The days after the encounter with Don Carlo's enforcers were a whirlwind for Evan and his restaurant. Word of his culinary skills—and his bold defiance of the mafia—spread like wildfire. Locals flocked to the trattoria, eager to try dishes they'd only heard about in hushed whispers: the fiery Inferno Diablo Pasta, the elegant Mediterranean Symphony, and a tiramisu so perfect it allegedly brought a customer to tears.
But Evan knew success had its costs. As he stood in the bustling kitchen, tossing pasta in a pan with one hand and chopping fresh basil with the other, a nagging thought lingered in the back of his mind: When will Don Carlo strike back?
That evening, just as the dinner rush began to slow, the bell above the door jingled. Evan glanced up from the counter to see a peculiar figure enter: a man in a perfectly tailored white suit, his silver hair slicked back like polished marble. He radiated charisma and menace in equal measure.
Sophia froze mid-step, her tray wobbling precariously. "Evan," she whispered, her voice tight with panic. "That's… him."
"Don Carlo?" Evan asked, his stomach sinking.
Sophia nodded.
Evan wiped his hands on his apron and stepped out from behind the counter, his heart pounding but his face calm. "Welcome to La Trattoria di Saito. What can I do for you?"
Don Carlo's piercing blue eyes swept the room, taking in every detail: the packed tables, the buzzing customers, the faint smell of garlic and rosemary lingering in the air. Finally, he turned his attention to Evan, a small smile playing on his lips.
"You've made quite a name for yourself," Don Carlo said, his voice smooth as velvet. "Not many people stand up to my men and live to tell the tale."
Evan shrugged, forcing a smile. "I let my cooking do the talking."
Carlo chuckled. "Yes, I've heard about your… unique methods. That's why I'm here. You see, Evan, I'm a man of refined tastes. I appreciate excellence, whether it's in business… or in food."
He stepped closer, the air growing heavier with his presence. "So, I'll make you an offer. Cook for me. Impress me, and we'll forget this whole unpleasant business. Refuse…" He let the word hang in the air like a guillotine.
Sophia's eyes darted between Evan and Carlo, her expression pleading. Evan felt the weight of every pair of eyes in the room on him. But then, as if on cue, the system chimed in his ear:
"New Quest: Serve Don Carlo a dish worthy of his palate. Reward: +200 System Points and Skill: 'Masterful Presentation.'"
Evan's lips twitched into a smile. "I don't back down from a challenge. Have a seat, Don Carlo. Dinner's on me."
Back in the kitchen, Evan's mind raced. He had to deliver a dish so extraordinary it would silence the city's most dangerous man. The system chimed again, its tone unusually serious.
"Recommendation: Utilize all available skills to craft a multi-course tasting menu. Highlight local ingredients and showcase innovation."
"Multi-course, huh?" Evan muttered, scanning his pantry. "Let's do this."
Course One: The Prelude
Evan began with an appetizer of Caprese Clouds: bite-sized mozzarella spheres encapsulated in a basil foam, served with cherry tomato jelly. It was light, elegant, and bursting with flavor.
Course Two: The Sea's Bounty
For the main dish, Evan prepared Volcanic Sea Bass, a delicate fillet poached in a spicy tomato broth and served on a bed of black garlic risotto. The presentation was dramatic—he used dry ice to create a misty "volcanic" effect that cascaded off the plate.
Course Three: Sweet Symphony
For dessert, he crafted a deconstructed tiramisu: layers of espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone mousse, and cocoa powder, arranged in an abstract swirl that looked like a work of art.
As the plates left the kitchen, Evan's nerves were a tangled knot. He watched from the doorway as Don Carlo inspected each dish with a critical eye before taking a bite.
The restaurant fell silent, the tension palpable. Every diner seemed to hold their breath, waiting for the verdict.
Carlo's expression remained unreadable as he moved from course to course. He finished the tiramisu, set down his fork, and dabbed his mouth with a napkin. Then he leaned back in his chair and gave a single nod.
"Exceptional," Carlo said, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.
The room erupted in applause. Evan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a wave of relief washing over him.
Carlo rose from his seat and approached Evan. "You've earned my respect, Saito. But don't think this means we're friends." His smile turned razor-sharp. "Consider this a temporary truce. I'll be watching."
With that, Don Carlo turned and left, his white suit glowing under the streetlights.
As the door swung shut, Sophia burst into laughter, half from relief and half from disbelief. "You actually pulled it off!"
Evan grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I guess cooking really is my weapon."
The system chimed in:
"Quest Complete! Reward: +200 System Points and Skill: 'Masterful Presentation' Unlocked."
Later that night, as Evan closed up the restaurant, he couldn't help but smile. He'd faced the city's most feared man and come out on top—with nothing but a spatula and a dash of courage.
But as he locked the door, a thought lingered in his mind. Don Carlo might be satisfied for now, but this was far from over.
The Godly Chef System chimed softly in his ear, almost as if agreeing:
"New challenges await. Stay vigilant, User."
Evan smirked. "Bring it on."