Chapter 514 Familiar Taste
While Mrs. Garcia was plotting to snag James' secret recipe, Hestia was busy overseeing the renovation of their shop.
The entire building was owned by Horizon Vista Properties, so Hestia had the workers pulling three shifts around the clock, and of course, they were paid triple the usual rate.
With such dedication, Great Grandma's Black Tea was transformed in less than two days. The renovation was luxurious, and all the equipment was installed.
Since all the materials used were imported and eco-friendly, the shop would be ready for use after just two days of airing out.
James didn't skimp on treating the hardworking renovation crew. Besides the triple pay, he also prepared daily thank-you gifts for them.
At one point, he considered having his parents brew their top-tier black tea for the crew to build some early buzz for Grandma's Black Tea. But after noticing a nearby tea shop, he changed his mind.
This tea shop, about a hundred square feet, looked a bit run-down and business was slow. The only person in the shop was the owner, Idris Stewart.
James, always one to leave room for others to make a living, knew that once Great Grandma's Black Tea opened, Idris' business would suffer even more. So, for the past few days, he had been buying tea in bulk from Idris.
After a few visits, Idris got to know James and handed him a cigarette with a smile.
"James, you're a good guy," Idris said. "These past few days, you've tripled my sales. I know my tea isn't the best, but it's not terrible either. You must have something special to open such a big tea shop. Are you worried I'll go out of business?"
Idris joked, flashing a bright smile. The sunlight highlighted his lazy, chubby face, giving James a sense of the hardships he had endured.
"Even though this is legitimate business and my target is the Garcia Group, it will still impact your business," James said, waving off the cigarette. "So, the tea I've been buying is both an apology and an attempt to make a friend."
James smiled. "Idris, to be honest, without my tea shop, your business wouldn't be great either. Have you thought about switching careers?"
Idris didn't seem worried at all, even though James knew the rent for the small shop was nearly $2,000 a month.
"Although my tea-making skills aren't great, it's one of the two ways I can make some money," Idris said, scratching his head with a smile.
"Switching careers would mean going back to my old job or begging on the street corner. But don't worry, I don't blame you. If your shop opens, I'll just lower my tea prices and still make some money. After all, the shop is mine."
"And most importantly, I've saved up a bit," he reassured James. "Even if I don't run a tea shop, I can live comfortably for the rest of my life."
"Idris, you sound like you come from money," James joked. "What was your old job?"
Idris leaned against the counter. "My old job? I was a hunter, but I haven't done that in years. My gun's all rusty now."
He had a carefree attitude, but when he mentioned his rusty gun, a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes, as if he was recalling something long forgotten.
"You're quite the character," James said, chuckling at Idris's joke. He glanced around the small shop. "Idris, it's fate that we met. How about this: you sell me your shop, and I'll pay you double the market rent."
"That way, you can make money without any effort, and I won't feel guilty about taking your business."
"If you get bored, you can join us. We're hiring a lot of people, and with your experience, I can offer you a high salary."
James made the suggestion, thinking Idris was a decent person and wanting to help him out.
"Hahaha, James, you're a good guy, but doing business like this will make you lose money," Idris laughed. "You don't need to feel guilty. Just run your tea shop well. If your business thrives, I won't be jealous; I'll be happy for you. If I really can't make it, I'll swallow my pride and sell you the shop."
"But selling it now would mean giving up, and I'd be a burden to you," he said, giving James a firm pat on the shoulder. "Do your best. I'll bring you a flower basket on your opening day."
"Deal," James said, shaking his hand with a smile. "Come support us on opening day."
"Definitely," Idris nodded.
James waved goodbye to Idris and carried several bottles of tea back to his shop.
Watching James leave, Idris put a cigarette in his mouth, a gentle smile on his face. Just as he was about to comment on the interesting James, his eyes narrowed.
He spotted a woman in a long dress not far away. She had a guitar slung over her back, a wildflower in her hair, and a camera in her hand.
She was basking in the sunlight, snapping pictures here and there, looking carefree and content.
"An unfamiliar face with a familiar vibe," Idris murmured.
---
James returned to the shop, which was being cleaned, and handed out the tea to the dozens of workers. He then gave a bottle to Hestia with a smile.
"Thanks for all your hard work these past few days."
Without Hestia's help, the tea shop wouldn't have been ready so quickly. Seeing his parents' pleased expressions made James happy.
"Glad you noticed. So, are you going to treat me to a nice lunch?" Hestia said, wiping the letters of Grandma's Black Tea and glancing at the building across the street. "Treat me well, and I'll find an ad agency to promote your shop."
She lifted her chin. "I'll make sure your tea shop opens with a bang."
"Lunch is a given," James said, knowing Hestia was doing this to spite Allan, but she had been busy for days. "What do you want to eat? I'll take you there."
Hestia was about to respond when her phone vibrated. She answered it and then smiled. "James, you're in luck. You don't have to treat me this time."
"Come with me to the Azure Palace Hotel. My mom wants to see you again."
She smiled sweetly. "You pointed out her stomach issue last time, which helped her catch it early and save her life. She wants to thank you."
Thinking of Lavinia's high and mighty demeanor, James felt a headache coming on. But he decided to go with Hestia to check on her mom's condition, as a way to repay Hestia.
He took off his hard hat, gave Christopher and the others a few instructions, and then left with Hestia.
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