Chapter 294 - Soft Opening Day (12)

When Sofia entered the kitchen area, everything inside was set and placed in order. There was no more staff working which really hinted to her that all dishes were prepared and ready to serve.

She subconsciously glanced at her watch to check the time. There were still 35 minutes before they would accept customers. 'To finish cooking at this time, they are undoubtedly efficient!' 

"Sof, breakfast is here! They put a little of everything on the menu for us to eat! Hehe, there is so much to choose!" Claire's vibrant voice sounded on the side. The group was stationed at a medium-size round table with six chairs. It was situated at the end of the countertop near the sink area.

As Sofia walked near the table, Stephen pulled the empty chair next to his seat for her. She slowly scanned their meals first and took her seat. 

"Our breakfast is too lavish. But, remember that we have a shoot at 12:30 PM. Eat moderately," Sofia told them before she picked a bowl and scooped a soup.

"Miss Sofia, Danny told us that the boss should taste the food first. And if we have adjustments to the flavor, you may give them instructions anytime," Jing Jing stated and took her seat in between Joey and Clark. 

"Okay," Sofia responded.

"By the way, I've received a delivery notification. Bro, the phone that we ordered last time will be delivered later. Hehe," Clark told Stephen.

"You've purchased a phone online?" Sofia wondered.

"Yes. The phone is the same model as mine," Clark said and showed Sofia his phone.

"Ahhh... you guys are bragging at your newly released phone..." Joey pouted with a puppy look on his face. The group only chuckled at his childish expression. 

Then, Sofia look at Clark in the eye and asked, "Can you add another delivery for sister Heiz?"

"You will buy her a phone? Miss Sofia, that is ---" Jing Jing commented but did not dare to speak her opinion. She thought it was too much. Yet, she also felt that it was not her place to remind Sofia of it.

Sofia faced Jing Jing with an understanding gaze. Even if Jing Jing would not finish what she wanted to speak, Sofia could still comprehend her message. "Let's think it this way. It's convenient if sister Heiz also owned one. We can communicate with her easily. If there is a problem she can also assist us," Sofia simply said. She poured another soup into her bowl and quickly took a sip.

Jing Jing slightly nodded her head and did not speak anymore.

Stephen glanced at Sofia from time to time while enjoying the food. He realized that she was not actually eating anything and was just having soup! 

"Why are you not eating, Sof?" he leaned his head closer to Sofia and curiously whispered. He casually picked his fork and stabbed the piece of carrot on the serving plate. Sofia looked at him for a few seconds and carefully put down her bowl of soup.

"I'll eat after our shooting, Steph. Besides, I'm not yet hungry," Sofia whispered back.

"Mmn," Stephen hummed and put down his fork. "I'll also eat after our shooting."

"Hahaha," Sofia stifled her laughter.

Meanwhile, their other people looked at them as if they were suddenly immersed in their own world.

"Ehh.... could you share what you are talking about? You guys are just whispering there," Joey called.

"Nothing, nothing," Sofia responded while Stephen give him a death glare.

"Ohh... Well, Sof, I have something to ask for your help," Joey continued and ignored Stephen's cold expression.

"My help? Did you get in trouble at school?" Sofia asked with a stern face.

"No, no.... not in the school... Uhm--- well," Joey hesitated. He took a pause and look around to ensure that no one was in the kitchen other than them before he continued, "I think I have offended big brother Danny. Can you help me? I felt awkward to approach him now."

Claire, Jing Jing, and Clark were just about to take a bite. When they heard Joey's concern, they stopped their movements in mid-air and looked horrified.

"You have offended who?" Jing Jing reacted in a hushed tone. She also put down her food and face Joey with a questioning look.

"I think he said... he-- Joey... offended Danny?" Claire also spoke. Disbelief was evident in her tone. She glanced at Clark to seek confirmation.

"Yeah, I heard it too," Clark quickly confirmed.

