Chapter 183 Natalia Stepped In
“That’s all in the past.”
Rachel obviously preferred not to dwell on the past.
Suddenly, a harsh voice erupted in the distance, exclaiming, “Where’s the manager? I need to speak to them now! Why on earth would they hire a retard here?”
The word struck a nerve.
Rachel instinctively turned around.
There was Jeffrey, standing meekly at a table, his head bowed in a clear sign of distress. His cheeks burned with shame as he bowed in humility, stammering, “I–I’m truly sorry; this is… this is all my doing.”
Rachel felt a surge to intervene.
Recalling Jeffrey’s plea, however, gave her pause. “Rachel, finding work is hard for someone like me, and keeping a job is even harder. Seeing me struggle or get scolded will hurt you, but I need to see if I can manage on my own. I don’t want to be a burden on you forever. Please, let me try.”
With this memory, Rachel held back, her heart heavy with pain, yet she resisted the urge to step in.
Meanwhile, the patron continued his tirade, “If you can’t even speak properly, how are you supposed to serve your patrons? If it’s a mental issue, you should be getting treatment, not making patrons uncomfortable by being here.”
Jeffrey’s embarrassment deepened with each word.
He had never been subjected to such humiliation in public.
All he could do was keep apologizing, not knowing how else to respond.
Meanwhile, the patron’s demeaning tone persisted. “Is the manager gone? Why is nobody addressing this?” Jeffrey’s supervisor, observing the commotion, quickly intervened, ushering Jeffrey to safety behind her. “Good afternoon, sir. Unfortunately, our manager isn’t available right now, so I’ll be addressing your concerns.” Confronted with a slender young woman, the man’s arrogance intensified. “You? I’d prefer you to step aside and leave this to others, young lady.”
“I understand your concerns, and while I might appear young, I possess eight years of experience. Furthermore, the manager has given me full authority today, so rest assured, your issue is in capable hands.”
This response softened the man’s expression slightly. Still, his tone stayed firm as he said, “I’ve been coming to
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this cafe for two years, yet today’s experience was unacceptable. I expect some form of compensation, or it will
continue to disturb me.”
Trying to maintain professionalism, the supervisor asked, “What form of compensation would you consider fair?”
The man responded with a grand gesture, “My demands are not extreme: five years of VIP membership with a ninety–percent discount, unlimited coffee, and it should cover any guests I bring.”
Natalia scoffed, “That’s absurd. It’s like highway robbery in broad daylight, isn’t it?”
Rachel remained silent, observing the unfolding drama.
The demand was clearly excessive. Agreeing just to appease the situation was not an acceptable solution. If they did, it would set a precedent, leading others to behave the same, potentially causing more issues. She was eager to see how the supervisor would manage the scenario.
The supervisor replied calmly, “Since the issue happened on our premises, we take responsibility and are committed to fixing the situation. You are a valued customer, and it is our duty to ensure you have a positive experience here…”
Given how the conversation was unfolding, an agreement seemed imminent, right?
The man’s self–satisfied expression suggested he thought so too.
His true intent was now obvious: he aimed to exploit the situation.
“Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Since you’re on board, let’s get it processed right away. And throw in a ninety- percent discount on today’s coffee as well.”
The man was quite satisfied with himself after laying down his demands.
But then, the supervisor took an unexpected stance, saying, “Sir, after giving it some thought, I can offer you a one–year VIP membership, which includes a fifty–percent discount on beverages. However, it is strictly non- transferable and must be used only by you, as indicated on the membership card.”
The man’s temper flared immediately. “Excuse me? Could you repeat that?”
With a calm smile, the supervisor responded, “Saying it again won’t change anything, Sir.”
This response triggered the man’s ire further. “Hiring a waiter who can barely communicate properly? Is this your idea of customer service? I need a satisfactory explanation today, or I will take this matter higher. And…”
In a swift gesture, he pointed towards Jeffrey. “Fire this retard immediately.”
The supervisor faltered, remembering her initial reasons for hiring Jeffrey–his neat appearance and the polite demeanor he exhibited during his interview.
Jeffrey had stuttered a bit during his interview.
She admitted to herself that she might have been too lenient, assuming he was merely nervous.
The café was also understaffed at the time, which influenced her decision.
However, after watching him work this morning, it became evident that he struggled with certain tasks.
Though feeling sorry for him, she acknowledged that the café was a business and had to maintain certain
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standards.
Thus, after a brief hesitation,, she made up her mind and said, “I will consider letting him go.”
Upon hearing the conversation, Jeffrey quickly stepped forward.
In his nervousness, he clutched at her sleeve, unable to utter a complete sentence.
“I… I… Sorry, I…” His anxiety worsened, causing his words to tangle further.
Sweat dripped down his face as tears streamed from his eyes.
Getting this job hadn’t been easy. He was determined to make it work, to keep his job, and to keep his sister from worrying. Yet, it seemed all was lost.
The man’s dissatisfaction escalated, and he demanded more, saying, “Hold on, before he quits, I want an apology. He’s ruined my good mood. He should bow, or better yet, kneel.”
Rachel’s hands balled into fists.
She reached her breaking point and shot up from her seat, ready to intervene.
But someone else acted quicker. It was Natalia.
She rushed over, first looking at Jeffrey. “You’re Jeffrey, right? I know your sister. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
With that, she positioned herself protectively in front of Jeffrey.
The man scoffed, “Young lady, you might want to think twice before you intervene. Step aside now, or I won’t hold back.”
Unfazed, Natalia retorted with a smirk, “Is that so? Let’s see you try.”
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