Chapter 10: Chapter 8: Zhou Xuanzhi
The restaurant was a grand sight to behold, with its spacious halls and towering pillars that seemed to reach up to the sky. The scent of savoury dishes wafted through the air, tempting customers with their rich aromas. The soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated the space, casting a warm, welcoming light on the guests.
Amidst the bustling activity stood, a young man with an air of mystery about him. His striking features were the first thing anyone would notice about him. His deep-set eyes were the colour of dark chocolate, and they held a keen intelligence that seemed to see through people. His nose was straight and sharp, lending an aristocratic air to his face. But it was his full lips that drew the most attention. With a small, round mole just below the corner of his mouth, gave him an alluring look that was difficult to overlook. This young man was Zhou Xuanzhi.
Despite his captivating looks, Zhou Xuanzhi was a man of few words. He moved through the restaurant with a quiet grace, his movements smooth and fluid. He was dressed in a sleek black uniform that hugged his frame perfectly, highlighting his lean physique. His hair was a wild mess of jet-black locks, that ended just above his eyes and gave him a carefree look.
As he made his way through the dining hall, he caught the eye of many patrons. Some of the women giggled and whispered amongst themselves, admiring his beauty. But Zhou Xuanzhi paid them no attention. He was focused on his work and the task at hand.
He moved with purpose towards a private VIP room, where the manager of the restaurant, Shen Yaohua was waiting for him. The manager was a plump, middle-aged man with a greasy comb-over and a fake smile. He beckoned Zhou Xuanzhi forward, his pudgy hand gesturing towards the closed door.
"Zhou Xuanzhi, my boy, I need you to serve some very important customers tonight," he said, his tone oily and ingratiating.
Zhou Xuanzhi raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Who are they?" he asked, his voice calm and measured.
The manager leaned in conspiratorially, a greedy glint in his eyes. "They're some very wealthy ladies, my boy. And they have you, my boy. You'll be serving them in the VIP room."
Zhou Xuanzhi's colleagues, who had been watching from afar, snickered and jeered at him. "Looks like Zhou Xuanzhi's hit the jackpot," one of them said, his tone dripping with envy.
Zhou Xuanzhi paid little attention to the ladies' advances, knowing all too well the dangers that came with getting too close to the wealthy and powerful. He had seen what they were capable of and wasn't about to risk his reputation and integrity for a few extra coins.
The manager noticed Zhou Xuanzhi's hesitation and approached him with a sly smile. "I understand your concerns, Zhou Xuanzhi," he said in a low voice. "But let me sweeten the pot. If you can serve these ladies well, I'll add a bonus to your pay for the night."
Zhou Xuanzhi looked at the manager warily, unsure if the bonus was worth the risk. But he was in need of this extra money. He reluctantly agreed to serve in the private room, hoping he wouldn't regret his decision.
With a nod, he followed the manager to the VIP room, his steps steady and sure. He pushed open the door and stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room for the wealthy ladies. And then he saw them. A group of four women, all dressed in designer clothes and expensive jewellery. They were laughing and chatting amongst themselves, their voices tinkling like bells.
"Good evening, ladies," Zhou Xuanzhi said, his tone polite and formal.
The women turned towards him, their eyes roving over his handsome face. One of them, a tall, elegant woman with a mane of honey-coloured hair, spoke up.
"Ah, you must be Zhou Xuanzhi. Manager Shen spoke highly of you," she said, her voice smooth as silk.
Zhou Xuanzhi nodded politely. "Yes, that's me. How may I assist you, miss?" he asked, his tone formal.
The woman gave him a small smile. "I was hoping to reserve a private room for me and my guests. Is that possible?" she asked, as she touched his chest flirtatiously.
Zhou Xuanzhi flinched at the touch and he stepped back. His heart sank a little. He had never been asked to serve in the private rooms before. He knew they were reserved for the wealthy and influential people in the city, and he was just a lowly waiter. But he didn't let his emotions show on his face. Instead, he put on his professional mask and said, "Of course, miss. Please follow me."
