Are You Members

"Today is the day my husband starts at Phoenix Academy. This Phoenix Academy is leagues above Greenfield Academy—everyone knows it's run by top officials from the Capital, and all the teachers are renowned scholars from across the country. Of course, the tuition alone is a hundred times higher than that of a place like Greenfield Academy, which is so beneath us. Only sons from wealthy families like mine can afford to attend." May Parker was dressed in fine silk, exuding the air of a rich young mistress.

Lila Green and Helen Parker flanked May Parker on either side, falling over themselves to please her.

May Parker took a seat in the restaurant, Arthur Evans sat down beside her with a stiff expression, and the four of them ordered some tea and snacks.

"Greenfield Academy is just a third-rate place. The teachers there are nothing but failed scholars who couldn't even pass the imperial exams. How could they possibly teach good students? My husband says that at Phoenix Academy, even the least accomplished teacher is at least a certified scholar. Greenfield Academy isn't even fit to carry Phoenix Academy's shoes." May Parker said snidely, looking superior as she glanced at Arthur Evans.

The Evans family was poor—back when they could send someone to Greenfield Academy, it was enough to brag about in the village. But now that Phoenix Academy had appeared, Greenfield Academy seemed worthless by comparison. All the students with decent backgrounds transferred to Phoenix Academy, leaving only those who could barely scrape together tuition—the poor kids. Greenfield Academy had suddenly become the school for the destitute.

Arthur Evans's face was ashen, but his tone remained respectful: "With my brother-in-law attending Phoenix Academy, I'm sure he'll earn a fine reputation."

"Of course! My husband has a limitless future ahead of him—certainly not like some people who can't even pass the first exam." May Parker continued to needle Arthur Evans.

Helen Parker couldn't stand it anymore and tried to mediate: "May, your brother just failed once. He'll definitely pass next year!"

May Parker rolled her eyes dismissively. "Why bother? Some people just aren't cut out for studying—they should stop forcing it and go back to farming instead."

Arthur Evans's face turned pale, then flushed, his fists clenched tightly as he lowered his head and said nothing.

Lila Green grinned obsequiously from the side. "May, you see how much the Leo Family values you. Why don't you do us a favor and help get your brother into Phoenix Academy too?"

May Parker's mood instantly lifted at Lila Green's words about the Leo Family's respect for her. She snorted, "Alright, I'll mention it when I get a chance."

Lila Green beamed. "Thank you, little sister!"

After sipping her tea for a while, May Parker suddenly noticed a restaurant across the street. It looked stunning—far more upscale than the one they were dining in.

"Oh wow, Tenmile Hill has a new restaurant. Let's go eat there!" May Parker said.

Helen Parker, used to being frugal, blurted out, "Wow, that place looks so fancy—it must be expensive."

May Parker rolled her eyes, full of disdain. "Mother, you're poor, of course you think it's expensive. The Leo Family doesn't even blink at this kind of money. It's nothing! I could spend ten taels on a meal and my husband wouldn't mind one bit!"

Helen Parker immediately changed her tune, putting on a smile. "Alright, I'll go eat at the fancy place with my daughter!"

"Country bumpkin," May Parker muttered under her breath, shooting Helen a look of contempt.

The four of them arrived at the entrance of the new restaurant and saw the sign: "Serenity Vegetarian Bistro." But as they tried to enter, they were stopped at the door.

A neatly dressed attendant greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome! May I ask if you are members of Serenity Vegetarian Bistro?"

"Members? What's a member?" May Parker was baffled.

"It means you have a membership card. Our establishment only serves members. If you are not a member, I'm afraid we cannot accommodate you." The attendant gave a polite bow. "Perhaps you'd like to try another restaurant."

Ever since she married Howard Liu, May Parker was used to everyone treating her with deference. She never expected a mere restaurant attendant to turn her away. Furious, she demanded, "Do you know who I am?"