“Alright everyone, as you know, we’re reopening for business starting today!”
Finally, it’s the normal opening day for the Tea Bookstore. I stood in front of the work-study scholarship students to relay the information before the staff began their duties.
“I taught each of you where you will be working yesterday.”
As I gathered the staff, I really felt like a CEO.
The old Tea Bookstore felt like it was being passed down by two enthusiastic young people alongside the elderly staff.
“The first floor will handle the display, tidying up, and printing tasks—just follow what I taught you. As for the responsibilities upstairs, I have additional explanations, so please follow me.”
Especially you, Im Ha-yeon. Just as I was about to lead the staff upstairs, a first-floor employee called out to me.
“Manager! Will there be any penalties if we make mistakes?”
Well, yes. If you get selected as an outstanding work-study student, you could lose points, and if you make a significant mistake, it could lead to a pay cut or even dismissal.
Should I let them know this fact?
Nah. It’s not the right thing to say right now; I can tell them separately later.
“It’s natural for mistakes to happen at first. If there’s an issue, don’t hesitate—just report it quickly, and let’s work on reducing errors.”
I looked at the nervous employees with a friendly expression.
They’re all new employees anyway. It’s better to learn properly even if they make mistakes rather than move passively out of fear.
“I’ll work hard!”
The employees finally relaxed and greeted me with smiles.
I’m going to be extremely busy for a while. I’ll need to cover for all the staff, and until the Tea Bookstore is fully operational again, ten bodies wouldn’t be enough.
After instructing the first-floor staff to prepare for opening, I immediately called out to Im Ha-yeon when I reached the second floor.
“Im Ha-yeon will be in charge of the display and tidying up.”
Technically, she’s in charge of the face department.
If two internet cafes have the same specs, people are naturally drawn to the one with a pretty staff member.
Having Im Ha-yeon, who looks like a character straight out of a martial arts dating sim, as the face of the Tea Bookstore would be like having a cheat code.
“You said I’d be in charge of the display? I thought it’d be for tea!”
Im Ha-yeon asked me, looking surprised.
“Tea is handled by Ha So-so.”
You’re in charge of the looks.
“I’ll do my best!”
Glad to hear her energetic response. Ha So-so, with her still baby-like face, raised her hand cheerfully in agreement.
Conversely, Im Ha-yeon glared at me with discontent.
“Im Ha-yeon, don’t give customers a pouty face like when you look at me; always smile when taking their orders.”
“When did I ever pout?”
“Then show me a smile.”
“……”
I told her to smile, and look at those lips stuck in a pout!
“Only make a face that looks like you’re going to eat someone when you’re dealing with troublesome people on the second floor. That’s part of your tidying duties.”
The Tea Bookstore always needs a troublemaking eraser.
Since Im Ha-yeon has learned martial arts, I informed the other employees to let her take the lead if I’m not around.
“Wow! Did you really learn martial arts, unnie?”
“A martial artist! I can’t believe Im Ha-yeon is a martial artist!”
“Can I take charge of the tea? I’m good at brewing tea!”
Im Ha-yeon was so dissatisfied with her assignment that she tried to negotiate with me.
Certainly, a courtesan’s training includes brewing tea, so she had a reason to speak confidently.
“Ha So-so is the perfect one for it.”
Nope. Not changing it. I won’t budge at all. Give it up quickly. I shook my head firmly.
“Right! Unnie! I’m good at brewing tea too!”
Ha So-so said cheerfully to the unhappy-looking Im Ha-yeon.
“We’ve placed you in the positions you excel in.”
“Doesn’t brewing tea get a higher score when selecting outstanding work-study students?”
Im Ha-yeon asked me anxiously.
Aha. So it’s because of the outstanding work-study student.
Brewing tea like a barista definitely requires skill. It’s not just putting a tea bag in hot water.
To Im Ha-yeon, brewing tea must seem like a skilled job, while she probably sees her role as merely physical labor.
“We don’t discriminate based on that. It’s just that we assigned you in lines with your best skills.”
“Then obviously I should be…”
I said we don’t discriminate. This girl just doesn’t get it.
Look in the mirror. Would it benefit the Tea Bookstore to have you standing with your back to the wall brewing tea, or to have you smiling at the counter?
“Since you seem unconvinced, why don’t you two brew tea right now?”
I pointed to the equipment inside the display area.
“……Okay.”
“Unnie, I’m really good at this! I’ll show you!”
