"Or just work as a hired assistant, earn a fixed salary, and not take any risks."
"A partner can learn the complete recipe but must bear the risk of losing everything;
A hired assistant learns limited things but can ensure basic compensation and experience."
The story pauses here, and a question mark appears on the page.
"So what is the end of the story?" Ron asked.
"That's the cleverest part of this fable—the ending entirely depends on the apprentice's choice."
The page reveals two branching endings:
"If he chooses to become a partner, there are three possibilities:
1. Bad ending:
The chef succeeds, the apprentice gains some benefits, but is tied to this kitchen forever, losing freedom;
2. Ordinary ending:
The chef fails, the apprentice suffers heavy losses but learns complete experience and lessons;
3. Absurd ending:
Both the chef and apprentice succeed, but find that no one wants to eat the dishes they've made."
Ron sighed inwardly, finding no good ending among them.
