Ninety-one

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Wang Hu was visiting a place like this for the first time, appearing somewhat timid and cautious. Coupled with the waiter's slightly disdainful gaze and sharp tone, Wang Hu became even more uneasy.

Although Wang Bo was also new to such a place in this era, in his previous life he had frequented restaurants and inns, so he did not behave as anxiously as Wang Hu. Instead, he maintained a calm and indifferent demeanor. When he caught the waiter’s contemptuous look and harsh words, Wang Bo felt displeased but chose to ignore them outright. He had seen many instances of people looking down on others, so this was nothing new. Besides, he was not pretending to be weak just to catch others off guard; if he ever rose up, that would be a story for another time. He also looked down on the waiter with equal disdain but said nothing further.

Zhang Bao observed everything quietly and nodded to himself. “Not bad, not bad, I truly didn’t misjudge you. To remain completely unmoved by others’ mockery—able to endure what others cannot, and tolerate what others find unbearable—if you keep honing this, you will surely achieve something in the future.” Thinking this, Zhang Bao’s face lit up with a delighted smile as he looked at Wang Bo.

Seeing Zhang Bao smiling continuously at him, Wang Bo felt awkward. “Boss, why do you keep smiling at me like that?” Wang Bo finally couldn’t hold back and asked.

“Uh,” Zhang Bao was caught off guard and looked embarrassed. “It’s nothing, really,” he quickly responded.

Seeing Zhang Bao’s expression, Wang Bo became even more suspicious and stared at him with a puzzled look. “Then why have you been smiling at me ever since I arrived?”

“Truly, it’s nothing,” Zhang Bao, feeling a bit unnerved under Wang Bo’s gaze, hurriedly changed the subject and called out to the waiter, “Hey, waiter! Why is my order still not here? Stop dawdling—are you even serious about doing business?”

“Please wait a moment, sir. It’ll be ready soon,” the waiter quickly came over to Zhang Bao, speaking humbly. Although he dared to look down on Wang Bo and his father, he would not dare offend Zhang Bao. After all, Zhang Bao looked like a wealthy man, dressed well—far beyond the status of a mere waiter’s enemy.

“Well then, hurry up and remind them,” Zhang Bao shot the waiter a stern glare. The waiter scampered back inside, while Zhang Bao glanced nervously at Wang Bo.

Zhang Bao’s behavior only deepened Wang Bo’s suspicions. “Could this guy be a pedophile?” Wang Bo wickedly thought to himself. When Zhang Bao smiled again at him, Wang Bo shuddered all over. “Too creepy.” He turned his head to avoid looking at him again, which suited Zhang Bao perfectly—he just hoped Wang Bo wouldn’t ask any more questions.

“By the way, old brother, want a drink?” Zhang Bao turned and asked Wang Hu.

“Boss, since you’re the innkeeper, why would you buy alcohol here?” Wang Bo mischievously asked.

Zhang Bao had asked politely but was caught off guard by Wang Bo’s pointed question. “Well, haha…” Zhang Bao didn’t know how to respond and could only chuckle awkwardly.

“Xiao Bo,” Wang Hu glanced at Wang Bo, then said to Zhang Bao, “Boss Zhang, please don’t mind. My little Bo isn’t well disciplined, and if he offended you, I apologize on his behalf.”

“Old brother, you’re too polite. I like Xiao Bo’s attitude, how could I be angry?” Zhang Bao replied courteously to Wang Hu. Wang Bo, however, shivered in response. “This guy is definitely a pervert,” he thought wickedly again.

After speaking with Wang Hu, Zhang Bao turned to Wang Bo. “Although I’m the innkeeper, I’m really just working for the Zhang family. The wine here isn’t for me to handle at will. Besides, the Zhang family trusts me enough to entrust such a large business to me—I couldn’t possibly betray that trust.” Zhang Bao’s words were sincere, and Wang Bo listened with surprise. He had always thought Zhang Bao was a slick businessman, but now he saw a more upright side to him.

“Boss, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” Wang Bo sincerely apologized. Zhang Bao sensed Wang Bo’s sincerity and waved it off. “You’re underestimating me—I wouldn’t stoop to argue with a kid like you.” Just as the three talked, the dishes Zhang Bao ordered began arriving. “Alright, let’s eat,” Zhang Bao invited Wang Bo and his father. Wang Hu was somewhat polite, but Wang Bo showed no manners and ate greedily, his manner rather unrefined.

