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Dawang stepped out just in time to see his own father slinking out of the door, while the atmosphere in the main hall was markedly different.

After inquiring with a young attendant, Dawang’s cold sweat began to pour out immediately.

Taking advantage of Jin Yuyu’s distraction, he hurried out to find his father.

"Oy, my dad, I just went to the latrine for a moment, and you’ve gone and made such a big blunder!"

Already displeased, Da Qiangzi huffed upon seeing his son step out and immediately start complaining, "You little rascal, blaming me! If you hadn’t ignored me for days on end, would I have come looking for you?"

"These days the vinegar shop has been really busy; I truly couldn’t get away," Dawang said, wrinkling his nose in distress.

Watching his son’s sorry state, Da Qiangzi felt a wave of disgust and, waving his hand impatiently, said, "Enough already. I’m out of silver, so give me some to spend."

"Dad, I—I don’t have any either. The silver I advanced you last time was all I had.

" Dawang rubbed his hands awkwardly, suddenly reminded of how he used to awkwardly ask his dad for silver to buy sweets when Da Qiangzi was still at home.

Now, years later, dad was asking him for silver, and he still displayed the same pitiable behavior.

Da Qiangzi smacked his lips in disinterest, knowing this son of his would certainly not lie. If he said there was none left, then there truly was none. He felt his spirits dampen, but then his eyes lit up, "What about the matter with your mother then?"

At this, Dawang’s spirits sunk even further. He had indeed taken the time to find Loudmouth, initially wanting to mediate, but as soon as they met, she went off on a tirade about his dad, and he found himself unable to utter a word.

"That, I..."

"Alright, I knew you couldn’t handle it," Da Qiangzi scorned his ineffective eldest son, his mind churning with regret. If only his youngest son was the one willing to be close to him; that boy was clever and had a sweet tongue, and he surely would’ve been a big help.

Unfortunately, the little scamp didn’t want to be close to him.

Ah, if only he had known this day would come, he should have held that little one more back then.

"Arrange a place for tonight, and call your mother over for a meal, but don’t say it’s with me, or she certainly won’t come." Unable to depend on his son, he’d have to take the matters into his own hands.

"Oh okay." Dawang nodded. "Should I call my brother as well?"

Even the mention of his disrespectful younger son made Da Qiangzi’s stomach turn, but seeing his eldest son’s earnest eyes, he nodded in acquiescence. It might be best not to offend this foolish son for now, and just let him have his way.

"Invite him too! And yes, make it at the Fuman Building. Didn’t you say that Lin Yuan is the boss there? Put in a good word with her and get us a free meal!"

Dawang gaped in surprise; even Loudmouth, who was closer to Lin Yuan, had never made such a request. Would she agree?

When Loudmouth and Xiao Wang heard Dawang was treating the family to a meal, they were thrilled. Climbing the stairs, Xiao Wang grinned and asked, "Bro, how come you have money to treat us at Fuman Building? Did the shopkeeper promote you again?"

Dawang worked hard and earnestly and had recently earned the shopkeeper’s favor, earning him a role as Junior Butler.

"Ah, it’s not that easy to get promoted," Dawang said, scratching his head sheepishly. "There are plenty of people with more seniority than me, several of whom haven’t been promoted yet!"

"They must not be as sincere in their work as you are, bro," Xiao Wang said, knowing his brother was too honest and never cut corners. But that was exactly the type of person a boss would appreciate.

Seeing her two sons turning out so well, Loudmouth smiled with satisfaction, "You two, always remember, whether in life or work, you have to be honest. Never be like your dad, harboring ill intentions."

Xiao Wang cheerfully agreed, but Dawang bit his lip and mumbled an uncertain response.

The room Dawang had booked was in an elegant room on the second floor of the Fuman Building, but it was also his first time dining there, and he had no idea what to order. Naturally, Da Qiangzi took the initiative and ordered a table brimming with dishes.

When the mother and sons entered, they were practically stunned by the array of bowls, plates, and cups on the table.

Xiao Wang’s eyes widened, "Bro, have you— have you become the shopkeeper? You’re really willing to spend so much!"

Dawang’s eyes were similarly wide, feeling the weight of the two months’ wages he’d just advanced in his pocket. He swallowed hard, a grimace twisting his face, "This, this..."