hand. Her face was full of confusion as she stared into his eyes.
“What were you doing back there?!”
She didn’t even care how her voice sounded anymore. Her face was red as she loudly demanded an answer.
“I wasn’t doing anything.”
Ye Ziming’s eyes flickered for a moment when he heard Lin Muqing’s soft and adorable voice. Then he put on an innocent face, as if he truly didn’t understand.
Maybe he was pretending. Or maybe he really didn’t get it.
He shrugged with a helpless expression, looking as innocent as possible.
“You…”
Lin Muqing was so stunned by that look that she didn’t even know what to say.
She was shocked, ‘Is he seriously playing innocent with me?!’
No way! This totally breaks character! (screaming internally)
“You don’t have to come in to work tomorrow.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“I promised them I’d get you new clothes. So after class tomorrow, come with me, we’re going shopping.”
Ye Ziming said this softly, wearing a calm smile on his face.
Only one light was on above the cafe’s back door, and it just so happened to shine directly on Lin Muqing’s face, almost like a natural beauty filter.
He looked closely and felt that, in this lighting, Lin Muqing looked even cuter.
Big, sparkly eyes. Long lashes. Every blink felt like she was trying to act cute, without even trying.
As if something took control of him, Ye Ziming slowly lifted his right hand and gently placed it on Lin Muqing’s cheek.
Then, carefully and softly, he stroked her cheek.