A new Innkeeper
"Your belongings are there. Freshen up, and we'll have dinner together."
"Oh, no need. I'll go to the pharmacy to sell the herbs later and then stroll around the street to find some snacks." Xiangbei immediately turned around, replying while sorting herbs in the basket.
"The day is getting late. You don't need a meal, and the shopkeeper at the pharmacy will also be heading home. Besides, have you ever seen a pharmacy collecting herbs after dark? Have your meal first, and later I'll take you to the pier to find those snacks."
He had a point. In this ancient time with dim lights, it would be challenging to identify herbs. It seemed waiting until tomorrow was the only option.
"Alright, let's go to the lobby downstairs. Since I have to provide you with prescriptions every month, I need to understand the preferences of customers and the main dishes of this place. Can you introduce some popular cuisines, signature dishes, affordable meat options, desserts, and bring a few here?" she said as she led the way out.
Behind the counter, Cheng Zhong, who was checking the accounts, saw Miss Tong leading the master down from upstairs, finding a corner by the window and sitting down. He hurried over, "Young Master, Miss Tong,"
"Today, Miss Tong is inspecting your little shop. Just follow her instructions," Xiangbei instructed.
"Zhong, don't listen to his nonsense. Still calling me Miss Tong or Xiangbei. I'm thinking since I have to provide prescriptions every month, I want to understand. So, tell me about the most popular cuisine, main dishes, signature dishes, cheapest meat options, desserts, etc., here. Alright?" she said.
"Yes, Madam. I'll prepare it now."
"Cheng Mo, you must make Zhong call me something else, or I won't eat. Also, cancel the contract and never come again." Xiangbei looked at the rapidly leaving Cheng Zhong's back, knowing he would only listen to this scheming man. She had to threaten the guy in front of her, who had the power of speech. Although accustomed to hierarchical norms in this ancient era, Xiangbei, a 21st-century guy, found it challenging to adapt to the status of this elder, who he already considered family, being diminished like this.
"Alright." Agreeing with just a word, Cheng Mo didn't say more. It wasn't until Cheng Zhong quickly prepared the dishes, brought them up, and arranged them that Cheng Mo lifted his eyes and ordered, "Zhong, from now on, whatever Miss Xiangbei says is the way it is. Don't ask me; you listen to her."
"Zhong, come, sit down and eat with us. Also, tell me about the situation in the shop," Cheng Zhong, still stunned and trying to digest the meaning of his master's words, was mechanically led by Xiangbei to sit in the seat at the bottom of the dining table. Cheng Mo held the tea cup to his lips, his gaze lifting from the rim of the cup to watch Cheng Zhong's expression closely. It wasn't until he saw him instantly recover his composure, smiling gratefully at Xiangbei and thanking her sincerely, that Cheng Mo put down the tea cup, picked up a dish, and casually said, "Alright, we can chat while eating." Cheng Zhong, who saw his own growth, knew that he was more than just a servant. In his heart, he really hoped that he could truly accept and respect Xiangbei.
"Thank you, Miss Xiangbei," Cheng Zhong, relieved, faced Xiangbei with a smile and began introducing some of the dishes.