He led the woman and her guests to a luxurious private room, decorated with elegant furniture and expensive ornaments. The guests were all well-dressed and seemed to be from affluent families. Zhou Xuanzhi felt a little intimidated, but he didn't let it show. He greeted them with a smile and started taking their orders.
As he served them, he couldn't help but overhear their conversation. They were discussing business deals and politics, things that were beyond his comprehension. He felt like an outsider, a commoner in the midst of the elite.
Everything seemed to be going well until one of the rich ladies in the private room tried to make a move on him. Zhou Xuanzhi was taken aback, and his first instinct was to push her away. "Miss, please don't do that," he said, his voice stern.
The woman was a daughter of an aristocrat family, Luo Xi who was already divorced. Backed up by her family she was rueful and loved preying on young innocent man.
Luo Xi didn't listen. She leaned in closer, whispering in his ear. "Come on, handsome. You know you want to," she purred.
Zhou Xuanzhi was furious. He shoved her away, and she stumbled back, her face turning red with anger. "How dare you! Do you know who I am?" she screeched.
Zhou Xuanzhi felt his own anger rising. "I don't care who you are. You have no right to touch me without my consent," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Luo Xi was red with anger, she quickly called for the manager. "Manager Shen," she said, her voice cold and stern. "I demand that you come here at once."
Manager Shen, who had been overseeing the kitchen staff, quickly made his way to the private room where the woman was dining. "Is there a problem, ma'am?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Yes, there is," Luo Xi snapped. "This waiter, Zhou Xuanzhi, was extremely rude to me. I demand that he apologize immediately."
The manager looked over at Zhou Xuanzhi, who stood frozen in place, his tray of empty dishes still in his hand. "Zhou Xuanzhi," the manager said firmly. "Can you please explain what happened here?"
Zhou Xuanzhi took a deep breath and spoke calmly. "I apologize, Manager Shen, but I don't think I can serve in this room. I cannot tolerate being disrespected or talked down to, no matter who the person is."
The woman's face twisted into a sneer. "How dare you speak to me like that!" she exclaimed. "You're just a lowly waiter. You should know your place and keep your mouth shut."
Zhou Xuanzhi's eyes flashed with anger, but he managed to keep his cool. "I am sorry if I have caused any inconvenience, ma'am," he said, his voice firm yet sarcastic. "But I cannot apologize for standing up for myself."
The woman stood up from her chair, her eyes blazing with anger. "Manager, I demand that you do something about this insolent waiter. He dared to speak to me in such a manner. I will not stand for it," she said, her voice shaking with fury.
The manager looked at her nervously. "I apologize for any inconvenience caused, madam. Please calm down, and we will do our best to make it right," he said, trying to soothe her.
The woman glared at him. "I will not calm down until that waiter is punished. He needs to learn some respect," she said, her voice rising.
"Yes, yes. Definitely, Miss Luo," Manager Shen replied politely.
The manager approached Zhou Xuanzhi, his face flushed with anger. "Zhou Xuanzhi, what were you thinking? Apologise right now!" he exclaimed.
Zhou Xuanzhi looked up, his expression calm. "I won't. I will not apologise for something I didn't do," he replied evenly.
The manager's face darkened. "That is not your decision to make. You are here to do a job, and you will do it as you are told. You have to apologise to Miss Luo, right now."
Zhou Xuanzhi's gaze hardened. "I said I will not."
The manager stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. "You ungrateful brat! Either you apologise right now or you can forget about your job."
Zhou Xuanzhi didn't flinch. Without a word, he tore off his name tag from his shirt and placed it on the table. He turned to leave, but the manager called out after him, "Zhou Xuanzhi, come back here you Brat! You can't just walk away!"
But Zhou Xuanzhi didn't look back. As he stormed out of the room, his colleagues looking at him in shock. He walked out of the restaurant, leaving the manager shouting his name in frustration.
Though, Zhou Xuanzhi was in dire need of money he will never do a job that would force him to compromise his values. He had his pride and his self-respect, and that was worth more than any amount of money. Zhou Xuanzhi strode off into the night, his head held high.
***
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone