Chen Zhancai was flattered by the waiter and became somewhat arrogant. For a moment, he forgot his true identity and casually took out two taels of silver from his pocket, intending to pay for a few days' stay.
Before Chen Zhancai could even speak, the waiter, mistaking it for a tip, rushed forward and grabbed it, nearly kneeling down in gratitude and repeatedly thanking him.
"Thank you for the reward, young master. You are very generous. If you need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I will be there whenever you call."
"This, this, this..." Chen Zhancai froze, staring at the waiter in shock, disbelief, and disbelief.
Is this person crazy?
Who said it was a reward for him?
Isn't this just wishful thinking?
Chen Zhancai desperately wanted to get his money back, but seeing the waiter fawning over him like a lapdog, he abandoned the idea.
You can't blame anyone else; you can only blame yourself for not keeping up with the situation and acting like a rich young master.
Never mind, consider it a tip!
But the thought of those two taels of silver made his heart ache and his liver tremble.
He waved his hand, trying to appear calm, "It's just a little money, nothing to mention."
The waiter, a greedy fellow, dared not neglect Chen Zhancai when he saw how generous Chen was. He led him to the inner room, immediately brought over a stool, and wiped the stool surface with his sleeve.
"Please have a seat, young master. You can rest for a while, and then we'll go pay the fees and complete the room procedures."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhancai's heart skipped a beat. There was still some time before the exam, and he only had forty taels of silver left in his pocket.
After deducting food, drink, and other necessities from these days, there is very little left.
If you happen to meet a benefactor, that's fine; but if the opportunity hasn't come, then you'll be in trouble.
As the saying goes, "With money in your pocket, you won't panic."
No, I need to come up with an idea.
His eyes lit up, and he had an idea. This dim-witted waiter thought he was a rich young master.
Then he'll create a fake that's indistinguishable from the real thing.
As the saying goes, "People respect the rich, but dogs bite the basket carrier," so they probably wouldn't dare offend the rich.
Having made up his mind, he sat down and cleared his throat, feigning composure.
"What a joke! I've stayed in countless high-class inns, and I always pay upon check-out. But here, why are you making guests pay upfront? Are you afraid I'll run away?"
"No, no, no, young master, you are overthinking it. I didn't mean that."
"Alright, quickly prepare a fine feast, and I'll settle the bill when I check out."
After Chen Zhancai finished speaking, seeing that the waiter had his head down and hadn't moved, his face darkened.
"What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear what I said? Hurry up and prepare the banquet. If you delay any longer, I'll take back your two taels of silver reward!"
"No, no, no, young master, please don't be angry."
The waiter was in a dilemma. The innkeeper had instructed him that payment must be made before checking in.
If he really insists on sticking to his guns, it doesn't matter whether he stays at the inn or not. The key is that two taels of silver is no small sum; it's equivalent to a year's wages for him.
As the saying goes, "Water takes the shape of its container, and people adapt to circumstances," so we must not let this benefactor slip away.
"Young master, please don't be angry. I really can't make the decision. Please wait a moment while I go and ask the shopkeeper for instructions."
"Go quickly and find your shopkeeper. If he's really stubborn, I'll find another place."
"Yes, yes, right away." The waiter rushed to the accounting office like his pants were on fire, and said to the middle-aged man who was checking the accounts, "Manager, a guest just came in. He wants to stay first and pay later, you see..."
"Stop talking nonsense and get him out of here!" Before the waiter could finish speaking, the shopkeeper interrupted him sharply, glaring at him. "Hu Er, are you stupid? 'Shopkeepers don't pay for overnight bills,' do I need to teach you that? Did a donkey kick your head?"
"No, shopkeeper, don't be hasty. Let me finish. That person is no ordinary person. He's extremely generous, acting like a rich man's foolish son. From what I've heard, he's here in Ningjing to take the imperial examination, and he'll be staying for quite a while. If we kick him out, we'll lose a lot of money!"
Upon hearing these words, the shopkeeper nodded repeatedly.
Business people love dealing with wealthy clients who are not only willing to spend money on food and drink but also generous with their money.
If you serve them well, the reward will be at least several dozen taels of silver. If you happen to encounter a foolish person with lots of money, it could be several hundred taels.
But he was still a little worried. After all, anything can happen these days. If he were to run into a freeloader or a conman, he would be at a great loss.
Thinking of this, he stood up and said, "Alright, take me to meet that guest."
"Alright, please follow me, shopkeeper."
The waiter hurriedly ran ahead to lead the way, and as soon as they entered, he introduced Chen Zhancai.
"Young master, this is our shop's head manager."
Chen Zhancai may not be good at much else, but he's a natural at putting on airs. He sat there without getting up, instead shaking his folding fan and deliberately striking the pose of a wealthy young master.
"You're the shopkeeper? I think the waiter has already told you what I meant?"
"I've said it."
The shopkeeper, a man of some worldly experience, sized Chen Zhancai up and down.
Although his clothes were clean and tidy, they weren't expensive silks or satins, so he didn't look like a rich young master.
But he had quite the air about him, and the demeanor of a nouveau riche from the countryside was rather uncouth.
He was skeptical, but dared not be negligent, so he quickly put on a smile and tentatively asked,
"May I ask where you come from, young master?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhancai immediately understood; it seemed this old fellow was probing to find out the truth.
Chen Zhancai may not be good at anything else, but he's quite skilled at boasting. I'm sure I can fool you today.
He arrogantly raised his chin, looking at the shopkeeper with an air of superiority, "This young master comes from Anyang. Do you know where Anyang is?"
"I know, I know. Anyang is a city famous for its salt industry. I've heard about it for a long time."
"It's good that you know. My family has been in business for generations. The largest salt shop in Anyang City was run by my family. If you have the chance, you can go to Anyang. Whether you need to eat or stay at a hotel, just say that you are my father, Old Man Chen, no, Chen Baiwan's good friend, and I guarantee that you won't spend a single penny."
Upon hearing these words, the shopkeeper was dumbfounded and completely stunned.
He never expected to meet the son of Anyang's biggest salt merchant.
You have to understand, white salt isn't something you can just sell casually; you need connections in the imperial court...
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