Li Xiaoman walked ahead, with Zhou Qiang and Wang Xiaoliang following behind.
Behind the counter, the man in the black jacket stared at Fang Dongxu, his voice lowered to a near whisper.
"Are all those classmates of yours here to freeload?"
"I've been on my feet since six this morning without a moment's rest! What's wrong with inviting some classmates to help liven the place up?"
"Eating and drinking for free counts as supporting us? Fang Dongxu, don't tell me one trip to Fucheng taught you to play the big shot!"
Li Xiaoman's big hand landed on Fang Dongxu's shoulder with a smack.
"Little Fang, get back to work! We're heading out. Oh, Brother Qiang already scanned the code and paid for all six of us!"
Fang Dongxu turned around, his facial muscles stiffening as he forced out a smile uglier than a grimace. "But... I said it was my treat..."
"All right, next time. Treat us once you've made your fortune!" Wang Xiaoliang came over too. "Go look after your customers. The line's already stretching outside."
The whole time, the man in the jacket behind the counter kept his head down, wiping an already gleaming cup over and over with a cloth. He never even raised his eyes, unwilling to meet the gazes of the people Fang Dongxu had invited.
Outside the café, the afternoon sunlight was bright enough to make them squint.
A fairly long line had formed at the entrance.
"Business really is good!" Li Xiaoman glanced back and smacked his lips. "Such huge profit margins, and still so many people coming here. Fang Dongxu's going to make a fortune!"
He waved to everyone, flagged down a taxi, and climbed in. "I'm off, everyone. I've got a card game lined up this afternoon!"
"I'm going back to