Repairing A Broken Home With My Patriarch System

”The discount is too high, obviously. But that’s not the only problem.” His lips curled in a sneer. ”While I only used the discounting strategy to push the sales of our oranges for a limited time, they’re applying it to all their fruits and without a time limit.”

Evelyn slowly nodded. ”So, sooner or later, they’re going to make losses that can’t be restored.”

Ethan smiled slightly. ”Their losses wouldn’t be that bad if they are smart enough to take down the discount before it’s too late. However, if they do, there will be a problem.”

Unexpectedly, it wasn’t Evelyn who spoke next.

”What problem?”

Both parents turned to their daughter who had been listening attentively.

Ethan was a little surprised, but was also impressed. It would be good if she learned something from this.

”Well, the problem is that the customers who arrive late will no longer trust them. And rumors spread fast too. Their reputation would plummet.”

Nora nodded in understanding, while Evelyn looked at them sympathetically.

”So they’re screwing themselves, huh...”

Ethan looked at her in surprise, as he didn’t think she’d say something like that. It was amusing, though, because she had said it while feeling pity.

’This woman really does have her charm.’ He nodded to himself, then turned to answer another customer that was already approaching.

The family of three no longer bothered with their competitors and simply minded their own business.

Somehow, their shop actually attracted more customers, with most of them being people Ethan had given smoothie ideas yesterday. Some came with friends and families, buying even more than they did previously.

After two hours, Ethan once again took Nora with him as they went to buy food at the familiar restaurant while Evelyn stayed behind and attended to customers.

”Hey, Nora. What do you want to eat today?”

The girl pursed her lips, thinking. ”I... I don’t know...”

”Hm,” Ethan thought for a moment, then suggested. ”Do you want rice, then? We could have any kind you want.”

”Alright, I’ll eat that...” Nora nodded, showing a tiny smile.

The young man led her to the restaurant, and after a few minutes of waiting, they were served two plates of rice.

Before Nora could start eating, Ethan stopped her.

”Wait,” He said. ”How about we play a game?”

Nora paused, curious. ”What game?”

Rubbing his palms together so he looked like a shady dealer, Ethan lowered his voice and answered.

”We’re going to play rock-paper-scissors. Whoever wins gets to eat a bite of the other person’s food. Do you want to play?”

Nora’s eyes narrowed, and she looked at him suspiciously.

She wanted to refuse, but thinking of her father’s food as an extra plate of food, she was tempted.

”Okay.”

”Good,” Ethan smiled. ”Let’s start. 1...2...3!”

Nora’s hand spread flat in the form of a paper, while Ethan’s hand clenched into a rock.

His eyes widened in disbelief. ”I... lost?”

Nora’s lips curled slightly, and she eagerly dug her spoon into his food, taking a bite for herself.

Ethan looked upset for a moment, but he was quickly filled with determination again.

”Again. 1...2...3!”

Nora repeated paper, while Ethan repeated rock. His expression showed absolute surprise and dismay.

The little girl snorted, taking another spoonful from his plate.

Ethan’s expression became serious, and he said, ”Again. 1...2...3!”

This time, Nora played scissors, while Ethan ’coincidentally’ played paper.

”No way...”

Nora laughed lightly, but immediately covered her lips. Ethan pretended not to notice, too absorbed in his loss.

”How could this be...? At this rate, I won’t be able to eat anything.”

His eyes narrowed as he watched her eat his food again.

”Fine. Let’s go again. 1...2...3!”

This time, Ethan won by playing a rock that crushed her scissors.

He eagerly took a large spoonful of the girl’s food, wearing a smug smile on his face.

Inwardly, he was cringing so badly. ’This is definitely not something someone of my status should be doing. Playing with kids is really not my thing, but I really want this girl to open up. She’s too reserved.’

Despite the awkwardness, he didn’t stop. They continued playing the game, and he won a few more times—two, to be precise.

Watching as she ate her own portion of rice peacefully, he rested his head on the table.

”What a loss...”

Nora glanced at him, her lips curling when she saw him still saddened by the loss.

’Hmph! That’s good for him.’

After eating for a while, she paused. He had only eaten a few spoons, so he was definitely hungry, right?

A hesitant expression appeared on her face, and she carefully called out to him.

”Daddy...”

Ethan raised his head. ”Hm? Do you need something?”

She shook her head, then pushed her plate to him. ”I’m not eating anymore. You can have it.”

Ethan was a little surprised, and he sat up properly. ”Are you sure? Does your tummy hurt?”

Nora shook her head. ”I’m already full. I don’t want it anymore.”

”Alright.”

He could see that she genuinely wanted to give him the food, so he didn’t refuse. Once he was done eating, he went to pay for the food while collecting the extra takeaway.

Holding Nora’s hand, they walked back to the shop without saying a word.

Ethan enjoyed the silence, especially after noticing that Nora was no longer uncomfortable around him. At least, that was a good thing.

When they arrived at the shop, Ethan’s eyes narrowed when he spotted a young woman with long black hair helping Evelyn to sell.

After recognizing her as Evelyn’s friend, he sighed.

’Another criticism coming today?’

He was already prepared for it. As soon as Ethan approached, the young woman’s eyes snapped to him, blazing with hot fury.

He remembered that the last time they had met, she had almost slapped him.

Well, not exactly him, but the original Ethan.

’Not like I’d take that anyway...’

Shrugging, he walked into the shop with Nora.

”What are you doing here, Ethan?”

He released Nora’s hand and turned to the young lady. ”Excuse me?”

”Hoh! You want to play dumb, huh?” She sneered.

However, before she could say anything else, Evelyn pulled her hand and spoke, frowning.

”Cassie, stop. Please, okay?”

Nora looked at her mother in surprise. Ethan was slightly astonished, while the woman named Cassie was shocked.

Was Evelyn... defending him?