Archive submission from Ray Meluch. Thanks, Ray.

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!”