I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 80
I am very suspicious of what the Café Manager Ouyang Xue did during the time she was away, who she contacted, or what calls she received that made her so confident in herself. At least, I feel that after she went upstairs, having finished ‘chatting with those two prize-winning ladies,’ her attitude towards me was noticeably different from the first time she received me.
At the beginning, her gaze at herself had a kind of… feeling like a wolf seeing a lamb. I admit that my appearance is very outstanding. But this doesn’t seem to be a reason for her to trust me so unconditionally.
As is well known, capital is profit-driven. As a café manager, the top priority should be profit, even for large companies and formal coffee shops. It is understandable to strictly adhere to labor laws regarding working hours and schedules, and it is understandable to have a higher salary. However, on this basis, unconditionally trusting a newly arrived employee, expressing big truths like ‘I really hope you stay,’ and voluntarily advancing the first month’s salary… I find it abnormal.
The only possibility I can think of here is Su Yunjin.
The big boss hidden in my circle of friends.
If what Pipi said before is true, and Su Yunjin is really the son of the boss of Tongmeng Net, then everything makes sense.
Su Yunjin knew that I was coming here to apply, so he actively contacted the person in charge here, the current store manager Ouyang Xue. He said something like “help take care of a little sister” and asked her to pass the interview, using words like “my brother.”
“I’ve read the contract.”
After spending a few minutes carefully inspecting the labor contract that the store manager brought over, I looked up: “No problem.
A job where you can discuss and sign a labor contract on the same day is something I’ve always dreamed of. Especially when it comes to labor contracts, although Shenzhen is a big city, most jobs here don’t sign contracts in the first few months, including some large, publicly traded companies. Not to mention the waiters and salespersons in small restaurants and grocery stores, who rely on verbal promises, then deduct a month’s salary, and only pay it in the middle of the following month.
Slightly more reputable big companies are a bit better, but they also don’t sign contracts during the employee’s probation period and can dismiss you with various reasons at any time.
In theory, applying for labor arbitration is almost a sure win for such behavior, whether it’s not signing a labor contract or delaying salary payments, both are illegal. But ordinary people suffer from not knowing the way, not knowing how to safeguard their rights, not knowing whom to approach, not knowing which organization to seek help from, finding it troublesome—and most importantly, not everyone can afford the delay.
Without a job, there’s no source of income. People would rather quickly find a new job to stabilize themselves than have the patience to figure out how to apply for arbitration, how to reclaim the previously withheld wages, and how to obtain fines when the boss doesn’t sign a contract.
Just like when Yae-Do’s website collapsed last time, even with top authors like Pipi and Marisa taking the lead, establishing a rights protection group, and inviting everyone to unite to demand their fees, in the end, only a few dozen people showed up. And when they heard that “collecting evidence and materials for a lawsuit might require staying in Shenzhen City for a few days,” more than half of them gave up on claiming their unpaid wages on the spot.
So… in the current job market, those bosses and capitalists can indeed say, “If you don’t do it, there are plenty of people eager to do it.”
“But I do have a few questions for you.”
After roughly organizing the contract and stacking it back the way it was before, I looked at the “manager” Ouyang Xue in front of me: “Can I call you Sister Ouyang directly?”
“Sure, I already said before that calling me Sister Ouyang, Sister Xue, or café manager is all fine.”
Ouyang Xue lifted one foot, looking like a “female boss”: “If you have any questions, go ahead.”
“Did someone talk to you about me just now?”
I asked straightforwardly: “I feel that your attitude towards me changed a bit after coming up from downstairs.”
“Indeed, I won’t hide this.”
The other party admitted quite straightforwardly: “When I went down to receive those two college students who came to redeem their prizes just now, the headquarters called midway. They said that if someone named Yin Nuo’er came to apply as a maid, there’s no need to doubt her identity, and she can be hired if she’s qualified.”
Sure enough…
Realizing something, I asked tentatively, “Headquarters?”
“The registered office of Shenzhen Shangjing Cat Cafe is in Shenzhen City, the full name is Shenzhen Shangjing Catering Management Co., Ltd., and the parent company is Tongmeng Technology Co., Ltd… I don’t know if you can understand it when I put it this way.”
Seemingly worried that she spoke too quickly, Ouyang Xue paused here: “Do you usually like to watch anime or short videos? You know about Tongmeng Video, right?”
