Uncovering the Truth About the Villainess

Chapter 8 | A Tavern Waitress

With roughly fifteen minutes until the bar opened, Cui Huifen had expected to return to workers fixing the place up with few more bartenders standing by the counter, preparing to attend to patrons. But upon her return, she noticed the only changes were of the lights having been turned on and the stools set out.

The same woman from earlier was wiping down the countertop, her eyes staring ahead, still lost in thought.

"Where are the others?" Cui Huifen enquired, nearing the counter.

The bartender's eyes flickered and she glanced at Cui Huifen. "Others? I'm afraid it's just you, me and Mr Zhi, the manager. There aren't any others. Well, not anymore..."

Cui Huifen frowned upon hearing this.

How could a tavern operate with just two staff members? This wasn't a stall setup, it was an actual establishment that needed at least a dozen workers.

Exactly what had led to this stifling predicament?

Her thoughts weighed out two possibilities: one, the management here was incredibly incapable. Or two, the business had run into street trouble. The former was highly possible, but she felt it was not the only thing. The latter, well, such a case was not impossible in this world either.

Cui Huifen considered an event in the novel where the villainess had hired gangsters to scare off the female lead. This event eventually unraveled an unfortunate net that returned to bite the villainess in the back. Either way, it signified the presence of the mafia.

This was definitely not a stable job.

"Then where is Mr Zhi?"

"He stepped out to get his kids to come help out. Sad isn't it?" The bartender sighed. "If only he hadn't had... ugh! What's the use of complaining now? It's a waste of time. It's Miss Cui, isn't it? Come here, I'll go over your duties and teach you the basics. I'm assuming you're familiar with the job."

"Alright." Cui Huifen followed the bartender.

After a ten minute brief and tour around the building, Cui Huifen had the basics of what to do imprinted in her memory.

Tonight she would be a waitress.

Although she had never worked in a tavern before, she did have experience part-timing at a cafe in her past life. The two jobs had somewhat similar duties and responsibilities, so how hard could this really be?

The door opened and the manager, Mr Zhi, walked in with two young women trailing behind him. Both were in their twenties and of average height. Their uncanny resemblance to Mr Zhi lead Cui Huifen to believe that they were his daughters.

"I can't believe I'm missing out hanging out with my friends for this." One of them complained.

"Same here. Dad, if business is bad, just scrap the place and find another job." The other scowled.

Mr Zhi ignored them, his expression varying between gloom and annoyance.  Seeing the bartender and Cui Huifen, he spoke up, "have you explained and outlined to her the duties and responsibilities?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Zhi Ming Xia, Zhi Ming Zhu, cover the register and help Hong Xiang with the bar. I'll be in my office." He designated before leaving.

The two young women scoffed but did as told.

•••

It had been an hour since starting time and the bar was as empty as it had been when Cui Huifen first entered.

Despite the upbeat music playing in the background, the atmosphere inside wasn't too welcoming with the four women keeping to their own spaces, doing their own things.