Era Cafè

At last, the day everyone has been waiting for. People of all ages have been waiting for this, just one hour before its official release. Within that one hour wait, people have been doing whatever they can to kill their boredom. Internet shop owners also have different ways to kill the boredom of their waiting customers.

Some gave pop quizzes and those who would give the correct answers would receive snacks for free. Some gave challenges like whoever reaches level five first in the café will receive a free t-shirt with a logo of Glory printed on it. Some gave promos like whoever plays the game for four hours straight will get another hour for free.

"This is insane! Why is it that wherever I go, all the internet shops are fully packed, the heck is going on? I'm always having a bad day" a man, around maybe 20 years of age curses while rushing to look for an internet shop with a vacant unit.

Meanwhile in front of the Era Cafè.

"Okay so this is the twelfth character. It also has its own interesting set of skills. I'm not going to participate in the game launching right now. I can't find any vacant seat anyways. I'm just going to dedicate my time to study each existing characters and maps. As the old ones always say 'Nothing beats proper preparation in an upcoming battle.'" A man who is sitting in a bench near an ever so full internet café tells himself as he skims through multiple pamphlets in his hand.

"Muqiu! There are a lot of people here! Even if you squish your way through this crowd, we only have enough money for two more meals!" Su Mucheng yells at her brother as they make their way through the crowd outside the still closed internet shop.

"Don't worry Mumu, I'm not here to play. I just want to see who's the new owner of Big Boss Café. Who knows maybe they're looking for a part timer? I can get a job here and we can even play for free!" Su Muqiu grins as he tells his sister his idea.

Customers who have been waiting outside the cafè start to fall in line as the man who is in charge of the entrance instructed them that they should do it to avoid stampede. In case they all run to secure a unit inside. By that, not longer than a minute, the previously closed cafè has opened and a players who wants to secure a unit, one by one, march to go inside.

As they enter the shop, Su Muqiu notices the differences in its setup. The previous five-rowed ten-unit setup had an upgrade. Now there are six rows inside and it seems that the shop isn't so narrow anymore, it's more spacious. Upon closer inspection, Su Muqiu observes that there are only eight units each row which means two units are gone. The server is now located in middle of the shop, just a few feet near the door. There are also two air-conditioning units on each end of the shop, making it comfortable for the players to play.

Near the server table is a mini shop which has snacks, juice, cola, instant noodles, and many assortment of food. Near the back is a comfort room for the customer's comfort and for their security, a guard is standing one by the entrance and another one at the exit area. The place had changed so much from the time Boss Ben was still the owner. It makes Su Muqiu think that the current owner is strict compared to the ever so liberate Boss Ben.

Just from the setup itself, you can guess that the new owner is quite organized and thinks about the comfort of their customers, not that Boss Ben wasn't like that. Everything is so symmetrical, thoroughly organized, and just spacious compared to before.

Five minutes have passed since they entered. A man approaches the server table. He has quite a round-shaped ear. His hair quite well trimmed, his clothes a little formal, rather unapproachable if you ask Su Muqiu. He estimates his age to be around 16 or 17, just three or four years older than him.

He enters the small booth to the server table. Su Muqiu asks himself why is he seated in the server table. Is it allowed? Just then Su Muqiu hits his realization.

"He's the new owner." Su Muqiu says, excitement present in his voice. He drags Su Mucheng once again finally entering the shop not realizing that they've been blocking the door for a good five minutes. If they stand there anymore longer, the guard would have told them to leave if they don't plan on playing. Good thing they started to move because the guard was just about to call their attention.

It just takes a couple of minutes before the empty shop becomes full. Noises from every corner of the shop from every player can only be heard at the moment. Some players shout "I'm ready!" Some did loud whistles, some laugh as they sit and wait for the game to launch.

"Excuse me, ni hao ma. Are you the new owner of this Big Boss Café? I'm Su Muqiu! I used to work here when Boss Ben was still the owner. Uhm… do you need a hand?" he asks as casual as possible. The man smiles upon his introduction and offers his hand.

"It's ERA, and yes, formerly it is called Big Boss but I changed it to ERA, didn't you read the shop's name before you entered?" A calm yet commanding reply by the cafès new owner.

"Ha Ha Ha Ha," Su Mucheng laughs as she realizes that his stupid big brother is in big trouble.

"Oooppss, My apologies Sir, it was my mistake, I'm just so excited to enter this shop that I forget to read the new unique name of the shop. ERA?" he repeats. Su Muqiu defends himself as he covers Su Mucheng's mouth because apparently she can't stop laughing.

"Not Sir, The name is Tao Xuan. My name is Tao Xuan."