12 Making A Choice 2 (1/2)

”Am I going to do this?” Alan thought to himself.

Here was a perfect opportunity, almost a heaven-sent opportunity, to start his own business.However, the system had made it very clear he wouldn't be able to advance further in the missions.Could he really be successful in the long term relying only on his ultimate cup of joe?

He shook his head doubtfully.A cafe with only one product wouldn't work for long, and if he never added more items or the other items weren't on par with the ultimate cup of joe, his client base would be upset.

He spoke to Tom.”I appreciate it, but I want to own my own cafe.”

Tom looked baffled.”Right, but this could be a good step in the meantime, no?”

Alan begged the system one last time.”System, could you make an exception and give me the reward for renting a cafe, rather than owning one?”

”Host, as the future owner of the world's most luxurious cafe, you must never compromise.Compromise is the bane of luxury.”

Alan sighed before saying to Tom, ”My pride won't let me settle for anything less than owning my own cafe.”

Tom was disbelieving.He thought he'd finally found the perfect way to ensure he could get his coffee going forward, but then this darn square kept on spouting off about his pride again.

”Alan, it was your pride that got you fired in the first place.I admire your commitment to your principles, but there is no shame in settling here.You need to learn to bend a little.”Tom tried to convince Alan.

Alan shook his head.Of course he wanted to bend a little, but this stupid system wouldn't let him!It wouldn't be too late to own a cafe later on.Alas, he was helpless against the system's stubbornness.

Faced with Alan's refusal Tom thought desperately for a solution.Then he realized he was overthinking!Alan just refused to rent a cafe.If he had money, he'd start his own cafe.Thus, all Tom had to do was get Alan the money he needed to start his own cafe.

”Knowing Alan's pride he won't accept the money if it comes directly from me.”Tom thought to himself, formulating a plan.

If Alan was aware of Tom's thoughts he'd have cried.”What pride?If you had money I'd accept it for sure.This future boss was even willing to accept money from an old lady for accidentally stopping a robbery!”Yes, that's what Alan would have said, but unfortunately he never had the chance.Another tragedy caused by the system occurred.

Tom came up with a perfect plan.Being in real estate, he had close ties to a number of banks.He owned a number of the buildings they operated out of, and even did some investment banking in properties through them.

Needless to say he had some pull.However, he couldn't tell Alan that, so he'd have to find another way to get Alan back to the bank so he could influence them to give him a loan.

”Here's an idea,” Tom offered slowly, choosing his words carefully.”How about you let me take a look at the business plan?I'll make some changes and make it more convincing.Maybe it'll make a difference.Then you can go back to the bank and try again.Which bank was it again?”

Alan felt relieved at the offered help, but he just said calmly, ”Thank you, I'd appreciate that.The bank is City A Bank.”

Tom suddenly thought of something and tried persuasively, ”Well, if you're really grateful make me a cup of coffee and we'll call it even.”

Alan thought.”Sure, I'll make you a cup of coffee as soon as my cafe opens its doors.”

Tom kicked the floor on the other end of the line, cursing that Alan saw through him.He just wanted to get his caffeine fix.He'd be forced to help and do so as quickly as possible like this.

Alan scanned the business plan on his phone and sent it to Tom.