This kind of thing was originally handled by David Carter. In the past, Brian Carter only knew how to read books every day, or, with great taste, watch the stars under a night sky woven with countless stars. Occasionally, when poetic (or beastly) inspiration struck, he would compose a few doggerel verses, or, in winter, watch the snowflakes fall, gaze at the wintersweet in the backyard, and shed tears in confusion; then, as soon as the spring thunder rumbled, this fellow would don a scholar’s cap and robe, shake his fan, and head out of the city for a spring outing.

But now, Brian Carter tragically discovered that the original guy had squandered everything, and all the burdens now rested on his own shoulders. If he didn’t do things himself, there would still be stars and wintersweet, but there would also be the cold northwest wind.

Early in the morning, after washing up, Brian Carter changed into decent clothes. He was already handsome, and after a bit of careful grooming, he looked even more dashing. In a great mood, he instructed David Carter to clean the house, especially the stove and all the pots and pans, which had to be wiped three times. Then, following his memory, he headed to the East Market.

The East Market wasn’t far from the restaurant. Along the way, Brian Carter observed carefully and discovered that his restaurant was located between the East and West Markets, and close to the “red lights”... ah, the words “red lights” seemed a bit indecent; it should be called a place of wine and song. The location was truly excellent, with a huge flow of people nearby.

Brian Carter couldn’t help but sigh—his ancestors had worked so hard to build this solid foundation, and yet this bookworm had managed to run the business into the ground. This was truly a rare specimen in the restaurant world.

When he arrived at the East Market, he went straight to Butcher Foster.

Butcher Foster was one of the main suppliers for the restaurant. In the past, most of the chicken, duck, fish, and meat for the restaurant were sourced from him. But business had plummeted recently, and now they owed Butcher Foster seventeen taels of silver. According to David Carter, every time he went to buy on credit, Butcher Foster would grip his butcher’s knife, veins bulging on his hand, eyes wide like copper bells, as if he wanted to hack David Carter to pieces.

So, when he saw the short, chubby Butcher Foster, Brian Carter couldn’t help but shiver. He was a confident person, but heaven hadn’t given him a body of steel. If he really got chopped up here, his life was a small matter—losing face was a big one.

Butcher Foster had already spotted the hesitant Brian Carter. The flesh on his face twitched, and he actually smiled, put down the butcher’s knife in his hand, picked up a greasy cloth to wipe the sweat from his face, and waved at Brian Carter, saying, “Carter Boy, you’re truly a distinguished guest. Haven’t seen you in many days.”

Uh... so enthusiastic?

Brian Carter instinctively sensed a plot.

But he was bold—if he was afraid of even a butcher, how could he survive in the future’s world of scheming and ruthlessness? So he stepped forward, about to greet him in a scholarly manner and explain his purpose. But Butcher Foster slapped him on the shoulder and said, “How’s your studying going, Carter Boy? Ah, the first time I saw you, I knew you were destined for greatness. Sooner or later, you’ll become a high official and have your name in the Hall of Fame.”

“Ha... well...” Brian Carter stared at the butcher’s knife set aside, wary that Butcher Foster might suddenly attack, and replied perfunctorily, “You flatter me, Big Brother Foster.”

Butcher Foster showed no sign of picking up the knife, and instead became even more affectionate, as if Brian Carter were his long-lost brother. Of course, judging by their looks, even if they were brothers, it would have to be half-brothers at best.

“Who dares laugh at Carter Boy is making trouble with me. When your father was around, we were old acquaintances—this is a friendship worth more than gold. So, are you here to buy meat on credit? No problem, just say what you need, and I’ll have my guys deliver it to the restaurant later.”

Brian Carter was dumbfounded, suddenly feeling that Butcher Foster’s rough face actually resembled Takeshi Kaneshiro a bit, and instantly found him endearing. “Well... I’ve relied on your help a lot, Big Brother Foster, I really feel bad about it.”

Butcher Foster scolded, “What are you saying? We’re like family, no need for such words. Come, come, just say what you need. Just write an IOU later.”

Chapter 4: Another Pig, Please

Seeing how straightforward Butcher Foster was, Brian Carter didn’t stand on ceremony, quickly picking out all kinds of meats. Butcher Foster instructed his workers to select them and send them straight to the restaurant.

This made Brian Carter breathe a sigh of relief, but he still felt something was off, and was especially careful when writing the IOU, afraid there might be some trap that would leave him at a disadvantage.

Butcher Foster happily took the IOU, but Brian Carter was still uneasy and couldn’t help but ask, “Big Brother Foster, I already owe you quite a bit of silver. You don’t mind, do you?”

Butcher Foster replied cheerfully, “Not at all. Actually, whether you pay it back or not doesn’t matter. Anyway, this debt will be transferred to Mr. Sullivan.”

Mr. Sullivan...

Now Brian Carter realized something was really wrong. After some probing, he learned that the father of that Miss Sullivan had already promised many people here that as long as anyone from the Spring Restaurant came to buy on credit, as long as there was an IOU, the debt could be transferred to him and exchanged for real silver.

Brian Carter was preoccupied with his thoughts and absentmindedly took his leave from Butcher Foster.

Butcher Foster watched Brian Carter’s departing figure, the smile on his face disappearing, his jowls shaking as he spat and said with contempt, “Good-for-nothing living off a woman. The The Carter Family produced such a fool—what a disgrace...”

The The Sullivan Family had hired a matchmaker for Brian Carter, and afterwards Mr. Sullivan helped Brian Carter settle his debts. The neighbors all knew—even a pig could tell—that Brian Carter was planning to marry that Miss Sullivan, most likely as a live-in son-in-law, which naturally made people look down on him.