Half the time had already passed. It looked as though there should still be enough time.
So Cui Jiuyang was in no particular hurry and enjoyed this rare vacation.
He had to admit that the British at Swire & Sons really knew how to run a business.
They had decorated the ship as lavishly as a floating palace.
Even aboard this ship, where every inch of space was precious, they had set aside a huge area as a ballroom for the wealthy gentlemen and prominent figures aboard to socialize and entertain themselves.
And simply building a ballroom was not enough to fully demonstrate their business acumen.
Toward evening, a smartly dressed waiter wearing a bow tie politely knocked on the doors of the luxury cabins one by one.
He respectfully presented as many gilt-edged invitations as there were occupants in the cabin. "Sir, a grand ball will be held in the ballroom tonight."
"All guests in luxury cabins may enter free of charge. There will be splendid song and dance performances, as well as a tasting of French wines. We cordially invite you and your lady companion to attend."
Cui Jiuyang took the invitations and waved them. "Oh? Such a good deal? How much would a ticket cost if it weren't free?" he asked casually.
The waiter gave a professional smile and explained, "You jest, sir. If you have friends aboard who wish to attend with you, each invitation allows you to bring one additional companion."
"However, if you have more friends than that, we would have to charge an admission fee of two silver dollars per person, according to the rules."
Cui Jiuyang nodded at that, thinking, These British really are shrewd businessmen.
Anyone who could book a luxury cabin on a Swire & Sons ship would naturally care