"Sweet tofu pudding is so delicious! Waiter, please give me another serving!" A middle-aged man dressed as a businessman said to Yabemia, reluctantly putting down the porcelain bowl in his hand.
The other customers looked at the merchant with a smile. Everyone wanted to do this, but Mai Ge had already proven yesterday that even a great mage couldn't make him bow down, and even ten times the price couldn't tempt him. The pain of being aroused by delicious food but not being able to have another serving was strangely comforting to others.
"I'm sorry, guest, but each guest is only served one serving of tofu pudding per meal. This is the restaurant's rule, and it's clearly stated on the menu." Yabemia put down the food on the tray, looked at the man, and shook her head seriously.
"I have plenty of money, double is fine too, just give me another serving!" Goodinia pulled out his money pouch and placed it on the table, making a clinking sound. He looked at Yabemia with a somewhat domineering air. Did she, a half-dragon waitress, dare to turn down this business that was delivered to her door?
"I'm sorry, it's the restaurant's rule." Although Yabemia was a little flustered, but she thought of how Mai Ge had decisively refused Crassus and Yulian yesterday, as well as refusing Luo Xi Ya who offered ten times the price. If Mai Ge had to handle every little thing like this, she would be too incompetent. So she mustered up her courage and shook her head.
"Hey, you half-dragon girl, can't you understand me? Let me tell you, I own the biggest clock shop in Aden Square, and I'm also a member of the Aden Square Merchants' Union. I see this restaurant just opened recently, right? If this restaurant wants to join the union, I have the power to veto it!" Goodinia's eyes widened, and he continued, "Furthermore, our union has an agreement that all shops are prohibited from employing half-racials as waiters since last year. Your employment is a violation of the rules. If I report this to the union, you can be laid off today, and your boss will also face a fine."
"I...I..." Upon hearing this, Yabemia was so flustered that she didn't know what to say. She suddenly understood why the boss had been so ruthless to her when she came out of the kitchen last time. It turned out that hiring half-racial waiters would result in a fine. She vaguely remembered that the boss had boasted that he was a member of union when he was drunk.
She didn't want to lose the job that gave her dignity, recognition, and warmth, and she didn't want Mai Ge to be fined because of her. He was such a good person, how could she cause him any more trouble? Tears welled up in her eyes as she became anxious.
"Oh, I see. That explains why I haven't seen any half-racial waiters in Aden Square these past two years."
"I've heard of this rule before. Although some half-races do look a bit scary, but they can't generalize and condemn everyone. I think the Little Boss and Miss Mia are very nice people."
"Yes, but if that's really the case, I'm afraid Boss Mai wouldn't be able to keep her as a waitress anymore, right?"
"I heard that the Aden Square Merchants' Union's members only make up less than a third of the shops in Aden Square. They're all the most successful shops in Aden Square, and now they only add ten new members each year at most. Many shops are scrambling to get in."
"Sigh, what a pity for Miss Mia. She's such a diligent girl. If I was the boss, I would definitely like an employee like her too."
The guests whispered among themselves, looking at Yabemia with pity.
"But she did a very good job... didn't she?" Gloria looked at Yabemia, clenching her fist involuntarily.
"The Aden Square Merchants' Union is a very complex place. Several major families are involved, including our two families. The City Lord's Mansion also has some connections." Luo Xi Ya shook her head slightly, also looking at Yabemia with a hint of regret.
Although the situation is not quite the same as what Goodinia said, but if Mai Ge wants to join the Aden Square Merchants' Union, then Yabemia will definitely become a sacrifice sooner or later, as the Aden Square Merchants' Union's membership review is very strict.
"How about it?" Goodinia's smile carried a hint of smugness. As a seasoned businessman with over thirty years of experience, he knew how to use his leverage to manipulate others' emotions. The half-dragon identity was Yabemia's fatal flaw. Of course, he was only here to eat today, and the fact that he could only have one serving of such delicious food made him a little unhappy. He continued, "However, I'm in a good mood today. If you let me have another serving of sweet tofu pudding, then I won't mind."
"Not very good." A slightly cold voice came from the direction of the kitchen.
Some people looked towards the kitchen with surprise. Mai Ge walked out steadily, carrying a plate of Yang Zhou Fried Rice in his left hand. His expression was natural, but his eyes were slightly cold.
"Boss…" Yabemia turned around, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Your Yang Zhou Fried Rice." Mai Ge said with a smile, gently placing the plate of Yang Zhou Fried Rice in front of the customers at the next table.
"Thank you." The customer looked at Mai Ge for a moment, then nodded.
Mai Ge then continued walking forward, directly shielding Yabemia, and shook his head seriously at Goodinia, saying, "This guest, each person can only order one serving of tofu pudding per meal. All guests are treated equally."
"You're the boss, right? I'm Goodinia. Let me tell you..." Goodinia looked at Mai Ge, who was standing in front of Yabemia, with some surprise. He hadn't expected that even after he said those things, Mai Ge would still refuse to sell him an extra serving of tofu pudding. It seemed that he should let him understand the strength of the Aden Square Merchants' Union.
"Although I don't know the strength and power of your so-called Aden Square Merchants' Union, but since your rule prohibits members from hiring half-race waiters, then I won't join this union." Mai Ge interrupted Goodinia, watching his incredulous, slowly widening mouth. He gently placed the bag of Rou Jia Mo in his hand face down on the table and continued with a smile, "Besides, my daughter is a half-elf. I use her back view as the restaurant's logo and half of her name as the restaurant's name. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
"I'm sorry, but I have absolutely no interest in joining a union that refuses to employ healthy half-racials as waiters. Besides, such a union won't last long, will it?" Mai Ge's smile gradually faded.
Mai Ge flipped the menu on the table and continued, looking at Goodinia, "Also, the second rule of the restaurant: guests are strictly prohibited from threatening the owner and employees. Mr. Goodinia, right? You are now on the restaurant's blacklist and are banned from entering the restaurant from now on. You can leave now."
"Oh, by the way, please remember to settle your bill before you leave." Mai Ge paused for a moment before reminding him.