"Have you chosen the location of your restaurant yet? Is it still in the East District?"
Shiller and Cobblepot were led by a waiter into the Falcone Manor. While walking, Shiller was inquiring about Cobblepot's new restaurant.
"Yes, the location has been selected. It's not far from the East Dock, just near the Edward Family's mansion," Cobblepot replied.
"It appears you are quite ambitious," Shiller remarked with a smile.
"Thanks to the Godfather," Cobblepot replied, looking downwards. "The area was initially ant to cater to the rich. When I suggested transforming it into a regular restaurant that dock workers could also visit, he didn't object."
"That indicates his confidence in you."
Shiller looked straight ahead. Through the lengthy veranda, he could already see the silhouette of the Godfather seated at the head of the restaurant table. Despite the ti that had passed, he hadn't aged much and still exuded vitality.
As the two of them entered the restaurant, Shiller and Falcone embraced each other. It had indeed been a long ti since their last eting.
After all, ever since Alberto began managing the Falcone Family business, he scarcely had ti to attend classes. Only Evans continued attending university regularly. However, Shiller rarely tutored him privately because his grades were excellent.
"God bless you, Professor, what have you been up to recently?" Falcone asked.
"The sa old things." Shiller, having taken a cigar from the waiter, took a puff before saying, "Preparing lessons, teaching, writing papers. Plus, I've beco the tutor of the two Wayne Family children, so I'm also giving them lessons."
Taking a cigar for himself and inhaling, Falcone chuckled, "I didn't expect Little Wayne to have a child so soon. But it's fine, it's about ti for Evans to get married."
"If a man doesn't marry, he'll forever remain a boy. I understand this very well." The Godfather lightly tapped the table and spoke, "If he can't learn to bear the responsibility of a family, and doesn't understand how to protect a woman and children, then he has no say in anything. That's how I've always ruled the Twelve Families."
"A family does make a man more mature," Shiller paused before adding, "But so n need to learn more."
It seed that Falcone had inferred who he was referring to. He revealed a relaxed smile and said, "If a man chooses a path that is destined to be challenging, he should bear it himself. Often, he will have to sacrifice much."
Shiller turned to see that Falcone had narrowed his eyes. Among the hovering smoke, he seed to be recalling sothing.
"Your Excellency, perhaps we all think this way when trying to teach soone. We always hope to impart more, but clearly understand that speaking alone is futile. Sotis, you don't wish for them to pay a price, yet you know that they must."
"At such tis, I evaluate what price he has to pay. If it's just a fall, then let him fall." Falcone leaned to his left, resting his elbow that was holding the cigar on the arm of the chair.
"Everyone is bound to experience bleeding wounds at so point or the other in their lives, be it today or tomorrow. Given this, just let it be." Falcone waved his hand and spoke.
Shiller chuckled and said, "Is it the sa for Evans?"
"Of course not, he's far from being a mature man," Falcone released a puff of smoke as he said, "He's doing better recently and perhaps, after marrying, he'll improve even more."
"Let's talk business now, Cobblepot, how is your restaurant coming along? Have you started construction yet?" Falcone turned to Cobblepot and asked.
Cobblepot, not daring to look the Godfather directly in the eye, simply stared at the table in front of him as he spoke, "Yes, actually, the renovation is nearing completion. However, there have been so issues with the supplier we had initially contacted and I'm currently negotiating with them."
"You must show your strength." Falcone shook his head and said, "Don't use the word 'negotiate', threaten them, hold a gun to their heads, and don't forget, in Gotham, you have to be a mobster before you can be a businessman."
"The location you've chosen is both the best and the worst place. Every dock worker in the East District harbors resentnt towards it because it's their forbidden area. Regardless of how much they earn, they can't enter."
"Once, Old Edward's sister, to obtain a ticket to enter the mansion, attempted to seduce . However, I didn't fancy her so she found sobody else. She did manage to enter, but was quickly thrown out because back then, she still wasn't a mistress of the family."
"I suppose, establishing a gathering place for the mbers of the Twelve Families in the bustling area of the East District does have its own implications, right?" Shiller asked.
"Exactly, I intend to show them all the untouchable lifestyles of this world. They'll feel anger, jealousy, and near insanity."
"They won't work harder because they know that the remuneration from labor won't enable them to live such a life. Instead, they will resort to theft, robbery, and murder. I'm encouraging such behavior."
"As long as they engage in activities akin to the mob, they must submit to my rule. If everyone was law-abiding, Gotham would be dood."
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