Arthur took a bite of the burger that Robert had served him and immediately noticed a unique flavor. It had a bolder taste than other burger brands but in an enjoyable way. He felt something extraordinary and special about the burger, but his limited ability to recognize the food's taste prevented him from understanding what it was exactly.
"This burger tastes really good," he thought. "What kind of seasoning did he put in it?"
"System," he said, "can I use my 20 VIP points to unlock cooking skills?"
[Host, you've finally decided to unlock a new skill after not touching your VIP points for a while.]
[Alright, 20 VIP points for Cooking Skill]
[Host: Arthur Gardner]
[Balance: 9,886,173,079,995 USD
[Body: 70 (Excellent)]
[Mind: 55 (Very Good)]
[VIP Points: 190]
[Skills - 6]
[Driving - 20 (Advanced)]
[Firearms Shooting - 20 (Advanced)]
[Common Martial Art - 20 (Advanced)]
[Piano - 20 (Advanced)]
[Singing - 20 (Advanced)]
[Cooking - 20 (Advanced)]
[Partners - 3]
[Edna Ross (22) - 82%]
[Claudina Rigal (20) - 63%]
[Alicia Morel (19) - 57%]
Arthur eagerly unlocked the Cooking skill, determined to better understand dishes and how to make them. He was confident that this skill was one he could rely on for the long term and didn't hesitate to pursue it.
"I'm hoping to open a food franchise one day, with my own unique recipes," he declared. "That way, I should be able to make more money."
Arthur sampled the burger in front of him. After unlocking his Cooking skill, he was able to truly appreciate the complexity and value of the flavors Robert had created for his signature burgers. With a satisfied nod and a smile, he placed the remainder of the burger back on the plate.
"This is incredible," Arthur said with delight, relishing the taste. "Robert, you've outdone yourself!"
"Thanks, Mr. Gardner," Robert said, shaking his head in amazement at Arthur's response.
"I really appreciate the taste of your burger. It's clear to see how you've come up with a unique flavor that I've never tasted before in popular burgers. Even though I'm not a food connoisseur, I strongly believe that the menu mix you have created is something special that can be developed further with a bit of encouragement and assistance."
Arthur spoke slowly and intently, captivating everyone's attention.
"Let me take care of all your daughter's treatment, Mr. Robert," Arthur said, his conviction shining through his voice.
"I want you to be successful in building your business in your own way, as I don't want to take advantage of the difficulties you are facing. I will cover all of your daughter's medical expenses, until she is fully recovered; you don't need to worry."
The words that he had spoken immediately made all the eyes in the studio, as well as those watching from home on television, turn to him in stunned amazement.
"What?!" Robert exclaimed, looking surprised. "Are you sure, Mr. Gardner? The treatment costs so much - are you sure you want to do this for my daughter?"
“Yes, you don’t need to worry about that.” Arthur replied calmly.
The sound of applause echoed through the studio, beginning in the corner and gradually growing louder as the audience joined in. Max ran onto the stage, enthusiastically clapping his hands as he approached Robert.
"It was a spectacular night, wasn't it?!" He said, grinning. "Mr. Gardner understands and appreciates how important this business is to Mr. Robert, and he's decided to let him run it on his own. And, in a further show of support, he'll be covering all of Mr. Robert’s daughter's medical expenses. Let's give him an even bigger round of applause!"
The applause continued for several more seconds, and many who had previously been unconvinced about Arthur began to feel admiration for him. It was unprecedented for the judges to give donations rather than funding in a Business Takeover event.
"I guess Arthur Garder must be really generous," remarked one of them. "I hear the treatment isn't cheap, after all."
A few minutes later, Robert finally stepped off the stage and Max returned to continue the show.
“Alright, everyone!” he said, beaming.
“I know you’re all getting excited. And I’m sure tonight there will be lots of truly amazing talents presenting their businesses. Like our next contestant, she’s the one who has sacrificed much for her dream, despite the opposition of many. Will she make a comeback and impress the judges tonight? Let’s give her a warm welcome, Sylvia Morin!”
Patrick had previously done a thorough analysis of the identities of several participants who would be presenting their businesses tonight, and one of them that instantly caught his attention was the young girl who was now making her way up to the stage.
He smiled faintly as he watched her, her extraordinary charm shining through. "I want her," he mumbled.
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