Ye Chen had seen every bit of their hard work these past few days.
The restaurant turned a profit, and apart from a few unexpected factors, it was inseparable from the effort of staff like Han Jiaqi and Song Yuyu.
They served with patience and enthusiasm, each of them treating the place like home.
Thanks to them, not only did the customers stay, many became regulars.
Song Yuyu and the others, tired faces finally showing happy smiles.
After all, their efforts had paid off.
Ye Chen smiled. "So I've decided—today's profit will be handed out to everyone as bonuses."
All the staff froze.
A boss like this? Too generous.
Ye Chen added, "Every employee gets a thousand-yuan bonus. Jiaqi, Yuyu, you two not only serve customers but also manage the staff, so you get two thousand each."
As he spoke, Ye Chen looked toward Li Sitong and Xia Yingluo.
"You two worked the hardest, running around—five thousand each."
[Ding—Congratulations, Host, for a successful investment in Xia Yingluo. Rebate: 50,000 yuan. You have received an Investment Info Card!]
Ye Chen was delighted.
Hand out twenty thousand, get back fifty—great deal.
"Thank you, Boss."
Han Jiaqi took the money Ye Chen handed over, grinning ear to ear.
Nothing makes a wage-earner happier than bonus day.
She waved the cash at Song Yuyu, who was staring blankly. "What's wrong? So happy you're dumbstruck?"
Song Yuyu blushed. "It's… the first time I've ever earned this much."
In 2008, a three-thousand-yuan bonus was serious money.
An average monthly salary was only about two or three grand.
Song Yuyu was stunned, clutching the bills.
She'd never imagined she could make so much in one go.
"Hey, you earned it. In our shop, Yingluo worries the most, you toil the hardest—bigger bonus is only fair," Han Jiaqi said with a smile.
"And how lucky are we to land such a boss? I've already decided—I'll work for Boss Ye my whole life."
Han Jiaqi was on cloud nine.
When she'd jumped ship from that branded hot-pot chain, plenty scoffed and mocked her.
Now it looked like the leap had been perfect.
The workplace was great, and the pay was even better.
Her current salary was double her old one—how could she not be thrilled?
Xia Yingluo still hesitated. "Ye Chen, forget my share."
"You and Si Tong worry over the shop day and night; this is what you deserve. Besides, if you don't take it, the others will be too embarrassed to accept theirs."
Li Sitong chimed in, "When the boss shares profits, we just accept."
Li Sitong didn't lack money; what she enjoyed was the act of being rewarded.
This was the first sum she'd earned through her own effort.
Persuaded by the two, Xia Yingluo finally pocketed the cash.
Ye Chen exhaled in relief.
He'd handed out the money publicly to every employee precisely because he feared Xia Yingluo might refuse.
If she didn't willingly accept, the system could reclaim the payout even after issuing it.
As expected, Xia Yingluo was too kind-hearted.
Once she realized that her refusal would deprive the others, she couldn't say no.
Ye Chen smiled. "Keep up the good work. I'm giving these bonuses for the shop's future plans."
"Future?" Everyone was startled.
Ye Chen said, "We'll definitely open branches and hire more staff. You'll be senior employees; training newcomers will fall on you. You'll be the core force, so the work will get tougher, but I promise your earnings will keep climbing."
Hearing this, all the staff buzzed with excitement.
In plain words, the Hot Pot Restaurant was expanding; they were being groomed as future store managers.
Xia Yingluo secretly admired Ye Chen's foresight.
He really thought far ahead.
The Hot Pot Restaurant was her own labor of love; of course she wanted it to thrive.
Now she no longer objected to taking the money… Ye Chen didn't get home until after ten that night.
"Son, Mum made you supper—Century-Egg And Pork Porridge, come try it."
The moment he walked in, Mother Ye set down a steaming bowl.
Looking at the hot porridge, Ye Chen couldn't help hugging Mother Ye.
Mother Ye: "What's wrong? Did you flunk a test or something?"
Ye Chen shook his head. "Mum, thanks for making me supper this late."
In his previous life, he'd return exhausted to a rented room, craving Mother Ye's Century-Egg And Pork Porridge.
Back then, living alone far away, it had become an impossible luxury.
After rebirth, he cherished it dearly.
Sometimes you only know true value after losing it.
Father Ye was on the phone: "Big brother, we're still fifty thousand short for the down-payment—could you… Mm, yes, all right, I'll think of something else."
He hung up and slumped onto the sofa.
Mother Ye asked softly, "Your eldest brother won't lend it?"
Father Ye shook his head. "Says their kid's getting married this year—no spare cash."
Mother Ye frowned. "When we had money we helped them plenty; now we ask for fifty thousand and they all dodge us like we're plague."
Ye Chen blinked. "Dad, we need money?"
Father Ye smiled. "Your mum says you're off to University soon, so we're preparing a wedding flat for you. Found a nice place, just fifty thousand short for the down-payment."
He glanced at Mother Ye: "It's fine—this location's next to a key middle school; miss it and it's gone. I'll ask friends instead."
Ye Chen knew his proud father hated asking favors, yet he'd swallowed his pride for his son's sake.
Warmth flooded Ye Chen's heart.
"Dad, no need to borrow; I'll handle the money."
His words silenced the room.
Mother Ye said, "You're just a kid—what can you do? Focus on your exams, get into a good University—that'll help us."
Father Ye nodded. "Right, your job now is study; leave the rest to us adults."
Ye Chen simply smiled. "All right—son's laying his cards on the table!"