Chapter 14: Do Me a Favor

Honestly, this whole thing happened because Mr. Chen arrived at such an awkward time. Combined with Xiaoliu’s previous explanation, it made sense that Manager Rong would feel furious.

Just as Xiaoliu felt stuck.

Chen Changsheng stood up and walked over to them. He asked, “What’s going on?”

Xiaoliu shook his head, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing, Mr. Chen. Please sit down. I’ll bring your wine soon.”

As he spoke, he turned to Manager Rong. “Um, Manager Rong, why don’t we step outside to talk?”

Xiaoliu really didn’t want Mr. Chen getting involved. After all, the Manager had long ago said they mustn’t neglect the gentleman, especially with this messy situation brewing.

“Go outside? Where to?”

Manager Rong frowned. “Listen, young manager, just because I didn’t pressure you earlier doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. Do you really think a steward of Yun Manor is so easy to deal with?”

Xiaoliu’s expression tightened with worry. He quickly said, “Manager Rong, I’m truly sorry. Here’s what I’ll do—today’s wine is all on the house. Consider it my gift to Master Yun for the celebration. How about it?”

Hearing this, Manager Rong grew even angrier. “You think the Rong family lacks that bit of money? No! You must explain yourself properly!”

“Well…”

Xiaoliu saw that things were getting serious. He didn’t know what to do next.

To have this scene witnessed by Mr. Chen… The Manager would surely scream at him for hours when he returned.

What should he do…

Chen Changsheng stepped forward, placing himself between Manager Rong and Xiaoliu. He said, “Friend, whatever the matter is, can’t we discuss it calmly? Why get so worked up?”

Manager Rong, observing Chen Changsheng’s remarkable appearance, recognized this man couldn’t be ordinary. Holding back his temper, he politely replied:

“Sir, please understand, this isn’t me trying to be difficult. Just hear me out—a moment ago, he clearly told me that this tavern always reserves one jar of Autumn Moon Brew. Fine! I didn’t insist on getting that exact jar. But before I even step out the door, he’s about to sell it to someone else! Tell me, sir—shouldn’t I be furious?”

Chen Changsheng understood after hearing this.

“Ah, I see now.”

Chen Changsheng explained, “But actually, this isn’t his fault. It’s mainly because of me.”

Manager Rong’s chest heaved with lingering anger.

Chen Changsheng continued, “Perhaps you aren’t aware, my friend, but I have a long friendship with this tavern’s Old Manager. Every few years, I come to Autumn Moon Market, and each visit I must have a gourd-ful of Autumn Moon Brew.”

“The Old Manager and I are very close. For this reason, he specifically sets aside one jar of it for me in storage every year. Xiaoliu here is simply following orders—he didn’t mean to refuse you. Blame me for showing up at the wrong time.”

Seeing this gentleman take responsibility, Manager Rong thought for a moment. “How could this possibly be your fault?”

His anger faded a little. “Truth is, I just wanted a decent explanation. I never meant for all this to happen.”

Chen Changsheng said, “Even so, at its root, this misunderstanding started because of me. If an explanation must be given…”

He paused briefly, then suggested, “How about this? Let me apologize to you on Xiaoliu’s behalf. Consider it a favor to me—what do you think?”

“Absolutely not!”

Manager Rong was startled. He protested urgently, “Sir, you possess such extraordinary grace! Your very bearing suggests learning and wisdom—definitely well-read! How could someone like you lower yourself before us foul merchants? No! I cannot accept this!”

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Honestly, he hadn’t expected this gentleman to be so kind.

In this world, educated men didn’t humble themselves before merchants, let alone someone so extraordinary! Manager Rong dared not allow it.

Manager Rong sighed. “Enough, enough. Since you defend him so strongly, I’ll drop it.”

He looked sternly at Xiaoliu. “Young manager, remember this—from now on, be smarter about how you speak and act. If not for this gentleman here, I would’ve demanded fair satisfaction today.”

Xiaoliu quickly apologized, “You’re right to scold me, Manager Rong. I didn’t mean to offend today. Please don’t hold it against me.”

Manager Rong nodded. He then took out his money pouch and placed it on the counter.

“The Rong family doesn’t need charity. Pay what’s owed.”

“Let’s go.”

With that, Manager Rong left the tavern with his assistants.

Xiaoliu saw them out the door. Only after watching the wine-laden wagon disappear did he finally breathe easy.

Turning to Mr. Chen beside him, he said guiltily, “Mr. Chen, I failed in hospitality today… I almost made you lose face. I am—”

“Enough.”

Chen Changsheng raised his hand to stop him. “What face? That’s the last thing I care about. Instead of apologies, hurry up and serve my wine!”

“Oh—just fill the gourd. Don’t overthink it. The only reason I’m not having a drink here is that your manager’s out. No drinking buddy!”

Xiaoliu’s heart swelled with gratitude, but hearing this, he rushed off to serve the wine.

If not for Mr. Chen, he wouldn’t have known how far today’s trouble might have gone.

Soon, the gourd was filled.

Xiaoliu said, “Sorry again for all this. It’s my fault for not handling things well. Please don’t hold it against me.”

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Chen Changsheng took the wine gourd. “People make mistakes. Don’t blame yourself. Just focus on making good wine—this tavern’s future rests on you.”

Xiaoliu nodded obediently, then asked, “Mr. Chen… Are you leaving?”

“Mm.” Chen Changsheng gave a small nod.

Xiaoliu opened his mouth to protest. “But… The Manager still isn’t back… Sir…”

“If he doesn’t return, I’ll find him myself. No need to fret.”

Chen Changsheng waved dismissively and headed toward the exit.

“Mr. Chen!”

Xiaoliu chased after him. “I haven’t told you where the Manager is!”

“I’ll find my way.”

The gentlemen raised his hand in farewell and walked on.

Xiaoliu watched Mr. Chen’s back recede, completely helpless.

How could Mr. Chen find his way!

He’d failed to make Mr. Chen stay. The Manager would definitely feel deep regret upon returning… What could he do?

Compared to that earlier drama, Mr. Chen’s departure troubled him even more.

…

The teahouse held scattered patrons.

Guests sipped tea while listening to the storyteller weaving a tale onstage. At its most thrilling points, they slapped the table in appreciation and cried, “Well told!”

Old Man Zhang had meant to watch an opera today. Who knew the troupe had taken a break? Listening to stories would have to do.

He took a sip of tea when he suddenly sensed someone sit down in the chair beside him.

Old Man Zhang glanced back, seemingly unconcerned.

Then his head whipped back around in shock.

Chen Changsheng watched the enthusiastic storyteller speak. “Seems like you’ve lived comfortably these years. Enough leisure time to enjoy plays.”

“Mr. Chen!!!”

Old Man Zhang trembled violently, nearly dropping his teacup.

Chen Changsheng remarked, “Steady yourself now! Wouldn’t want you tumbling off that chair—how embarrassing.”

Old Man Zhang drew a deep breath to calm his racing heart.

“Sir… How did you know I was here?”

Chen Changsheng smiled. “How do you suppose?”

Old Man Zhang suddenly understood.

“Ah… Of course. How could anything escape you? If the great Mr. Chen wishes to find someone… perhaps he just counts it out on his fingers.”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “I don’t do fortune-telling.”

He’d simply located Zhang using his Divine Sense.

But Old Man Zhang didn’t believe him. He thought it was just the gentleman’s humble way of speaking.