The next afternoon, outside of his restaurant stood Mr. Ming as he welcomed his guest to the restaurant.
Although Ming's Spot was small, it is one of the most sought after places within the area as it is said have an 'inexpensive' exquisite menu.
As he welcomed his guests, his eyes lit up as he saw the one he was waiting for today, 'a big fish'. He saw a man and his lady, dressed to impress, in some of the finest attire he had ever seen.
"Welcome, sir and madam. I must say, miss, your beauty can not be explained with words. As you walk, the flowers bow their heads in shame at their own inferiorities," He shameless greeted.
The lady smiled at the comment and praised her gentleman friend for his great insights of picking such an outstanding restaurant with such a well-mannered host.
With a knowing look, the male smirked and replied, "A man in my position has to know the best places in the city,and this right here is one of the finest establishments there is."
"This sir certainly has an eye for quality and seems to be a man who knows of the finest things in life."
Mr. Ming praised the man. He was praising but at the same time, also laughing at this man inside his head.
He knew this man was the type that on the outside seemingly had it all, but in truth was broke like a dog. He saw the clues the moment he spotted them.
They were well dressed, but the man was significantly younger while the woman was middle aged. Although she may not be termed unattractive, she was no knockout while he was a pretty boy. Scenes like these were something he saw on a daily basis.
So, he guessed she had money, and this little birdie was picking for worms.
"Finest establishment," He thought.
"Really, only the richest of men carry their women to dine here.
Hmm...let me see how much I can get out of this little birdie." He grinned as he planned in his head.
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"Today's special are all on the right side of the menu. Seeing a man of your status, how can I make you eat something such as ordinary delights?"
"Waiter, tell the chef to prepare our once a month, rare, imported red oxtail from the paragon's forest outside the city.
This...that's not necessary senior...we will take from the menu," The man muttered along.
"No, no, a beauty, such as this lady here, is deserving of the best.
Waiter, bring it along," He ordered while winking at the middle-aged woman as she blushed.
"I'm sure the price is not an issue, sir, but don't worry, the price is only somewhat high due to the cost of delivery from Paragon's forest.
Sigh...sigh...the perils that were undertaken just so guest such as yourself could enjoy the finest."
He muttered along as he had a look on his countenance like he has lost his only child.
"Marcus, how can you be like this? I thought you were treating me today. Of course, the price is not an issue, Senior." The woman gave a disappointing look.
"Baby, I was merely inquiring. Hahaha... Senior, bring your finest oxtail for our dining on this beautiful day," He replied while on the inside, he was cussing with words that he didn't even know existed.
Of course, there are also the wines, which have been stored to perfection within our award-winning wine cellar collection," Mr. Ming responded afterwards.
"One can not just simply eat prime rare meat without washing it down with the best money can buy," He boasted as he held a glass of wine within his hands.
"May I suggest 'Poitou Toini', which has been stored under the most pristine conditions known to man?"
As Mr. Ming spoke, a vein showed on the man's forehead. "I am sure the Young Sir will agree."
Marcus was furious inside but knew he could not dare to show it on the outside and thus, agreed with a knowing look.
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After their meals, Mr. Ming brought over the bill. "How was the meal? Prepared to your satisfaction I hope?" He asked with a smile.
"It was perfection, Old Senior," The middle-aged lady replied while smiling.
Marcus sat there, drinking the wine with a disheartened look. Here, he was trying to impress this sugar mama, so that afterward, she would let down her guard and spend without a second thought. Then, this manipulative old scumbag came by just to milk him like a cow.
"How on earth am I gonna pay?" He thought as cold sweat washed his face.
"I am sure it, at most, came to fifty silver coins. Right?"
He sat there comforting himself while he drank and took the bill.
"What the f$%#!!!!!"
"250 silver coins?"
He sprayed the wine he just gulped down all over his date as he gasped.
"You....you...!!!" He couldn't find the words to swear.
Then, he fought to find his composure and looked at his lady drenched in wine. "Sorry, baby, I just lost my bearings there for a bit.
Old Senior, there seems to be something wrong with the bill." He looked at Mr. Ming with hatred in his eyes.
"Really? How so, I wonder? Let me tally it over again. Hmm...Yes, you are indeed right. It seems the wrong figures were indeed put on the bill. You really are one for details. I convey my sincerest of apologies.
Let us see, we switch the five with the two." He acted as if he was once more tallying the figures.
"There, take a look again. Without your all-seeing eye, how could I live this down?"
Marcus had a smug look on his face, but when he saw the figures on the bill, the look on his face slowly changed, and he became dizzy.
"You must be joking! 520 coins! Will this man not be happy until he takes away everything I have?
What will he ask for next? A kidney for future meals!? A damn kidney!? The worse thing I've done this year is come upon this thief."
The bill was settled by the middle-aged lady. She looked at Marcus with disappointment at his inability to settle such trivial things.
"Maybe he is just a pretty boy," She thought afterward, as they left with Marcus, a defeated man.
He vowed never to come within 200 ft of this restaurant in the future. Mr. Ming stood there with a satisfied look.
"You got to know your customers, that's for sure...business 101."