Gemotions

The critic’s words were a cold, sharp blade. I couldn’t even look at the menu again, he thought. Chef Jian closed the laptop, the screen reflecting his own defeated expression. The vibrant colors of his meticulously designed restaurant, with its warm wood and bright artwork, seemed to dim. He felt a profound sense of weight settle upon him, an invisible burden that pinned him to the chair.

He couldn't meet the eyes of his partner, who was busy cleaning the bar. Jian had to fight back the tears that threatened to spill over. He had sacrificed so much to open this place, and now… he just couldn’t. He just wanted to be alone.