“Xiao Bo,” Wang Hu reproached once, but Wang Bo ignored him and continued eating, thinking to himself, “It’s been so long since I’ve had such good food, and I don’t have to pay for it myself—why not eat?”

“It’s alright, old brother, Xiao Bo is growing, so let him eat more,” Zhang Bao said with a smile to Wang Hu. Hearing this, Wang Hu stopped complaining and began talking casually with Zhang Bao.

Seeing Wang Bo’s eating manner, the waiter sneered quietly, “Country bumpkins are just country bumpkins—look at him.” The waiter had meant to mutter under his breath but failed to control his volume. Though not loud, it was enough for Wang Bo to hear. Wang Hu’s expression visibly changed, and even Zhang Bao’s cheerful demeanor faded into anger. Wang Bo, however, seemed oblivious and continued eating as he pleased.

Realizing he had spoken too loudly, the waiter grew fearful and glanced cautiously at Wang Bo’s table. Seeing no reaction or complaint, he sighed in relief.

“Xiao Bo,” Zhang Bao called out softly to the engrossed Wang Bo. If Wang Bo showed any dissatisfaction, Zhang Bao intended to call the waiter over for a scolding, but Wang Bo paid no attention, which surprised Zhang Bao.

After eating their fill, Wang Bo patted his slightly swollen belly, feeling content. He looked at Zhang Bao and Wang Hu and asked, “Dad, boss, are you both done eating?”

Hearing the waiter’s earlier words, Wang Hu, still not fully satisfied, had no appetite left. “I’m full, let’s go.” Though honest, Wang Hu couldn’t tolerate others looking down on Wang Bo. Even a clay idol has some fire left in it, let alone Wang Bo, who was Wang Hu’s irreplaceable treasure.

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Seeing both Wang Bo and Wang Hu speak like that, Zhang Bao didn’t feel comfortable continuing to say anything. Just as he was about to tell the waiter to settle the bill, Wang Bo called out loudly and unexpectedly.

The waiter thought he had escaped trouble but was startled by Wang Bo’s sudden shout and shivered. Trembling, he approached Wang Bo’s table. Before settling the bill, Wang Bo said, “By the way,” dragging out the words. The waiter instantly thought this meant Wang Bo was about to make him pay for the earlier offense and grew even more frightened. Then Wang Bo said something that puzzled the waiter: “I want to take the leftovers to go.”

“Take…to go?” The waiter was confused, suspecting Wang Bo was retaliating but dared not protest in front of Zhang Bao. He could only plead softly, “Sir, please forgive me. I didn’t mean it earlier. Please understand.”

“What are you saying?” Wang Bo asked in confusion. “I just want you to pack up the rest of the food for me to take away.”

The waiter was taken aback, then looked at Wang Bo and realized he wasn’t joking.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up,” Zhang Bao slammed the table. Snapping back to reality, the waiter hurriedly said, “Understood, sir. I’ll do it right away.”

After the waiter packed the food, the three of them walked out of the inn side by side.

“Xiao Bo, aren’t you angry?” Zhang Bao turned to ask Wang Bo, surprised by his calmness.

Wang Bo gave a small chuckle and said, “Why would I be angry? What he said was the truth anyway.”

“Not even a little angry?” Zhang Bao pressed on.

Wang Bo smiled wryly. “To be honest, of course I’m angry. Anyone would be when faced with such cold mockery. But still, I held it in.”

“Wow, that’s impressive. I was about to teach him a lesson for you, but since you said nothing, I didn’t,” Zhang Bao said, leaving the thought unfinished.

“Boss, I appreciate your kindness, but there’s no need to get upset over a mere waiter. Remember, Han Xin once endured humiliation beneath a saddle. Though I don’t compare myself to him, I can still endure a little insult,” Wang Bo said calmly.

“Well said,” Zhang Bao admired him. “To endure what others cannot is the path to achieving what others cannot. With such tolerance and patience, you will surely accomplish great things.” He laughed heartily. “Looks like my little inn has taken in a remarkable person.”

“Boss, you flatter me. I only wish for a simple life, to take care of my parents, and be content. I don’t aspire to rise above others,” Wang Bo said plainly.

“Ambitions are good, but sometimes reality forces you down an irreversible path,” Zhang Bao mused, perhaps speaking to Wang Bo or to himself.

Wang Hu didn’t interrupt their conversation. At first, hearing Zhang Bao praise Wang Bo made Wang Hu genuinely happy, but after hearing Wang Bo’s words, he felt guilty, as if he was holding back his son’s future. He glanced at Wang Bo with a mix of shame and hesitation. However, Wang Bo was focused on Zhang Bao and didn’t notice his father’s unease.