The two entered the area to brew tea and quickly began selecting tea leaves.
“Why is the tea like this?”
Im Ha-yeon frowned as she looked through the tea leaves available in the Tea Bookstore.
They might not be high-grade leaves, but they’re definitely good value. The Tea Bookstore isn’t a luxury establishment, so that’ll do.
“Hmph, hmph.”
On the other hand, Ha So-so took out the leaves and began humming as she brewed the tea.
“Here!”
“Here it is!”
The two presented their teas almost simultaneously.
Both were fast enough to pass. The important factor now is taste.
“Oh……”
“The same tea, but it tastes different?”
“Ha So-so’s tea is better!”
No matter who tasted it, Ha So-so’s tea was far more delicious.
“That can’t be! This is perfectly brewed tea, according to the standards!”
Im Ha-yeon protested, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Want to try it?”
“Give it here… …This is unbelievable.”
Im Ha-yeon tasted Ha So-so’s tea and looked stunned as if she had stumbled into an unexpected trap.
“Hehe. My late mother ran a small tea shop in Yichang, you know?”
That’s exactly why I put Ha So-so in charge of the tea.
“Sure, this tea isn’t of high quality.”
“Tea isn’t to blame. Good leaves will turn out well if you brew them properly, but with these leaves, you need to brew them carefully by looking at their condition.”
“Ugh…….”
“Now, are you satisfied?”
Did you understand? This is the difference between following the textbook and improvising. I calmly asked Im Ha-yeon, who looked like I delivered a solid blow.
“Yes. I’ve lost.”
Im Ha-yeon lowered her head and admitted reluctantly.
“Ha So-so will be in charge of brewing tea. Im Ha-yeon is in charge of the display and tidying up. The other employees will follow what I said yesterday.”
The work on the second floor that makes the Tea Bookstore different from other bookstores. I emphasized to the other employees to pay careful attention to their duties.
“Losing to tea… How many years have I practiced…”
Was the shock that great? Im Ha-yeon slumped, murmuring in a voice only a martial artist would hear.
“Im Ha-yeon.”
Cheer up. You have a talent for stealing, that’s all. It just turns out that tea isn’t your forte.
I swallowed down the remark that sounded like she might bolt, and called out to her.
“Why are you calling…?”
Were you thinking of saying something? Im Ha-yeon looked up at me with a withdrawn expression.
“I actually liked your tea too. Later, when we get some high-grade tea, I’ll ask you to brew it.”
I encouraged her with a look, indicating that she doesn’t need to worry too much.
“Ugh! …I’ll brew the high-grade tea even better!”
Did she realize she was encouraged by her own expression? Im Ha-yeon covered her face with one hand and spoke in a determined voice as she walked towards the display.
“Haha. I count on you when that time comes.”
Already taking care of the employees’ morale? At this rate, I might have to earn the title of perfect CEO.
————–
“The Tea Bookstore is reopening!”
People flocked in right at the opening hour.
“The scent of the forest of books. It really is the Tea Bookstore!”
“It feels just like coming home!”
“Members of the Tea and Book Club! Welcome, everyone!”
I never thought I’d feel at home seeing the familiar faces of our regulars.
I warmly welcomed the first customers of the reopened Tea Bookstore at the front door.
“Manager Kang! I’m so glad you’re safe!”
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Looks like your limbs are fine, but you didn’t suddenly start coughing blood or twitching, did you?”
“Haha. I’m fine. Please head upstairs.”
“I see some unfamiliar faces.”
The members of the Tea and Book Club pointed at the employees and asked me.
“These are the new employees we hired. The original staff have retired.”
“Is that so? They were all quite elderly. It seems like you hired fresh faces, like new wine in a new container.”
“Haha. I wanted to bring in the old-timers, but it seems the busy schedule made them hesitant.”
“True. That’s understandable… Huh! Manager Kang. Those young ladies over there are employees?”
“Welcome!”
“Haha. These are the new hires.”
The members of the Tea and Book Club were astonished to see the smiling employees on the second floor.
They’re worth being surprised about. Even I think they’re beauties.
“What a bloom at the Tea Bookstore!”
Beauties who could only be found in high-end tea houses now work at the Tea Bookstore.
“A high-end tea house? My friend, the young lady at the counter is not just that.”
“What do you mean by that? Huh!”
The eyes of the Tea and Book Club members all simultaneously turned toward one of the young ladies.
“Haha. Im Ha-yeon’s looks are remarkable.”