I nodded, “I know.”
“You can directly understand this cafe as a company managed by Tongmeng. I used to manage logistics on the Tongmeng side and was temporarily assigned to be the café manager here. This is a new project set up by the company this year. I don’t know if they really intend to enter the catering industry, anyway… I was suddenly transferred over, and it took a few months to open the cafe.”
Ouyang Xue said seriously, “The call I received just now came directly from the senior management of Tongmeng. Anyway, I don’t know where you come from, so I’ll follow the rules.”
“Uh…”
I was about to say something when Ouyang Xue in front of me interrupted—
“But, setting aside the orders from the headquarters, personally, I am very satisfied with you. That’s true.”
Ouyang Xue looked me up and down again, “A maid cafe like ours is definitely focused on maids. Our criteria for selecting people are very simple: good-looking and good figure. I mentioned earlier that you exceed the standards by too much. Even if the headquarters didn’t make that call, I would definitely find a way to keep you here.”
So that’s how it is.
In other words… the original Ouyang Xue was already very satisfied with me. She was just curious about my identity and background. After receiving the call from the company, she chose to trust me unconditionally and even agreed to the somewhat unreasonable request of advancing one month’s salary.
“I’m actually curious about your identity too. Since you know people from the headquarters, you shouldn’t be short of money, theoretically.”
Seeing me silent, Ouyang Xue spoke again, “Why did you choose to work here and even request an advance on your salary?”
“I don’t know why people from Tongmeng would say that,” I chose to play dumb. “I’m really poor.”
“Hehe, since there’s no problem on both sides, why not sign the labor contract?”
Ouyang Xue didn’t inquire further. She pointed to the places on the contract where signatures were needed, “Do you have your ID?”
“I have it.”
Ouyang Xue took out a pen from her pocket, “Take it downstairs for a copy.”
“Okay.”
Taking the pen and handing my ID to the big sister in front of me, I watched her disappear at the stairwell. After some thought, I eventually signed the contract on the desktop.
I guess this could be considered making it to the end…
In a legitimate company, especially a big one, with a formal labor contract, a base salary of 6000 yuan, very detailed commission structures, potential for salary increases, and even opportunities for promotion…
Speaking of which, what can a maid be promoted to? Head maid?
If we go further up… café manager?
Oh no, Nuo’er, your ambitions are growing…
You’ve just started as a maid, and you’re already thinking about becoming a café manager before even receiving the maid outfit?
Although I know that now is not the time to “be proud,” my inner self is still very happy.
A basic salary of 6000 yuan, buying a new phone as a gift for some heartless Grim Reaper would leave me with probably over a thousand. Adding the six hundred yuan from reclaiming fees and the thousand yuan earned from working at the comic exhibition after paying rent, even if I move to a new place this month, over two thousand yuan should be more than enough.
Moreover, what I received in advance was just the basic salary. If the cafe can attract some customers this month and generate some turnover, I might even get a few hundred yuan in commission and bonuses.
In any case, I’m very happy.
With this mindset, I signed my name on both labor contracts—using the loli font.
Seeing that Sister Ouyang Xue downstairs seemed to have not yet printed the ID, I took out my phone, looked at the information left in the QQ group at noon, and dialed the phone number of “Jituto ” Su Yunjin.
“Doot-doot.”
“Hello?”
Su Yunjin seems to be sitting in some office, speaking with a distinct echo, “Uncle, what’s up?”
“Did you tell the people here that I was coming?”
I adopted a tone of questioning and blaming, “Isn’t that inappropriate?”
“What’s inappropriate about it?”
Su Yunjin had a somewhat amused tone, “Do you think I helped you get a backdoor entry by calling me?”
“Isn’t it?”
I asked in confusion, “Aren’t you from that… Tongmeng?”
“Yeah, the flyers at the comic exhibition yesterday were handed out by Pipi and the others on my instructions.”
Su Yunjin sounded quite casual, “The project for Shangjing Cat Cafe has been in the works for several months, but we’ve been struggling to recruit staff, especially pretty maids. After meeting you in person that day, I had this idea, and since you seemed to be looking for a job, I gave you the flyer.”
Huh?
So, Su Yunjin instructed Pipi and Marisa to give me that flyer?
