JR SWAT 1: The Basics

Chapter 5: Talk respect

"Are you leaving so soon?" Yan asked, as Tan and Chen came into the shop.

The young business owner was at the counter, standing in front of an opened laptop. The small store was busy, as customers waited patiently in line. Only three small tables with two chairs fit in the space, all occupied at the moment by guests who chit chatted, enjoying their snacks. After all, Yan's tea was famous all over Chinatown!

"Yeah, but thanks a lot for the tea!" Tan said quickly followed by Chen, who came in quietly.

"It was nice to see you again, Victor. And young man, you're welcomed anytime!" he said noticing the sadness in the youngster's face.

"Hey, um...by the way, when I came in, I missed your brother Lin. Is he free today?" Tan asked.

Sigh. "Lin left Los Angeles and I haven't been able to find anyone with good skills to handle our system. It's driving me nuts!" said the man, annoyed.

Chen noticed the bag full of receipts on the counter, right next to his laptop. He was reminded of the time Mr. Hu hired him to keep track of his paperwork. He was only in eighth grade, but it kept him busy and with money. He was able to save up enough money, after handing most to his mother of course, to buy himself a bike. By the middle of his freshmen year, he was riding a brand new bike, same one that by now needed urgent fixing.

"Oh, really?" Tan said taking a quick glance at Chen, then turning to his friend. "Hey, Yan?" he called.

The man stopped moving and turned his attention to Tan. The young officer placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "Can we talk for a minute?"

Yan was surprised, showing a frown. But shrugged and agreed immediately.  "Sure." He then turned to the young lady in the counter, "Hēi jīn! Gěi háizi yīgè gāodiǎn. Suí tā suǒ yuàn!" ("Hey Kim! Give the kid a pastry. Whichever he wants!") he said pointing at Chen.

The lady smiled at Chen and he turned to Yan, who smiled back. Chen bowed his head, "Xièxiè nǐ" ("Thank you")

"Tán de rènhé yī wèi péngyǒu dōu huānyíng guānglín wǒ de shāngdiàn." ("Any one of Tan's friends is always welcomed in my store.") Yan said before turning to meet with Tan.

Chen felt so lucky!

After some minutes, Chen finished up his pastry. He sat by the counter, right in front of the lady. He was finishing the small cup of tea the lady had served him when the two gentlemen returned.

"Chen?" Tan called, coming into the main room with Yan closely following behind.

"Yes, sir." he said after swallowing the last sip. He stood from the stool and placed himself right in front of Tan. 

"Tan here tells me you used to do old man Hu's paperwork?" asked Yan.

"Yeah, in eighth grade and freshman year."

"Oh, yeah?" he asked turning to Tan. They shared a look, then turned back to Chen. "He says you're a fast learner. So, if I teach you how to run the program, can you help me with the documents, bills and receipts?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Ok, well... are you looking for a job?"

"Um..." Chen stuttered, unclear as to what to do.

"An after school one, right?" Tan asked, with half a smile. "So you can keep working on your portfolio for the Academy, right?"

Chen's eyes became watery. He couldn't believe it! He could actually finish school now!

"My brother runs a grocery down the block. Once or twice a week, I'll pay you in food. To take it home for your family. My neighbor works on bikes, so if you bring yours to his shop, he can fix it up for you. On me!" Yan said.