Old Man Ming's restaurant has been doing good business in the past four years. Due to little Sue being married, Taf was helping out more in the restaurant behind the scenes.
He had a bit of talent when cooking and preparing dishes. He even created a special on his own for the menu.
His special has become one of the restaurant's top sellers, keeping Mr Ming buzzing with delight.
How could he not be happy? The more seats were filled, the more stacked his pocket became?
Due to this, he has encouraged the young lad to be more creative with his dishes. After all, the more exquisite, the better and more it could be sold.
Tafari went along with his plans when he broached the topic. However, knowing old Man Ming exploitive nature when it came to making easy money and getting it for free.
He didn't know what it was, but it became a pleasurable hobby for him for some reason.
The difference in the aroma that filled the nostrils after the spices and seasons were sauteed was delightful. So too was the variety of flavours that could be acquired by cooking the same meat in different ways was terrific.
What made him love it even further was the thrill of coming up with new ideas and recipes.
To make bold moreover rash choices with ingredients after a eureka moment. Those were the best moments while in the kitchen.
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After another long workday, Taf and Mr Ming sat around a table in their routine after-hours discussions.
" Old man Ming this might not be such a bad idea, right?
Imagine giving the customers the option of cooking their meals as a special once a week. Letting them feel empowered as we advise them on the flaws in their preparation."
Tafari spoke of one of his many ideas of putting even more butts in the seats.
Hmmm!
" I don't know about this. Isn't the point of a restaurant to provide ready-made food for hungry patrons?"
A rebuttal came swiftly from Old man Ming as he considered the idea,
"It seems like shooting ourselves in the foot if we seemingly go against our core business ideals. After all, we are here to serve the customer, not the customer to help themselves.
Isn't that what a home-cooked meal is for?"
He proceeded to drive his point home as their heated discussion continued. Taf then offered a rebuttal of his own,
" You seemingly are missing the point, old man Ming.
I am recommending something new and fresh that Is by far different from the rest. Look at it this way and see it from my perspective.
It gives an added choice that is not around. People like to try new things and events, giving the restaurant a newly found limelight."
" Even if it fails, it can be written off as a means of marketing expense. What Is there to lose, right?"
Taf pressed his point home as the discussion continued in the night.
" Maybe you are right in your thinking, and it wouldn't be such a bad thing to try something new. I'm getting old and set in my ways, which sometimes can be wrong.
 That's why fresh blood and innovation is always a need in business."
The wrinkles showed on his face as time could be said not to be a friend. Taf has noticed the changes in these four years but has said nothing.
" I wanted to discuss something with you about the business."
Taf looked surprised as he heard Mr Ming's voice quiver a bit.
" I have gotten old, and this business will be too much for me within a decade or more.
With both daughters now married and taking care of their families, there is no one to continue the business when I am gone.
 Could you take it over when I pass? I know you will probably leave the city within the next few years, but think of it as a retirement plan."
Old man Ming had a proud look as he patted the boy's shoulder that he had watched grow,
" They say a man aims to be immortal through the lives of his children after procreation.
For me, this is partially true. While half of it might be that, the other half is this business I built on my own.
I don't want it to die like myself and if it is to live. I want it to be survived by those I love. Maybe you could hand it down to a grandchild of mine in the future.
Haha!
Better yet, become a cultivator and watch it flourish for aeons."
Old man Ming joked as he looked at the child before him.
" Taking care of your business when you're gone would be a pleasure, old man Ming.
In my eyes, this place is not just a business but where the first loving memories I've made were birthed. It is my home, an oasis in the desert."
Taf responded with a bit of vigour in his speech,
 "Even if I become a powerful being, whenever I come to this place, it will be my humbling,
Haha!
Yet why are we talking about such pitiful things? I'm sure you have decades remaining in those old bones."
Taf laughed as he looked at the seemingly proud old man Ming.
" Kiddo, you sure know what to say to keep this old man spirit alive and kicking. Ok, regarding your idea, I approve it and starting tomorrow, we will put it into action and see the result."
Hopefully, you still will be my lucky charm once more when we take this plan to completion."
Old Man Ming got up as he looked at the excited child.
" Kid taking you is was one of the best choices. In my eyes, you are just like my flesh and blood. You have made me so proud over the years."
He walked off as Taf sat on the chair as droplets of water could be seen dripping off the floor below him.
Unedited Version
To be continued...