Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 57

A total of four chefs came, and Lu Tang decided to keep two of them based on their skills.

The other two had no complaints. After all, in a competition for a job, the taste of the dishes spoke for itself. Inferior skills were an inherent fault.

With chefs in place, Qin Mo and Song Qingzhan chose a table by the window in the inn’s main hall and ordered a few dishes.

Since the inn had no alcohol, they chatted over tea.

Meanwhile, Zhou Shu and his friends continued their lively discussion about abs at another table.

With no accountant or manager for the time being, Lu Tang sat behind the counter reading her book “A Comprehensive Guide to Water Management.”

Liang Cheng was beside Lu Tang, resting his cheek on his hand and daydreaming as he stared at the blue sky outside.

The scene was peaceful. If only there were a few birds chirping, it would be perfect.

“Come in, please. Are you here for a meal or to stay?”

Suddenly, the enthusiastic voice of a young attendant came from the entrance, catching everyone’s attention.

The young attendant led in a burly man in his forties, dressed in a dark brown robe that wrapped around his muscular frame. His face was adorned with a thick beard, making him look like a tough guy from the streets.

Lu Tang quickly put down her book and stood up, greeting him with a standard smile. This was the first real customer since she took over the inn.

The burly man scanned the main hall before looking at Lu Tang. “Do you have any rooms available?”

Lu Tang smiled and candidly replied, “Our inn has just reopened, and we only completed the chef recruitment today. All types of rooms are available, so feel free to choose.”

The customer didn’t expect such honesty, which softened his expression a bit as he glanced at the price list behind Lu Tang.

The prices for deluxe, premium, and standard rooms were clearly listed.

“A premium-grade room, preferably sunny.”

Lu Tang stepped out from behind the counter. “Sure, would you like to eat first or go to your room?”

“Can I eat in the room?”

Lu Tang quickly responded, “Of course, there’s a menu in the room. Just order, and we’ll deliver it. Let us know if you need anything.”

As she spoke, Lu Tang led the burly man upstairs. He paused, his gaze falling on the book Lu Tang had left on the counter. “Is that your book?”

Lu Tang followed his gaze and smiled, “Yes.”

“Can I borrow it?”

Lu Tang thought, ‘You’re quite familiar.’

“Sure, no problem.”

The customer is always right. Lu Tang picked up the thick “A Comprehensive Guide to Water Management” and handed it to him.

The burly man took the book, gently caressing its cover as if it were a baby’s face. His expression softened before he followed Lu Tang upstairs with a stoic face.

Lu Tang thought, ‘This burly man has a soft side?’

After Lu Tang led him away, Zhou Shu and the others immediately surrounded Liang Cheng.

Zhou Shu whispered, “What’s going on? That customer looked at that book like it was his wife!”

Guo Dawei punched Zhou Shu’s shoulder, “As if you have a wife!”

Xu Shen chimed in, “How do you know what it’s like to see your wife?”

Zhou Shu retorted, “I don’t have a wife, but my dad does. Haven’t you heard of not eating pork but knowing what a pig looks like?”

The conversation quickly veered off course.

Liang Cheng sighed and glanced around, noticing Qin Mo staring at the stairs.

Liang Cheng frowned and raised his voice, “What’s the big deal? Tang is always welcoming to guests. Remember how she welcomed Master Qin and his friends?”

Guo Dawei and the others, still discussing what it’s like to see one’s wife, agreed.

Liang Cheng watched Qin Mo.

Qin Mo lightly raised an eyebrow, ignoring Liang Cheng. He turned to Song Qingzhan and said, “She’s overly submissive! It’s just greeting a guest, not selling oneself!”

Song Qingzhan glared at Qin Mo. “Did she offend you? Why so harsh?”

Qin Mo pouted, “I find it annoying.”

“Who asked for your opinion?”

Qin Mo: ‘Shut up!’

Upstairs.

Lu Tang warmly led the burly man to a sunny room. Before she could ask what he wanted to eat, he rushed to the table, engrossed in the book.

Seeing him so absorbed, like a top student immersed in a sea of questions, Lu Tang leaned against the doorframe and asked, “Are you interested in water management?”

The burly man, without lifting his head, replied, “Yes.” He flipped a page, then looked up at Lu Tang. “Can I borrow this book for a few more days?”

Lu Tang observed him. “This book is thick. It might take you more than ten days to finish.”

The burly man smiled sheepishly. “As long as you lend it to me, I can pay for the room for however long it takes.”

Lu Tang thought for a moment. “It’s not impossible. If you like it, read it as much as you want. I have plenty of books on water management.”

Seeing the glint of excitement in his eyes, Lu Tang mischievously added, “But I have a habit. I don’t like lending books to just anyone. If you want to keep borrowing, you’ll need to pass my tests every seven days. Only if you truly understand can you keep borrowing.”

The burly man slapped the table with a bang, startling Lu Tang.

‘What’s happening? Is he going to hit me? Let me tell you, this is my place—’

“You really have more books on water management?” The burly man quickly approached, looking at Lu Tang with hopeful anticipation.

Lu Tang swallowed, “Yes.”

The burly man clasped his hands together. “As long as you lend them to me, I’m fine with any test, even daily!”

He pulled out a silver pouch, hesitated, then handed it to Lu Tang. “I’ll stay here until I finish reading. This should cover room and board.”

Lu Tang thought, ‘Your thirst for knowledge doesn’t match your rugged appearance!’

Seeing Lu Tang’s silence, the burly man asked cautiously, “Is that okay?”

His pleading tone and expression, paired with his rugged face, were quite a sight.

“Of course, making guests happy is our inn’s motto. Enjoy your stay!” Lu Tang said, closing the door.

Her heart raced.

She might have found a way to avoid studying and still pass the tests.

【You plan to have him take the tests for you? That’s cheating!】

“I could avoid cheating, but if I fail the tests, I’ll face punishment. You’ll suffer with me!”

The system fell silent instantly.

Lu Tang excitedly tossed and caught the silver pouch. This was incredible luck!

Turning around, she saw Qin Mo standing at the top of the stairs, watching her.

“Do you need something?”