Chapter 11：The Replacement & The Gift

It is a busy noon at the internet cafe. It is so busy that Xiao Ping needs to get her hands to serve customers. She helps her friend taking and delivering orders."Tian Tian, Computer 5 wants an omelette," she says to the kitchen excitedly. She wipes sweat on her forehead while turning to the door to see who just came in.

"Good Afternoon," Yu Jin greets. "Afternoon, Yu Jin," she replies. "Xiao Ping, egg sandwich is ready," Tian Tian says while hands a tray. "Okay, Coming right the way," Xiao Ping replies as she reads the order note. "Computer 1. Eh, where is the ice lemon tea ?" Tian Tian hands a glass of ice lemon tea to her. "Thank you," she says then delivers to Computer 1.

Yu Jin is watching over her with a smile on his face. He does not know why he is always happy to see Xiao Ping's excitement. Then Yu Jin decides to help Xiao Ping on cashier. Once again the door is opened. Mr. Bai comes and gladly smiles to see how busy his business today. He then approaches Yu Jin.

"Boss," Xiao Ping calls him hesitantly. Mr. Bai turns to the girl who already stands on his left. Xiao Ping drops her head and twisting her shirt's end. "What is it ?" Mr. Bai wonders to see Xiao Ping's behavior.

"Ngg.. Is it..," Xiao Ping fearfully looks at him, "Is it okay if this Thursday I go home early ?" She eventually braves her self to ask. "For what reason ?" Mr. Bai asks nicely. "Ngg.. I want to pick Takeshi up," Xiao Ping honestly answers. Mr. Bai raises his eyebrows for a moment. "Takeshi ?? Oooo.. that Takeshi," he finally understands. "How early will it be ?"

"Nggg... at four ?" Xiao Ping weakly answers. This time it widens Mr. Bai's eye. "Heeh? At four ? Have you asked A Lin to replace you ?" he asks. Xiao Ping once again drops her head down. "That's the problem.. A Lin can not replace me, " she says sluggishly. Mr. Bai sighs, and deeply stares at her.

"It's not that I forbid you. I know how much you idolize that Takeshi. But.. you see it yourself that the business is on its peak. Today we are already hassles. If you are unavailable, then it will only Tian Tian and I to cover. So.." Mr. Bai hangs his words, in hope that Xiao Ping understands already. Xiao Ping shrugs while still keeping her head down. "I understand," she says with a bit disappointment.

"Uncle, let her go early," Yu Jin speaks as he stands behind Xiao Ping. Mr. Bai turns to him. "Then who is gonna help me ?" he asks pretending to be annoyed. "I will replace her," Yu Jin answers. "You ?" Mr. Bai curiously asks, "Wouldn't you have an all day class that day ?" Yu Jin shakes his head. "The classes are going to be offed," he answers.

"Eh ? Why ? Is it because Takeshi comes so everything are also off ?" Mr. Bai is even more curious though it is obvious that he teases Yu Jin. He suspects that Yu Jin was only making an excuse to help Xiao Ping. Yu Jin's face is turning red, knows that his uncle teased him. Having no word to say Yu Jin only scratches his head.

Mr. Bai laughs to see his nephew becomes awkward. "Okay, okay.. if you want to replace Xiao Ping, then she can leave early," he then agrees. Xiao Ping squeals happily to hear that. "Thank you, Boss," she says happily. "Thank you, Yu Jin," she says to Yu Jin then hugs him to express her happiness. Yu Jin can only feel his face becomes totally hot flush.

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Xiao Ping gets in her home and while opening his shoes and socks exclaims, "Mom, I'm home!" She feels tired yet very happy today. Mr. Bai does not only permits her to leave early on Thursday, but due to how busy today, he gives her a tip. Feeling starving, Xiao Ping goes to dining room.

"Mom.. is the din.." She does not continue her question to see her father, mother, and brother has gathered around the dining table with a smiling face. "Eh, Dad, you are home already ?" she asks after able to calm her surprised.

"Come sit, quick!" her mother commands her with a meaningful smile. With wonder, in mind, Xiao Ping obeys her and sits. At the moment she sees a sheet of purple paper, with a familiar design. She saw similar design when Er Hua showed off few days ago. But Er Hua's paper is red. She takes the paper, closely stares at it with disbelief.

"This.. this is.." Xiao Ping is speechless. Her hands cover her open mouth. She quickly turns her head to Mr. Yuan who is smiling so happily. "Dad, how could you get this ?" she asks in hurry. She barely can hold her tear because the overjoy. "It's a gift from my boss," Mr. Yuan explains.

Xiao Ping hugs Mr. Yuan. "Thank you, Dad.. thank you," she says then holds the paper with both hands, still disbelief of her own sight. "Takeshi's concert ticket ... First class".