Kai gazed at the maître d' standing inside the Glass Door Restaurant's entrance. "What membership card?" Kai inquired.
The maître d' explained, "Our restaurant offers exclusive membership programs. The Diamond Card, Platinum Card, and Gold Card each provide unique perks and access to private rooms."
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted, "Sophia, is that you?"
Sophia's eyes widened as she recognized the speaker – none other than Mrs. Ratu Kanye, a regular customer at the grocery store where Sophia worked. Mrs. Kanye often made Sophia's day miserable with her condescending attitude.
"Mrs. Kanye, what brings you here?" Sophia asked, surprised.
Mrs. Kanye sneered, "I'm a member, of course. I didn't know you frequented high-end restaurants like this."
Sophia replied calmly, "I came here to eat."
Mrs. Kanye raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how much one meal costs here? You need a membership card. Obviously, you don't know how it works here. Why come somewhere you can't afford?"
Kai, finished with his inquiry, turned to his mother. "Mom, we can go now."
Mrs. Kanye's gaze shifted to Kai. "And who's this young man?"
Sophia introduced, "This is my son, Kai."
Mrs. Kanye scrutinized Kai, her expression filled with curiosity.
The maître d' intervened, "Sir, here is your Diamond Card."
Mrs. Kanye's eyes widened as she processed the information. "Diamond Card... That's a minimum of two hundred thousand rand in the account... Two million rand to spend over several months."
She thought to herself, "I only borrowed my friend's card to boast, and they have a Diamond Card, the most exclusive membership."
Kai's eyes met Mrs. Kanye's, sensing her surprise and envy.
As Kai and Sophia entered the Glass Door Restaurant, they were enveloped by opulence. The grandeur of the high ceiling, adorned with crystal chandeliers, took their breath away. Soft golden lighting illuminated the lavish décor, featuring rich wood accents and plush carpeting. The aroma of exquisite cuisine wafted through the air, teasing their senses.
The maître d', Matthew, escorted them past stunned diners, including Mrs. Kanye, whose face still wore an expression of shock and awe.
Kai requested, "We'd like a private room, please. The best one available for two people."
Matthew's eyes sparkled. "Our presidential suite is available, sir. It's sixty thousand rand for the evening, and we cater only the finest cuisine and service."
Kai nodded, unfazed. "That's perfect. We'll take it."
Mrs. Kanye's thoughts echoed in her mind, "Sixty thousand rand for a private room? Are they insane?"
Matthew presented the bill, and Kai produced the black card, paying with ease.
The surrounding diners' eyes widened, their whispers and gasps audible. "Is that a black card? Unbelievable!"
As Kai and Sophia followed Matthew to the presidential suite, Sophia whispered, "Kai, this is extravagant. Fifty thousand rand just for dining?"
Kai smiled. "Get used to it, Mom. This is our new life."
Sophia's eyes sparkled with wonder. "And that black card... it has no limit, doesn't it?"
Kai's subtle nod confirmed her suspicions.
The presidential suite surpassed their expectations. The spacious room boasted a stunning city view, a private balcony, and impeccable décor. A personal butler and chef stood at attention, ready to cater to their every whim.
Matthew announced, "Your private dining experience begins now. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Kai and Mrs. Sophia."
As the door closed behind Matthew, Sophia turned to Kai. "This is incredible. I'm still getting accustomed to your spending habits."
Kai chuckled. "You'll get used to it, Mom. This is just the beginning."
Kai perused the menu, his eyes widening in awe. "Wow, look at this! Blue lobster, crab fish, oysters... the prices are staggering."
Sophia peeked over his shoulder, gasping. "Kai, look at these prices! Twenty Thousand Rand for the Pan-Seared Lobster, Five Thousand Rand for the Grilled Oysters."
Kai nodded. "Mom, this is the presidential suite. We have to choose the best meals and experience."
He leaned in, a hint of excitement in his voice. "You know, Mom, Mister Reginald gave me that Mercedes Benz S-Class outside, and this black card with no spending limit. We have to get used to this lifestyle."
Sophia's eyes sparkled, still adjusting to their new reality.
Matthew, their personal butler, reappeared. "Ma'am, sir, what may I have the pleasure of ordering for you tonight?"
Kai smiled. "We'll have the Pan-Seared Lobster, the Grilled Oysters, and the Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, please."
Sophia added, "And the Seared Scallops and the Truffle Risotto."
Matthew nodded, his expression impeccable. "Excellent choices. Would you like wine pairings?"
Kai nodded. "Yes, surprise us."
As Matthew departed, Sophia whispered, "Kai, I've never spent like this before. I'm not used to such grandeur."
