Chapter Twenty-Three: The Duties of a Steward

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Butler’s Work

Up close, this old fellow was somewhat different from ordinary elderly men. His skin appeared subtly finer, not dull and sallow like others his age, but instead carried a healthy, full sheen. His face bore a perpetual look of displeasure, as if someone owed him a fortune.

Chen Xiao immediately recognized the voice—it was unmistakably the same gruff tone he’d heard twice before on the phone. Clearly, this old man was eccentric. After his curt greeting, he lowered his head again to continue reading, calmly finishing a chapter before delicately extracting a thin ivory bookmark from his pocket and placing it between the pages. Only then did he close the book, lifting his gaze to regard Chen Xiao directly.

“So, you’re Chen Xiao?” the old man grunted, his voice dry and unrestrained in its discontent. “Hmph, just a brat. Do those people think I’m a housekeeper? Why do they keep sending everyone to me!”

Despite the rudeness, Chen Xiao did not take offense—the old man’s hair was white, and his age was more than enough to qualify as Chen Xiao’s grandfather. Being called a brat by him was nothing to be ashamed of.

The two, one old and one young, stared at each other for a long moment. The old man’s gaze grew brighter, as though he sought to read something in Chen Xiao’s eyes. Yet, Chen Xiao did not look away or flinch, meeting his stare with steady resolve.

“Hmph, you’re a stubborn one, too,” the old man’s tone softened ever so slightly. “Alright, find yourself a seat.” He gestured casually around the shop.

Chen Xiao did not hesitate, choosing the sofa closest to the counter.

The old man retrieved two cans of beer from beneath the counter, carrying them over and settling opposite Chen Xiao. He wore a gaudy floral shirt, but his body was thin as a reed, the oversized shirt billowing as if it might be swept away by a gust of wind.

“Drink, don’t be shy.” He opened a can and handed it to Chen Xiao. “I don’t like being interrupted when I speak. If you have any questions, hold them until I finish. My time is precious. Only when I say you may ask, will you be allowed to. Understood?”

Chen Xiao took a sip of beer and nodded. Though the place was strange, and the old man even stranger, he was prepared—after all, this was the base of the supernatural organization known as the ‘Service Club.’

“My surname is Ai—Ai Dehua,” the old man introduced himself.

“Edward?” Chen Xiao couldn’t help but interject.

Crack!

The old man, seated across from him, flicked his fingers in Chen Xiao’s direction—though he was far away, Chen Xiao felt a harsh blow to his forehead, which immediately stung and swelled.

Though the old man’s hand was nowhere near him, the pain was real. Telekinetic finger flick? Chen Xiao stared in shock at the old man’s thick, stubby fingers.

“I told you I don’t like being interrupted! Young people have no memory!” the old man scowled. “And it’s not Edward! It’s Ai Dehua—‘Ai’ as in mugwort, ‘De’ as in virtue, ‘Hua’ as in China! Remember that. If you miscall my name again, I’ll knock out your teeth.”

The old man spoke with undisguised disdain and impatience, his eyes full of arrogance and swagger, as if merely sitting and speaking with Chen Xiao was a great favor.

Though the blow hurt, Chen Xiao endured it, considering the old man’s identity and age.

“Your situation—the little bastard Lei Hu has already told me. I don’t like playing nanny, but I am a retired member of the organization, and orders assigned to me must be handled... So, you’d best fend for yourself! Hmph, my temper isn’t great. You’ll have plenty to suffer by my side.”

Chen Xiao frowned, curiosity in his eyes. Ai Dehua noticed and waved dismissively. “Speak. What do you want to say?”

“Lei Hu promised me I was just here for a job, something normal, unrelated to your organization. If you want me in the organization, that won’t work.”

“Haha!” Ai Dehua actually chuckled, squinting at Chen Xiao. “You’re putting on airs? Relax, boy. Hmph, our organization is so exclusive that people beg to join and can’t. Lei Hu thinks highly of you, but I won’t treat you as anything special.”

“Good,” Chen Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. “May I ask what my job is?”

“Here.” The old man swept his hand grandly. “This coffee shop. You’ll help me manage it. I hadn’t planned on you coming so soon, but something’s come up and I must leave for a while. So, reluctantly, I’ve called you in early.”

He glanced at Chen Xiao, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “You’re still a child. Not sure if you can handle the work here.”

Chen Xiao thought for a moment. “I’ve worked in restaurants and fast-food places, even coffee shops. I can make coffee.” He looked around the spacious, empty café and smiled. “Besides, I imagine it’s not too busy here.”

“Hmph, don’t be so sure. You think it’s that simple?” Ai Dehua shook his head, sneering, then coughed. “Here’s the deal: three thousand a month, two free meals daily. While I’m gone, cashier, server, cook—all your responsibility. In short, you’re the all-in-one staff.”

“If there aren’t many customers, I can handle it,” Chen Xiao nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

“Don’t be quick to promise. There aren’t many customers usually, but all are regulars—and troublesome ones at that. Serve them carefully and don’t anger them. Most have bad tempers. If you mess up, you’ll suffer.”

He stood up. “Lei Hu must have told you, my place is like a retirement home for former members. Most regulars are from the Service Club—basically, not normal humans... You’ll understand in time.”

With a flick of his wrist, a bunch of keys landed in front of Chen Xiao.

“Front door, storage rooms, cashier drawer, and a small safe in back—all here. I won’t bother introducing them one by one; find them yourself after I leave.”

The old man coughed twice, speaking leisurely. “I won’t be gone long, probably, but who knows... Anyway, there’s money in the safe. If payday comes and I’m not back, take your salary from there.”

Chen Xiao stared at the old man, bewildered...

He even gave me the safe key? What kind of boss trusts his employee like this?

“One more thing. The shop doesn’t have to open every day. While you’re at school during the day, no need to open. But one condition—every Thursday night you must open for business! Even if no customers come, you must stay open until midnight! Not a minute less! Understand? As long as you do that, I don’t care what you do the rest of the week.”

Chen Xiao was thunderstruck.

Is this really how business is run? Open just one night a week, and I still get three thousand a month?

“Relax, your work is totally normal—serving tea, taking payments, brewing coffee. No special tasks. Besides, even if I wanted you to do more, could you?” The old man finished, glanced at the wall clock, and frowned. “It’s getting late. I’m off. Remember what I said. If you’re bored while watching the shop, you can read the books under the counter, but don’t lose them—they’re collector’s editions.”

With that, the old man stood up casually and strode toward the door.

Chen Xiao was stunned. In all his jobs, he’d never seen such an irresponsible interview!

“Wait, please,” Chen Xiao called out.

“What else?” Ai Dehua turned, impatience in his manner. “Haven’t I explained clearly enough? The job is simple—idiots could do it. What’s unclear?”

“It’s just... about those words at the door...” Chen Xiao’s face was a little embarrassed. “If a beautiful woman comes, do I really have to let her drink for free?”

“Of course!” The old man’s eyes lit up, his chest puffing with pride. “That’s my trademark! Remember it well—if a beautiful woman visits, you’re not allowed to charge her!”

Chen Xiao nodded helplessly, thinking: A beauty? I didn’t even see a female rabbit on my way here! This half-dead commercial district is a breath away from bankruptcy—who would come here for coffee?

Unfortunately, Chen Xiao didn’t realize his words were premature and too absolute. In fact, he ought to have known: ever since meeting these people, none of them or their affairs could be judged by ordinary logic...

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