As Su Yunjin explained, I realized that I seemed to have misunderstood something.
“The flyer you handed over?”
I instantly felt awkward, “That… does that mean…”
“Yeah, I heard about this from the headquarters and paid attention to it. Finding a job should be a mutual choice. Don’t think you’ve gained some advantage. In fact, we’ve been recruiting maids for several months, and none of them were suitable. The cafe hasn’t officially opened because of this. Seeing you, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.”
Su Yunjin sighed, “I mentioned in the voice message earlier that if you decide to go, give me a call. But you haven’t called even at this point, so I had to directly inform the people at headquarters.”
“Girls like you looking for maid-type jobs are usually suspected. Nuo’er, you give off the impression of a young lady who ran away from a wealthy family, so I directly told them not to doubt. I’ve known you for so many years, and your character is clear.”
Su Yunjin continued, “What’s the situation on your end now? Did Sister Ouyang pass the interview?”
“She did, because of this call, she unconditionally trusted me and even suspected if I knew someone important from Tongmeng.”
I chuckled, “It’s made it hard for me to explain.”
“No worries, I’ll explain it later… Did you sign the contract?”
“I did.”
“That’s good.”
Su Yunjin suddenly changed the topic, “How about a game tonight? With Pipi and Marisa, celebrate Uncle finding a job?”
“I’m afraid I can’t.”
I glanced at the gradually clearing sky outside the window, “I think I’ll be moving tonight.”
“Alright then, I’ll duo with Pipi in a match. Then I won’t bother you. Hang up.”
“Okay.”
After a moment of thought, I said, “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. Currently, you’re the only qualified maid in the cafe. We’ll be opening in the next few days, and with all the work piled up, you won’t be thinking about thanking me then.”
Tired? This uncle has endured so much hardship, even losing the dignity of a man. Do you think I’d be afraid of basic work like a waiter? Non-existent, right? A real man fears nothing.
“Okay, then next time we play, I’ll buy a new hero and be the first one to pull you to the ground.”
“Don’t bother, Uncle. First, see if you can get that crappy computer replaced. It either disconnects or lags at crucial moments.”
“I have no choice, that computer is several years old.”
“So, after you get your salary, consider getting a new computer…”
“…”
After hanging up Su Yunjin’s call, an image of the old computer in my rented room appeared in my mind.
It was a machine I bought three years ago with great difficulty after graduating from university. Its specifications were not considered high even at that time. It could barely handle mainstream small games when set to the lowest graphics settings. Playing 3D games like APEX, PUBG Battle Royale, it struggled to maintain even 50 Frames Per Second.
At that time, I mostly used emulators on the computer to play mobile games. Later, as the requirements for mobile games increased, my computer became laggier during gameplay, providing almost no gaming experience.
In theory, if I use this 6000 yuan salary to buy a new computer, my life after work would be very enjoyable. However…
On the small chair on the second floor of the cafe, I quietly looked at my new phone, and in my mind, I saw the horrifying wounds on the Miss Grim Reaper I had saved that morning.
I didn’t know what kind of work that girl had been doing all this time, and I had no idea about the battle that took place on her last night. All I knew was that if miss grim reaper had not used the money to purchase this phone, she could have a luxurious meal every day, it could last for at least three months.
“The copy is done.”
In a daze, I saw Manager Ouyang Xue walking up from the stairs behind: “Did you sign the name?”
“Yeah.”
I handed her the pen, “All signed.”
“Give it to me for a moment.”
Returning my ID card to me, Ouyang Xue took the pen and pulled out something resembling a seal from her coat pocket. She stamped the labor contracts on the table twice each, then bent down, signing her name as well.
“From now on, you’re an official employee here.”
Picking up the photocopy of my ID and one of the contracts, Ouyang Xue handed me the remaining contract, saying, “Because the new store has just opened and we are very short-staffed, can you work the day shift this month? That is, from 8 am to 4 pm.”
As if remembering something, Ouyang Xue added, “Try to avoid Saturdays and Sundays on your days off because those days might be very busy at the store.”
“Can I work both day and night shifts?”
For some reason, I recalled the statement about “overtime” in the document I had read earlier, “From 8 am to… until 12 am, there will be extra pay, right?”
“You working both shifts means covering for two people. A day of 16 hours, which translates to double the basic salary.”
