Strange Tales: You're an Official, but you're raising a bunch of Demonessess? - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Make Some Money

“My lord, where are we heading next?” Bai Yu led Long Zhi through the bustling city, wandering aimlessly like a country bumpkin.

Long Zhi asked, “No money in the pocket. Where can we go?”

Looking at the vibrant city, Bai Yu murmured, “Let’s earn some money first.”

After spending considerable money along the way, with nine days left until the scientific examination and more events, Bai Yu decided they would stay in the city. The expenses in a big city are incomparable to those of a small town. He expressed his determination not to live like a destitute scholar.

Long Zhi offered help, mentioning the possibility of using their powers to acquire money, to which Bai Yu declined, emphasising his intention to abide by the rules.

Bai Yu suggested, ” Well, you rest.”

Feeling warm, Long Zhi lightly rubbed Bai Yu’s chest and agreed. As they roamed the city seemingly without purpose, Bai Yu decided to stop near two well-decorated inns and restaurants. He first entered the more prosperous restaurant, observing and enjoying a simple meal.

Bai Yu then went to another restaurant, ordering the best and most distinctive dishes and the finest wine. The waiter eagerly served the exquisite dishes, passionately describing each one.

In Bai Yu’s arms, Long Zhi reacted nervously to the mention of “dragon tongue.”

Amidst the waiter’s enthusiastic promotion, Bai Yu couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental, appreciating the efforts of people from all walks of life. The waiter continued to introduce various dishes with extravagant names. Still, Bai Yu realised they were simple meals like shrimp and radish soup, stewed chicken and duck, and vegetarian rice.

Reflecting on the diverse experiences, Bai Yu couldn’t help but appreciate the hard work in each profession. In the modern era, any random small restaurant could prepare much tastier dishes than this place. Having enjoyed many delicious meals in his previous life, trying these so-called delicacies in ancient times is truly disappointing.

Initially listening with a smile to the waiter’s boasting, Bai Yu picked up his chopsticks, took a few bites, and then abruptly, his expression changed.

“Spit! Boom!” He spat out the food angrily and slammed the table, causing the soup to ripple among the vegetables.

“This is terrible! What kind of rotten meat and vegetables is this? It’s like pig slop!”

The waiter, visibly shaken, stammered, “Sir, this… you…”

“I paid a lot for a meal, and you serve me this?!”

“I’ve spent a fortune, and you give me this?!”

“All the boasting about heavenly delicacies, but it tastes like mud! This is outrageous!”

“No wonder you can’t compete with the Lieyang Restaurant across the street. You might as well close down sooner!”

“Save customers from being deceived!”

Bai Yu’s loud voice echoed in the room, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

Scared, the waiter shivered and said, “Sir, what…?”

“I want the best, most expensive dishes, not this!” Bai Yu continued, disregarding the waiter’s confusion.

“Fine!” He exclaimed, heading towards the kitchen.

Before long, he returned with a middle-aged man in a yellow robe who wore a friendly smile.

“Sir, is everything alright?” The shopkeeper asked, his expression calm despite Bai Yu’s agitation.

“No,” Bai Yu replied.

“Has anyone here offended you?” The shopkeeper asked.

“No,” Bai Yu replied.

“Then why are you tarnishing my reputation? Is it because Lieyang Tower across the street benefits you?” The shopkeeper asked.

Bai Yu, maintaining his composure, shook his head. “Lieyang Tower does not influence me. As a paying customer, am I not allowed to complain when dissatisfied?”

The shopkeeper’s face darkened. Pointing to the barely eaten dish, he asked, “Can I taste this?”

Bai Yu gestured, “Go ahead.”

After a bite, the shopkeeper conceded, “The taste is fine.”

The shopkeeper defended his restaurant: “Our restaurant has been around for a century. Our reputation is earned through countless satisfied customers, not just your judgment. This street has known our name for a century; your words won’t tarnish it!”