Chapter 26

Even though Robert slept late the previous night, he was hungry by midnight. He glanced at Barry and wasn't surprised to see him there. After all, Barry's family was influential.

Robert smiled and replied, "My original intention for breakfast was simply to fill up. I can't help it; I used to be poor, and even though I'm better off now, I can't break this habit."

Looking at Robert's face, Barry sneered inwardly. "He's still pretending. Does he think I don't know anything?"

Barry deliberately widened his eyes and said, "Oh, I almost forgot you're a super-rich man now. With your finances, Mr. Zabinski, why haven't you bought this hotel, the best in the city, yet?"

Robert put a piece of beef in his mouth. Chewing, he clarified, "Grand Triumphant Hotel is ours, you know?"

Barry secretly rolled his eyes and cursed inwardly, "What a pretentious guy." Nevertheless, he continued his act, replying, "Oh my goodness, Robert, you're too low-key. I didn't know Grand Triumphant Hotel belonged to your family. In that case, as a former classmate, can I have this breakfast free of charge?"

Breakfast at the Grand Triumphant Hotel cost $20 per person—nothing to someone like Barry. But Barry knew that $20 was a significant amount for a pretentious person like Robert. He'd been disgusted by Robert's behavior yesterday and was eager for payback.

Robert thought for a moment and shook his head. "No can do."

Barry, sensing Robert's act was failing, pressed, "Why not, Mr. Zabinski? The hotel is yours, isn't it? Why can't I have a free breakfast? Isn't this a drop in the bucket for you?"

Robert swallowed his food and explained, "I read the hotel's financial report yesterday. It's troublesome for the finance department to void the bill. However, since we're former classmates, I'll treat you. I'll transfer the money to you, and you can pay with that, okay?"

Barry was overjoyed. He thought, "Hah! Does he think he's some big shot? What does he mean he read the hotel's financial report? Does he really think he's the owner's son? If he wants to pretend, I'll let him! Giving excuses about company profits to fool me? Bah, does he think I'll be embarrassed to get free food? Too bad for him. I'll take it! I'll see how long he can keep this up!"

Barry smiled and said, "Oh wow, thank you so much. Robert, I apologize for offending you in the past. I'm sorry. I feel bad asking you to treat me, but how will you transfer the money? Through WePay?"

As Barry spoke, he took out his phone.

Robert nodded. "Yes."

As Robert reached into his pocket, he frowned. Finding his pocket empty, he sheepishly smiled at Barry.

"Sorry, I forgot my phone. How about this? You pay, and I'll transfer the money afterward."

"Robert, stop it," Barry's expression shifted from a smile to a sneer. "Are you really doing this? What, do you enjoy the thrill of pretending?"

Barry threw his knife and fork onto the table with a loud clang.

"So, you enjoyed my compliments, didn't you, Mr. Zabinski?" Barry sneered.

The final "Send Gift" appears to be unrelated to the story and should be removed.