Ouyang Xue was first surprised, then displayed an obvious expression of “joy,” “To be honest, we are really short-handed in May, and I couldn’t be happier for you to work overtime. But… are you sure? It can be very tiring.”
“It’s fine.”
I took a deep breath, “During overtime, if there are customer orders, I also get a commission, right?”
“Yes, you do.”
“Okay, I’ll come here tomorrow at 8 am, try working until 12 am. If it works out, let’s stick to this schedule for the first month.”
For some reason, at this moment, my mind was filled with the image of the Grim Reaper enduring pain with an indifferent expression in the heavy rain.
?I know nothing about this world called Earth. You have to teach me how to live here. Also, you have to make delicious food for me every day.?
“…”
She probably had some constraints in living in this world. Like not being able to use magic to harm ordinary people, not doing bad things, not stealing money or using spatial rifts to steal money, and so on.
According to Ai Luodi’s description, the Grim Reaper might have influenced the “laws” of this world a few years ago and then forcefully crossed over using some kind of “forbidden magic.”
Given the vast difference between the otherworld and the modern world, she must have been very uncomfortable when she first arrived here. However, she didn’t immediately find me after crossing over, nor did she have any contact with me.
This matched the habit of the injured demon in my dreams, silently hiding in a corner of the cave, licking its wounds.
Mental wounds are also wounds. I’ve pretty much imagined someone’s first time in this world, looking at the bustling and dazzling big city with its colorful and strange neon lights, resembling a startled deer.
But in recent years, I haven’t heard of any “major robbery cases, mysterious woman breaking in to rob” near Shenzhen.
She was startled, so she hid and endured loneliness.
She’d rather adapt to the new world alone, enduring magical attacks, than trouble what she perceived as the “reincarnated hero,” which is me.
Even after roughly confirming our identities, she remained stubborn and tsundere.
I recalled the words Jiang Wei said in the voice message:
“Poverty for me is just the difference between eating instant noodles and eating steak at night, not affecting my happiness. However, when I fall in love with a girl, I deeply feel the inferiority brought by poverty.”
“The most helpless thing for a man is encountering the girl he wants to take care of for a lifetime at the most powerless age.”
The theme song “Hero” played during the previous comic exhibition also had a line:
“A true man should become strong for someone.”
Well…how should I put it? While discussing work with the café manager, Ouyang Xue, all these jumbled thoughts came to my mind suddenly.
?Should I make an effort?? Not for anything else, but right now, I want to buy a phone, might want to buy a computer in the future, and perhaps a car, a house… I don’t know what attitude Miss Grim Reaper has towards herself, but preparing for the future in advance is definitely not wrong.
Leaving everything else aside, at least, I want to save some money.
With money, I can buy a lot of delicious food, purchase things I like, and not have to endure being bullied everywhere…
“If I work for 16 hours a day, how should the 1-hour break at noon be counted?”
After expressing my desire to work overtime to the manager, I raised my question: “Should it be counted as two hours?”
In the previous documents, there was a basic explanation of the maids’ daily work and rest, such as the 8-hour shift for the day, from 8 am to 4 pm, with a clear one-hour break and mealtime in between.
“It’s counted as two hours, and you can arrange it yourself.”
Almost instinctively, Ouyang Xue said, “Actually, as long as it’s not too obvious slacking off, it’s fine. If you’re hungry, eat. If you’re tired, find a place to rest. I won’t be too strict… You see, this side on the second floor is the employee lounge.”
Pointing to a large room not far away with a sign hanging “Only for store employees,” Store Manager Ouyang Xue gave me a look as if to say, “Why not check it out?”: “There’s a bed and various snacks. If you don’t want to be disturbed by cats, just close the door when you sleep.”
“Disturbed by cats?”
I asked curiously, “Would there really be cats disturbing?”
“Oh yes, cats tend to get close to the person who takes care of them. Especially in places where many cats live together, they may surround you like competing for favor in a harem. Some cats even have the habit of…rubbing. If you sleep here without closing the door, they might just come in and jump on your bed…”
Upon hearing the term “rubbing,” I instinctively looked at the manager’s chest.
This… at least it would need to be a G-cup, right?
Has she been through something?
