Chapter 9 Looking Down on People

The receptionist noticed her manager arriving and quickly put on a melodramatic act. She exaggerated, "Mr. Moss, these two are here to cause problems!" Tim Moss, glancing at the pitiful-looking receptionist and then at Mark and Laurel, neither of whom looked particularly distinguished, immediately scowled. "Are you both here to freeload or to create trouble at our hotel reception?" Laurel couldn't bear the receptionist's sycophantic attitude. Stepping forward, she challenged, "You're Mr. Moss, the manager? Shouldn't you first question your staff's conduct? Why are you insulting your customer first? Is this how you treat your guests?" "Don't waste time with pointless talk. We've had many troublemakers here recently. Let me advise you—this isn't some small diner. If you can't afford it, don't come here to cause a scene. Our restaurant doesn't cater to people like you!" Tim snapped impatiently, signaling for security to escort Mark and Laurel out. "What a brute! It's just a few banquet tables. You're not the only restaurant in Seraphia. Your business manners are horrendous. I suggest you stop operating here!" Laurel scoffed, turning to leave and pulling Mark along. She had decided against booking here. "Forget it. Let's place the reservation here. This banquet is about upholding your grandfather's honor. If we book elsewhere and something goes wrong, he won't be pleased. It's not worth it if we spend the money and still be scolded," Mark whispered to Laurel. Laurel frowned. She could understand his reasoning, but she still remained furious. "Don't worry. With the way they conduct business, they're bound to shut down eventually. They like raising prices, right? I'll have those heroes from the list come and dine at their 12,000 per table banquet. We ordinary folks might not have much sway, but can't those heroes handle it?" Mark reassured her. Laurel looked amazed. So that is Mark's strategy! "Mr. Moss, I heard a table here costs 12,000. Can you confirm that?" Mark inquired. "Oh, 12,000?" Tim hesitated briefly, then responded firmly, "Yes, it's 12,000. So what? We also offer tables that cost 15,000. How many tables do you want to book?" "Now that it's clear, we'll reserve 17 tables. The banquet will begin promptly at 1.00 PM tomorrow." Mark handed Laurel's card to Tim, seemingly unaffected by Tim's disdainful expression. Tim was astonished. Isn't this guy here to cause trouble? How could he suddenly reserve 17 tables? At 12,000 per table, that was 7,500 dollars more than their usual highest-priced banquet. Reserving 17 tables meant significant profit! This fool must be out of his mind to agree to 12,000 per table, Tim thought to himself, feeling ecstatic. His demeanor instantly softened. "I see you're serious customers. It was just a misunderstanding earlier! So, 17 tables, right? I'll personally handle this for you. Rest assured the 12,000 per table banquet will be served to your utmost satisfaction tomorrow!" Tim swiftly took the card and processed it, now treating Mark like a close friend. Mark smirked inwardly. He raised the price by 7,500 and still dared to promise top-notch quality? "I look forward to experiencing the quality of Elysium Restaurant's banquet that costs 12, 000 per table. Don't disappoint me," Mark said casually as he retrieved the card. "Sir, rest assured. It'll be exceptional!" Tim pledged confidently, secretly cursing him as a fool who just made him a fortune. After Mark and Laurel departed, Tim appeared satisfied, even praising the receptionist. "Who's he inviting to dinner tomorrow? Booking 17 tables, seems like he's got some cash," Tim inquired. "I heard him mention inviting one hundred heroes returning from the West Conquest on the hero list," the receptionist replied. "Isn't that like inviting every living hero? Haha, this big fool must have a screw loose. Who can manage that? Moreover, I heard a few big names from the hero list left Seraphia a couple of days ago. I wonder how he will get them to come! But if they want to play these games, let them. As long as we're making money." Tim chuckled heartily, then mentioned rewarding the receptionist. Upon Mark and Laurel's return home after handling this affair, Tamara collapsed onto the sofa upon hearing about the banquet costing hundreds of thousands, while Eddie coughed with irritation. "It's 204,000? Laurel, have you lost your mind? You spent all your savings just to save face for that useless Mark?" Tamara vented her anger, smashing cups and benches, nearly considering jumping out the window. "Forget it. The money's spent. Let's see how Dad reacts tomorrow before deciding. If he's pleased, maybe he'll reimburse us." Eddie sat in the living room while smoking heavily, his expression dark. "If Dad doesn't reimburse us, you useless man, prepare to spend the rest of your life paying off our debts!" Tamara's heart ached, furious that all this began because Mark boasted that day. She wanted to strangle him! Laurel was terrified. Seeing Tamara and Eddie calm down, she walked into the kitchen with her head down and began to cook. Mark hadn't been staying at her house lately. Today, while he was here, Laurel thought it would be nice for the family to have a meal together. "When did you learn to cook?" Mark, who was helping Laurel in the kitchen, smiled softly while watching her deft movements. "How can you still smile after being reprimanded like that?" Laurel fixed a stern gaze on Mark, her tone devoid of warmth. She had wanted to ask Mark whether he could truly manage to bring such a large number of people. If it turned out to be false, she wanted to brace herself mentally and come up with excuses so Mark wouldn't feel too embarrassed. However, observing Mark's composed and calm demeanor, she decided against it. Perhaps he is genuinely confident. Laurel envisioned the spectacle of a hundred heroes from the list, clad in military attire, attending the banquet she was organizing. It stirred a sense of excitement within her. If it turned out to be true, it would certainly elevate the Claytons' standing significantly, almost consolidating all of Seraphia's prestige under one roof! But could Mark, a modest figure stationed at the Water and Power Management Center, truly muster such a gathering of heroic figures? During dinner that evening, Tamara intentionally left Mark the lowest seat at the table. Though a seemingly small and insignificant gesture, it spoke volumes about both her and Eddie's stance. Being a live-in son-in-law meant being prepared to accept lower status. And for a live-in son-in-law without any notable achievements, maintaining dignity became even more challenging.