Chapter 141: Can You Even Afford to Eat This?

Liu Yueru’s words instantly ignited the customers' passion for buying.

Many people nearby began whispering, "His clothes are truly trendy. You can tell at a glance that these are the kind of clothes only people in movies would wear."

"Why don't I buy one to try? Since he's offering a 50% discount right from the start, it shouldn't be too expensive."

Driven by this mindset, many customers swept up the remaining dozen or so items, leaving only two pairs of men's shorts hanging on the rack.

Shen Guodong wore a smile, feeling that his first day of business was going quite well. Checking the time, he saw it was only eleven o'clock. In just this short hour, he had managed to establish his brand across the entire block.

Shen Guodong couldn't help but reflect inwardly, "Is this the 'celebrity effect'? Having someone good-looking advertise for you really can boost sales."

As Shen Guodong was lost in these thoughts, Liu Yuexian, who had been watching him mutter to himself, approached suspiciously and said, "Brother-in-law, sales were too good today! I thought these twenty items would at least last until noon, but they were gone in less than an hour."

Shen Guodong chuckled, "It’s nothing. This is already a popular street, and with both of you advertising for me, the results were bound to be good."

Hearing this, both Liu Yueru and Liu Yuexian smiled and said, "That goes without saying. So, how about it? Our advertising efforts were pretty effective, right?"

Liu Yuexian said smugly, "Wouldn't it be unreasonable if you didn't treat us to lunch today?"

Shen Guodong laughed and replied, "Sure. Isn't the whole point of making money to treat you two? Come on, what do you want to eat? Brother-in-law is treating."

Shen Guodong then suggested, "How about this? I heard there’s a place nearby that makes excellent Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish. Why don't we try that?"

Shen Guodong nodded and said, "Sure, let's go check it out. I’ve heard of it before but never had the chance to go."

With that, the three of them arrived at the restaurant, which seemed to be quite famous throughout the city of Fengcheng.

"Hello, boss. Do you have a table for three?"

As the only man in the group, Shen Guodong conscientiously went to the front to take a number.

A waitress at the counter, busy cracking sunflower seeds, said, "Three people? You might have to wait a while. It’s peak lunch hour, and we're a popular spot. We might not have any room." She rolled her eyes at Shen Guodong.

Sensing her disdain, Shen Guodong frowned slightly but kept his tone polite. "Well, there is a first-come, first-served policy, right?" He thought he wouldn't mind waiting a little while.

The waitress replied, "Let me check... if you want to wait, it’ll be about an hour."

Shen Guodong was puzzled. "An hour? That’s too long. It’s not even that crowded. The restaurant looks sparse; even if there aren't many tables, there must be private rooms, right?"

"Excuse me, do you have any private rooms available? I don't mind paying extra."

Hearing his request, the waitress looked at him sideways and said, "Private rooms are very expensive, you know."

Shen Guodong nodded, "Is there one available? If there is, I’ll take it."

The waitress shook her head. "Do you even know how much a private room costs? You just say you'll take it. Forget it, just wait honestly over there; it won't be long."

Shen Guodong wanted to argue, thinking to himself that she was clearly looking down on him—how much could a private room possibly cost?

Suddenly, a voice came from behind.

"Ah Li, is the room ready? The people I'm bringing are almost here."

Hearing this, the waitress, who had been arrogant and dismissive just moments ago, immediately put on a fawning smile. "Oh, Young Master Wang! The private room has been ready for you for a long time."

Shen Guodong turned and saw a young man, short in stature but dressed in an expensive-looking suit, giving off the vibe of a wealthy heir from Hong Kong. Seeing the man's attire, Shen Guodong thought he must be a rich kid, though he was surprised to see someone dressed like that in this era.

Ah Li walked over and said, "Young Master, this is the Number One Imperial Private Room. I’ve kept it reserved just for you. Please, go right in."

Young Master Wang walked over, took the keys, and took the liberty of brushing his hand against hers, taking a cheap thrill.

Ah Li’s reaction was even more surreal; instead of showing any disgust, she displayed a coy, shy expression.

Seeing this, Shen Guodong almost felt sick. He thought to himself that the guy was short, ugly, and a classic "greasy" middle-aged man. While Ah Li wasn't exactly a beauty, she was at least in the prime of her youth.

Shen Guodong couldn't hold back anymore. "Are there any other private rooms? I'd like to book one."

He figured that since they were just booking a room, there must be more than one.

Upon hearing this, Ah Li’s face changed instantly. "You? You want to book a private room? Are you sure? The cost for an hour is quite high."

Young Master Wang, noticing the tall, imposing Shen Guodong, frowned. "Where did this guy come from? Trying to book a private room? Looking at your clothes, it’s probably a struggle for you to afford a meal here at all."

Liu Yueru stepped forward and said, "Let's just forget it. It's just a meal; we don't mind waiting. If it really doesn't work out, let's just go eat next door."

The waitress sneered, "Next door? That’s just a knock-off restaurant. How could it compare to a century-old heritage shop like ours?" She looked them up and down. "Judging by your clothes, you’re just ordinary working-class folks. Go eat somewhere else honestly; don't put on airs here."

Hearing the waitress's sarcastic, condescending tone, Shen Guodong exploded with anger. "Who do you think you're talking to?"

Suddenly seeing Shen Guodong lose his temper, Ah Li was stunned, too frightened to speak. After all, Shen Guodong had spent decades navigating the business world; he possessed an undeniable aura.

With his presence fully unleashed, it was not something a lowly waitress could withstand.

Young Master Wang was also stunned, though not by Shen Guodong’s outburst, but by Liu Yueru’s divine beauty. Having seen countless people, he had seen many beautiful women, but Liu Yueru’s domestic, virtuous, and gentle temperament immediately captivated him.

Young Master Wang walked silently up to Liu Yueru and said, "Miss, may I ask your honorable name?"