The sun was already high in the sky, its blazing rays scorching the earth.
Guo Zongbao wore slacks, a short-sleeved dress shirt, and even a red tie. In dull leather shoes and carrying a somewhat peeling briefcase, he really did look a bit like a salesman.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked up at the shop sign before him, then walked inside with an honest smile.
"Hello, boss. I'm here to sell seasonings."
"No, no."
Behind the counter, the owner, who had just sat up, slumped back down and waved him off irritably.
Naturally, Guo Zongbao did not leave. He moved closer, pulled out a cigarette, and offered one to the owner. "Boss, have a smoke."
"Why aren't you smoking?"
"I don't smoke. These good cigarettes were specially prepared for bosses like you." Guo Zongbao gave another honest smile, then said, "Let me tell you, boss, our seasoning has quite a story behind it."
"How much of a story can a seasoning have?" The owner did not believe him.
"Listen to me. This seasoning supposedly dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It's been passed down through our boss's family for more than a dozen generations. They say even the Jiajing Emperor ate it, and so did Lord Hai Rui."
The owner said nothing. He merely held the cigarette in his mouth and smiled, his face plainly saying, Let's see how long you can keep making this up.
"Honestly, I don't really believe it either. Our boss was the one who fed me all that. But since he told me to say it, that's what I have to tell you. Still, there might be some truth to it. Why? Because our seasoning tastes just that good. You could travel all over the country and never find another flavor like