opportunitycosts | [ empatheias ] message box

And you're still acting like a child.

[Kind of like someone else he can think of.]

I do not act like an old man either. I don't know how you even got that idea in your head.

I'll admit that I retain my youthful spirit, but I mean come on. [All right, maybe he should tackle it a different way.] What did you do when you were a teenager?

I joined the army when I was still a young lad. There wasn't much time for fun and games when the land is constantly at war. Back then Wu had yet to be united either, so we were constantly on our guard.

[More like only you, Lu Meng.]

[...Somehow, he's not as surprised as he should be.

Well, Alvin can actually relate to how Lu Meng grew up. In fact for all his actions, he himself didn't have much of a "carefree" youthful period.

But he just sighs.]

Forget about reliving youth. You never really had one. No wonder you can't tell.

[...somehow that statement irks Lu Meng. He can TOTALLY be young and hip and carefree! Just...he doesn't really want to anymore. That's a part of his life that he's turned the page on.

Cough.]

...just because I was a soldier doesn't mean that I didn't have my...wilder moments. I wasn't always in the military either.

[That's as much a hint that Lu Meng will give Alvin.]

But I don't intend to think back on those days much. Do you?

Actually no, but for entirely different reasons. [And that's about as much as he's going to get on that (and hoping Lu Meng didn't pick up too much when he was on that burst of surprising honesty spree the other day yikes).] But you can't tell me you had wild days and not share.

[SPINS IT RIGHT ON BACK.]

Of course I can. I'm not very proud of how I acted when I was young. Besides, I'm just trying to make a point that I do know what it is like to be immature, reckless and foolish.

[He raises a hand of mock surrender.]

All right, all right. I'll take your word for it. [Even if he is very interested. It's going to come up again at some point, mark his words.

By this time they had reached the cafe, so slight timeskip as they get seated and all that. Alvin looks around curious, making note of the decor. ...Yep, definite steampunk Verens. Is their table actually a giant gear cog...?]

So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?

[To business. Lu Meng sets the basket on the cog table (yes, it is actually a giant gear cog) and lifts the flap to reveal...

...a selection of fruits!]

I remembered you mentioned that you were looking into selling fruits. Well it so happens that some of the farmers who live in hamlets far from the city are looking for help to sell their produce in the city. However, the farmers are concerned about meeting with monsters on the road to the city, and are reluctant somewhat to make the journey from their homes to here.

I thought since you were in the business, you might be interested in hearing their offer. These are some of the fruits from their orchards, they'd like you to sample them as proof of the quality of their fruits.

[His brows rise and eyes widen when he sees the fruits inside the basket. Almost instinctively he reaches in and plucks one, feeling the texture and even tossing it in the air a bit. It's not out of play, but to test the weight. It's something he learned not only with the business with Yurgen, but also the years of having to shop for himself and at times for his mother.

He then takes a knife and deftly slices out a small portion before tasting it.

...Wow.]

I recognize a few of these, but I'm guessing some are local to this place. I'm not a fruit expert, but I can definitely taste the quality. Sweet with just a hint of ripeness.

It's on par to that of Rieze Maxia.

[But now...hm.]

I'm actually kind of flattered you remembered and came to me, and I'd be all for helping them. But I actually just recently formed a partnership with with someone back home to start a café here specializing in making foods based off various recipes from our home worlds. Kind of bridging the gap through food—which I suppose isn't too different from what I was doing back home.

[He takes another slice—the fruit he has is actually pretty good so he's chewing thoughtfully.]

But I think I can still help them out so it's beneficial to both parties.

[Lu Meng leans forward slightly, hands clasped and thumbs pressed together in front of him and on the table.]

Are you suggesting to buy their fruits for your friend's cafe?

You got it. I could use their produce in our meals and help promote them. I can also talk to a few of the other restaurant owners I've been dealing with and pitch them their way, too.

It's too early to tell, but if we get off to a decent start or if they want to do it, I could probably have a small joint venture so they can sell their fruits alongside our place. The restaurant is going to be called "From the Hearth," so it would fit well with our image—and help our goal of connecting with the locals.

It would also help with improving our image with the villagers far out in the countryside. Most of them have only heard stories of us, some of which have been blown clearly out of proportion. By assisting them, we could help dispel some of those exaggerated rumours.

[He looks at Lu Meng for a moment.]

So how busy are you these days, Lu Meng?

[It's a seemingly out of the blue question, but he has his reasons.]

[That question is a bit off track. Lu Meng is a little surprised by the change in topic.]

Perhaps a little more so these days, but that's only because I have some personal matters to attend to. Why do you ask?

[Very thoughtful look.]

I was just thinking you wouldn't be a bad spokesperson for us and those farmers.

I'm not as eloquent a speaker as you are, Alvin. Though I have been trying to show them that those who cross worlds aren't as fearsome as the rumours paint us, or worse, trying to steal their land.

It's not easy and it's slow-going, but at least they've stopped staring at me. Though if you're looking to promote your restaurant...it would be good if you took a trip with me some day.

I get the feeling that they're the kind of people who'd prefer a real down to earth, honest guy like you than a city man like me. [A grin.]

But I want to meet them, anyway. Can't make a deal without meeting them first, right? So yeah, I'll be glad to come with you once I get a few things sorted from my end.

...a fair point. Though I'm sure you'll work your charm easily enough.

Very well then. Let me know when you're available, and I'll hire us both a cart and set a date.

Not a problem. I look forward to it.

Thank you for hearing me out.

[Lu Meng bows his head towards Alvin again.]

If you would not mind, I would like to ask more about your restaurant as well. Perhaps some details, like what items you are planning to place on the menu, or a location.

Not a problem.

For starters, it's just going to be a small place—kind of like this. I managed to get a lease in the area between the residential area and the square. Might not be the prime spot, but not bad for foot traffic. Besides, don't need it to be too busy.

Anyway, the menu is going to be based off foods from all of our worlds. Well, I say "all" but of course we'll have a selection. Might change it up every so often to keep things interesting. But the idea is to not only give us "Otherworlders" a taste of home, but also introduce something of us to the locals.

A cultural exchange through food.

[It's a good business proposition. Perhaps a bit too ambitious and idealistic (food is just food, isn't it?), but there's no harm in trying for the idea. If it works and actually manages to build a good relationship with the locals, then that's great for everyone.]

You must have a very skilled chef in mind then. I can't imagine it will be easy to replicate the various meals from different worlds.

[If you want to hit big, gotta dream big.]

Two, actually, both from my world. Have you ever met Milla? The one with a bit of a temper. [Alvin, is that really what you should be saying about your own partner.] She was part of that cooking competition with Sanae.

I wasn't there for the cooking competition, but I've met her before. Perhaps a little easily embarrassed, but I respect her strength and determination.

[Also she can summon a tornado. Scary.]

May I inquire on the other individual?

[ empatheias ] message box

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RETCON TO RESTAURANT. IT IS NOW A RESTURANT

RETCON COMPLETE

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