Chapter 247：The Challenge (22)

The problem was they did not anticipate such a large turnover rate and customer base. They were unfortunately understaffed to deal with the situation. This was technically not that big of an issue because it could be solved by hiring more people.

However, Xiu Ling had a quality to uphold. She could not just hire anyone from the street. If she hired anyone, she needed them to go through staff training but there was simply no time for that. The only person on the staff that did not go through staff training was Auntie Xiao and that was because she was already an experienced cook and handler.

In other words, Xiu Ling needed someone of Auntie Xiao's calibre to come help her survive this ordeal. That was easier said than done. Why would a professional come to help her for no reason?

Xiu Ling looked around the room and realized that she was in deep water. None of the her staff, including her mother could continue on this high-stress, high-workload situation any longer. If she continued to force them to endure this harsh working environment, it was only a matter of time until they cracked. Xiu Ling did not want to be the reason why her workers had to go seek medical attention. She was running a restaurant, not a sweat shop.

Xiu Ling wanted to find a way to resolve this problem but while she had the resource, she did not have the time. There were only 3 days left until the challenge ended. If she stopped to conduct hiring and training, that would be valuable time lost.

While Xiu Ling was considering what to do about the situation, she heard someone call her with a term of reference that she only heard when she was at home. "Young miss!"

Xiu Ling thought one of the maids had come to see her but when she turned to look, she was shocked to see who it really was. Xiu Ling's mouth fell open and she gasped, "Auntie Sun!"

"Young miss, it is so nice to see you!" The elderly maid who once worked at the Lin household greeted Xiu Ling happily. Auntie Sun was much friendlier than Xiu Ling remembered. That was probably because leaving the city to move back to the countryside had mellowed her out. Furthermore, before this, they used to meet under stressful conditions because back then, Auntie Sun was tasked by Mrs. Lin to observe her around the family. However, this was a joyful occasion so that could explain the change in Auntie Sun's attitude.

Xiu Ling didn't even know what to say, this was such a surprise. "Auntie Sun, why are you here?"

The elderly lady explained, "I saw the advertisement for your restaurant on the television and since my daughter is coming to the city today, I decided to come visit you." Auntie Sun referred to a lady who standing beside her. Xiu Ling believed that was her daughter based on the similarity in their facial features.

The advertisement Auntie Sun talked about was the one shot by Lee Mu. After they exchanged a few pleasantries, Xiu Ling realized Auntie Sun was exactly the one person that could save her. Auntie Sun could definitely handle the chores around the restaurant due to her former working experience. She was an expert, Lin family would not have hired her if she was not.

However, Xiu Ling found it uneasy to ask Auntie Sun to help, after all, she was there on a holiday and had no obligation to help. While Xiu Ling hesitated on what to say, Auntie Sun's eyes moved beyond Xiu Ling to the open kitchen. When she caught sight of Mrs. Xiu, she greeted her like old friend as she walked to the kitchen, "Sister Xiu, how are you doing?"

Mrs. Xiu was glad to see Auntie Sun as well. She stopped working and came out to welcome her, "Sister Sun, it is so nice to see you!"

When Mrs. Xiu got close, Auntie Sun realized how exhausted she looked. She quickly asked her to sit down and rest. Mrs. Xiu thanked her for her concern but she needed to work to deal with the crowd. Hearing that, Auntie Sun volunteered to help Mrs. Xiu in the kitchen. Mrs. Xiu was thankful but of course, she rejected her offer, she felt bad for taking advantage of Auntie Sun's kindness. The two ladies went back and forth, one willing to offer help and the other too embarrassed to accept it.

Xiu Ling realized this was the perfect chance for her to step in. She ushered Auntie Sun and Mrs. Xiu to the side and explained to the former the trouble that they were facing. Upon hearing that, Auntie Sun naturally volunteered to help. Xiu Ling was thankful but she told Auntie Sun, she would be paying her. Since this was a legal transaction, Mrs. Xiu felt better at taking Auntie Sun onboard.

On top of that, Xiu Ling also offered accommodation to Auntie Sun for the period she was going to stay at the city. There were many empty rooms at the Lin household and Mrs. Lin was glad to have her old maid back to stay with them for a few days. Xiu Ling only needed Auntie Sun to stay until she had the time to hire and train new employees and the elderly lady agreed to help willingly.

In all honesty, Auntie Sun probably would have helped Xiu Ling without pay. She had met many people in the history of her life and she had not seen someone as pure as Xiu Ling before, especially in the world of the rich which she crossed shoulders with due to her previous occupation.

Xiu Ling had treated her well when she was under the employment at Lin household and Auntie Sun was not averse to helping her former young miss out for a few days. She was glad to be able to be of help.

The 1 week duration soon drew to a close...