Chapter 90: Boiling a Frog in Warm Water

Words : 787 Updated : Sep 28th, 2025

In Zone 3, the largest tobacco and liquor store in Mo City, having narrowly escaped being sealed off by authorities, finally reopened after a three-month suspension. With reputation once damaged, old customers lost, and new ones reluctant to step in, the unscrupulous owner was in constant fear of incarceration while trying to muster the energy to actively promote the business in all areas. It is hard to build a business reputation over the years, but it collapses easily. "The several major hotels in the city that we’ve long been supplying have all canceled their orders," one employee said. "The newly opened ones say they dare not use our liquor," another employee added. "Though, there are a few supermarkets that have said they can try selling our alcoholic products"—finally some good news—"but they’re demanding a shelving fee—forty percent for shelf placement." "What? Isn’t that extortion?" The unscrupulous owner couldn’t force a smile anymore; for several months, he had been overwhelmed with troubles. The smuggled goods had all been exposed, which was already a significant loss. Moreover, with the hospital victim refusing to relent unless fully compensated—if he didn’t pay, they’d disclose his unlicensed driving—every issue was burning money. And now, with such timing, those damned supermarkets had to get involved. Normally, shelving fees were only a few percent, at most ten percent. "Boss," an employee holding a phone called out, "there’s someone on the line for you, asking about...inquiring to buy the store?" This was undoubtedly great news from heaven. After the incident, the unscrupulous owner had been considering selling the tobacco and liquor store. Initially, he thought that being located in a prime spot of Zone 3, with a history of over a decade, along with sizable stock inventory, neat decoration, and ready-to-work staff, it should fetch a good price. But to his dismay, after putting out the word for three whole months, there was not a single inquiry. A once thriving tobacco and liquor store had become an untouchable hot potato; unable to sell, he had no choice but to continue running it with a clenched jaw. The unscrupulous owner was an old hand in the game; despite the dire state of the tobacco and liquor store, he managed to put on a jovial facade, waiting at a cafe in Zone 3. In the afternoon, the cafe was bustling with customers. In the main hall, there was a jujube-colored piano, and the pianist played skillfully. As the unscrupulous owner entered, he recognized the familiar melody of "The Blue Danube." The unscrupulous owner was hard on his staff and deceitful to customers, yet he was a good father. His youngest daughter was learning piano, and before the troubles at the Wine Shop, his favorite pastime was listening to his fourteen-year-old daughter practice after dinner. The gentle and soothing music allowed the anxious heart of the unscrupulous owner to relax a bit, and under the gentle winter sun, he soon dozed off, as the agreed buyer was running late. The call was from a young woman. The unscrupulous owner was best at feigning ignorance to exploit such people. He was sure he could negotiate a good price. Before long, once everything was settled, he could listen to his daughter play the piano again. Suddenly, the music shifted to the lively "Turkish March," as thunderous as galloping horses and a raucous cacophony, and the unscrupulous owner woke up abruptly to find someone sitting across from him, a smile brimming with youth. "Mi...Miss Su Ziceng," the unscrupulous owner was startled at first, but then his mind steadied. Su Ziceng coming to buy the wine shop was like a lamb walking into a tiger’s den. "One million," after hearing Su Ziceng’s offer, a storm cloud instantly spread across the unscrupulous owner’s face. "Miss Su, are you joking with me? Such a price might be plausible in Zone 5, but what you’re buying is a well-established store as old as you, with hundreds of types of liquor in stock and over forty employees." "Yes, one million, for the store and the property, clear." Su Ziceng ordered a lemon soda, not to drink, but instead to fidget with the green straw, stirring the fresh lemon inside. The piano continued to play, and bathed in the warm sunlight for too long, one could feel overheated. The unscrupulous owner’s face, whether from the sunlight or from Su Ziceng’s words, shone like a bright red candle. "Su Ziceng, don’t push me too far. An upstart’s second generation like you, who only knows how to indulge in eating, drinking, and playing. Even if I have to die poor or starve, I will not hand over the wine shop to someone like you."

Chapter 90: Boiling a Frog in Warm Water

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