Zhè jiā diàn shì tā de mìnggēnzi, juéduì bù néng guānmén.
This shop is his lifeline - it absolutely cannot close.
Tips
usage
命根子 literally means 'the root of life'. It is used to describe something (or someone) so essential and dear that losing it would feel like losing one's very life. Often used affectionately for children or something one is completely dependent on.
