C13 A Joke

Yang Zhiming glanced at Lin Ke'er and resolved to limit her interactions with Gold Tooth going forward.

The pair had a history of conflict, finding each other intolerable. Yang Zhiming feared that if left unchecked, Gold Tooth might eventually lose his restraint and lash out at Lin Ke'er again.

He surmised that their personalities clashed. Lin Ke'er was typically mild-mannered and soft-spoken, obediently following Yang Zhiming's directions and seldom speaking out against others.

Lin Ke'er's decision to publicly challenge Gold Tooth today was partly because his remarks targeted Yang Zhiming, and also due to Gold Tooth's earlier disregard for orders.

After the meeting, Yang Zhiming intended to have a conversation with Lin Ke'er to understand her perspective.

Yang Zhiming resumed his address: "Let's not dwell on the pricing issue any longer. Our roast chicken business has successfully penetrated the market, with numerous passersby registering today. They'll be visiting the roast chicken restaurant tomorrow to collect their orders, so I trust you'll be ready."

He directed Gold Tooth, "We're expecting a significant influx of customers tomorrow. Ensure you purchase ample supplies in the morning, and this time, do not abandon your post, leaving Ke'er to manage the crowd alone."

Gold Tooth and his cohorts appeared subdued, especially with Bai Lang present, which left little room for dissent. "It wasn't intentional today. The roast chicken smelled so good, and seeing that the outside didn't need my help, I stepped into the yard."

Despite his volatile nature, Gold Tooth wasn't inherently malicious. Having longed for Earth since childhood, he found it impossible to resist the allure of its culinary delights.

He grumbled, "Arguing with women isn't my interest. I hope certain individuals don't make things harder for themselves."

Bai Lang, upon hearing his comment, swiftly moved beside him and delivered a sharp rebuke. "What are you implying? Are you disrespecting women? Or perhaps you're underestimating me as well? Would you like me to give you another lesson in manners today?"

Bai Lang's allure belied her toughness; she ruled over Gold Tooth and the others with an iron fist, asserting her dominance through sheer force.

Gold Tooth never expected his grumbling to draw the boss's scrutiny. He hurriedly clarified, "Boss, please, no need for violence. I wasn't referring to you. How could any ordinary woman compare to you? In my eyes, you're a goddess, far beyond the realm of the average person."

Bai Lang shot him a look and warned in a deep tone, "I better not catch you saying that again, or I'll knock your teeth out."

Once Bai Lang and Gold Tooth had settled their spat, Yang Zhiming added, "I have another condition for Gold Tooth. Tomorrow, when it's time to collect the money, you absolutely must not just make up the prices."

Gold Tooth had indeed harbored such a scheme before Yang Zhiming mentioned it.

He had a solid plan. As the customers flocked in the next day, with Yang Zhiming preoccupied with roasting chickens, he would stand a bit away from Lin Ke'er to handle the cash. He'd have the final say on the charges.

Seeing his plan uncovered, Gold Tooth's face betrayed a flash of panic. "Don't accuse me of things I haven't done. I may not have been a saint before, but I certainly don't have the intentions you're suggesting."

Noticing Gold Tooth's evasive behavior, Yang Zhiming didn't press further. "Why the rush? If you're not entertaining such thoughts, all the better. This directive isn't just for you; everyone must follow this rule tomorrow."

Gold Tooth and the others offered no objections. Bai Lang had already been won over by Yang Zhiming's comforting approach, and the sweet-natured Lin Ke'er would never entertain such ideas.

After dispersing from the meeting at the Lin family's place, Gold Tooth and his crew walked the streets. Gold Tooth's subordinate questioned, "Big brother, are you really going to do as Yang Zhiming says?"

Already displeased at the missed opportunity to make extra cash, Gold Tooth snapped back, "What other choice do we have? Bai Lang is on their side. If we defy Yang Zhiming's orders, Bai Lang will give us a thrashing. Together, we wouldn't stand a chance against her."

Remembering Bai Lang's formidable prowess, the subordinate tentatively suggested, "How about we play along with Yang Zhiming outwardly, but charge a bit extra from those who look like they can afford it? Wealthy folks hate hassle and are usually generous. They won't mind parting with a little extra cash."

Gold Tooth was somewhat swayed by the suggestion. "Don't misuse idioms if you're not sure how to use them. But I'll consider your idea."

After all, if one doesn't look out for oneself, they're doomed. With the money practically waving at him, how could he resist the urge to grab it?

Gold Tooth resolved to discreetly pocket a little cash. As long as he left no trace, Yang Zhiming wouldn't be able to touch him.

The following day, many of the customers who had registered the day before came to pick up their roast chicken.

Initially, Bai Lang was vigilant, watching Gold Tooth for any signs of skimming off the top. But as the sun grew hotter, she retreated to the shade of the courtyard with her umbrella.

Seeing Bai Lang gone, Gold Tooth knew it was the perfect time to make a move.

A portly man with a face as round as a platter caught her eye, and she chose him as her mark.

Gold Tooth gestured to her subordinate to keep watch, then greeted the large man with enthusiasm. "Big brother, are you here for the roast chicken?"

The man shook his head; he hadn't known about the roast chicken restaurant until his relatives mentioned it, prompting his visit today.

Gold Tooth was delighted by his response; this man seemed even easier to sway.

She presented a wrapped roast chicken to him. "You've definitely come to the right place. Just smell how delicious this roast chicken is!"

The man was entranced by the aroma and reached out to grab it, but Gold Tooth, seizing the moment, pulled the bag back. "Easy there, customer. This is a business, after all. Money in one hand, goods in the other."

The man, his mind filled with thoughts of the savory chicken, knew there was no such thing as a free meal and inquired, "How much for one roast chicken?"

Gold Tooth sized up the portly man's attire and surmised that he, too, was a wealthy individual in disguise. He repeated the spiel he had given Hee Zhen the day before: "A roast chicken costs 1,000 Mars Coins. If you're okay with that, you can take one immediately."

Just then, a piercing voice emanated from behind Gold Tooth, "Excuse me, I believe my subordinate was merely having a bit of fun with you."

Hearing this, Gold Tooth inwardly panicked, thinking, "This is bad. Today might just be the end for me."

He turned around, his face ashen and his breathing faint, and said, "It's so hot outside, why did you decide to come out, Boss?"

Chapter 11 - The Boss of the Roast Chicken Restaurant