In the gaming world, Jake and his team continued their journey without any further unexpected incidents. The travel went smoothly that day. With Yue Fei gone, Eli was now in charge of Skylark Camp, so there were no troubles caused by anyone towards Jake and his team.
The next morning, shortly after Jake finished his training, he received a text message notification from the bank. Soon after, Dirk called him.
"Hey, Jake, did you receive the notification? The money is in your account now, right?" Dirk said over the phone. "After deducting the commission, we each have 40,375,000. I rounded it up for you. Take a look if everything is in order."
Jake checked the message and indeed saw that his account had received 41,000,000. With an additional 41,000,000 in his account, even though Jake was mentally prepared for it, he couldn't help but feel excited. He had gone from being a relatively poor individual with just a five-digit savings balance, heavily reliant on the recent success of his barbecue business, to becoming a multimillionaire. The contrast was staggering.
"Dirk, I received the money. Thank you," Jake expressed his gratitude.
"What are you thanking me for? This is what you deserve," Dirk replied. "To be honest, I benefited from you and got 40 million for free."
Both of them had earned a substantial amount of money, and Jake's contribution was indeed greater. After ending the call with Dirk, Jake immediately took a taxi to the storefront he had previously chosen and contacted the shop's original owner, Mr. Gage.
When Jake arrived at the location, Gage had not yet arrived. Jake looked at the locked storefront, feeling exhilarated, and muttered to himself, "This storefront will belong to me soon!"
"Mr. Jake, you called me here in such a hurry. Have you gathered the funds, or do you no longer intend to purchase it? We agreed beforehand that even if you change your mind, the deposit is non-refundable," Gage's voice came from behind Jake.
"Gage, you're here?" Jake turned to face him. "Yes, I've gathered the funds. I can transfer the money immediately and sign the contract."
"Gathered the funds already? That's quick," Gage said in surprise.
During their last meeting, Gage could see Jake's affection for this storefront. At the time, he also believed that Jake didn't have much money since he seemed quite troubled. However, Jake had managed to gather the required funds so quickly.
"Well, I found a way," Jake replied.
Gage gave Jake a thumbs-up. "Mr. Jake, you're truly impressive. In that case, let's proceed with the paperwork and sign the contract."
Gage was currently in need of funds, so he was quite satisfied that Jake managed to gather the money so quickly. After completing all the necessary paperwork, the two of them were busy for most of the day until the afternoon.
"From now on, this place will belong to Mr. Jake. I wish you great success and abundant wealth in the future," Gage said to Jake after everything was settled, and he changed his way of addressing him.
However, upon learning that Jake intended to open a restaurant, Gage didn't genuinely believe that Jake's business would be successful. He thought it was just a young person's arrogance, wanting to try something even if he didn't have the capability. So, Gage's words were more polite gestures than genuine wishes.
"Thank you," Jake expressed his gratitude. "If you have time in the future, Gage, you can come back and visit. I promise you'll see a different situation."
Jake also knew that the other party might not believe he could defeat Kailomen and establish himself here, but Jake had confidence in himself.
"Okay, when I have time, I'll come back to visit," Gage said.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gage left, leaving Jake alone in the spacious restaurant. Jake immediately called Alan and asked him to come over. Then, Jake went to a nearby supermarket to buy some vegetables and rice.
By the time Alan arrived, Jake had just finished cooking their first meal.
"You're here? It's perfect timing. I've just finished cooking. Come and eat with me," Jake invited Alan.
"I've already eaten, but when I smell the food you've cooked, my stomach starts growling again," Alan replied with a grin.
He sat down next to Jake, but after taking a bite, he was surprised and asked, "Master, how can you cook here?"
"I bought this place, so it belongs to me now. Of course, I can cook here," Jake replied casually while eating.
The taste was excellent. Jake already possessed advanced culinary skills, and with the added boost from the White Crane Jade Pendant, his culinary level had reached the level of a master. Although he had only prepared a few dishes casually, the flavor was unparalleled.
"Master, you bought it? You have money now?" Alan asked in excitement.
"Yeah, I just finished all the paperwork. That's why I called you over," Jake explained.
"That's fantastic!" Alan exclaimed. "Master, please let me stay and assist you. I'm familiar with everything in the kitchen, and I promise there won't be any mistakes."
Alan had been hoping that Jake would buy the restaurant. In that case, he, as Jake's disciple, could return to the kitchen. Compared to running a barbecue stall, Alan much preferred working in a kitchen.
"Be my assistant?" Jake shook his head.
"Is it not possible?" Alan's face, which had been filled with excitement, suddenly dimmed. "I understand, I was too hasty. I haven't been your disciple for long, and it's only natural that you're unwilling to teach me or share your secrets."
Alan, having spent many years in the culinary world, knew that skilled chefs were not eager to take on apprentices, let alone teach them their most precious skills. He had only been with Jake for a short time, and Jake had valid concerns.
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Jake chuckled.
"Is it not okay?" Seeing Jake's rejection, Alan's face turned slightly bitter. "I understand, it's my fault for being too impatient. I've only been your disciple for a short time, and it's only natural that you're unwilling to teach me."
Alan knew that experienced chefs were often reluctant to teach their apprentices or share their most valuable skills. His time with Jake had been short, and he understood Jake's hesitation.
Jake shook his head and replied, "You're misunderstanding. I don't want you to be my assistant; I want you to be the head chef of this restaurant."