The system has detected that the property rights of this house belong to Host, and its location meets the requirements for opening a restaurant. Task complete. Please, Host, choose a restaurant decoration style.

The system’s voice sounded, and at the same time, a row of 3D images suddenly appeared in Alex’s mind: Chinese classical style, country style, Western restaurant style... basically, any style available on the market could be found there, making Alex a bit dazzled.

“Since it was the resentment of those chefs that brought me here, I’ll definitely be learning their dishes, which means Chinese cuisine will be the main focus. But I’ve also been to plenty of Western restaurants, and all sorts of trendy places. I just don’t know how many will show up in the future.” Alex didn’t rush to make a choice.

After careful analysis, Alex felt that he couldn’t lock himself into a single distinctive style. Otherwise, if a classically decorated Chinese restaurant served up a steak with a knife and fork, he would have mercilessly criticized it in the past.

Simple and comfortable, and able to accommodate more guests—that’s the best. He was already looking forward to the scene of the entire restaurant filled with customers.

This is it!

Alex’s eyes lit up as he looked at a restaurant with a touch of classical European style. The overall color scheme leaned toward brown, decorated with some exquisite patterns, and hung with European-style lamps. The tables were the simplest brown solid wood rectangular tables for four, paired with armless wooden chairs. There was also a single long table attached to the counter at the front, easily fitting sixteen tables in total—clearly able to seat a lot of people.

Behind the long counter was a semi-open kitchen. Transparent glass allowed people in the kitchen to see outside, but the height of the glass was just right to block prying eyes from seeing the stove.

The overall style was simple and grand, compatible with any cuisine. Even if you were sitting there grilling skewers and chatting, it wouldn’t feel out of place.

“Perfect!” Alex nodded in satisfaction, just about to make the final decision, but hesitated and asked, “System, does the restaurant renovation include the second floor?”

Chapter 3: Let Me Show You a Magic Trick

The system’s voice sounded: This system only provides restaurant renovation, not areas outside the restaurant.

Alex habitually touched his chin with his right hand, looking at the broken staircase and the pitch-black second floor. Thinking of that bed with just a bit of straw he’d just seen, he realized there was no way to sleep there tonight. He couldn’t let his precious daughter suffer any longer—he had to improve their living conditions tonight.

Besides, he didn’t really sense much hostility from this system. The so-called punishment seemed more like a way to supervise him to work hard at learning to cook and to complete the God of Cooking mission as soon as possible.

Since that’s the case... Alex’s eyes turned, and he said in a nonchalant tone in his mind, “System, I think your statement is wrong. I’m providing the entire building as the restaurant premises, so of course you need to renovate the whole thing. I can’t accept opening a restaurant with mismatched styles. And if the second floor isn’t renovated and reinforced, what if a brick falls and kills a customer? That would be a huge problem. If it doesn’t kill them, that’s even worse—maybe I’ll get beaten to death by someone who can’t even be killed by a falling brick. Then what’s the point of learning to cook or becoming a God of Cooking? You figure it out.”

The system fell silent, as if thinking. After a while, the system’s voice sounded again: “Given the high danger level of the building, system analysis has decided to rebuild the building and renovate it. Please, Host, confirm the decoration style.”

Alex was secretly delighted. As expected, systems like this could be negotiated with. If he just let it lead him by the nose, it wouldn’t be any fun. Outwardly, though, he remained calm.

The restaurant’s decoration style was set, and for the second floor, he chose a style similar to his previous home: low-key, luxurious, and comfortable—all essential. The second floor had three rooms, a toilet, and a bathroom. For Emily’s room, he chose a soft pink decor and confirmed it with the system.

The system’s voice sounded: “Rebuilding and renovation will take thirty seconds. Please, Host, leave the room. Countdown: one minute begins...”

Thirty seconds is enough! Alex was stunned for a moment, but hearing the sixty-second countdown, he quickly shuffled toward the door, awkwardly stepped over the threshold, turned back to close the door, and saw that it was already dark outside.

“Father, did you come to pick up Emily?” Emily’s soft, cute voice sounded from behind.

Alex turned around. Emily was holding two large, yellow-brown pancakes, looking up at him. Her long eyelashes fluttered, her little face full of joy and excitement. Her father had never come out to pick her up before, but today he seemed to have come down especially to the door to meet her.

“That’s right, I came to pick up Little Emily. And I’m going to show Little Emily a magic trick.” Alex squatted down with a smile, pulled Emily into his arms, and hugged her gently.

“A magic trick?” Emily looked up at Alex in confusion, but her eyes quickly lit up. “Is it magic? Can Father make lots and lots of delicious food?”

“Yes, that’s right. Father is going to make a beautiful big house and a beautiful restaurant for Little Emily, and from now on, I’ll make you lots and lots of delicious food every day.” Alex said softly. She really was a little foodie.

“Really?” Emily’s mouth opened slightly, as if she couldn’t believe it.

“Close your eyes and count down from thirty.” Alex nodded with a smile.