Lin Kong waited in the private room, from noon until the sun tilted west, yet Xuexue was nowhere to be seen. The waiter had checked on him several times, looking as if he was afraid Lin Kong might skip out on the bill.
Finally, Lin Kong couldn't sit still any longer; having no money on him, he thickened his face and called the waiter to settle the bill.
The waiter held a small abacus, clattered away at it, and announced loudly, "Sir, the total for the meal is five hundred and thirty-five taels."
Upon hearing this, Lin Kong immediately exaggerated his reaction, "Is this place a swindler's den? Why is it so expensive?"
The waiter patiently explained, "Sir, these are our restaurant's signature dishes; naturally they cost more than other dishes."
