His one sentence left the doorman completely baffled. 'Is there really a difference between scavenging and begging??'
But a high-class hotel is a high-class hotel. Even though Fang Chenyi said he was a scavenger, the doorman wasn't rude to him.
"Um, sir, I'm terribly sorry, but we don't have any scraps for you to collect here. How about this? Do you see over there? Take a right at that building, and behind it is our garbage disposal area. Why don't you go take a look there? Oh, and please be careful not to make too much of a mess while you're collecting, or security will have to escort you out."
Gotta say, the young doorman's attitude was impeccable. Fang Chenyi nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, I'll go check it out after I finish my meal."
After saying that, he prepared to stride inside. Seeing this, the young doorman's face soured. 'Why won't this guy listen to reason? What kind of place is this? It's not somewhere a scavenger like you can afford.'
With that thought, the doorman, his expression pained, once again blocked Fang Chenyi's path. "Um, sir..."
Although Fang Chenyi was relatively pleased with the doorman's attitude, he was annoyed at being stopped twice. His expression darkened. "What is it? Do you have a rule here that scavengers aren't allowed to eat?"
Fang Chenyi's question stunned the young doorman. 'It seems we really don't have a rule like that.' "No, we don't. But, sir, the thing is, even our cheapest bowl of plain congee costs eighty-eight yuan. And you, well..."
Fang Chenyi could see it now. The young doorman was convinced he had no money.
He shook his head helplessly. He couldn't blame the guy for thinking that way. While his current outfit was clean, it was clearly cheap, street-stall-quality clothing. More importantly, the woven bag on his back and the trash picker in his hand were just too conspicuous.
Fang Chenyi glanced at Bai Menghan beside him. "Don't worry, we won't stiff you on the bill."
When the doorman saw Fang Chenyi look at the stunning woman next to him, he thought he understood. 'This scavenger must be trying to save face in front of the beauty. He can't back down now and wants to follow her in for a meal.'
He sighed inwardly. 'Man, why are you making things so hard for yourself? Just look at that woman's aura. Even if you're handsome, a scavenger like you doesn't stand a chance.'
But just as he was mentally shaking his head at Fang Chenyi for putting on a brave front, the long-legged beauty, under his astonished gaze, suddenly clung to the scavenger's arm. "Let's go, darling. I'm getting hungry."
'Holy shit! D-D-Darling???'
The doorman's mind was completely blown by this scene. Watching the woman walk in, nestled against the scavenger's side, he couldn't help but curse out loud, "Holy fuck! This world is insane! Are all the beautiful women into scavengers now?"
With Bai Menghan on his arm, he walked into the magnificent lobby. The hall was vast and tastefully decorated. Its golden splendor was dotted with small bridges and flowing streams, creating an atmosphere that was opulent yet refreshingly elegant.
Dozens of tables were scattered around the central water feature. It was dinnertime, and many of the tables were occupied by patrons—the men in sharp suits, the women in glamorous attire.
Judging by his clothes alone, Fang Chenyi truly didn't fit in.
As the pair entered, the diners in the hall all turned to look. At first, their eyes were drawn to Bai Menghan's beauty. But when they got a clear look at Fang Chenyi's attire, their expressions turned peculiar.
At a table by the window, a young couple both turned to look at the newcomers, though their gazes differed. The man was staring at Bai Menghan, while the woman was looking at the handsome Fang Chenyi.
'Huh, what's that guy holding in his hand?'
'Whoa! Don't tell me he's a scavenger?'
"Hey, I think you're right. Look, isn't that a trash picker?"
"Damn, what's a scavenger doing coming here to eat? Have this place's standards dropped that low?"
"Sigh, these days, my life is worse than a scavenger's. Look, even a scavenger has a beauty like that with him..."
...
The moment Fang Chenyi and his companion walked into the hall, the previously quiet diners erupted into a buzz of conversation, all sizing up the pair and passing judgment.
Just then, a waiter approached them. Although his face betrayed his surprise at seeing a scavenger inside, his excellent training kept him from showing any dissatisfaction. "Good evening, sir and ma'am. I'll be taking care of you today."
Seeing that the service here was quite good, Fang Chenyi felt very comfortable. He nodded. "We'd like to eat. Please find us a table."
"Of course, sir and ma'am. This way, please."
With that, the waiter led the two to a table and seated them.
After Fang Chenyi and his companion were seated, a man in a suit at a nearby table subconsciously frowned and scooted his chair away, as if afraid he'd be overwhelmed by the scavenger's smell if he got too close.
Fang Chenyi paid this no mind. He simply took the menu from the waiter, crossed his legs, and began flipping through it while asking Bai Menghan, "See anything you'd like to eat?"
Hearing his question, Bai Menghan gave a shy smile. "I'm fine with whatever you choose."
To be honest, although Bai Menghan was beautiful, her family was of average means, so she had never eaten here before. And of course, the apartment in Century Garden was just one she rented with a classmate.
This casual exchange felt like a knife to the hearts of the suit-clad men in the restaurant. 'Sigh, such a gorgeous and gentle beauty... how did she get snatched away by a scavenger! What a fine jewel cast before a swine.'
Fang Chenyi scanned the menu, momentarily confused by the strange names of the dishes:
A Line of White Egrets Ascends the Blue Sky - 588
Phoenixes Roam on Phoenix Terrace - 888
Treading Snow in Search of Plums - 288
Blossoms of Wealth and Honor - 388
Walking on a Country Road - 288
'Damn, a fancy restaurant really is something else. Even the dish names are so poetic. But what the hell are they?'
He might not understand them, but that wasn't going to stop him from ordering.
The man simply handed the menu back to the waiter. Just as everyone assumed he'd seen the prices, realized he couldn't afford it, and was about to make an excuse to leave, a calm and casual voice spoke:
"Alright, no need to choose. Just give us one of everything."
[To be continued...]