Chapter 56 Quit Your Job

56  Quit Your Job

"You are telling me, this costs only $3 per 100 grams!" said David, as he held Emily's cup of tea, with a shocked look on his face.

Noah chuckled, leaning back in his chair. He had anticipated this response. "I was playing around, you know? You've always known I love computers and engineering. So, I started a little side project and created a machine that produces this tea."

David and Caroline both stared at Noah, disbelief written across their faces. "You… created a machine?" Caroline echoed, clearly sceptical. "Are you serious, Noah? Something like this isn't just a school project. You're telling me you built a machine that can make this kind of tea?"

Noah nodded. "Well, it wasn't just me. I had a close friend who helped me with it. We've been working on this for a while. But yeah, the machine does all the hard work. It turns regular tea leaves into something special—something like this."

David sat back down, processing the information. His gaze shifted between the cup of tea and his son. "Noah… you're telling me you can produce this kind of tea, in bulk, at a price that's this low?"

"That's right," Noah confirmed, his tone steady. "I've done my research, and I think it's time to open a tea house. I've already got the budget to open the place, plus the machine. The only thing I need now is for someone to manage the shop and brew the tea for customers. And no one knows tea like you do, Dad. You know how to brew it perfectly. I want you to run the shop."

David was silent for a moment, clearly taken aback. He wanted to ask more questions—about the money, about the machine, about how all of this was happening so quickly. But before he could speak, Noah continued.

"Dad, I've thought about everything. I already know how much capital I need to start the tea house."

David narrowed his eyes. "And how much is that?"

"About $20,000 to cover rent and other utilities for the next six to eight months, depending on the location."

David leaned back, crossing his arms. "And do you have that kind of money?"

Noah nodded confidently. "I have $12,000 saved up for this. I made it from the business I've been running with Aiden. My other friend—the one who helped me with the machine—he's going to contribute the other $10,000. So, we've got the money. Plus, I've already stocked up. I have about 10 kilograms of this tea ready to go. We can use that to get started, make some money, and expand later."

David blinked, still trying to process the entire plan. Noah had clearly been thinking ahead, more than David had realized. And while he was proud of his son's ambition, part of him still struggled with the idea of leaving his steady job to take on something so risky.

"Noah," David began, his voice softening, "I'm proud of you. I didn't know you had been planning all of this. You've really put thought into it."

Noah smiled, relieved to hear those words from his father. "Thanks, Dad. I just need you to help me with this. I can't do it alone, especially with school. I need someone I can trust to run the place."

David nodded, but his expression shifted to hesitation. "But Noah… quit my job? I don't know if I can do that. Who's going to provide for the family if this doesn't work out? It's a big risk."

Noah's smile didn't falter. He had expected this concern. "Dad, we have enough to get by for now. Plus, with the tea we already have, we'll make money quickly. You won't need to worry about providing. I'll handle the finances. But we need to find a tea house soon and get it up and running. I've got school, so I won't be able to handle everything by myself. You're the only one who can make this work."

David sat in silence, weighing the options. On one hand, leaving his job was a massive risk. On the other, this tea… there was something special about it, and he trusted his son's ingenuity.

He had always seen potential in Noah's curiosity and love for technology. If Noah believed this was going to work, maybe it was worth the risk.

Finally, David sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright, Noah. I'll do it. I'll quit my job and run the tea shop."

Noah's face lit up with excitement. "Really? You'll do it?"

David nodded, though a hint of nervousness remained in his eyes. "Yeah. I'll call work right now and let them know."

He pulled out his phone, dialling his manager. The conversation was brief, with a few questions from the manager about David's sudden resignation. But eventually, the manager accepted it, and David hung up, exhaling deeply. "That's it. I'm officially done."

Noah grinned. "Great! Now we just need to find the right spot for the tea house. I know you'll do a great job, Dad."

Caroline, who had been watching the entire exchange, finally spoke up. "This is a big step for both of you. But Noah… I'm proud of you too. I didn't realize you'd thought so much about all of this."

Noah smiled at his mom, feeling a warmth of gratitude. "Thanks, Mom. Also, the surprise was me getting perfect scores in 4 of my subjects and getting near-perfect marks in the rest"

For a moment, the room was still as Caroline and David processed what Noah had just said. Then, as if a wave of pure joy had washed over them, both parents erupted with excitement.

Caroline clasped her hands to her chest, her eyes shimmering with pride. "Noah! Perfect scores? In four subjects?" She moved quickly to wrap her arms around him, her voice full of emotion. "I always knew you were brilliant, you've made us so proud!" S~eaʀᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

David, not one to show his emotions so openly, stood up with a wide smile on his face. His hand clapped firmly on Noah's shoulder, squeezing it with fatherly pride. "That's my boy! You've done something truly special, Noah. You've always been smart, now that you put in the work, you were rewarded."

He shook his head in disbelief, eyes shining. "You've worked so hard, and it's all paying off. You're going places, son."

Noah laughed, slightly embarrassed but grateful for the enthusiasm. "Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. I didn't want to say anything yesterday because, well... I came home late."

David beamed, his excitement growing even more. "First, you surprise us with this tea business, and now perfect grades? I feel like I'm getting spoiled today!"

Caroline laughed, hugging Noah once more before stepping back, her eyes still glistening with happiness. With that, the morning settled down. Noah and Emily gathered their things to head to school, while David prepared to spend the day scouting for potential tea house locations.

As Noah and Emily left the house, Emily finally broke her silence, tugging on Noah's sleeve. "Noah… is everything going to be okay with that tea business?"

Noah noticed her worry, $20,000 was after all a lot of money for them, and Emily thought that if they were to fail. This would break them, especially with Noah's dad quitting work.

Noah ruffled her hair affectionately. "Don't worry, Em. Everything's going to be just fine. We're going to have the best tea house in town."

With a nod and a smile, the two headed to school, while David ventured out to start—finding the perfect spot for their new tea business.

After dropping off Emily at her school, Noah walked briskly toward his own, feeling the cool morning air on his skin. He enjoyed the quiet moments before reaching campus.

Entering the school gates, Noah adjusted his backpack and made his way to class. The familiar sight of students milling around, some hurriedly scribbling last-minute homework, others chatting loudly about the latest trends, greeted him. He greeted a few classmates along the way.

"Morning Noah!" said a girl, who was with a group of friends.

"Morning," replied Noah, but as he finished he heard giggles coming from the group.

Shaking his head, he entered his classroom.

As Noah stepped into his classroom, he instinctively scanned the room. The usual "good morning," floated through the air as the teacher acknowledged students filing in.

Noah's eyes, however, were drawn to Mark, seated in his usual spot near the back of the room. But something was different.

Mark, the boy who always walked with his chest puffed out, who boasted loudly about his achievements and acted like he owned the place, was no longer exuding arrogance. Instead, he was sitting stiffly, his body tense, his face pale. He avoided Noah's gaze entirely, his eyes darting nervously toward the window like he was suddenly interested in the world outside.

Noah smirked.

"It seems like Amelia's driver shook him to his bones." Mark was usually so brazen, always trying to pick a fight, always smirking and throwing around his superiority complex like a badge of honour. But today… today he was different. Mark didn't even look in Noah's direction, not once.

As Noah took his seat, still smirking inwardly, he muttered to himself, "You better fulfil your promise, Mark. Otherwise..." The thought trailed off as he casually glanced around the room.

Creation is hard, cheer me up!

Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!

Risaliyah

Creator's Thought