Yugao's heart was beating faster and faster.
Was Zhang Yu really trying to say more than just recruiting employees?
Let her stay at the tavern.
Let her stay by my side every day.
Is this another way of expressing one's feelings?
Yugao's face quickly turned red.
She clutched the hem of her dress, momentarily at a loss for words.
" Lord Zhang Yu."
Why did you suddenly invite me?
The tavern needs staff.
Zhang Yu's answer was very direct.
You've been working here for a week.
"I've already learned how to take orders, deliver food, and clean up tables."
"You're diligent and capable."
I want you to stay.
The words "I want you to stay" stirred up Yugao's heart once again.
She glanced up at Zhang Yu, then quickly looked away.
"If I agree, I can no longer stay in the Anbu."
"That's right."
Are you really sure about this?
"Certainly."
Yugao pursed her lips.
She had little attachment to the Anbu.
There were only orders, masks, and missions there.
They must conceal their identity every day and cannot freely contact ordinary people.
The tavern, however, was different.
Although the people here are noisy, they don't treat her like a tool.
Zhang Yu prepared a room and clothes for her.
He took her with him throughout the Chunin Ninja Exams.
Even legendary figures like Madara, Hashirama, and Tobirama treated her as an ordinary companion.
More importantly, after staying at the tavern, she could see Zhang Yu every day.
With this in mind, Yugao already had the answer in her heart.
But the Anbu isn't a place you can just leave whenever you want.
She is under the direct jurisdiction of the Hokage.
Without Hiruzen Sarutobi's consent, her unauthorized withdrawal would be tantamount to disobeying orders.
" Lord Zhang Yu."
Yugao spoke slowly.
I'm willing to stay.
"But what about the Lord Third..."
You don't need to worry.
Zhang Yu took out the formal contract and placed it in front of her.
"Leave Konoha to me."
"I will handle everything regarding the Anbu duties and the Third Hokage."
Yugao looked at the contract on the table.
The job description and salary have already been written above.
It also includes meals and accommodation.
She did not hesitate any longer.
"Since you've made up your mind, I'll listen to you."
Yugao picked up the pen and signed her name at the bottom of the contract.
The final stroke is completed.
A system notification appeared immediately.
[bite!]
[Congratulations, host, on successfully recruiting a new employee: Uzuki Yugao.]
[Main Quest: The Tavern's Tenth Employee, Completed.]
[Congratulations, host, you have received 20,000 gold coins.]
[Congratulations, host, you have been granted one chance to summon an undead.]
[Current number of tavern staff: 10/10.]
[Business expansion features officially unlocked.]
The system panel in front of Zhang Yu changed rapidly.
The projects that were originally grayed out started to light up one by one.
[Currently expandable business:]
[Undead Hot Pot Restaurant]
[Self-service BBQ restaurant.]
[Chess and card room.]
[Billiards room.]
[Arcade/Video Game Center]
[Midnight disco.]
The larger the business expansion, the more generous the subsequent rewards.
Zhang Yu looked it over from top to bottom.
It has everything: food, drinks, and entertainment.
The tavern now offers drinks, snacks, and beverages, but the main courses are not quite complete.
Although Izuna cooks every day, he mainly serves the employees.
If guests want a hot meal at the tavern, they can only choose a small selection of meat dishes.
Self-service hot pot can perfectly fill this gap.
Hot pot and beverage businesses are also suitable to operate together.
"That's it."
Zhang Yu directly chose the Undead Hot Pot Restaurant.
The system panel then collapsed.
Yugao put down her pen and saw the smile on his face, which further confirmed her guess.
She asked softly, " Lord Zhang Yu, will I be staying in the same room from now on?"
"Right."
Are there any other arrangements?
No at the moment.
Zhang Yu carefully put away the contract.
"From today onwards, you are a full-time employee of the tavern."
Yugao nodded.
I will work hard.
The two left the office and returned to the lobby.
Ino immediately came over.
" Boss Zhang Yu, what did you and Yugao talk about inside?"
"From today onwards, Yugao is a full-time employee of the tavern."
Karin put down her notebook.
"Lady Yugao stayed as well?"
"Um."
Yugao responded.
Please take care of me in the future.
A smile appeared on his pale face.
"This will make the front desk staff more adequate."
Hinata also said softly, "Congratulations, Yugao- senpai."
Ino glanced at Yugao, then at Zhang Yu.
"Just recruiting employees?"
Yugao's face grew even hotter.
"Certainly."
"Then why are you blushing?"
It's a bit hot in the office.
Ino looked doubtful.
Zhang Yu didn't give her a chance to ask further questions.
"Work first."
"Meeting after dinner."
The tavern closed in the evening.
Izuna served dinner.
After everyone finished eating, Zhang Yu did not let them leave.
"Sit down first."
I have something to announce.
Hashirama immediately put the snacks he was going to take away back on the table.
"Boss, are you calling up new people again?"
"No."
Zhang Yu looked around.
The tavern now has ten full-time employees.
"New business expansion has begun."
The Tobirama put down the account book.
"Preparing to expand the tavern?"
"Right."
Zhang Yu said, "I plan to open a self-service hot pot restaurant first."
"From now on, guests can not only drink alcohol, but also eat hot pot here."
"Running a beverage and food business together will increase revenue."
Asura was somewhat curious.
What is hot pot?
Hashirama immediately explained.
Put the meat and vegetables into the pot and cook.
"Cook and eat at the same time."
Asura nodded immediately after hearing this.
"This is good."
Indra glanced at him.
"You only care about eating."
Aren't you going to eat?
"I didn't say I wouldn't eat."
Ban crossed his arms.
How much space do I need to open a shop?
Zhang Yu pointed to the wall on the right.
"Take over the one next door."
"Break down this wall and create an internal passage."
"Customers in the tavern can go directly to eat hot pot."
"Customers at hot pot restaurants can also buy drinks here."
Tobirama quickly understood his plan.
"Joint operation on both sides."
"Accounts can be recorded separately, while inventory can be managed centrally."
"Good."
Zhang Yu continued, "We'll also do it at the barbecue restaurant."
"Although the system separates hot pot and barbecue into two categories, there's no need to open two separate shops."
"Operating multiple stores simultaneously can save a lot of space."
Izuna nodded.
The kitchen can prepare meat and seasonings.
"Make a list of the equipment you need in advance."
Hashirama patted the table.
Leave the demolition to me.
"This kind of thing can be solved with one punch."
Tobirama looked at him.
"Big brother, don't knock down the whole wall."
I know what I'm doing.
Ban snorted coldly.
"Every time you say you know your limits, someone else always ends up cleaning up the mess."
Hashirama immediately retorted.
"At least it's safer than you using Fire Release."
"Would you like to give it a try?"
I'm just telling the truth.
Zhang Yu tapped on the table.
"Don't make a sound."
The two of them fell silent at the same time.