After a night's rest,
Wen Ning finally recovered. The next day marked the true beginning of his reign as Wen the Skinflint.
Munching on a cucumber, he watched Zhang Siyu bustle frantically between three bathtubs.
The Squirrel Spirit in the tub on the left complained that the water was too hot.
The Spotted Cat Spirit in the tub on the right complained that the essential oil smelled too strong.
The Hedgehog Spirit in the middle tub said Zhang Siyu had scrubbed the spines on his back soft.
While adding cold water for the Squirrel Spirit, Zhang Siyu explained to the Spotted Cat Spirit that this was simply how osmanthus essential oil smelled.
Tending to three tubs alone was more exhausting than drawing talismans on the mountain.
The Weasel Old Man soaked in his personal tub, holding that same old cup of tea he always drank.
He watched Wen Ning sit with his legs crossed, munching on his cucumber.
"Boss Wen, you're a heartless capitalist. Little Zhang is handling three tubs all by herself, and you're just sitting there watching?
"While you were eating Peaches of Immortality and drinking immortal wine in the Heavenly Court, she took this shabby shop of yours from a handful of customers to thirty.
"Look at the calluses on her hands. Those came from scrubbing backs, not drawing talismans."
"Exactly!"
Zhang Siyu was so busy she didn't even dare lift her head.
Her hands never stopped scrubbing the Squirrel Spirit's back.
"Ever since Boss Wen came back, he's been a hands-off boss. He promised me a raise, but he won't even hire anyone to help.
"I'm the head back scrubber, store manager, receptionist, and purchasing department all rolled into one. All that's left is becoming a vet for that big yellow dog of yours."
Big Yellow