Tax audits by the government are no small matter; if handled poorly, they could be a prelude to business closure.
The atmosphere in the lobby instantly became heavy.
Zi Xi was intently watching the heat of the spicy crab in the casserole in the back kitchen, its domineering aroma filling the entire kitchen.
Hearing the commotion in the front hall, she didn't even flinch. She simply took off her apron, carefully washed her hands, and then calmly walked out.
"So it is Registrar Wang who has graced us with his presence. We have been so unwelcoming. Please forgive us."
"The ledgers are already prepared and are in the Tingfeng Pavilion, a private room on the second floor. Please follow me to examine them in detail."
Zi Xi wore a perfectly measured smile, neither obsequious nor arrogant, and calmly stepped aside to lead the way.
Wang, the registrar, snorted and followed them upstairs to the second floor with his hands behind his back and an arrogant air.
The private room was elegantly decorated, and a plate of bright red, glistening food with an irresistible aroma was already on the table by the window.
The delicious aroma wafted straight into people's noses, whetting their appetites.
Wang, the registrar, sat down with an air of authority and gestured for his attendant to fetch the account books.
"You've worked hard, Clerk Wang. Have some tea to soothe your throat first."
"These accounts are complicated and will take time to check. Why don't we have some snacks to tide us over?"
"This is our new spicy crab. It's made with fresh lake crabs, killed and cooked to order, and stir-fried with a secret blend of spices. It has a unique, fresh, fragrant, spicy, and numbing flavor, and is perfect with drinks!"
"This is a drunken wine from the Western Regions, it's sweet and refreshing, and it's the perfect match for this crab to cut through the richness and dryness."
Zi Xi personally served a cup of fragrant tea, speaking with a smile. She then magically produced a delicate and translucent glass bottle, inside which the amber liquid swayed slightly.
Wang, the registrar, intended to put on airs and reprimand him, but the aroma of the spicy crab was so intense that it kept burrowing into his mind, and his stomach rumbled loudly with hunger.
Then look at the crystal-clear wine in that glass bottle; it's obviously a rare and valuable item.
He couldn't help but swallow hard, and said with a stern face, "Hmph! Don't give me that! I'm here to get down to business!"
"Yes, yes, official business is the priority."
"But checking the accounts is a painstaking and laborious task, and it won't be finished anytime soon. It's not good for Clerk Wang and the other officers to work on an empty stomach."
"These simple refreshments are just a small token of our appreciation. They won't interfere with our official business at all. Please take your time to look around carefully."
Zi Xi's smile remained unchanged as she placed several neatly bound account books, with handwriting as clear as if they were printed, next to Chief Clerk Wang.
Wang, the registrar, glanced at the account book. The entries were clear and the format was unprecedented. It was so neat that it was like a book written in heaven. There was no way to find fault with it.
"You all go outside and wait! I need to concentrate on the investigation!"
Looking at the bright red, fragrant crabs and fine wine before him, he coughed twice and waved to his two henchmen with feigned authority.
The two lackeys looked at each other in bewilderment and had no choice but to leave the private room dejectedly.
Once the door was closed, Wang, the registrar, immediately lost most of his official prestige.
He ultimately couldn't resist the temptation and reservedly picked up a huge crab claw.
One bite and the plump, sweet crab meat bursts in your mouth, enveloped in a rich and spicy sauce, the numbing spiciness and umami flavor shooting straight to your head!
He took another sip of the chilled Drunken Immortal Wine, and the sweet and slightly intoxicating taste instantly soothed the burning sensation on his tongue. It was so delicious that his soul trembled!
Wang, the registrar, ate with such gusto that his mouth was greasy, his forehead was sweating, and his official hat was askew.
Zi Xi, standing nearby, promptly handed over a warm, damp towel, and with a charming smile, explained how many secret spices were used in this spicy crab.
Just as Wang, the registrar, was happily sucking on the last crab leg, letting out a loud burp, and preparing to touch Zi Xi's little hand...
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