That was clearly the cheapest assortment of flowers in the basket, the smallest basket—a real bamboo basket with a random mix of flowers inside, not one of those decorative, fancy flower baskets used for grand openings. William Clark estimated that this flower basket could be bought for at most twenty or thirty yuan, and maybe Emily Clark even compared prices at several places and bargained it down.

Emily Clark pushed open the door and walked into the hotel lobby, immediately spotting Old King sitting on the sofa. She frowned, looked at William Clark, and asked in a low voice, “Who is this…”

“A guest,” William Clark replied, not in the best mood.

“So soon and you already have a guest!” Emily Clark glanced at Old King again. “That’s pretty lucky.”

Old King nodded at her. “Hello, young lady.”

“Hello.” Emily Clark gave a faint smile, then looked him over with a somewhat suspicious gaze, her brows furrowing.

“What’s wrong?” Old King asked kindly, smiling.

“To be honest, it’s quite a coincidence. My dad used to have a jacket just like the one you’re wearing…” Emily Clark said in surprise, “and a pair of pants exactly the same, and, uh, even the shoes are identical!”

“……” Old King’s expression froze for a moment, then he smiled slightly. “What a coincidence.”

“I’m not making this up, it’s true!” Emily Clark said. “Because the back of my dad’s pants had a tear, and that day my mom was out on business, so I helped him sew it up. The stitching… wasn’t very pretty, so it really stuck in my memory.”

Sitting on the sofa, Old King leaned back a little, his movements a bit unnatural.

William Clark was the one who felt truly awkward, almost blushing. “Let’s not dwell on these coincidences. You should explain to me first— I gave you two hundred yuan, and you brought me just this?”

Hearing this, Emily Clark turned her head, looking at him seriously. “It’s the thought that counts, even if the gift is small.”

“How much was the flower basket?”

“Two hundred.”

“How much, really?”

“Twenty-five.”

“……” William Clark was speechless and changed the subject. “You should be filling out your college applications by now, right? Have you decided which school? What major?”

“Please, just mind your own business!” Emily Clark said with a frown, clearly annoyed. “How many times do I have to say it? Don’t talk to me like a parent.”

“……” William Clark was helpless. In front of Old King, he felt a bit embarrassed. “So, what should we have for lunch?”

“Spicy hot pot, malatang!” Emily Clark answered without hesitation. “You don’t have time to cook anyway, just order takeout.”

William Clark promptly ordered takeout, and secretly ordered a portion for Old King as well. He felt it would be awkward to invite Old King and Emily Clark to eat together—once or twice was fine, but they couldn’t eat together every day. But Old King seemed to understand completely.

In the afternoon, he printed out a recruitment notice and posted it outside, also published a job ad online, then sat at the counter, dozing off as he waited for customers.

After lunch, Emily Clark went home, probably planning to lie around all day.

At four in the afternoon, a “hello” woke him from his nap. William Clark looked up to see a young couple standing in front of him—the guy was quite handsome, and the girl was petite and cute.

“Hello.” He quickly pulled himself together. “Sorry, I dozed off a bit this afternoon and fell asleep.”

“Do you have any rooms available?” the girl asked, her voice sweet and polite.

“Yes, we do.”

“What are the rates?”

“All the prices are right here.” William Clark pointed to the price list behind him. “But we support group buying—online it’s much cheaper. Standard single and double rooms are 120, and we also have business, deluxe, and themed rooms.”

“Hm?” The girl opened Meituan. “Is it on Meituan?”

“Yes, including Meituan,” William Clark said. “We just opened, so everything in the rooms is brand new.”

The two looked at the pictures and decisively booked a themed couple’s room online, without hesitation, and even booked three nights in a row.

The single dog was thoroughly shown up.

But still, this was the very first business since opening, so William Clark was extremely polite as he checked them in. When handing them the room card, he said, “If you have any problems, feel free to come to me. If you need anything, just let me know. The washing machine is free to use, and if you need more hangers, just ask.”

The girl held the guy’s arm, looking sweet and demure, and smiled, “Thank you.”

William Clark was moved to tears. “If you have a comfortable stay, please leave a good review.”

The price list at Anju Hotel wasn’t inflated or misleading like many other hotels, but was honest and straightforward. But since there were few guests now, it was indeed much cheaper online, and the website also took a commission, so the profit was even less. William Clark just wanted the first business to get off to a good start, since many people online are reluctant to try products with no transaction record or reviews.

A good review makes all the difference.

Chapter 6: Working the Front Desk

That couple wasn’t from Yizhou; they seemed to be here for a casual trip. As for why they were staying near Yizhou University, William Clark had no idea.

Near dinnertime in the afternoon, the girl came downstairs with a rosy face, affectionately holding the guy’s arm.

William Clark watched them with a blank expression.