Chapter 14: Ultimately, the Fall Was Inevitable

How could he say no? Right before him was a tax bill of over six thousand yuan awaiting declaration. If he completed the tax exemption procedure, he could immediately save that amount. Calculated at a 2% tax rate, a tax exemption of two hundred thousand yuan implied that his tax-exempt turnover could reach ten million yuan!

In the past, his monthly turnover barely surpassed one hundred thousand, so this exemption quota was more than enough. Even now, after his promotion, it was unlikely he would use it all—it seemed almost extravagant.

Yet Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment before asking, “Can I let someone else use this approval slip?”

Chen Xin was momentarily taken aback. “It’s yours to use as you please, but who do you intend to transfer it to?”

“I want to give it to Miss Yang. I owe her a favor.” Lin Xiao raised his wrist, shaking the “Time” watch.

Chen Xin took out a pen and paper, quickly signing another approval slip and handing it over. “Is it such a big deal that you want to transfer it? Here.”

Lin Xiao felt a bit embarrassed. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

“If you want to give something to Miss Yang, I’m all for it. I’d love for something to happen between you two,” Chen Xin said with a smile.

Your intentions couldn’t be more obvious!

Lin Xiao was unaware of Chen Xin’s past rejection of Xu Tao’s marriage proposal, but he sensed her concern for Xu Tao and felt something odd about their relationship.

Why was that?

But Lin Xiao didn’t probe further. He had no close ties with Chen Xin, and delving into her secrets could quickly cost him dearly, given her unpredictable nature.

So he simply expressed his gratitude: “Thank you, Director Chen!”

“It’s just a small favor for me. If you want to repay me, then keep Xu Tao’s secret safe,” Chen Xin said.

Lin Xiao nodded. “I’ll provide service at his place from now on. With him coming to my shop so frequently, it’s easier for someone with ill intent to notice.”

“Thanks for your trouble,” Chen Xin replied, clearly pleased.

She glanced over at Xu Tao with a gentle look.

But at that moment, Xu Tao’s closed eyes suddenly opened!

Their eyes met directly, startling Chen Xin.

Had they been talking for half an hour without realizing it?

Before she could react, Xu Tao dashed over to Lin Xiao. “Lin Xiao, quick, quick!”

“Quick what?”

“One experience isn’t enough. Hurry, give me another round!”

Chen Xin was speechless.

Lin Xiao was speechless.

“Come on! I’m dying here!” Xu Tao closed his eyes again, urging.

With no choice, Lin Xiao activated the Memory Crystal once more, and satisfaction returned to Xu Tao’s face.

“Is this memory really that captivating?”

“Yeah, the billboard advertising wasn’t an exaggeration. Director Chen, want to try?”

Chen Xin’s expression flickered with interest, but she shook her head. “No, thanks.”

Though Lin Xiao sensed her temptation, since she declined, he didn’t press further.

Meanwhile, the second young man also emerged from the memory experience, his eyes still a bit dazed. Once fully alert, he rushed to Lin Xiao like Xu Tao.

“Mr. Lin, give me another round!”

Chen Xin and Lin Xiao exchanged glances but said nothing.

There was no need to ask why. Lin Xiao again activated the Amber, guiding him back into the memory.

Soon, the remaining young men in the hall awakened one by one, all reacting the same—eagerly demanding to relive the memory.

Frantically, Lin Xiao sent them back into the experience one by one before he could catch a break.

“The next round will take another half hour. Director Chen, if you’re pressed for time, you can head back now,” Lin Xiao said.

Chen Xin shook her head. “Waiting is fine. I’m busier than ever and rarely get to spend time with these old friends.”

So Lin Xiao ceased his persuasion and sat quietly.

Neither spoke; everything that needed to be said had been said. The room fell into a brief silence.

Chen Xin stood and approached Xu Tao, curiously studying his expression.

One had to admit, Xu Tao’s face was incredibly expressive—he perfectly conveyed the pure satisfaction of savoring an exquisite delicacy.

Chen Xin, who hadn’t looked closely before, found her throat tighten involuntarily.

