Chapter 137: That Person Who Just Passed By

Taoyuan County, Shiwei Restaurant.

Bai Tian lifted the curtain of the private room on the second floor and looked down at the diners below. Many of them had only ordered tea, spending just three copper coins to listen to the storyteller’s tales. He nodded in satisfaction.

He had recently made a few subtle changes to the way the restaurant operated.

Not only had he introduced a modern, pay-per-view model for the storytelling sessions, but he’d also implemented a membership system and a points program.

The goal was simple: make the locals feel like they were getting a great deal, like they were coming out ahead.

Coupled with Shiwei Restaurant’s already stellar reputation—especially after Kang An’s death and the slew of ugly scandals that had come to light—almost everyone in the county now thought highly of the place.

Even the more prominent and well-connected folks had started frequenting Shiwei Restaurant.

To cater to them, Bai Tian had specially created a few exclusive Black Gold Member slots to reflect their status.

“Shopkeeper Liang, how’s Zhenxiu Restaurant doing lately? Who’s running it now?” Bai Tian asked.

He had more or less figured out the history between the two establishments. As a former strong competitor, even if Zhenxiu Restaurant had hit a rough patch, he couldn’t afford to completely let his guard down.

“It’s currently being managed by the shopkeeper. Things aren’t looking good. Hardly anyone goes there anymore,” Shopkeeper Liang replied.

“But the news of Kang An’s death will probably reach Jingcheng soon. The Kang Family are Imperial Merchants¹, and they still have a daughter serving as a consort in the palace.”

“Though Kang An was born of a concubine², he once saved Consort Xian’s full-blooded younger brother³ and was quite favored by the Kang Family Head. He came to Taoyuan County recently to lay low after causing trouble elsewhere, but who would’ve thought…”

Bai Tian finished the sentence for him, “Who would’ve thought he’d end up dead here.”

Shopkeeper Liang nodded in agreement.

Bai Tian yawned, clearly unconcerned.

“But it’s not like we killed him, so what’s there to be afraid of? Besides, he did so many awful things, and he was petty to boot. Honestly, good riddance.”

Having never seen Kang An’s corpse, Bai Tian felt no fear at all.

He clapped Shopkeeper Liang on the shoulder. “That membership system—if you get a chance, tell your young lady about it. It could be used in the Jingcheng shop too. Sure, other places might copy it eventually, but being the first means you earn more early on. Just make sure you pay up—either in silver or with a share of the profits!”

“I’ve got four kids to raise now. I’m strapped for cash!”

No sooner had Bai Tian declared he was short on money than he started ordering food.

“Give me one of those hibiscus cakes and a whole three-flavor duck. I’ll pick it up after I get the kids!”

“Put the discount on my tab! Thanks!”

Shopkeeper Liang chuckled and agreed cheerfully.

He couldn’t help but think what a remarkable family this was. One quirky idea after another, even their storybooks were so unique they were impossible to put down.

And yet, they weren’t the least bit arrogant. They were approachable and friendly, easy to talk to.

Bai Tian walked alone toward the private school, planning to surprise the kids.

When their father suddenly showed up—with pastries, no less—Juanjuan was overjoyed.

Even Bai Yunqi’s eyes lit up slightly. He could sense it—there was definitely a small piece of gold on their father. That distinct little ball of spiritual energy was right at his waist.

【Looks like Mom and Dad have made quite a bit of money already. It’s a shame I can’t really touch the family funds, or else I’d be even stronger by now!】

As for her eldest brother’s ability to “eat” gold, Juanjuan was long past being surprised.

Over time, after hearing about it often enough, she had more or less come to understand.

Bai Tian reached out to take the four kids’ small satchels and waved his hand grandly. “Let’s go! Time to head home!”

Bai Yunqi was the first to echo him. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

Bai Yunxing: ?

Juanjuan: “Let’s go!?”

Bai Yun’an: …

【If I hadn’t been smart enough to test him a few more times, who would’ve guessed that with how my big brother’s acting, someone else has already taken over his body—and someone that powerful, at that.】

After picking up the pre-ordered pastries and dishes from Shiwei Restaurant, Bai Tian passed by Zhenxiu Restaurant and couldn’t help glancing over curiously.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk…”

It really was deserted. Hardly anyone was going in to eat.

Bai Tian gave a satisfied sigh and turned to leave, only to run into a young man dressed like a scholar, looking frail and barely in his twenties.

His looks were above average, and his demeanor was refined.

What made Bai Tian take a second look was that this scholar-looking young man walked straight into Zhenxiu Restaurant.

【To walk into Zhenxiu Restaurant at a time like this… now that takes guts.】

“Alright, let’s go home, go home.”

Bai Tian had no intention of sticking around to see what happened next. He was still carrying a food box, the kids were hungry, and Jiang Dai was waiting at home.

Dinner came first.

A few steps later, Bai Yunxing glanced back toward Zhenxiu Restaurant.

That person who just passed by…

Translator’s Notes