“Im Ha-yeon, they keep saying her name.”
“Hang on, I’ll just go home for a bit.”
“Why is that?”
“I think I forgot to wash my hair this morning because I rushed out.”
“I have to place an order with Im Ha-yeon first!”
“Hey, wait!”
The members of the Tea and Book Club crowded to get a closer look at Im Ha-yeon’s face.
As expected, the reaction is great. That’s why you need to employ beauties.
That’s why any service job should involve carrying items, cooking, or anything that doesn’t show your face.
“Mr. Son, aren’t you going?”
When I was reminiscing about those bitter past experiences, I turned to see Mr. Son standing blankly by.
What’s up with him? I expected him to whine and make a fuss as usual, but now he’s clutching his heart.
“K-Kang Manager.”
Mr. Son clutched his heart, looking distressed. What’s up with him? Is he sick?
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“I think I’ve… fallen in love.”
Hey dude.
“If you throw compliments during work, I’ll ban you from entering.”
I declared with a cold expression.
“Cough. Is our friendship ending here? I shouldn’t keep my marriage a secret.”
“Your bride should be arranged through a matchmaker or your parents.”
“We’re lifelong friends! Kang Manager, become my matchmaker starting today!”
“Lifelong friends? Not me!”
My only lifelong friend is Kang Yoon-ho, who loves to play pranks.
“Cough. I prayed daily for your safe return, you know.”
That’s a bit touching.
“I’ve never seen you in front of the Tea Bookstore.”
“I, ahem! Did it at home!”
Mr. Son flustered, trying to justify himself to the person next to him. Of course.
“I warned you.”
If you do that again, you won’t be able to step foot in the Tea Bookstore. Watch out.
Sighing to my warning, Mr. Son opened his mouth again.
“Ugh, you’re such a harsh friend. I must seek my bride while gaining a lifelong friend; my path is long.”
Nah, no path at all.
———
Are there many people waiting for the Tea Bookstore?
From the very first day, the Tea Bookstore is getting back to normal quickly.
“Of course, the Sichuan beauty is the legitimate choice!”
“What are you saying! The Hubei’s number one courtesan, Du Eung-hyang is the main choice!”
I didn’t expect things to return to normal this fast.
“Hey Manager Kang! Who do people in the Sichuan Tang Family consider the legitimate choice?”
“Well, it seems like the Sichuan people are leaning towards the Sichuan beauty.”
I spoke calmly to the member of the Tea and Book Club while helping at the busy second-floor display.
“What did you say?”
Why is Im Ha-yeon suddenly shocked?
Im Ha-yeon turned to me with a face as if she had heard treasonous news.
“Indeed! Right! The Tang Family people think the Sichuan beauty is the legitimate choice!”
“What do country folks know!”
“How can a lowly courtesan be the main choice!”
“The Sichuan beauty! Is this the end of the succession battle?”
“What did I just say! Manager Kang just spoke! That’s not an official stance!”
“Eh? Not listening. The Sichuan beauty is the main choice.”
“This guy!”
Eventually, as the atmosphere heated up, the two started grabbing each other by the collar.
I missed the old days at the Tea Bookstore, but I didn’t miss scenes like this.
“It’s been a while, so they got heated up too much. Im Ha-yeon. Go and calm them down.”
“……”
“Im Ha-yeon?”
Why is she suddenly looking gloomy?
“Yes?!”
“Go and calm them down.”
“Okay.”
With a serious expression, Im Ha-yeon nodded and approached the two who were fighting at the display.
“Say it again! Who’s the legitimate choice?!”
“Eh? The Sichuan beauty is the main choice!”
“Why is everyone fighting?”
Whoa, is that the intimidating presence of a martial artist?
Im Ha-yeon stepped in with a lowered voice as if she had encountered life-and-death adversaries between the two.
“Uhm, uh, uh. So, um, well…”
The new troublemaking eraser effect seems to be working well. It was worth the trouble of hiring them.
The members of the Tea and Book Club shrank back at Im Ha-yeon’s unusual pressure.
Everyone knows it’s been a while, and we’re all a bit inflamed. Let’s calm down. The Tea Bookstore doesn’t belong to just one person.
When Im Ha-yeon returns after delivering her warning, everything will be wrapped up neatly.
However, the words that came out of her mouth were not warnings.
“Of course, the legitimate choice of The Rise of the Tang Family is the Hubei’s number one courtesan! Du Eung-hyang, isn’t it?!”
What?
