"Not a restaurant, exactly," says the madam, looking highly entertained. "More like a teahouse. And you're not wrong, but you're not part of the advertisement. Your job is to keep the customers out here entertained and spending money. They're the ones who can't afford what the back of the house has to offer. Although there are a fair few customers who come just for the company."

The madam's grim broadens. "But if you ever start considering a full apprenticeship, that could change things."

"Grams," Maomao says, and she is completely ignored.