The next morning.
After dawn, Songhai Wharf.
Su Yang and his five companions boarded a luxury cruise ship bound for Kyoto Wharf.
This luxury cruise ship was merely passing through Songhai, and there were already quite a few guests on board.
Shen Qiu, observing the comings and goings of the guests, asked in a low voice, "Boss, why don't we just fly directly to Kyoto?"
"Chu Tianye's group is too large, and Guan Yi is too conspicuous. They are slow on their journey, so we don't need to rush to Kyoto."
Su Yang had decided the night before to travel by water, blending in with the tourists. This way, even if someone discovered his whereabouts, they wouldn't know his destination or purpose. As for Chu Tianye's group, their large size and conspicuous nature made it difficult to evade surveillance, hence their slower progress.
Shen Qiu and the others understood and went to their respective rooms to rest with their luggage.
Su Yang took a stroll alone and discovered that the cruise ship was not only large but also equipped with everything. Bars, restaurants, Western restaurants, bathing centers, and various entertainment venues were all available.
Su Yang chose an economical room, opting against a top-tier suite. The small space was only a dozen square meters, including the bathroom. The cost was eight thousand per day, and it was expected that the cruise would take three days to reach Kyoto Wharf.
Su Yang put down his luggage. He hadn't eaten breakfast and his stomach was empty. He locked his door and went to the Western restaurant, choosing a window seat.
At this moment, a tall woman in a black professional outfit approached.
"Good evening, sir. May I see your room card, please?"
Su Yang was taken aback. "You need a room card to eat?"
Seeing that Su Yang was handsome and young, the waitress's smile widened, and her attitude became more enthusiastic.
"Yes, some new guests are unaware that the economy rooms do not include dining. The mess hall is free of charge."
Su Yang understood. The eight thousand per day fee was the minimum package, which included dining. The mess hall, he imagined, would be crowded, with limited food options.
"I understand. Can I pay for it myself?"
The waitress hesitated for a moment but nodded, confirming that he could pay for his meal.
"That's good. I'll have a steak, medium-rare, and a bottle of red wine. Bring some appetizers as well."
Su Yang ordered several dishes without even looking at the menu.
The waitress paused for three seconds before reminding him, "Sir, our alcoholic beverages are different from outside. The most economical is six thousand a bottle. Are you sure?"
"No problem, hurry up and place the order!"
"Alright, I'll be right back."
The waitress quickly wrote down the order and hurried into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, a plump man, hands behind his back, his large belly protruding, supervised the chefs. Upon seeing the waitress enter, his stern face broke into a broad smile.
"Xiao Mi, what's the rush? Does Brother Biao need to help you?"
Xiao Mi's real name was Ai Mi. She came from an ordinary family and had been working on the cruise ship for three years after graduating from university. Everyone here called her Xiao Mi. Because she was pretty and had a good figure, many men had their eyes on her. However, few dared to act on their feelings because the fat man, Ma Biao, was the manager of this Western restaurant. Everyone knew his character: ruthless and lecherous. For men who offended Ma Biao, the punishment ranged from working for free for a few days to salary deductions. Women fared worse, either being threatened by Ma Biao to resign or being subjected to his advances. The salary in the Western restaurant here was far higher than in hotels outside, with a monthly income of thirty thousand, plus tips, totaling over forty thousand each month. Therefore, no one wanted to leave the Western restaurant, including the waitress Ai Mi.
Ai Mi shook her head. "No need, it's just a small order. Brother Biao doesn't need to help."
Ma Biao snatched the order and glanced at it. "Tch, another poor guy paying for his own meal. Let me go and see him!"
Saying that, Ma Biao walked out of the kitchen with the order. Ai Mi followed him helplessly.
Ma Biao found Su Yang's table and looked at him with disdain.
"Kid, did you order the steak and red wine?"
"Yes, what about it?"
"Our steak is a thousand per portion, and the red wine is six thousand. With the appetizers, it's exactly the cost of your stay on the cruise for one day. Do you think you should be ordering?"
Su Yang was speechless. So, this fat man was looking down on him. Guests in economy rooms who paid for their meals were considered cheapskates?
Su Yang waved his hand. "Whether I have money or not is my business. Your Western restaurant just needs to place the order!"
Ma Biao, wanting to show off in front of Ai Mi, was not about to do as Su Yang said.
"Kid, do you know there are rules for dining at a window seat?"
"What rules?"
"Either you have a reservation, or you pay extra!"
It all came down to money again. Su Yang frowned. "How much extra? And who made these rules?"
"Not much, just ten thousand yuan!"
Ma Biao scanned Su Yang, and seeing that his clothes were not from any expensive brands, he became even more convinced of his assumption.
Ai Mi, standing nearby, was stunned. "Manager, when did our Western restaurant establish this rule? I don't remember the boss ever mentioning it!"
Ai Mi had worked there for three years and had never heard of such a rule.
Ma Biao chuckled. "There wasn't one before, but there is now. I made the rule!"
Su Yang suddenly understood. This fat man was deliberately making things difficult for him and trying to impress the beautiful woman. He was the target of Ma Biao's harassment.
"Fine, it's just ten thousand. I could buy this entire cruise ship, and you still need to place the order!"
Ma Biao was stunned by this statement, then burst into laughter, drawing the attention of the surrounding guests.
Ma Biao laughed heartily. "Kid, you're utterly clueless. This cruise ship alone cost over 1.5 billion to build, not including other expenses. Can you afford it?"
"Fatty, hurry up and place my order. You don't need to worry about the cruise ship!"
Su Yang's voice became impatient. He was starving, and these people were still dawdling.
"You can order, but you have to pay first!"
"They can eat first and pay later. Why do I have to pay first?"
Su Yang pointed at the other guests. He was the only one being asked to pay before eating.
Ma Biao frowned, cursing Su Yang for being ungrateful.
"Kid, here, I am the rule. What I say goes. If you don't agree, you can get out immediately!"
The people around them whispered, looking at Su Yang as if watching a clown. Especially those who knew Su Yang was paying for his meal, they looked at him with contempt.
"Alas, there are more and more people pretending to be rich these days. Spending a fortune on impulse is truly foolish!"
"It's normal. After all, the kid is still young. Vanity is a common trait."
Ma Biao smirked and looked at Ai Mi meaningfully. "Xiao Mi, when you look for a man in the future, make sure not to choose someone who pretends to be rich when they're not, or you'll regret it!"
Ai Mi lowered her head, remaining silent. The situation was extremely awkward.