Chapter 197: Are These Really Free?

"How is dinner coming along?"

Around 6 PM, Chen Jianhai, still worried, came to the kitchen. While the saying "wine reveals a person's true nature" might be a bit absolute, the way Sheng Yupi behaved after drinking made Chen Jianhai uneasy.

In the past, he could rely on Xu Bo, trusting Da Bo with all kitchen matters, allowing himself to relax. But with Sheng Yupi, he had to keep an eye on things.

"Don't worry, boss, everything is going smoothly!" Sheng Yupi said earnestly. As long as he didn't drink, Sheng Yupi was a cold, efficient fish-slicing machine, capable of processing a fish in under a minute.

The broth in the soup pot emitted a rich aroma, and the kitchen staff were all working energetically, as if preparing for a major battle. Although the tour group had only a few dozen people, for them, it was the island hotel's kitchen's first time hosting guests. Everyone wanted to start off well.

"Good, thanks for your hard work." Chen Jianhai took out his cracked phone to check the time; it was already 5:39 PM. In less than 30 minutes, Ning Youyou and the others would return to the hotel for dinner.

Leaving the kitchen, Chen Jianhai went to the main dining room on the first floor. Since the afternoon, hotel staff had been setting up the tables and chairs in the dining room. Although the hardware only included the main dining room, the staff's imagination and execution were limitless. In an afternoon, a dozen restaurant staff had transformed the hotel lobby and arcade into a seaside dining area. Guests could choose to dine indoors or outdoors.

Prep staff were placing prepared dishes on shiny, attractive plates and arranging them on the serving tables. In just ten minutes, the dining room setup would be complete. Chen Jianhai picked up a cherry from a plate and examined it. The fruit was plump, with tiny water droplets on it, freshly washed.

"Great, very good." Chen Jianhai nodded, taking a deep breath as he walked out of the hotel. Everything was ready; now it all depended on the guests' feedback.

...

At 6:14 PM, Ning Youyou led the tourists back to the hotel.

"So hungry…"

"Wonder if there's anything to eat here."

"On such a small island, what can there be to eat? Let's just grab something. If it's not enough, we'll buy a couple of instant noodle cups later…"

Ning Youyou, already prone to seasickness, felt utterly exhausted after a day at sea. She just wanted a simple meal and a hot shower.

"Welcome back."

The doorman, Xiao Pang, with a slight belly, warmly welcomed everyone into the lobby. Immediately, the hotel staff greeted the guests and led them to the dining room.

The silver serving dishes gleamed under the lights, filled with fish porridge, shrimp seafood porridge, fish skin soup, and the freshest sashimi. The island hotel's restaurant sourced everything locally. While the variety wasn't as extensive as at Lang Ai Hotel, the freshness of the ingredients made up for it. Plus, Sheng Yupi's superb knife skills would surely satisfy fish lovers!

"This porridge smells amazing…"

"Try this fish skin soup. The fish skin is tender and has a super chewy texture!"

"The sashimi is so fresh too!"

The tourists who had earlier talked about instant noodles were now praising the shrimp porridge. Most island hotels traded on their scenic beauty, with other amenities, including food, often being a disappointment. But tonight's dinner was a real surprise.

Just this meal alone, especially the fresh sashimi, would cost at least 200 yuan elsewhere. The entire estate's decor and service were comparable to Lang Ai Hotel, built to a five-star standard.

"Ning Dao, is this dinner really included in the package, free of charge?"

Peeling a shrimp, Ning Youyou nodded seriously at the question. "Yes, it's free. Eat to your heart's content."

"It's all clearly stated in the agreement: 99 yuan covers accommodation and meals, no extra charges."

Hearing this, the tourists relaxed and then brightened up. What a deal! Lang Ai Hotel was crowded, but here, it was spacious and comfortable. If they could stay here for a couple of days, enjoying seafood porridge, it would be wonderful.

"Ning Dao, can we stay a few more days?"

A tourist asked.

"Ah? That's not mentioned in the agreement!" Ning Youyou hesitated. The agreement she signed with Chen Jianhai only specified a one-night stay for 99 yuan for tour group members, with no mention of extended stays.

"I need to discuss this with the boss," Ning Youyou replied. "I'll ask the boss about it later."

...

"Yes!"

"But the second night will be at the regular price," Chen Jianhai said with a smile.

Ning Youyou paused, "How much is the regular price?"

"2999," Chen Jianhai calmly replied.

"That much?" Ning Youyou's jaw dropped. A night here cost nearly half her monthly salary.

Chen Jianhai shrugged, "You saw the guest room decor, the ingredients, the electricity, and the staff's meals—all of these cost money. Being an island, even transporting ingredients is a significant expense. If the price isn't high, I'd go bankrupt."

Ning Youyou nodded, thinking for a moment, "Shouldn't the 99 yuan price be raised?"

"No need, just keep it at that price," Chen Jianhai replied calmly.

"But…" Ning Youyou hesitated, then asked, "Won't people exploit this? If I were them, I'd keep booking the tour to enjoy the services at the low group rate. 2999 is too expensive, but 699 a day for a tour is affordable."

"If they use the tour to stay here every day for 699, wouldn't that be a loss?"

Chen Jianhai smiled knowingly.

Heh, naïve! That's exactly what I want!