Lin Xiao said nothing, quietly waiting.

Thirty minutes passed swiftly, and Xu Tao’s eyes opened again.

After a moment of slight confusion, he grabbed Lin Xiao eagerly.

This time, instead of demanding another experience immediately, he exclaimed excitedly, “Lin Xiao, this memory is incredible! I never doubted you, but I just couldn’t imagine what kind of flavor could overturn my understanding. People really can’t imagine what they haven’t seen!”

At that moment, the young man behind Xu Tao also woke, joining the conversation.

“The original experiencer must have savored each bite so wholeheartedly. His descriptions and focused tasting gave me such an ultimate flavor experience.

It’s not that I’m greedy wanting to relive it multiple times. The barrage of flavors in such a short span overloaded my brain!

I have to experience it several times before every dish is deeply etched in my mind.”

Lin Xiao nodded, understanding completely.

When overwhelmed by too many exquisite tastes at once, one usually only remembers the standout dish; the rest blur away.

To fully appreciate everything, multiple experiences are necessary.

“Which dish did you like best?” Xu Tao asked anxiously.

Tasting alone wasn’t enough; sharing the experience was true joy.

“I liked the Chenpi-braised double-head dried abalone most. It gleamed with an amber luster, its surface etched with intricate marbling. One bite elevated me to another realm!”

“That’s a given—it’s the grand finale of the banquet. I never knew abalone could be dried, losing 90% of its moisture! That dried abalone condensed the flavor of a six-pound giant. How could it not be delicious?” another awakened youth joined the discussion.

More young men awakened, and the debate grew lively. Everyone held their own opinions, unable to reach consensus.

“Brother Xu, you’re the foodie here. Which dish impressed you most?” they asked.

Without hesitation, Xu Tao replied, “The stir-fried golden-throated sparrow tongues amazed me the most. The preparation is extravagant—hundreds of golden-throated sparrows for this dish.

And the cup of cleansing tea served afterward was just stunning.

I wonder which genius chef invented this method. It truly made me feel like a rustic bumpkin who’s never seen the world.”

Lin Xiao thought inwardly: The culinary culture of great China, you don’t lose without reason.

“This experience is never enough. I want to go again!”

That remark sparked enthusiastic responses:

“Me too!”

“I’m next!”

Seeing this was already the third round, Lin Xiao had to emphasize, “Last round! I need to save some experiences for other customers!”

“How is that enough?!” Xu Tao stomped impatiently. Having tasted such exquisite flavors for the first time, being cut off now was more painful than anything.

The others surged forward, clamoring for more chances.

After a heated negotiation, they compromised: five experiences each.

They agreed to use three now and save two for future enjoyment.

“Boss Lin, let us pay first!” they hurriedly pulled out their wallets, fearing others would snatch their spots.

Even Chen Xin, worldly as she was, raised an eyebrow at their eagerness.

Once everyone immersed themselves in the memories again, Chen Xin cleared her throat, a bit embarrassed. “Um... it really does seem quite tasty, doesn’t it?”

Lin Xiao smiled knowingly. He knew she was completely tempted but embarrassed to admit it after declining earlier.

He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable and said sincerely, “Miss Chen, I’ll arrange a private room for you to experience the memory alone, so you needn’t worry about others seeing your expressions.”

That suggestion hit the mark.

Chen Xin visibly relaxed her tense shoulders and murmured, “Well... thank you.”

“Please, follow me.”

Lin Xiao led her to the private meeting room Mr. Zhang had used yesterday.

No sooner had she sat down than Chen Xin closed her eyes, as if this preserved her last shred of dignity.

Lin Xiao tactfully activated the Memory Amber and quietly excused himself.

As he gently closed the door behind him, he caught an unintentional glimpse that made him smile:

Usually composed Chen Xin was gently swaying her head, a childlike, satisfied smile playing on her lips—like a kid caught sneaking candy.

This adorable, utterly unguarded expression was a stark contrast to her usual dignified demeanor, nearly making Lin Xiao laugh aloud.