Even Sofia was taken aback by Joey's revelation. Only Stephen did not show any reaction at all.

The silent air around them suddenly felt tense. Sofia leaned on her seat and look around too. Then, she softly asked, "Where is Danny?" 

In her mind, she was slightly anxious. Perhaps, the reason why there was no longer any staff in the kitchen area was that the man had decided to leave?

Stephen placed a hand on her shoulder and gently gave her a gentle tap. He then smiled at her and said, "It's not really serious, Sof."

Now, Sofia had become more confused. But before she could ask him, Joey spoke once more...

"Ahh... bro, it's you who told me about it. I am very worried here. Yet, you are saying that it's not serious? I think it's serious. Sof, help me please." 

This time, all eyes looked in Stephen's direction. 

"I was just stating what I know. I am not sure if he was offended," Stephen defended right away.

"Wait! The two of you... explain what happened," Jing Jing demanded. 

"This... I was asking if big brother Danny could teach me some combat skills. I asked it casually and did not think too much about it," Joey sighed. He also felt that it was his lack of knowledge that really offended Danny. But, he did not know how to resolve it without feeling awkward.

"Huh? Why do you need to learn combat skills? Are you planning to be a boxer or something related to a fighting career in the future?" Sofia calmly inquired.

"Sof, that's not the point. It's not about a future career," Stephen carefully told Sofia before their conversation would go in a different direction. 

"Then what is the point really?" Sofia asked.

"Danny is a frat leader. Fraternity like them only shared their fighting skills with their most trusted members. Since Joey asked it even if he is not a member of his fraternity, it would be taken as an insult of his authority," Stephen explained.

"Well, if Stephen says it's not that serious... then, we can only hope that he is right. At least, he is the only one who knows about this fraternity's rules. Joey, you should just tell Danny that you don't know that there is that kind of tradition. I don't know about it also," Sofia stated. Then, she tilted her head and gave a serious glance at Joey. "Now, let me ask though... why do you want to learn combat skills?" Sofia repeated.

"I am not really thinking of changing career, Sof. I'm happy in our gaming career and the business too. I was just asking randomly at that time," Joey replied.

"It's why I told him to think before speaking," Stephen mumbled.

"Bro, I've learned my lesson, okay. Next time, I will definitely shut my mouth," Joey grumbled.

"And now the two of you are arguing?" Jing Jing stood. She crossed her arms around her chest and gave the two teens a warning look.

Sofia tucked her hair behind her ears and pursed her lips. "Finish your breakfast first. Don't argue while eating. I will talk with Danny about it. Sister Jing, finish your food. All misunderstanding can be solved in a peaceful way."

Jing Jing quickly sat back and sighed. "I will handle it, Miss Sofia. You don't need to trouble yourself. I can explain to Danny later."

"Okay. Well, Joey, even if it's because of lack of awareness, you should apologize and own your mistake. Go with sister Jing after you finished eating," Sofia stated and took her soup in one gulp. "If you want to learn combat skills, then, you can enroll in special courses. I think there are coaches who teach the basics. But... um, you have to manage your time. Our schedule right now is very tight."

"Okay, Sof. I should be accountable for my lapses. I also want to apologize earlier but, I'm afraid that I would just make things worst. So I think, having Ms. Jing Jing will definitely clear things up," Joey thoughtfully responded.

"Good!" Sofia smiled and switched her attention to Stephen. "How about you?" she asked.

"What about me?" Stephen looked innocent and felt at a loss of what Sofia wanted to know.

"Ahh, we are all friends. If there is a misunderstanding, help each other out. But, you caused Joey to feel anxious. You could have just explained to Danny about Joey's lack of awareness and solved the problem on the spot," Sofia lectured.

"Ohh... next time, Sof," Stephen muttered. Indeed, he could have just solved the problem on the spot.. However, at that time, when the incident happened, he just wanted his friend to learn a lesson.