Chapter 8 The Collective Price Increase

Mark grinned faintly. Negotiate a lower price? It wasn't that he minded the cost, but now he held a minor leadership role at the worn-down Water and Power Management Center, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to give direct commands. Nevertheless, just because he refrained didn't mean those under his lead couldn't act. Approaching the hotel reception, Mark inquired, "What's the cost per table for the banquet here?" Tammy trailed closely behind Mark, sharing a look with the receptionist. With a hint of disdain, the receptionist replied arrogantly, "It's 12,000 per table, sir. How many tables would you like to reserve?" During the exchange, the receptionist's tone carried an underlying contempt. Perhaps she anticipated Mark to be surprised by the amount. "How is that possible? It was always 4,500 here. Why the sudden increase?" Laurel stepped forward, questioning. "4,500? Ha, that was when? Now it's 12,000 ! Can you afford it? If not, leave. Why bother coming if you can't afford to eat here?" The receptionist dismissed them with a roll of her eyes. Tammy nearly laughed aloud at Laurel and Mark's awkward situation. She enjoyed seeing them caught off guard. "Never mind, Laurel. This banquet is about Grandpa's reputation. If it's expensive, so be it. Are you unwilling to spend this money?" Tammy jeered beside Laurel. Though Laurel was frustrated, she had no choice. It was clear the receptionist had been influenced by Tammy. At 12,000 per table, they needed seven tables just for their family, totaling 84,000. Plus one more table, that made 96,000 in total. Gosh, that's a lot. Laurel felt immense pressure to satisfy Greg's vanity with 96,000 dollars. She was sure that Greg would never reimburse them for this later, and her family would have to bear all the costs. It wasn't a small amount. "We'll definitely book the banquet!" Mark suddenly declared as Laurel struggled with the decision. The receptionist hesitated briefly, then smirked coldly. If Mark wanted to play the fool, she was willing to indulge him. So, she continued with her disdainful tone, "How many tables, then?" "The Claytons, seven tables. From the hero list, a total of one hundred heroes returned from the West Conquest, so we'll have 10 tables for them. So, 17 tables in total!" Mark stated firmly. Now, not just the receptionist but also Laurel and Tammy were stunned. Mark really wants to book 17 tables? At 12,000 per table, that totaled 204,000. This was no small sum. The receptionist grew uneasy. She was just a receptionist; how could she refuse such a large order? "Oh, 17 tables? Are you sure?" the receptionist confirmed. "What's wrong? Are you afraid to take the order? Could it be that this 12,000 price was set by you, a mere receptionist, and you're afraid to escalate this to your manager?" Mark challenged coolly. Tammy saw the receptionist's panic and interjected, "Mark, are you out of your mind? Why book so many? You're just a minor figure at the Water and Power Management Center. Getting even one real person from the hero list to attend would be impressive. What are you trying to prove here?" Tammy's words not only mocked Mark but also warned the receptionist that Mark might be bluffing! "So you're a technician! Sir, let me make this clear. If you insist on reserving 17 tables today, I can help with the paperwork, but you must pay first. If you try anything funny and refuse to pay, I'm sorry, but I'll call the police!" The receptionist adopted a tough, threatening tone suddenly. "I said 17 tables, and I mean 17 tables. But before I pay, I want to speak to your manager. I want to know if he's actually going to charge 12,000 per table for Old Mr. Clayton's banquet honoring one hundred heroes returning from the West Conquest!" Mark remained steadfast, frustrating the receptionist. Today, she faced a defiant underdog! "What do you take my manager for? Do you think he's available for everyone? If you want to see him, pay first. Once you've paid, I'll be sure you're not here just to cause trouble, then I'll notify our manager!" The receptionist was stubborn, confident that Mark couldn't afford such an amount. "Yeah, Mark, if you don't trust her, just pay up. Once you've paid, you can see the manager, right?" Tammy added, stirring the pot mockingly. Anyone who didn't know better would think that Mark was bluffing and making a scene. Fed up with their condescension, Laurel pulled out a card from her purse. "It's just a few hundred thousand. Who says we can't afford it? With this money, I'll treat my husband's comrades to a meal. I think it's worth it!" Mark poised himself to speak when Laurel, without hesitation, produced her card. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for her. She must have saved up this substantial sum for a long time, yet she readily brought it out just to salvage my reputation. "A-Are you really making a booking?" The receptionist's expression turned nervous as Laurel tossed her card onto the counter. One or two tables she could handle discreetly, but 17 tables? Concealing that would be a challenge. "Laurel, have you lost your mind? Do you honestly believe this incompetent technician can convince all one hundred people from the hero list?" Tammy taunted mercilessly, taken aback by Laurel's impulsive move to empty her savings. "He's my husband. If he says he can do it, then he can. What's it to you?" Laurel retorted sharply. In reality, she harbored doubts about whether Mark could accomplish such a feat. But in this moment, if she didn't stand by Mark's side, he would be entirely alone. Hearing Laurel's words, Mark felt a surge of warmth. Even after a decade, despite presenting himself empty-handed and being branded a failure by everyone else, Laurel still exhibited unwavering trust and innocence. Fortunately, today he wouldn't betray Laurel's faith. "Go ahead and swipe the card. After that, call out your manager. I want to understand why the price surged from 4,500 to 12,000. Did you add some kind of magical, rare item to the menu?" Mark questioned the receptionist icily. "Well ... " The receptionist looked flustered, discreetly glancing at Tammy's reaction. Perhaps there really was substantial money on that card. She didn't dare swipe it herself. "Laurel, you're gambling your future with this worthless husband of yours. Let's see how many tables your guests fill tomorrow!" Tammy, witnessing Laurel's audacity, ceased her mockery and departed with those words. Watching Tammy leave, the receptionist began to panic. If this escalated further, she personally couldn't handle the repercussions. She had no choice but to smile and speak politely, "Mr. Brooks, Ms. Clayton, the 12,000 per table banquet is a luxurious package designed for a family of six and is not ideal for such a large gathering. I suggest considering the 4,500 per table option. What do you think?" Her tone exuded utmost politeness, as if she feared displeasing Mark and Laurel. This exchange underscored the contrast between having financial means and not. The receptionist's demeanor had completely shifted. However, Mark remained resolute. "We agreed on 12,000, and I won't budge! Regardless of the package, I'll take seventeen tables!" "Why are you being so unreasonable? Are you intentionally making things difficult for me?" The receptionist complained, feeling unfairly challenged. "What's happening here? What's all this commotion about?" Just then, the hotel manager finally arrived.