In a poor, rural farming province of China, a gas
station sold its gas for 150 yen per liter. Those few who had cars often would
barter their produce for the gas, instead of paying in cash. This worked,
provided the gas station manager allowed it, since, he couldn't always use the
motley collection of foodstuffs that would come in. A local cook, Chef Po, was
renowned for a special heavy cream sauce, which he sold for one yen per serving.
The manager loved the stuff, and always took Po's goods in exchange for the
fuel.
In time, the manager had to raise the price of
gasoline to two hundred yen. Chef Po, who could ill afford the increase, angrily
stormed up to the manager's office door and protested the price by flinging two
hundred spoonfuls of sauce against the door and walls. When the manager came in
later, he saw the mess, and cried, "Who did this?"
The attendant said," It was Po! He was very
angry at the price increase. What shall we do if he comes back?"
The manager looked at him and growled, "Do not
gas Po! Do not collect two hundred dollops!"