Chapter 2

"Big brother, I just made a few casual comments. Although the words were a bit sharp and the tone a bit toxic, and I did shut down a few dozen restaurants... but did you really have to go to such lengths to force me to become a chef?!!!"

Thinking about having to be supervised by a system to learn cooking in the future, Mage felt a bit overwhelmed. If it were just about making some everyday meals, that would be fine, but the system said he had to become a great chef!

Great chef? Are you kidding me? Mage felt like cursing.

"Father, are you feeling unwell anywhere?" Amy reached out and touched Mage's face, a bit worried. She felt that today's father seemed a bit different from before, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what was different.

Feeling the warmth on his face, Mage came back to his senses, tried to calm down, and forced a smile. He remembered and pulled out the last two copper coins from his pocket, placing them in Amy's hand. "Xiaomi, go buy two sweet crisp cakes. We won't cook dinner tonight."

"Really! Xiaomi loves sweet crisp cakes!" Amy's face lit up with surprise and joy. She clutched the two copper coins, climbed off the bed, kissed Mage's face, and hopped down, putting on her shoes and running out the door.

Watching Amy disappear at the door, Mage felt a pang of heartache. Sweet crisp cakes were a type of coarse grain cake that cost one copper coin each. However, for the past two years, they had barely managed to get by on the odd jobs Mage Alex did for the guild. Sweet crisp cakes were only bought for Amy during festivals.

Amy was very well-behaved and understanding. Although she wanted to eat them, she never asked for them.

But where did that system go after saying something so abruptly?

Mage stood up, supported by the bed, and walked to the old copper mirror by the wall, examining his appearance.

Due to malnutrition and long-term sun exposure, his skin was a bit yellow. His appearance was about 70-80% similar to his previous life, but his long, curly brown hair and full beard made him look a bit unkempt.

This is a complete waste of a good foundation, Mage couldn't help but complain. Going out like this would scare the kids. With such a cute little loli at home, he should at least clean himself up a bit.

After that incident, his previous self almost gave up. If it weren't for Amy, he might have ended his glorious life three years ago.

The little one has suffered a lot following you. From now on, I'll make up for it! Mage clenched his fists, but felt a lack of strength.

His broken limbs made it hard to exert any force. Mage felt like a cripple, even struggling to make a fist.

And the current state of the house could be described as destitute. The room only had one bed, and the only small blanket on it was for Amy to sleep under.

Forget about becoming a great chef; with the last two copper coins spent, even tomorrow's meal would be a problem. It seems the key to solving this lies with the system.

"The system has issued the first task: Own a restaurant of your own. The host only needs to provide the land for the restaurant, and the system will renovate the restaurant according to the host's chosen style. The task is time-limited to three days. Completing the task will result in a reward, and failure will result in a punishment." The system's neutral voice rang out again.

Own a restaurant? Mage was taken aback. Hearing the system's words, he felt a surge of joy, suddenly thinking the system wasn't so unreliable.

Although his previous self had a tough life, the most reliable thing was that after coming to the City of Chaos, the first thing he did was buy this two-story building. Although it was an old two-story building and located in the most remote corner of the Adin Square, the entire building was his.

And although the location was a bit remote, the ground floor could still be used as a shop. Previously, someone had asked to rent it, but his stubborn previous self refused, which is why they ended up in such a dire situation that even a copper coin for a sweet crisp cake became a luxury.

Mage slowly descended the stairs, holding onto the wall. The wooden floor creaked due to its age, and several steps were already broken, making it a dangerous building.

After finally making it downstairs, Mage panted heavily. This body was in such poor condition. He used to be able to tear apart orcs, but now he had to stop and rest after just a few steps. Mage suddenly understood why his previous self had given up. If it were him, he probably wouldn't have the courage to live on either.

"System, will there be a reward to improve my body after completing the task?" Mage asked in his mind, subconsciously clenching his fists.

"Not currently." The system's cold voice replied.

If not now, does that mean there might be in the future? Mage's eyes lit up. If he had to continue living with this body, he wasn't sure how long he could hold on. But if the system could restore his body, even if he couldn't reach the level of the First Knight, being able to live a normal life would be enough.

In his previous life, he had money, women, and power—things others would strive for their entire lives, he was born with. So for a long time after the age of thirty, he began to ponder life, trying to figure out what he truly wanted, but he couldn't find a goal.

At that time, reviewing food and restaurants was his most passionate hobby, even a bit nitpicky and toxic, but it was just a momentary satisfaction. Looking back at those reviews later, he only felt more emptiness.

But now, things are different. He has a lovely daughter, living at the bottom of society. Whether it's restoring his body or giving his daughter a better life, learning to cook and opening a restaurant is something that requires long-term effort.

Having a clear dream and goal made Mage feel like his heart started beating again.

Nobles stomping their feet in long queues, elves disregarding etiquette to eat skewers, dragons holding ladles gathered around hot pots, demons eating cute buns... Mage imagined this scene and found it even more interesting.

The first floor was spacious, about eighty square meters with the removal of a half-wall. There were some wooden boards and other clutter on the ground, and a dark, simple kitchen at the back.

Leaving such a space unused and refusing to rent it out, being poor can't be blamed on fate... Mage shook his head. However, the previous owner's efforts have benefited the next, and at least the first task's condition is met. He said in his mind, "Provide the land for the restaurant."

The system has detected that the property rights of this house belong to the host, and the location is suitable for a restaurant. The task is completed. Please choose the restaurant's renovation style.

The system's voice rang out, and suddenly a row of 3D images appeared in Mage's mind, showing Chinese classical style, country style, Western restaurant style... basically any style available on the market could be found, making Mage a bit overwhelmed.

"Since the chefs' resentment brought me here, I'll definitely learn their dishes, and Chinese restaurants will be the main focus. However, I've been to many Western restaurants and various trendy places, so I'm not sure how many will appear in the future." Mage didn't rush to choose.

After careful consideration, Mage felt that he couldn't stick to one specific style. Otherwise, a traditional Chinese restaurant serving a plate of steak with knives and forks would have been something he would have criticized harshly in the past.

A simple and comfortable style that can accommodate more guests would be best. He was already looking forward to the scene of the restaurant filled with customers.

This is it!

Mage's eyes lit up as he looked at a restaurant with a touch of classical European style. The overall tone was brown, decorated with intricate patterns, and hung with European-style lamps. The tables were simple brown wooden rectangular tables for four, with matching wooden chairs without armrests. There was also a long counter with a single-person table attached, which could easily accommodate sixteen tables, clearly designed to seat many people.

The long counter led to a semi-open kitchen, with transparent glass allowing a view from the kitchen to the outside, but the height of the glass blocked the view of the stove.

The overall style was simple and grand, capable of accommodating any cuisine, and even sitting and eating skewers wouldn't feel out of place.

"Perfect!" Mage nodded in satisfaction, ready to finalize it, but then hesitated and asked, "System, does the restaurant renovation include the second floor?"