The smell of simmering garlic and rosemary filled the kitchen as Evan worked his magic. Despite the chaos of the lunch rush, he couldn't shake the tension gnawing at his chest. Word had reached him that someone from Don Carlo's organization was coming—not with fists or demands, but as a customer.
It didn't take long for the bell above the door to jingle, announcing the arrival of Luca, Don Carlo's right-hand man. Luca was everything you'd expect from a mafia lieutenant: tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a sleek black suit. His slicked-back hair and calm, calculating eyes gave him the air of a man who was always three steps ahead.
He scanned the bustling restaurant with a faint smirk, then walked to an empty table in the center of the room. Sophia froze mid-step, glancing nervously at Evan, who stood behind the counter.
"That's him," she mouthed.
Evan nodded, took a deep breath, and walked over. "Welcome to La Trattoria di Saito. What can I get you?"
Luca leaned back in his chair, studying Evan with an amused expression. "So, you're the chef who's got the boss talking. I've heard quite a bit about you, Mr. Saito. Figured I'd see if the rumors were true."
Evan forced a smile. "Then I hope you came hungry. What can I make for you?"
Luca picked up the menu, his eyes barely glancing over it. "Surprise me," he said, setting it down. "Bring me your best. And while you're at it…" He gestured toward the crowded dining room. "Let's talk."
The System's Advice
As Evan darted back into the kitchen, the system chimed in his ear:
"New Quest: Turn a threat into an ally. Reward: Skill—'Negotiator's Charm.'"
Evan muttered under his breath. "Turning a mafia enforcer into an ally? No pressure or anything."
The system continued:
"Recommendation: Build rapport through culinary excellence. Leverage storytelling to disarm hostility."
Evan rolled his eyes but couldn't help a smirk. "Guess I'll need more than just good food for this one."
A Meal to Remember
Evan decided to craft a multi-course tasting menu that would showcase both his skills and his creativity. Each dish carried a personal touch, a story tied to his family and his journey.
Course 1: Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
A simple yet elegant starter, using tomatoes grown in a small patch behind the restaurant. Evan personally picked them that morning.
Course 2: Charred Octopus with Lemon Aioli
A tribute to his mother's adventurous cooking style, elevated with modern techniques.
Course 3: Truffle Risotto
A creamy, aromatic dish that his father had perfected, representing the heart of the restaurant's legacy.
Luca's expression softened as he worked through the courses, savoring each bite. By the time Evan served the final dish—Course 4: Tiramisu Reimagined—the icy barrier between them seemed to thaw.
As Luca took a bite of the tiramisu, his lips curled into a faint smile. "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all."
Evan sat across from him, wiping his hands on his apron. "I take it the rumors lived up to expectations?"
Luca nodded, setting his fork down. "They did. But don't let it go to your head. The boss doesn't care how good your cooking is if you're a problem."
Evan folded his arms. "I'm not trying to be a problem. I'm just trying to run a restaurant. Your guys showed up demanding money, and I stood up for myself. That's all there is to it."
Luca's gaze sharpened. "Standing up to Don Carlo isn't something most people survive."
"I'm not most people," Evan replied, his voice steady.
The two stared at each other for a long moment before Luca chuckled and stood. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. I'll let the boss know how this went."
He paused at the door, glancing back. "One piece of advice: respect is earned, but only fools think it's permanent. Watch your back."
Quest Complete
As Luca disappeared into the night, the system chimed:
"Quest Complete! Reward: Skill—'Negotiator's Charm.'"
Evan felt a strange warmth wash over him as the new skill integrated into his abilities. He couldn't explain it, but he felt more confident, more composed, as if the weight of the encounter had sharpened his resolve.
Sophia approached, her eyes wide. "What just happened? Did we pass some kind of test?"
Evan grinned, wiping his brow. "I think so. But something tells me it's not the last one."
In the Shadows
Across the city, in the dim light of Don Carlo's study, Luca stood before his boss, recounting the evening.
"The kid's good," Luca admitted. "Better than good. He knows how to use his food to win people over. He even had the nerve to challenge me—without saying it outright."
Carlo puffed on his cigar, his eyes narrowing. "Interesting. And what do you recommend we do with him?"
Luca hesitated. "If we push too hard, he'll push back. He's got the neighborhood behind him now. It might be smarter to let him think he's safe… for now."
Carlo leaned back, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Let him cook. The higher he rises, the harder he'll fall."