In a moment of quiet introspection, Altair pivoted the conversation to a lingering question from his past. "Why did you never let Elise go to prom with me?" he queried, a hint of youthful grievance coloring his tone.
 
Gino's laughter, rich and heartfelt, filled the space between them. "Are you still dwelling on that old story?" he chuckled, the sound echoing a mix of amusement and affection.
 
Altair, momentarily allowing a petulant youthfulness to surface, half-joked, "I missed my prom because of you!"
 
Gino's face softened, his smile tinged with nostalgia. "You and Elise," he began thoughtfully, "were always meant to have a bond akin to siblings."
 
Altair, sipping his drink, his gaze turning distant, mused, "Had we not been held back, perhaps my current predicament would be different."
 
"A love dilemma, then?" Gino probed gently, his voice laced with understanding and a hint of teasing.
 
"Why does love have to be so much more complex than business?" Altair voiced aloud, the exasperation clear in his tone.
 
Gino's response was a soft chuckle, tinged with wisdom. "You still have the heart of a child," he observed, then posed a thought-provoking question. "What makes the climb to success more gratifying than simply being handed it?"
 
"The thrill of the conquest?" Altair ventured, seeking affirmation.
 
Gino shook his head, a slight disappointment flickering across his features. "That's why you're still a child, my boy."
 
Altair's expression mixed confusion and challenge. "What are you getting at, Gino?"
 
"You see, my child," Gino began, his tone adopting that of a wise mentor. "The satisfaction in business comes from the struggle, the victory over competitors. Love, however, is a different game. It's most rewarding when it's hard-won, when it's fought for tooth and nail. Unlike business, love is unpredictable, not a commodity to be acquired or a path to be foreseen. It's the journey that counts, the hardships that endow it with true meaning."
 
His eyes, reflecting a lifetime of experiences, held Altair's gaze. "Love is akin to the ruthless world of business in its unpredictability and stakes. It's a gamble, much like striking gold in a high-risk investment. But once you find it, once you truly grasp it, it’s like standing triumphant at the peak of the world."
 
Gino gestured expansively, his voice rich with insight. "So, you're in the throes of this turmoil because your time hasn't come yet."
 
Altair absorbed the wisdom, his features softening. "Am I just not ready?"
 
Gino nodded, his voice heavy with truth. "You lack the depth of experience, the real appreciation of pain, and resilience."
 
"But how can you say that?" Altair asked, a blend of disbelief and curiosity in his voice.
 
"Because you're here seeking guidance," Gino pointed out plainly. He stood, sitting beside Altair, patting his shoulder reassuringly. "This isn't failure. It’s an opportunity for growth, to become stronger and wiser, to master the art of love."
 
Altair, his curiosity piqued yet he remained cautious, observed as Gino's expression transformed into one of expectant challenge.
 
"I have a task for you," Gino announced, his voice tinged with anticipation.
 
"What kind of task?" Altair asked, a flicker of his characteristic intensity igniting in his eyes.
 
"Become a true businessman. Acquire a hundred companies under your name," Gino declared, the seriousness of his challenge evident in his tone.
 
"You're free to build alliances; utilize your connections. The path you take doesn't matter, as long as you're at the helm," he added.
 
Altair's mind whirred with possibilities. "And what do I gain from this?"
 
"My full approval," Gino replied succinctly. "I’ll remove any obstacles with Elise, whether your heart chooses Sunny, Elise, or someone else. But more importantly, you'll discover something you don’t yet realize you lack."
 
"Why are you proposing this?" Altair questioned, a mix of skepticism and curiosity in his tone.
 
Gino's smile was a blend of nostalgia and future possibilities. "I want to witness the resurgence of the 'Demon of Eight Dragons.' I'm eager to see the extent of your potential when you're pushed to your limits."
 
Altair considered his words carefully. "I'll think about it."
 
Gino’s voice deepened with conviction. "And when you succeed, your understanding of both success and love will evolve in unimaginable ways. You'll see the truth in my words tonight."
 
As the evening waned, Gino's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Altair. "There’s something else you haven’t considered," he mused, swirling his drink.
 
Altair raised an eyebrow, signaling for Gino to continue.
 
"When will you take on a protégé?" Gino asked, the question heavy with implication.
 
Altair paused, contemplating the gravity of mentorship—the transfer of hard-won knowledge and shaping the future. Acknowledging his growth and readiness to contribute to the legacy that shaped him.
 
"Soon," Altair finally answered, his voice imbued with a profound understanding. The single word encapsulated a readiness for the uncertainties ahead, a recognition of his role in a grander narrative, and an acceptance of his evolving maturity.
 
The clink of their glasses resonated in the quiet room, sealing their unspoken agreement. They drank, each lost in thought, as the night enveloped them in its embrace, a silent pact forged in the stillness.
 
As the evening drew to a close, they stood up, their movements marked by a comfortable finality. Mentor and protégé, past and future, exchanged a nod of mutual respect and understanding, bridging their distinct worlds. With that, they parted, their bond a steadfast anchor in the ever-changing tides of time.