The next day, Chara and Eric took me to meet Waqas. When we arrived, I noticed that Waqas had a serious demeanor, quite different from Chara's playful and cheerful personality. Without wasting any time, Waqas introduced himself.
"I am Waqas," he said, his tone direct and no-nonsense. "If you want to learn the trade, you need to be prepared for hard work. You won't just accompany me to other villages; you'll also assist me here and perform laborious tasks without asking questions."
I nodded, taking in his stern expression. "I understand, sir. I'm ready to learn and work hard."
Waqas scrutinized me for a moment before nodding. "Good. We'll start with the basics. There's much to learn about trade, and it's not just about making deals. It's about understanding the value of goods, learning to negotiate, building relationships, and, most importantly, maintaining integrity."
Chara clapped me on the back. "You'll do fine, Roy. Waqas might seem tough, but he's a good teacher."
Eric added, "Listen to him, follow his instructions, and don't be afraid to ask questions when appropriate. This is a great opportunity."
With that, my apprenticeship with Waqas began. The days that followed were filled with hard work and learning. I assisted Waqas in various tasks, from organizing goods to learning the intricacies of negotiation. Despite his stern exterior, Waqas proved to be an invaluable mentor, and I was determined to absorb every lesson he had to offer.