Kai reassured her, "You'll get used to it, Mom. This is our life now."
Their meals arrived, and they savored each bite, exchanging stories about their shopping spree and the encounter with Mrs. Kanye.
The total bill? Sixty-Five Thousand Rand for Kai's meal and Seventy-Two Thousand Rand for Sophia's.
Sophia's eyes widened. "Kai, this is astronomical!"
Kai chuckled. "Get used to it, Mom. We're living the high life now."
As they finished their meal, Matthew returned. "Shall I prepare the dessert course, ma'am, sir?"
Kai grinned mischievously. "Surprise us, Matthew."
As they savored their dinner, Kai and Sophia delighted in the exquisite flavors. The main course was followed by a breathtaking dessert course: a Golden Opulence Chocolate Cake, adorned with 24K edible gold leaves, and a Raspberry Tiramisu, crafted with the finest Italian espresso.
Kai's eyes sparkled. "Mom, this is heavenly!"
Sophia agreed, "Yes, this is incredible."
They indulged in each bite, relishing the harmonious balance of flavors.
Upon finishing their meal, Kai proclaimed, "Mom, I think we could buy our own restaurant. Something like this."
Sophia's eyes widened. "Really, Kai?"
Kai nodded. "Yes! With my business skills, we can run it successfully. You can manage our grocery store, and we'll make it thrive."
Sophia beamed with pride. "Kai, you think I can do that?"
Kai assured her, "Yes, Mom. We'll make it happen."
Their enthusiasm grew as they discussed the possibilities.
Matthew presented the total bill: Forty Thousand Rand for the dinner, excluding the presidential suite and membership fees.
Kai's spending for the evening had surpassed Ninety Thousand Rand, just for the dishes.
As they prepared to leave, Kai smiled. "Mom, I think we've had a wonderful dinner. I'm full and content. Tomorrow's moving day, and we'll start our new life."
Sophia's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Kai. This has been an unforgettable evening."
As they lingered over dessert, the soft melody of the live piano and the gentle hum of conversation created an intimate atmosphere within the Glass Door Restaurant. The dim lighting, adorned with crystal chandeliers, cast a warm glow on the elegant décor. The aroma of exquisite cuisine and fine wine wafted through the air, teasing their senses.
Kai's gaze drifted, lost in thought. Memories of his past life flooded his mind. Just last year, he and his mother couldn't afford to dine at such an upscale establishment. A man would often mock them, saying, "Hey, poor child, you can't even afford decent clothes." Kai's eyes would meet the man's, his heart burning with determination.
He recalled the countless times he'd endured mocking and ridicule. But now, life had taken a dramatic turn. His newfound abilities had propelled him forward, allowing him to move faster and greater in life.
Kai's eyes refocused on the present, his gaze sweeping across the lavish room. He smiled, savoring the irony. Here he was, dining at the very restaurant that once seemed out of reach, with a meal costing over fifty thousand rand and a black card that held no spending limits.
The contrast between his past and present was staggering. His abilities had unlocked doors to a world he never thought possible. He could read, speak, and do things others couldn't. The memories of his struggles now fueled his appreciation for this new life.
Sophia's gentle voice brought him back to the moment. "Kai, you're lost in thought."
Kai's smile broadened. "Just reflecting on how far we've come, Mom."
Sophia's eyes sparkled with understanding. "We've indeed come a long way, son."
Just then, a loud bang echoed outside, shattering the peaceful ambiance...
Kai stood up, his eyes locked on the commotion outside. "Mum, stay here. I'll check what's going on."
His mother's voice trembled. "Kai, be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I will, Mum. Just stay here."
As Kai stepped outside, a stern voice commanded attention.
"Give me a free meal! If not, I'll blow up this place!"
A pot-bellied man, flanked by three burly accomplices, glared at the restaurant staff.
The material manager, shaken, tried to reason. "Sir, please, I'll call the manager. He'll sort you out."
The manager arrived, attempting to placate the man. "Sir, what can we do?"
The pot-bellied man pulled out a gun. "I want a free meal."
Kai cleared his throat, drawing attention. "You're kidding, right? You disrupt my meal, demand free food, and now threaten us?"
The man sneered. "Who are you, little brat? I'll kill you right now."
He gestured to his accomplices. "These guys will take care of you. I won't waste my time."
Kai stood firm, hands in pockets. "You're the one who'll get beaten. You come here, demanding free things, and now threaten violence?"
The man snarled. "You think you can beat us? You're just a child."
Kai took a deliberate step forward, his eyes locked on the man.
The next moment would shock the entire restaurant.