"Are you quitting, Xiao Ke?" Sister Liu asked with a smile. "Weren't you doing well here in the shop!"
"I'm graduating soon. I mentioned it to you before, Sister Liu," Lin Xiaoke said with a wry smile. "I won't be coming anymore."
Sister Liu nodded. After checking the accounts, she smiled and said, "It's three thousand eight in total. Please check if it's correct."
"No problem!" Lin Ke nodded. "I trust Sister Liu's work!"
Just as Sister Liu was about to hand over the money, a bald man walked over. "Xiao Ke, why didn't you come yesterday?"
The man had shifty eyes and looked at Lin Xiaoke like a predator.
"Manager Zhao, Lin Xiaoke has already resigned," Sister Liu said. "I'm settling his wages."
"Resigned?" the bald man grumbled. "Why didn't you tell me? Resignation is a big deal!"
"Manager Zhao, haven't I always been in charge of these matters?" Sister Liu smiled. "The wage accounts have been cleared!"
As Sister Liu spoke, she began counting the money to give to Lin Ke. She knew that Manager Zhao was not a good person, and he had been overly familiar with Lin Xiaoke when he was working at the shop.
"Are you trying to quit without permission?" the bald man said coldly. "From now on, everyone who wants to resign must get my approval!"
"Manager Zhao, I..." Sister Liu frowned.
"Don't say any more. This has nothing to do with you!" the bald man waved his hand, took the money, and looked at Lin Ke. "Come to my office. Resignation is my business; he has no say."
Lin Ke was hesitant and looked at Sister Liu, who was helpless. He was just an employee and naturally wouldn't dare offend Manager Zhao.
The bald man went into the office and sat down, with Lin Xiaoke following closely.
"Xiao Ke, did someone in the shop bully you? Why do you want to leave?" the bald man asked earnestly, pouring Lin Ke a cup of coffee at the same time.
"No, I'm graduating soon, so I won't be coming anymore," Lin Ke said seriously. "I hope the manager approves."
"Actually, I had people investigate. Your family background isn't good, and you live in the commoner's village. Even when you enter society, you'll face many difficulties," the bald man said with a faint smile. "But if you follow me, I'll ensure you live a life of luxury."
As soon as he finished speaking, the bald man took out ten thousand yuan from his drawer. "You know, I treat you much better than others. Take this money first, and you'll have plenty more in the future!"
"Manager Zhao, please don't say such things," Lin Ke quickly shook his head. "I can support myself. I don't want this money."
"You're refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!" the bald man said coldly. "It's your good fortune that I fancy you! And you're still unwilling!"
Lin Ke's expression turned grim. "Manager Zhao, give me my wages, and I'll leave now!"
"Do you think it's that easy?" the bald man sneered. "Haven't you heard? No one working in this shop can escape my grasp. You can leave now, but only if you satisfy me once!"
The bald man grinned sinisterly and walked towards Lin Ke. "Don't worry, I won't treat you badly."
Lin Ke kept backing away, his eyes filled with panic. "Don't do anything rash! If you do, I'll call for help!"
"What a joke. This restaurant belongs to my brother-in-law. Even if they hear you, what can they do?" the bald man sneered. "If you obediently comply with me, the money is yours, and you'll suffer less. If you don't, you'll lose both wealth and your integrity!"
Seeing that the situation was not good, Lin Ke opened the door to leave but was grabbed by the bald man, who immediately locked the door. "I've been thinking about you for days, you've captivated my soul. How can I let you leave!"
"Don't do this!"
Lin Ke picked up a nearby wine bottle, his face filled with fear. He had worked in the shop for so long and knew Manager Zhao's character, but he never expected that Manager Zhao would dare to do this in broad daylight.
Sister Liu at the front desk heard the commotion but dared not speak out. She knew very well what kind of person the bald man was. If she didn't have to support her family, she wouldn't have stayed working at this restaurant.
"Even if God himself came today, you'll have to submit to me!" Manager Zhao threatened. "Try me if you don't believe me!"
Lin Ke dodged continuously, while Manager Zhao, unheeding, lunged at Lin Ke like a ravenous beast.
*Bang...*
As the bald man got close, the wine bottle in Lin Ke's hand smashed down.
Lu Fan, waiting outside, seemed to sense that something was wrong and walked towards the restaurant.
Inside the office, the bald man touched his forehead, finding it covered in blood. His expression instantly turned grim, and he slapped Lin Ke. "You ignorant fool, how dare you lay a hand on me!"
Lin Ke's slender body staggered and fell into a corner, looking utterly wronged.
Lu Fan kicked the door open and saw the scene before him, his eyes burning with rage.
"Who the hell are you!" the bald man glared at Lu Fan. "Are you tired of living?"
"Brother Lu Fan!" Lin Ke looked at Lu Fan with a wronged expression.
Lu Fan's heart ached. He shielded Lin Ke and said, "It's all my fault. I should have come in with you!"
"So, you're his lover. Let me tell you, he injured me. Neither of you will be leaving today!" the bald man said fiercely.
*Slap...*
Before he could finish speaking, Lu Fan leaped up and slapped the bald man. The bald man was sent flying backward, smashing into a table in the lobby.
Many people in the restaurant gathered, not knowing what had happened. They only knew that a young man had gone upstairs earlier and was now in this state.
"Don't be afraid. I'll handle what happens next," Lu Fan comforted him.
"Brother Lu Fan, I don't want the money anymore. Let's leave quickly! Manager Zhao is not someone to be trifled with!" Lin Ke urged.
"I'd like to see just how powerful he is."
Lu Fan's eyes flashed with coldness, and he led Lin Ke to the lobby.
Many people were watching. Sister Liu quickly stepped forward and signaled to Lin Ke. With what had happened, the bald man was not to be underestimated, and they might not be able to leave.
"You dare to lay hands on me! Do you know who I am!"
The bald man, injured and lying on the ground, threatened.
"I really don't know!"
Lu Fan stepped on his face. "But if you dare to touch her, I'll cripple you for life!"
"I've heard too many threats. Just you wait, I've already called for backup!" the bald man said coldly. "You both won't be able to leave then."
"When did I say I was leaving?" Lu Fan sat down. "I'll wait right here and see what you can do to me."
Inside the restaurant, many people shook their heads. Lu Fan was too young. Once the bald man's reinforcements arrived, he would be in real danger.
Sister Liu wanted to remind him but dared not step forward. The bald man was her superior, and she couldn't act recklessly.