Chapter 4: How Can I Live Without a Phone!

Chapter 4: How Can I Live Without a Phone!

The waiter in the tuxedo, looking at the golden monster fallen on the ground and then at the youth with a smile faker than his service smile, finally realized he might have encountered the most arrogant challenge in his career.

But he quickly recovered from his speechlessness and rage, regaining his perfect service smile.

It was just another tough nut to crack.

Hadn't he seen plenty of those?

Many who were initially overconfident turned out to be softer and more useless than the rest in the end.

"Heh."

"Esteemed guest, you truly are beyond expectation."

"And exceptionally 'lucky'."

"As such, I shall proceed with your check-in and real-name registration."

"But are you sure you want me to do it while standing on my head?"

Chen Sijin, hearing the waiter's last words, raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing the challenge in them.

Wang Baojie, standing in front, was frantically signaling Chen with his eyes and shaking his head, his lips silently mouthing: Enough is enough! Don't provoke the NPCs here!

Every NPC could potentially go berserk and become a murderous monster!

Chen Sijin nodded at Wang Baojie in response.

And to the relief shown on Wang's face, Chen decisively stepped on a landmine: "Of course. Keeping one's word is a virtue I greatly admire."

"If one does not honor their own words, what's the difference from being a mute?"

Wang Baojie almost choked on his own breath.

So why did you nod at me just now?! Was it just a casual greeting?!

The waiter in the tuxedo seemed to have been waiting for this answer. The moment Chen Sijin spoke, the waiter spread his arms and abruptly fell backward. But as he was about to hit the ground, his legs were seemingly caught by an invisible force, suspending him upside down in a head-to-toe order.

This position, which should have been excruciating, did not seem to cause any pain on the waiter's face.

In fact, he even blinked and curved his lips into a smile, maintaining his professional demeanor towards Chen Sijin.

This smile, while not affecting Chen Sijin much, caused the others who saw it to scream uncontrollably, even Wang Baojie stepped back in horror three steps—

"The eyes, nose, and mouth of the swallowtail-suited waiter, to everyone's shock, also inverted along with his upside-down stance!"

The waiter blinked at Chen Shijin, maliciously waiting for his scream and fear.

However, he was met with silence.

This detestable human merely half-closed his eyes, observing him without uttering a word, as if looking at something trivial.

"..." Are you both blind and mute! Ah! Both blind and mute!

"Please, the complimentary presidential suite. I've been drenched in the rain and really want to take a shower now."

Waiter in swallowtail suit: "Heh."

The enraged waiter, his hair standing on end, processed Chen Shijin's check-in and identification, gritting his teeth to offer a luxurious presidential suite for one night.

"Esteemed guest, your room number is the Royal 001 Suite on the top floor. This room boasts the best scenic balcony of our hotel, offering unparalleled views of both the night and day sceneries."

"You are required to check out at the front desk by noon tomorrow. Failing to do so will be considered as an automatic extension of your stay, incurring a daily accommodation fee of 3888 energy points. Our hotel does not offer credit services, and any failure to comply with the payment will be at your own risk."

"'The deluxe presidential suite comes with a complimentary delicious dinner and nutritious breakfast, along with free fruit snacks, travel maps, free Wi-Fi, and a universal charger provided in the room."

"Should you have any requests, you can call us directly. The Royal Hotel is at your complete service! We wish you a pleasant stay!'"

"At the end, the tailcoat-clad waiter straightened up and, along with all the waiters in the hall, bowed deeply, offering Chen Shijin a presidential level of service."

"Even Chen Shijin had to admit, this is the power of money. To think it still works in another world."

"'Then I'll have the delicious dinner. After all this hassle, I'm actually quite hungry.'"

"Chen Shijin nodded and was about to head to his presidential suite 001 when Wang Baojie quickly followed up, saying, 'Brother, let's all discuss how to check in tomorrow, just—'"

"Wang Baojie was cut off mid-sentence by other waiters in the hall, who also stopped all the other newcomers."

"The tailcoat-clad waiter, leading the group of waiters, stood in front of them with a completely different expression and tone, saying:"

"'Oh, no way, no way. Surely nobody here expects to stay in the hotel without paying? Don't tell me you were all offered a complimentary presidential suite as well?'"

"Everyone: '...' Damn."

"Chen Shijin, who stopped to eavesdrop: '...'6."

The bellhop, finally having the upper hand against these easy targets, raised an eyebrow triumphantly: "Ladies and gentlemen, you will be staying in our hotel's cheapest dormitory-style room with no windows. The room lacks bathing facilities, a toilet, windows, charging ports, and internet! In short, aside from a bed, it has nothing.

Bargain price, 10 energy units per night."

"Please pay the energy units now, or kindly close the door on your way out."

As he concluded, the bellhop's face once again displayed that malicious smirk. Meanwhile, those big-eyed creatures outside the door chose this moment to echo their call.

