𝔸𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟: ℤ𝕦𝕜𝕠 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

Chapter 27- Uh... Senior Executive Assistant Manager?

Aeyenna was in the back room, stirring a pot of tea, when she felt an arm gently encircle her waist. She glanced to her side to see Zuko's head resting on her shoulder. "Hey," he murmured, his voice soft and warm against her skin.

Aeyenna turned slightly, brushing her lips against Zuko's in a tender kiss. "Hey, handsome,"

"I missed you," Zuko murmured into her hair.

"Oh, did you?" Aeyenna replied with a gentle smile.

Zuko sighed and released his hold on her, leaning against the wall beside her with his arms crossed. "Yeah, I'd much rather sleep next to you than with Uncle," he murmured.

Aeyenna smiled to herself. "Maybe... tonight you can."

Zuko's lips curled into a smirk.

"But no funny business," she added, raising a finger in mock admonishment.

Zuko shook his head with a playful grin. "I make no such promises," he said, before stepping out the door.

Aeyenna soon followed, emerging from the back room to hand Iroh the steaming cup of tea. Iroh, in turn, served it to three customers. They approached him, visibly pleased with their drinks.

"So, you're the genius behind this incredible brew. The whole city is buzzing about you! I hope Pao pays you well," a wealthy man remarked with a nod of approval.

"Good tea is its own reward," Iroh replied with a warm smile.

"But it doesn't have to be the only reward. How would you like to have your own tea shop?" The man asked, extending a hand. "The name's Quon."

Aeyenna glanced at Pao, who looked around with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"My own tea shop?" Iroh exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. "This is a dream come true!"

Pao swiftly stepped between the group, his expression sharp. "What's going on here? Are you trying to poach my tea-maker?"

"Sorry, Pao, but that's just business for you," Quon said with a smirk, unruffled.

Aeyenna observed the unfolding scene with keen interest, her eyes darting between the men.

"Mushi, if you stay, I'll make you assistant manager—no, senior assistant manager!" Pao said, his voice tinged with panic

"I'll also provide you with a new apartment in the Upper Ring. The tea shop will be yours to do with as you wish, complete creative freedom." As Quon spoke, Aeyenna glanced at Zuko, who had been stacking empty tea cups on a tray. He paused, looking up and over his shoulder, clearly attentive to Quon's offer.

Aeyenna practically bounced over to Iroh. "Take the offer! It's a no-brainer."

Quon chuckled, clearly amused. "The girl's smart. You should listen to her."

Iroh blinked, still stunned by the offer. "I even get to name the shop?" he asked, as if the idea hadn't fully sunk in.

"Of course," Quon replied smoothly, his deep voice carrying a confident charm.

Pao made one last desperate attempt. "Uh... senior executive assistant manager?"

Iroh simply smiled, handing Pao the pot of tea with a graceful bow to the nearby customer, signaling his agreement. Aeyenna beamed, yanking off her apron and tossing it straight into Pao's face with a playful flair.

As Pao sulked away, Zuko strolled by, catching the scene with a raised brow.

Iroh turned to him, excitement twinkling in his eyes. "Nephew, did you hear? This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!"