The owner of Bazhenlou's words appeared to be modest, but considering Pei Ziqing's current predicament and Xiao Liuzi's deliberate act of returning the item in public, it was clearly a slap in the face!
And it was a resounding slap in the face! The meaning couldn't be clearer: the host of Brother Pei's gathering of celebrities looked down on him!
The atmosphere instantly became awkward and strange.
Pei Ziqing felt a burning sensation on her face, as if she had been slapped in public.
He held the burning invitation in his hand, unsure whether to throw it away or keep it, wishing he could just tear it up and leave on the spot.
"The goods have been delivered, aren't you leaving yet?!"
Pei Ziqing squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, glaring fiercely at Xiao Liuzi.
"Don't rush, Scholar Pei!"
Xiao Liu's smile widened, as if he hadn't seen Pei Ziqing's murderous glare.
"Our boss also said that the invitations are a minor matter; the important thing is... that you've been owing us, Bazhenlou, money for far too long!"
"The shop is facing cash flow difficulties lately and can't wait any longer! I, the humble owner, have been sent to deliver this message: please repay the outstanding amount, including principal and interest, within three days!"
He slowly waved the few yellowed sheets of paper in his hand and spoke slowly and deliberately, in a volume loud enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly.
"An IOU?!"
"Brother Pei owes money to Bazhenlou?"
When did this happen?
"How could he owe a restaurant so much money? It seems like a considerable amount."
Xiao Liu's words were like a bucket of cold water poured into boiling oil, instantly causing an uproar!
The students watching the commotion were completely in an uproar!
Surprise, disdain, curiosity, and schadenfreude—all sorts of gazes shot at Pei Ziqing like sharp arrows.
Scholars value their reputation above all else, and failing to repay debts is a major taboo, let alone owing money to a merchant and being publicly pursued for it!
This is utterly humiliating for scholars!
This is truly an insult to culture!
"Nonsense! When have I ever owed Bazhenlou any money! You insolent servant, how dare you slander a scholar in public!!"
Pei Ziqing panicked completely, her face turned pale, and her voice changed as she immediately tried to deny it.
He reached out to snatch the IOU from Xiao Liu's hand.
Xiao Liu was prepared and nimbly jumped back, dodging Pei Ziqing's hand.
"Oh dear! You're accusing our Eight Treasures Pavilion of slander? Scholar Pei, this is written in black and white by your own hand! There's even your fingerprint on it! The date, the amount, the reason for borrowing the money..."
"Look at this! You've written it all down so clearly... about paying for your mother's medical treatment, purchasing fine writing materials, and making connections with famous scholars... You can't renege on your promise!"
"Our boss said that he only gave us this grace period because of our past relationship. If we don't return the money within three days, we'll have no choice but to take this IOU to the Jingzhao Yin's office and beat the drum to appeal for justice!"
"At that time, I'm afraid it won't be good for your reputation and future, Scholar Pei?"
Far from being afraid, he acted as if he had obtained a powerful sword, holding up the IOUs high and shouting loudly, as if afraid that others wouldn't hear him.
With each reason for the debt read out by Xiao Liuzi, Pei Ziqing's face paled a little more.
When he heard his high-sounding excuses, which could not conceal his true nature of swindling money, being exposed in public, he felt as if his soul was being slowly tortured!
Especially those threatening words at the end, they hit him like a heavy hammer in the heart!
The classmates who had just been flattering him now subconsciously took a step back, afraid of getting tainted by such a petty person.
He went to great lengths to get in touch with Princess Jingle, and it seemed like he was about to rise to great heights!
If he were to be found guilty of defaulting on his debts now, and the stigma of his low character were to reach the princess's ears or the great scholar's ears... the consequences would be unimaginable!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
