Fang Qingqin arrived at nine sharp the next morning.
She stood at the shop entrance and craned her neck to look inside. Lu Ming was sitting behind the counter eating a steamed bun. When he saw her, he called toward the back.
"Dema, she's here."
Feng Dema ran out of his room, still clutching half a cleaning rag. His hair was a mess, and he clearly hadn't been up for long.
Seeing Fang Qingqin in the doorway, he froze for a moment again. Then he straightened his back, hid the rag behind him, and tried his best to look mature and composed.
"Y-you're here."
Fang Qingqin smiled at him.
"Morning."
That one smile was enough to turn Feng Dema's ears red.
Lu Ming swallowed the last bite of his bun, brushed the crumbs off his hands, and stepped out from behind the counter.
He took Fang Qingqin around the shop, explaining as they walked.
"This is the front desk. We take calls, write up orders, and collect payments here. Nothing too complicated."
Fang Qingqin nodded as she listened, taking out a little notebook to jot down a few things.
"So what exactly will I be doing?"
"Learn from Lu Ming for now."
Wen Ning came in from outside carrying a bag of fruit and set it on the counter.
"Do whatever he asks you to do. If you don't understand something, ask."
Fang Qingqin acknowledged him, tucked her canvas bag under the counter, and rolled up her sleeves, ready to work.
Feng Dema hovered nearby, wanting to talk to her but not knowing how to start. After agonizing over it for a while, he finally sidled over and asked a question.
"Want some water? I'll get you a glass."
Fang Qingqin was looking through some flyers Lu Ming had handed