Strange Tales: You're an Official, but you're raising a bunch of Demonessess? - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: I demand a hundred gold coins, passing you a great technique.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bai Yu Tang, the 18th-generation heir of Liuzhou’s premier building.”

“Our ancestors once specialised in providing royal banquets for the Imperial Court.”

“Later, our forefathers retired and returned to their hometown, establishing a thriving legacy.”

“This is just a simple home-cooked dish,” Bai Yu said, gesturing towards the cleaned plate with a smile.

Though his words were fabricated, they sounded convincingly real, delivered with composure.

“Fate is a curious thing,” he remarked.

“With such a rich family history, it’s no wonder we can’t compare,” he added, acknowledging the shopkeeper’s admiration.

“You, sir, are qualified to judge our humble dishes.”

The shopkeeper might not have known about Liuzhou’s Number One Building or the legendary ancestral chef in the closed-off world of ancient information.

However, belief settled in with Bai Yu’s mysterious words and the aroma of the flavorful mutton.

“The best in the world… that is indeed prestigious!”

Carried away by the flattery, the shopkeeper apologised despite Bai Yu’s initial rudeness.

“No harm done,” Bai Yu replied, brushing it off.

“I must have been disrespectful earlier!”

The shopkeeper apologised again, hoping to make amends, tugging at the cook’s sleeve.

“No problem,” Bai Yu assured, not dwelling on the matter.

“Um… Your Excellency, would you consider working in our establishment? Name your wage!” The shopkeeper, sensing an opportunity, eagerly asked.

Bai Yu, however, had different aspirations and said, “I came to the city for fame, not for cooking.”

With a smile, Bai Yu teased, “Name my price? How about ten gold a day? Would that suit you?”

“Um… Your Excellency, don’t jest!” The shopkeeper responded nervously.

Bai Yu said, “I’m not here for cooking, just for reputation.”

The shopkeeper, disappointed, continued, “Can you at least sell this dish to me? I’m willing to pay a high price.”

Bai Yu casually waved it off, saying, “This cumin mutton is a simple dish. I’ll give it to you for free.”

Even though it was a simple recipe, the shopkeeper contemplated the potential novelty it could bring to his business.

“Really?” The shopkeeper and cook exclaimed in surprise.

Bai Yu assured them, “I never lie.”

But Long Zhi thought otherwise, noting Bai Yu’s penchant for deception.

“It’s just a small technique, not worth mentioning,” Bai Yu downplayed, adding, “However, I have a great idea to help you thrive. Interested?”

The young teenager’s gaze is intense, with burning and deep eyes exuding a unique, dragon-like momentum. His eyes seemed capable of peering into people’s hearts, stirring their deepest desires, and making them involuntarily want to listen and believe in him.

“I… I want it!” Shopkeeper Li exclaimed, overcome by the allure.

“I want a hundred gold,” Bai Yu calmly stated, extending his hand.

As Bai Yu mentioned a small chicken nearby, Shopkeeper Li’s excitement suddenly became a realisation. The prospect of giving away a hundred gold, equivalent to his entire savings, hit him like a bucket of cold water.

“Your Excellency, a hundred gold is too much! Can we negotiate?” Shopkeeper Li pleaded, realising the gravity of the situation.

Bai Yu remained firm, insisting that a hundred gold was reasonable and promising that following his path would bring substantial returns within a year.

Caught between the temptation and the risk of gambling his entire fortune, Shopkeeper Li hesitated. Bai Yu, unperturbed, suggested that someone else could afford it if he didn’t believe.

The shopkeeper, torn, eventually asked for a day to contemplate. Bai Yu agreed, giving him time to decide.

With relief, Shopkeeper Li accepted the offer but asked for time to think. Bai Yu, extending a finger, granted him a day to consider.

In the end, Shopkeeper Li agreed with a determined resolve: “Okay!”