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Chapter 20 – The Challenge
The day began as usual at **MaxTable**. The aroma of grilled chicken filled the air, and the customer line kept growing by the hour. Max worked with his usual calm and focus, watching over the kitchen from behind the prep window as orders flowed smoothly.
Around midday, something unexpected happened.
A tall man in a sleek grey suit and dark sunglasses entered, followed by three assistants. He stood at the entrance and declared loudly:
> "Ladies and gentlemen! My name is **Calvin Ross**, owner of the famous *FireFeast* on the west side. Today, I officially challenge this new restaurant everyone's been talking about!"
Some customers exchanged glances. One of them whispered:
> "Isn't that Calvin? His place was number one last year."
Another replied:
> "Yeah, but honestly, since MaxTable opened, nobody goes there anymore."
Calvin chuckled, then added confidently:
> "I serve elite cuisine only, using the finest ingredients from top markets. I don't need to rely on chicken to attract customers… unlike *some people*."
Max said nothing. He didn't even look up. He simply gestured to one of the staff, then swiftly prepared a plate of grilled chicken and brought it to Calvin himself.
With calm simplicity, Max said:
> "Eat."
Calvin hesitated, then scoffed, and picked up a piece of the chicken.
…
A moment of silence.
He stopped chewing. His eyes widened. Instinctively, he reached for a second bite… then a third. He said nothing. He finished the plate in silence, set his fork down, turned around, and left the restaurant without saying a word.
Silence hung for a heartbeat… then the crowd erupted in applause, with whistles and cheers echoing across the room.
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As the day came to an end, the grilled chicken ran out again. Despite the doubled effort, Max couldn't meet the last of the demand. The restaurant's fame had exceeded all expectations, and even after hours, a line still lingered outside.
Before closing the doors, the system activated.
> **A familiar translucent screen appeared in front of Max's eyes, displaying:**
```
[Divine Chef System]
Points earned today: 4819
Total Points: 10874
Wheel:
- Level One: Unlocked
- Level Two: Unlocked
- Level Three: Now Available!
```
Max smiled as the number passed the ten-thousand mark. He was ready for the next stage.
In quiet preparation, he opened the resource menu and ordered 500 more chickens for the next day, set to arrive—as usual—at 4:30 AM.
Just as he finished reviewing the order, his phone rang. A quick glance at the screen brought a subtle smile to his face.
> **"Emily Calling…"**
He answered the call, and then—
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