Chapter 31John very quickly learned how to perform the tasks that were required for his job. The other man, Chen, was happy to show him the ropes, but John disliked him intensely. Chen never smiled. When he spoke, which was infrequently, he yelled orders, staccato style at him.
“Quickly, quickly,” he would shout. “Don't be lazy, no time, no time. My uncle Mr Wu. He expects much work for your pay. Mr Wu, he is big boss, bigger than Alec. Bigger than McGeachy.”
John wasn't exactly sure of the hierarchy, but as far as he was concerned, Alec was his employer and he was the only one to be concerned about.
The working girls paid the two men little heed. Barely saying a word when they came to exchange their soiled sheets for fresh linen, or to pick up their shopping. The only one who chatted w
