RISE OF EROS

Andrew was intrigued by the pretty dancer's words, so he took a seat in one of the nearby armchairs and invited the girl to sit down so they could comfortably discuss the matter.

The girl did not stand on ceremony and took a seat, while all the other dancers gathered around to listen. Sonia for her part, acted confident and sat next to Andrew as if it were natural.

The dancer was about to begin to voice her concerns, when Andrew interrupted her, "Excuse me, before you start, remind me of your name." Surprisingly before the girl could respond, Sonia spoke up a bit annoyed, "Her name is Lia, young master. I think you should get out of the office more."

The harsh words terrified all the girls, even Lia. They could not conceive that Sonia would criticize Andrew so strongly, but to everyone's surprise, Andrew just smiled sheepishly and hugged Sonia and while giving her a kiss on the cheek said, "Don't be mad, you know I'm busy and haven't been able to get acquainted with everyone yet."

Sonia snorted in mock annoyance but didn't continue talking. The other girls were dumbfounded at the interaction they had just witnessed and it wasn't until Sonia spoke again that they came out of that state.

"As you can see he's not scary, but don't think you have the privilege of being treated like that so easily." Andrew smiled at Sonia's words because she was clearly showing off, but he said nothing.

Turning his attention back to Lia, Andrew said, "Well Lia, tell me your concerns." The girl settled back in her seat and began to speak, "My first concern is security. Yesterday the customers were invited and courteous, but being an open lounge from today, I am worried about some strange subjects coming in."

Andrew nodded at Lia's words and with a reassuring tone replied, "I fully understand your concern, but believe me when I say that the safety of my employees is something I do not take lightly. Oliver has already put a safety plan in place to keep you and all employees safe."

When Andrew finished explaining that, not only did Lia breathe a sigh of relief, but several of the dancers did as well. That gave Andrew to understanding that Lia wasn't the only one of the dancers who was critical thinking.

"Well, if that's so that's a relief. My second concern is attention. At the opening, since the guests were valued customers we escorted them to tables and such, but what about now?" said Lia seriously.

"I think Helena already gave you a general idea on that subject, but I will clarify. Your job will be the same as the opening. If clients invite you to a table, you will accompany them, but be clear about two things," Andrew was saying as he paused before continuing.

"You will remain at the table to accomplish two objectives. One is that customers consume more liquor and food. Two that they want your services, be it a private dance or company in the room."

Andrew paused again and looked at the girls who were also looking at him and continued, "Also keep in mind, if you have not taken center stage to dance, you must not drink or eat too much and if the customers ask for a private dance or company in the room, be sure to inform."

All the girls attended like chickens eating rice and after a few seconds, Lia spoke again, "My last concern is...", as she got there Lia looked nervous, which confused Andrew, but Sonia on the contrary started laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" asked Andrew unable to contain himself, to which Sonia replied, "It's just that it's funny to see Lia nervous, for asking about money." Andrew raised an eyebrow still not understanding and seeing Lia blush with embarrassment confused him more.

Sonia was on the verge of a breakdown from laughing so hard but somehow managed to calm down. Seeing the confusion on Andrew's face and the embarrassment on Lia's, she sighed resignedly and began to explain.

"Young master, Lia, and the dancers want to know about the payments." Sonia's sudden intervention cleared up any doubts he had, but Lia and the other interested dancers lowered their heads in embarrassment.

At that moment Andrew realized that the dancers had agreed to address these issues, they just hadn't had the courage to do so. Thinking about it, Andrew turned to look at Sonia with a suspicious look.

Now that he had noticed that the dancers had planned this conversation, Andrew suspected that Sonia was involved. Sonia was very smart, so seeing that Andrew had caught on to her plan, she just smiled and winked at him.

Andrew took a deep breath in shock. Until this moment he hadn't noticed that this was all an act to bring the two parties to common ground. Despite the surprise, Andrew resumed his composure and responded to the girls' queries.

"Payment is according to your performance. Whatever tips you receive during the public dances, 50% is yours. If you earn tip money at private dances, it is entirely yours and you receive your profit for in-room services according to your contract."

Andrew had already explained this to them, but the dancers somehow didn't believe it because they knew they would make a lot of money if the dance room became popular and they were convinced that it would.

For this reason, they wanted to check again with Andrew, and now that he had told them again, the girls were very enthusiastic. Seeing the happy girls, Andrew also smiled and said, "Now, I expect you all to work hard. As long as you do things right and are loyal, I won't treat you badly. Also, I am always open to any recommendations, so don't be afraid."

The dancers nodded earnestly, however, they were not as stiff as before. They seemed to have managed to understand what Andrew wanted, so they relaxed.

"Well, since you can't all approach the young master whenever you want, I think it would be good for Lia to be the dancers' representative. Every week you will meet among yourselves, to discuss what topics are worth telling the young master about and she will be your spokesperson," Sonia suddenly stepped in as if she were the boss.

Not only the dancers were surprised, Andrew was too, but only for a second, because after thinking about what Sonia had proposed he had to admit that it was a good idea, so he added, "It's a good idea, we'll do it that way, but Lia, your responsibility goes beyond just being a spokesperson."

Pausing, Andrew continued, "Simply put, you will be the leader of the dance room, so you must look out for your coworkers, support them, instruct them, and even reward them when necessary. Are you up to it, do you accept the role?".

Lia didn't answer right away, as it was a lot of responsibility and that made her hesitate, but the other dancers quickly came up to her and hugged her, and began to encourage her.

They wanted Lia to be their representative, for the simple fact that she was the one who had the courage to speak up first. They, as Andrew had sensed, had discussed with Sonia and planned this conversation, but none of them had dared to speak as Lia did, that was not planned.

For that reason she gained their trust and seeing that they all supported her, Lia agreed to be the leader of the dancers. Nodding toward her, Andrew turned to look at Sonia and said, "As of today, you will be the matron of the Heavenly Palace."

Andrew's surprise announcement took everyone by surprise, including Sonia, but ignoring all this, Andrew placed his hands gently on Sonia's sholder and leaning close to her ear whispered, "If you do a good job, maybe I will reward you personally."