"Friends, oh friends! Like!"

Even Wang Baojie wanted to roll his eyes and roar in frustration.

But in the end, he restrained himself. He had energy units, but the newcomers who had just entered this devouring world probably couldn't afford even this basic accommodation.

Liu Dakai, accustomed to never being short of money as a minor corporate executive on Earth, felt aggrieved at being financially stumped.

So he tentatively asked, "We just arrived here and don’t have these so-called energy units you mentioned. Is it possible to exchange our previous currency?" Considering the use of mobile phones here, perhaps there's a chance for currency exchange? He had an eight-figure bank balance, after all!

The bellhop's smile slowly faded into a frown: "Do I look like a fool to you?"

Liu Dakai: "..." No, you don't, but I do.

"Sorry, our establishment does not accept any currency other than energy units."

"However, our establishment does accept energy trades or... friendly assistance for accommodation."

The bellhop smiled again, extending his left hand, and on his left, a waiter in a suit approached carrying a lavish, enormous golden basin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, every part of your body has great value!

A leg is worth 1000 energy units, an ear 800 units, an arm 1500 units, and each of your ten fingers 300 units. The middle finger even gets an extra 100.

Of course, the most precious are your eyes!"

The bellhop’s gaze met each person's eyes: "One eye is valued at 5000 energy units!"

"Just one eye, and you can enjoy a night in the luxurious presidential suite."

"Isn’t that an incredible deal?"

Everyone: This isn't a hotel, it’s more like a body parts shop!

Lu Jun, feeling uneasy, shifted uncomfortably and tried to ask: "So, what exactly is this 'friendly assistance' for accommodation?"

It couldn’t be the kind of 'assistance' he was thinking of, could it?

The bellhop then looked at Lu Jun with a look of utmost disdain: "Our Royal Hotel is a noble and elegant luxury establishment, please do not insult our standards."

Lu Jun’s mouth twitched: "Then would you please explain what this 'friendly assistance' is!"

As soon as Lu Jun finished speaking, all the previously courteous male and female waiters uniformly reached into their suit pockets and then —

Each of them pulled out a smartphone.

Everyone's eyelids twitched at the sight of the phones.

"Dear guests, by giving ten likes or watching our hotel's promotional video in its entirety, you can receive friendly assistance for a one-night stay in our Royal Dormitory Room!"

"The dormitory comes with a washroom and windows, offering more convenience and comfort than the bunk beds!"

Everyone: "……"

So, are we inevitably destined to give likes?!

Chen Shi Jin: .

It seems smartphones are destined to conquer the world.

After a brief discussion, they decided to try the friendly accommodation option.

Whether it's intuition or contrariness, they felt that the more the NPCs wanted them to do something, the more they should avoid it in this place. Like giving likes.

Besides, according to Wang Baojie's speculation, the biggest trap in watching the promotional video was probably getting them addicted to the phone, so —

"As long as we stay alert and don't get engrossed while watching the video, there shouldn't be any major problems."

Moreover, the hotel didn’t specify how they should watch the video, so others could assist if needed.

Considering everything, it didn’t seem like a big issue.

Finally, Wang Baojie turned to look at Chen Sijin, and upon seeing that he hadn’t left, he gave him a friendly and relieved smile.

Then he saw Chen Sijin gesture to a waiter, who promptly brought him a fragrant milk tea and moved a chair for him to comfortably watch the proceedings.

Wang Baojie: ...

He shouldn’t have smiled; they were not the same!

Sighing, Wang Baojie decided to be the first to 'check in' with the video. It wasn’t that he was eager to help others; he understood that the danger was minimal upon first entering this world and, well, he was also a miser.

Even 10 energy units were too much for him! That could be converted into a deluxe chicken burger in the land of exile!

Prepared, Wang Baojie opened the Royal Hotel promotional video provided by the tailcoat waiter. It started with a rousing symphony, followed by an overview of the hotel on his phone.

The newcomers gathered around Wang Baojie, wanting to watch but afraid to directly look at his phone, keeping a close eye on his reactions.

Initially, it went well, with Wang Baojie maintaining vigilance while watching.

After a minute, his phone slowly crept closer to his face.

Three minutes in, his phone was right before his eyes, his expression noticeably changing—

His face started showing signs of admiration, amazement, and longing.

This change alarmed the onlookers, with the weary office worker cautiously touching his arm. “Bro Wang, how’s the video going?”

Wang Baojie’s eyes remained glued to the screen, “I’ve never seen such a luxurious, upscale, comfortable hotel! I’d spend all my savings to live here forever!”

Everyone: !!!

"Bro Wang, something's wrong with you! You just refused to spend even 10 bucks!"

The delivery guy, impatient, bit his lip and tried to cover Wang Baojie's eyes to stop him from obsessing over the phone.

