Chapter 634: A Good Meal
The BBQ restaurant owner finally finished cooking the BBQ, all the items neatly packed in a bag. Shen Dong didn’t even ask for the price before he scanned a sum of money over, an amount that was certainly not less. The owner’s eyes crinkled into a smile, yet he still waved his hands dismissively, saying, "You’re already a regular customer, why would you transfer so much money."
"You should know the price, and you’ve always supported our business just like before, but look how bustling it is here now; there’s no need for your support anymore. If this BBQ restaurant is popular, it’s partly because of you. You’re my benefactor, after all. This meal should have been on the house. Next time, you can repay the money.
"Every time you reimburse, you pay enough to cover several meals," the owner said with a hint of reproach in his voice. Yet there was undeniable pride too, as if knowing someone like Shen Dong, a person of significance, was a matter of great import.
"Boss, you’re well aware of the situation at my end; I’m a big earner now. There’s no need for me to pinch pennies. Whatever the price should be, I pay in full. Plus, your BBQ is truly exceptional, I’ve never had anything so tasty elsewhere. This craft of yours deserves to be passed down.
"It’s only right that I give you a little extra. Just because we’re regular customers doesn’t mean you should do this. Next time, I’ll still insist on paying you, and you better not refuse again, it would be a sign of disrespect, as if you’re looking down on my money. Am I right or not?"
When Shen Dong said this, he put on a stern face, as if his words were heartfelt. The BBQ restaurant owner was taken aback, thinking, well, if he insists on paying, I suppose I must accept it, especially since he always pays directly, either leaving several red bills in the till when I’m not looking, so by the time I find it, he’s long gone, or using tricks to transfer money before I can refuse. No matter what, it’s impossible to prevent. I can only complain afterwards, though he never listens and still pays more than necessary.
It left the owner feeling a bit embarrassed. All he could think to do was to offer more ingredients or tastier options next time, to make up for Shen Dong’s generosity.
"No problem, next time this lady comes here, you can either not charge her or just put it on my tab," Shen Dong stated. "This young lady had her first BBQ here and found it incredibly delicious. She usually has a small appetite, but today, she ate so much, which really made me happy. One day I’ll fatten her up.
"So I think it’s fine to just add her bill to my account, no need to charge separately. That works, doesn’t it, boss? Next time, with this arrangement in place, you’re not allowed to turn down payment anymore. If you do, I won’t come here to eat next time. I’d rather endure those less tasty places than miss out on your culinary skills, and we don’t want our relationship to grow cold, right?