“It’s getting late. I’ll be going now,” Wang Hu said as their conversation was winding down, and the hour was indeed late.

Wang Hu’s words snapped Zhang Bao out of his thoughts. Looking up at the sky, he agreed, “It really is late. How about this—I’ll accompany Xiao Bo to see you out of town. If I did it, I might get lost again.”

“All right,” Wang Hu agreed without objection, secretly wanting to spend more time with Wang Bo.

Wang Bo didn’t speak but silently walked beside Wang Hu, supporting him as they headed in one direction. After a few steps, Zhang Bao called out behind them, “That way leads to the south gate.” The father and son stopped, turned around, and smiled awkwardly at Zhang Bao. Zhang Bao could only shake his head in resignation.

The city gate was still bustling. Wang Hu stroked Wang Bo’s head and remained silent for a long while. Zhang Bao stood quietly behind the pair, watching them.

“All right, Dad’s leaving. You must work hard,” Wang Hu suddenly said.

“Don’t worry, Dad,” Wang Bo replied simply, nodding firmly. Wang Hu patted his shoulder and left without looking back. Watching his father’s heavy retreating figure, Wang Bo felt a sting in his nose but silently told himself not to shed a tear.

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“All right, he’s out of sight now,” Zhang Bao said as he walked beside Wang Bo. Wang Bo didn’t respond but turned away. Zhang Bao didn’t mind and followed him. After a few steps, Wang Bo looked back at Zhang Bao with a complicated expression.

“Why aren’t we moving?” Zhang Bao asked.

“I don’t know the way,” Wang Bo said, giving Zhang Bao a look that suggested he thought Zhang Bao was doing this on purpose.

“Heh, how could I forget that,” Zhang Bao said with a mischievous grin. Seeing Wang Bo glare fiercely, Zhang Bao quickly lowered his voice. “I’ll show you the way.” Without waiting for Wang Bo’s reaction, he quickened his pace.

Returning to Zhang Bao’s inn, Wang Bo found it strange. Usually, businesses choose lively, crowded places, so why was the Zhang family’s inn located in such a remote spot? Wang Bo had asked Zhang Bao along the way, but Zhang Bao hadn’t answered, only saying, “You’ll understand someday.” Though curious, Wang Bo knew better than to pry too much but still wondered, “What secret does the Zhang family’s inn hold?”

Inside, Wang Bo spotted the same worker from the previous day. Upon seeing Zhang Bao bring someone in, the worker froze, then glared furiously at Wang Bo, shouting, “It’s you! How dare you come back? Let’s see who protects you now!” The worker stepped forward, clearly intending to attack Wang Bo.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Zhang Bao said, his tone full of disappointed reprimand.

Zhang Bao’s stern voice intimidated the worker. Seeing Zhang Bao’s angry expression, the worker lost confidence. “Well, um…”

“I’m telling you, from today onward, Xiao Bo is a staff member here. If I find out he causes any trouble, you’ll answer to me,” Zhang Bao said, then turned to Wang Bo. “Come with me, I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.” He led Wang Bo inside, shooting a fierce glare at the worker, who stepped back at once. Wang Bo calmly followed Zhang Bao.

Zhang Bao brought Wang Bo to the inner courtyard, where Wang Bo immediately noticed something unusual about the inn. The oddity was a door in the courtyard, behind which figures came and went, and from which occasional white smoke billowed.

Wang Bo wanted to ask Zhang Bao about it but felt it might be too abrupt, so he held back.

Zhang Bao led Wang Bo to a room, opened the door, and entered. Wang Bo followed.

“From now on, this will be your place to stay,” Zhang Bao said, turning to Wang Bo.

Wang Bo looked around and saw only one bed, realizing he would be living alone. He nodded.

Once inside, Wang Bo sat on the bed, exhausted from the day’s journey.

“Now do you understand why this inn is so secretive?” Zhang Bao asked mysteriously.

“That courtyard is strange,” Wang Bo hesitated but already had a rough idea.

“Mm,” Zhang Bao nodded and continued, “What do you think is strange about it?”

“It’s probably a workshop used for brewing wine,” Wang Bo offered his guess.

“Hahaha,” Zhang Bao laughed heartily three times, then clapped his hands. “Exactly. It’s because of that workshop.” Seeing Wang Bo’s somewhat shrewd expression, Zhang Bao nodded with satisfaction.