However, he was quickly dodged by Wang Baojie: “Dude, don’t disturb me while I’m on the phone!”

Undeterred, the delivery guy attempted to snatch the phone from Wang Baojie's grasp. Believing his speed and agility would prevail, he was shockingly kicked away the moment his fingers touched Wang Baojie’s phone!

“I said! Don’t interrupt me—”

Wang Baojie’s eyes bulged, veins on his face throbbing, exuding an intimidating power.

Yet, chillingly, even in this enraged state, Wang Baojie’s eyes remained fixed on the phone screen, his hand clutching it tightly.

His demeanor was eerily similar to those outside glass doors – screaming for likes, yet one eye and hand always fixated on and holding their phones, just like those big-eyed people.

The hall fell into an indescribable silence.

The hotel waiters watched Wang Baojie with faint smiles.

The newcomers wanted to do something but were too scared to act rashly, until a rhythmic step echoed on the gleaming marble floor.

The office worker instinctively turned and saw the presidential suite big shot, carrying a white porcelain antique teacup, approaching.

Ah, the feeling was even more extravagant than their wealthiest tycoon!

The tailcoat waiter’s smile stiffened slightly, but he remained skeptical.

“Dear guest, our hotel’s promotional video is very captivating. No one ever stops watching halfway.”

After finishing the fragrant milk tea, Chen Shijin placed the teacup back on the waiter’s tray and nodded.

"Oh."

He began to rotate his wrists and flex his fingers.

The newcomers looked on with inexplicable anticipation, while Lv Jun and Liu Dakai instinctively took three steps back.

"What do you do when a child is addicted to their phone?"

Chen Shijin asked himself and then answered: "A slap should do."

He swiftly slapped the enraged Wang Baojie across the face with a force that twisted his face by 90 degrees, forcefully diverting his gaze away from the phone.

However, as the tailcoat waiter said, the promotional video seemed indeed very captivating. Although Wang Baojie was no longer looking at the phone, he subconsciously tried to turn back to it.

Chen Shijin raised an eyebrow: "If one slap doesn’t work."

"Then two,"

Wang Baojie quickly covered his face: "Alright! Alright! That's enough, brother! I'm awake now! That slap really works against addiction, I've never felt so clear-headed!"

And my face has never hurt this much!

Chen Shijin nodded in satisfaction.

When he said one slap, he meant one slap for clarity.

Rubbing his face and grimacing, Wang Baojie turned to the others and laughed self-deprecatingly: "Well, sorry about that. I'm not some powerful figure, just an old man who's managed to survive five entry-level worlds."

"But you all saw how addicted I got just now, right? That's the kind of unbreakable addiction we're dealing with. Without someone strong nearby to snap you out of it, it's easy to get lost in it until it's too late."

"But now that I'm clear-headed, it's much better. There's just one minute left of the video, I think I can hold on. Once I'm done, I should have a way to help everyone get through this."

By the end, Wang Baojie was unusually relaxed and confident.

However, the newcomers felt an ominous foreboding.

And soon enough, their premonition came true—

Wang Baojie indeed resisted the urge to succumb to his phone in the last minute, but the method he proposed to help everyone pass the challenge…

"Really, Wang, do we have to do this?" Liu Dakai tried to resist: "I am, after all, a deputy general manager."

The capable female white-collar worker next to him scoffed with a dark face: "And I'm the top salesperson. Don't I have any dignity?"

"Stop complaining, look at my partner. You guys are lucky, okay!" The office worker said in agony, eyeing the Bear Paw Brother standing before him, wondering if a single slap from him could be fatal.

Yes, Wang Baojie's method to prevent addiction was indeed a collective slap-fest!

He passionately promoted it to everyone based on his own experience, proving that it was both effective and efficient in preventing addiction.

"Don't be afraid, it really doesn't hurt that much. It's over in a flash! Plus, Chen and I will be right there to support you, ensuring you don't get lost in your phones!"

Everyone about to watch the video: Heh.

Then, Chen Shijin witnessed a large-scale slap fest for addiction prevention—

Partners of those watching the video stood beside them, silently timing. Every minute, they delivered a sharp slap to prevent their companions from getting addicted to the phone, ensuring they stayed alert.

The hall was filled with slapping sounds for a while.

The waiters in tailcoats and all the hotel staff: ……

Ten minutes later, everyone, with swollen faces, successfully checked into the Royal Hotel through friendly assistance.

As they were leaving, the burliest man with a swollen face raised his hand and roared, "Come on! I can take 100 more slaps! I'll never succumb to addiction!"

The tailcoated waiters and all the hotel staff: …………

Honestly, this group of customers was the toughest they had ever served. In every sense of the word.

*

Twenty minutes later, on the third floor of the villa, Chen Shijin, who had just finished bathing and was enjoying his dinner, heard soul-piercing screams coming from the first floor.

Wow.

Probably just realizing they've ruined their, well, private parts?