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
The store manager seemed a bit embarrassed by my gaze. “Ahem, don’t misunderstand the action of rubbing. Kittens indeed use rubbing to get more milk when they are young. However, after growing up, it becomes a gesture of comfort. Cats choose soft places that make them feel comfortable to rub, like pillows, blankets, or even your belly.”
Oh!
I guess I’ll close the door and take a nap then.
But wait, I don’t think I’ve ever been kneaded by a little kitty?
“Don’t let your imagination run wild.”
Seemingly understanding my thoughts, Ouyang Xue explained, “All the cats here are adults, and there are hardly any small kittens. Larger breeds like Ragdolls or Norwegian Forest Cats, the males can grow up to 20 or even 30 pounds. You can try letting them lie on your stomach and see if you can sleep then.”
A 30-pound cat?!
Maybe I’ll pass on that one.
“Then let me show you around the room and get familiar with the working environment.”
As I put the other labor contract into my small backpack behind me, the manager led me towards the central workstation, pulled the lever, lifted the blocking board, and walked in. “Firstly, over here. In a few days, after the café opens, there will be staff specifically responsible for making milk tea and coffee. When you, as a maid, have some free time, you can learn a bit. The same goes for the kitchen, during your free time, you can observe and learn some simple dishes.”
“Things like matcha latte, milk tea, and different types of coffee—like mocha and latte—are just variations in ingredient proportions. I’ll have the main office print out the ingredient list. If a customer wants a drink on a day when the staff is off, and you make it, the tip for that order is yours.”
Walking into the workstation with Ouyang Xue, I attentively listened to her explanations while carefully assessing the environment inside.
“As for the cafeteria on the ground floor, besides stir-frying some home-cooked dishes, items like fried chicken and honey-glazed chicken are baked using machines. You just follow the specified ingredient ratios, add the seasonings, marinate it, put it in the machine, set the time, and once it’s done baking, take it out and pack it—very simple. Basically, you’ll get the hang of it after a bit of learning.”
Ouyang Xue continued her introduction, “In the evenings, we sell stir-fried dishes here. If you help out at the café, and you assist in making the chef’s portion, you’ll also get a commission.”
Oh, I see. I am genuinely interested in cooking.
“Then this is the employee lounge I mentioned earlier.”
Exiting from the central workstation, Ouyang Xue led me to the employee lounge in the corner of the second floor. “Normally, it’s no problem for eight people to sleep here, with males on the left and females on the right. There’s a separate bathroom inside, and you can move your belongings here.”
“Over there is the bathing area, also serving as a bathroom. If you live in a rented place and want to save on water and electricity, you can shower here before going back. The company covers the water and electricity expenses here.”
After a tour of the bathroom opposite the employee lounge, Ouyang Xue and I went downstairs. “On the first floor, there’s also a bathroom and a shower. Here is where we place the cat litter box. In a few days, the cats will come, and you can spend some time here to let the cats get used to your scent in advance.”
“Here is the kitchen. These are the machines we use for baking, and we make fried chicken and honey-glazed chicken here. The kitchen is at the back. Do you want to give it a try now? I can teach you how to use this machine…”
“Wait, wait…”
Seeing that Ouyang Xue was getting more and more off track, I quickly stopped her. “Aren’t these considered confidential to the store? I can understand sharing the recipes for things like upstairs’ milk tea and coffee since most bubble tea recipes are publicly known. But are you telling me the secret recipes for fried chicken and honey-glazed chicken as a regular maid?”
“Yes, they are all considered confidential.”
Ouyang Xue looked completely nonchalant. “Our bubble tea and the chef who cooks our dishes were specially hired from outside at a high cost.”
You’re just revealing confidential information to me directly?!
“Well, then…”
I cautiously gestured and pointed at myself with my little finger. “Aren’t you afraid that I, you know, might use this information for… well, seizing power?”
“I’d actually hope you could reach that level!” Ouyang Xue crossed her arms, adopting the posture of a big sister. “I was temporarily assigned as the store manager here. If you genuinely have the intention and capability, I would gladly hand over the store to you in the future…”
“Ding, ding, ding—”
As we were talking, there was a knocking sound on the door behind us at the café.
Turning around, I saw Ai Luodi, dressed in a summer fashion, and Lu Xinjian, the former owner of the Yae-Do, walking in.
“Is anyone here? We’d like to have afternoon tea and add an order of spicy chicken!”