More people gathered around. Mr Bao tried to stand up for Guo, as a symbolic act for the brotherhood of men, but Nan stood in his way. Trying to persuade the manager, like an egregious spelling error on a poster, Nan exclaimed and claimed, “Let me remind you of the place where we sat last time! The table over there! I can assure you the coupon was given last week! It must be your mistake! Don’t let us pay for your mistake!”
Seeing there was no point to talk sense with Guo or Nan, the manager gave in. He quickly apologized, but his insincerity was written all over his face. He accepted the coupon, but it was as if the coupon were an accusation for an obvious injustice or the unfairness of life that couldn’t be rejected. This made him believe more argument would only shame him.