Chapter 285 - Soft Opening Day (3)

"That was rather unexpected," officer Tan whispered. "I feel like this is a dream. Am I really out and is patrolling here? I c-can't believe what I just saw! The most notorious fraternity in our district can actually act like obedient citizens!!?"

"Mmn... The young lady has a point. We cannot judge them. As far as what I have observed, they are very civil and almost look like they are timid. Heh... how they look today was very far from the delinquents they were in the past," officer Isaac mentioned and remembered how chaotic the intersection street before. If not police report from business owners because of throwing an empty bottle in their establishment, there were shattered glasses scattered everywhere on the ground that was always the morning scene that street sweepers need to clean. Even authorities does not want to offend the group! "If the Double Sigma fraternity is willing to change their bad behavior, then, this district will finally have peace."

"Isn't their manager a bit familiar? She was the famous press lady right?" officer Kim stated.

"Yes, that's her... Ms. Jing Jing. Her reputation is reliable," officer Tan confirmed.

"Since our mayor ordered us to patrol here daily, let's just observe those frat members!" officer Isaac stated with a sigh.

"I just can't believe they bowed to us. That young lady must have really a great influence on them," officer Kim chuckled as the scene of Sofia instructing her staff to bow at them replayed in his mind.

"Witnessing those Double Sigma fraternity bow to us gives me a different feeling. It's like the devil is glaring at me from hell. I felt goosebumps all over my skin!" officer Isaac told his team while they continued to march towards their car. He subconsciously adjusted the hem of his uniform and gave a final glance to the crowd before he opened the door of the driver's seat. "It's almost 5 AM. Officers, report to the office directly," he commanded before he drove off. 

"Our night shift is almost over. Thankfully, we did not encounter trouble tonight," officer Kim told his partner before they left the area.

Meanwhile, the appearance of the policemen gave Sofia another reflection of possibilities. A crucial possibility that she had overlooked and failed to consider.

"Miss Sofia, here are all my members. I have grouped them according to what you have told me - their tasks and shifts today," Derek presented and quickly explained to Sofia his arrangements.

"Good job! Just now, I think I have neglected something important. Let's have a brief discussion," Sofia said and signaled to Derek and Danny to come with her. She then walked a few steps away from the crowd.

Jing Jing and the others just stayed in their place watching them move a few distance from them.

"What is it, Miss Sofia? You are not going to fire all of us, right? Are we in trouble?" Danny questioned right away.

"No, that's not it. I just never considered this scenario... but hypothetically, what will happen if we have a customer today that your fraternity has offended in the past? How do you think we will handle the customer?" Sofia asked the two in a severe tone.

Derek and Danny were taken aback by Sofia's words too. They pondered the possible situation and felt it was difficult to handle.

"I am also at lost. How can I protect you guys if this will happen? If you have suggestions, tell me," Sofia admitted. In her past life, she hired employees with clean backgrounds. There were proper human resources that would handle it for her. But now, all her employees have somehow offended someone in the district. It would surely affect her business if she won't have solution for it!

Another minute passed and the three of them went into complete silence. They just looked on the ground as they were brainstorming the solution. Sometimes, they would look up in the sky as if there were answers written there.

Danny and Derek scratched their heads and gave Sofia an awkward and helpless smile.

"Miss Sofia, we will not fight back to the customer if they will bear grudges against us and seek trouble. Just let us work. We will not say a word even if they hurt us," Danny whispered.

"No... Customers are vital but how can I let them hurt  any of my staff?" Sofia said. "It's the dining place. There are a lot of things that can cause serious harm there. The knives, utensils, wares, hot water..." Sofia trailed. Then, she glanced in the direction of the crowd, still thinking of the solution to her concern. 'There has to be a solution for this.'

"I can assure you that my members won't fight back, Miss Sofia," Derek said with certainty. He suddenly felt that they might really lose this chance to be employed and have decent work.

"It's not about fighting back or just simply enduring humiliation. If the customer can easily mistreat you as an employee, that means that we, as your employers, are incompetent of providing you a safety work place. Don't worry about your employment. I'm also concerned about the possibility of customers harming my staff... Hang on," Sofia explained and finally had an idea. She then sprinted towards Clark's van and grabbed her bag. Then, she pulled out a paper and marker and started writing...

After writing, Sofia gestured for every member of the Double Sigma fraternity to stand closer. 

"Hello! I am Sofia and before we open our establishment today, I'll give you a brief orientation. Please listen and cooperate," Sofia started and the employees nodded their heads. 

"We all have our ego and pride. But, the moment you enter our establishment, I ask everyone to leave this ego and pride outside. Just focus on serving our customers. Hmmn, if any customer is giving you difficulty, and you feel like you cannot deal with them, ask sister Jing for help. Do not shout or argue with the customer. Is that clear?" Sofia emphasized. 

"Yes!" the employees quickly responded.

"Good!" Sofia smiled at them. She then raised the paper that she had written, "I will put this in the door. If a customer is starting to give you an attitude and become disruptive, just point this paper using your fingers to try to pacify them."

As the employees looked closer at the paper, they finally saw Sofia's written message.

***THE MANAGEMENT WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE DISRUPTIVE AND UNREASONABLE CUSTOMERS IN THE DINING AREA WITHOUT A REFUND. PLEASE MAINTAIN A RESPECTFUL AMBIANCE WHILE ENJOYING OUR FOOD!***

Sofia showed them the message and continued, "If someone will be misbehaving later when you serve them, just use your index finger and point this paper. This way, if they continue to be difficult, we will ask them to leave with no return of their payment. Do not argue with them."

"We must treat all our customers with the right service. But, we should not endure unreasonable treatments from them too. However, we are just starting our business. We are not rich enough to send people to the hospital because of accidents. We cannot fight back potential frequent customers. Make a good impression of our service to them! Our profit and your wages come from them," Sofia finished and walked towards the door of the establishment. After unlocking everything, she quickly let her employees in.

"Sof, do you need the list of reserved tables?" Jing Jing suddenly asked.

"Yes, Derek will facilitate that list and he will also collect their payments," Sofia casually answered.