System S.E.X. (Seduction, Expansion, eXecution)

Chapter 14: Chapter 14: A Fat Wallet, An Empty Image

Ethan walked down the street with his chest puffed out, still grinning at the $10,000 shining on his phone screen.

It was the first time in his life he’d ever seen that much money, even if it was just digital numbers.

”Finally...” he muttered, rubbing his stomach. ”First thing’s first, a real breakfast. I’m sick of stale bread and cheap soda.”

[Attention, attention. The champion is about to dine like a millionaire. Please welcome the debut of Mr. Fat Wallet.]

”Here we go again...” Ethan grumbled, ignoring the system.

He spotted a classy restaurant on the corner, with spotless glass windows and tables dressed in white linen. The smell of fresh coffee and baked bread slipped out through the automatic doors.

”Perfect,” he said, tugging at his wrinkled shirt like that would help. He pushed the door open and walked straight to the hostess stand.

The woman glanced him up and down with a frozen smile.

”I’m sorry, sir, but this restaurant only serves guests with reservations.”

”Reservations? But there are empty tables.” Ethan pointed at several by the window.

”Yes... but that’s our policy.”

Her look was as obvious as a neon sign: you don’t belong here.

Ethan felt his stomach twist with anger. He yanked out his phone and shoved the screen at her, showing the $10,000 balance.

”See this? I’ve got money. I’m not some bum.”

The hostess blinked, uncomfortable, before disappearing for a moment. She returned with an older man in a flawless suit and a professional smile.

”Sir,” the manager said smoothly, ”I apologize for the confusion. I’m sure you could pay the bill without any issue. But... our restaurant upholds a certain standard. It’s a place for business and meetings, I hope you understand.”

Ethan stared at him, stunned. ”You’re saying I can’t come in... because of my clothes?”

”Exactly. Nothing personal. It’s simply the image we maintain.”

[Ouch... rejected for being poor and ugly at the same time. Well, not poor anymore, but you still look like you crawled out of a dumpster.]

Ethan clenched his phone, swallowing hard. He wanted to scream, to flip the nearest table... but instead he turned on his heel and stormed out, eyes glued to the pavement.

”Damn it...” he muttered, kicking a rock. ”What’s the point of having money if I still look like a loser?”

[Answer: none. Money is power, sure, but rule number one is nobody respects it if you look like a beggar.]

Ethan gritted his teeth. ”Then I’ll change that. I swear.”

He was still hungry and pissed when the system screen lit up before his eyes.

[MISSION ACTIVE: Stop Looking Like a Bum]

[Objective: Buy decent clothes and stop embarrassing humanity]

[Rewards:

BMW E30 1990

+5 Lux Points

$10,000]

Ethan blinked, reading it twice.

”A car? For buying clothes?”

[Exactly. Something simple, champ. Just stop dressing like life’s biggest loser.]

”Screw you... but I like this deal.”

With fresh determination, Ethan kept walking until he spotted an elegant boutique on the main avenue. The sign read ”Maison Aldora” in golden letters over black glass. Not Gucci or Prada, but definitely the kind of place regular people didn’t dare to enter.

He took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.

The moment he walked in, a saleswoman with sleek blond hair looked him over with barely disguised disgust.

”Sir... I think you’re in the wrong place. The discount section is two blocks south.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. ”Excuse me?”

”This is an exclusive store,” she said with a sharp smile. ”Our pieces aren’t... let’s say, affordable. I don’t want you to waste your time.”

[Ouch. First blood. And no anesthesia.]

Ethan clenched his fists, ready to snap back, when another employee appeared from behind the counter, nearly tripping in her heels at the sound of the exchange.

She was... stunning. A young woman, maybe twenty-four at most, with smooth skin and lips that seemed naturally glossy. Her full chest pushed tightly against the navy-blue vest of her uniform, while a matching pencil skirt hugged her wide hips and slim waist.

The finishing touch was a blue scarf tied neatly around her neck, giving her the air of a professional saleswoman.

She stepped forward with a timid but genuine smile.

”Uh... I can help him.”

Ethan blinked. For a second, he forgot all about the blonde who had dismissed him and focused only on how strange it was to see someone that gorgeous looking nervous over something as simple as helping a customer.

The blonde scowled. ”Ashley! It’s your first day, you don’t have to—”

”That’s exactly why,” Ashley cut in, forcing a polite smile at Ethan. ”Welcome, sir. What are you looking for today?”

Ethan paused, staring at her. She wasn’t perfect, but at least she wasn’t treating him like trash. That was enough.

”I want to change all this.” He motioned at his wrinkled shirt and worn jeans. ”I need real clothes. I don’t care what it costs.”

Ashley hesitated, then nodded. ”Of course, please follow me. I’ll show you some seasonal collections.”

The blonde glared while Ethan was led to a fitting room. Outfit after outfit piled up—suits, shirts, trousers. Ethan chose without hesitation, approving pieces with a simple, ”I’ll take it.”

By the time they reached the register, the total was obscene: $9,000.

Ethan pulled out his phone like a trophy and paid with a single tap.

The blonde nearly choked.

”N-Nine thousand... on clothes?” she whispered.

Ethan turned to Ashley, ignoring her. ”Great service. Thanks for taking the time.” He gave her a crooked smile. ”Oh, and one more thing...”

He tapped his banking app and sent it straight over: a $1,000 tip.

Ashley’s eyes went wide. ”A-A thousand dollar tip?!”

[HAHAHA. Face slap unlocked. Watch the blonde choke on her own venom.]

The blonde’s jaw tightened in silent rage as Ashley stammered out a grateful bow.

Ethan adjusted his new jacket in the entrance mirror. For the first time in ages, he didn’t look like a bum.

”Yeah...” he murmured with a satisfied grin. ”This is more like it.”

[Congratulations, champ. Mission complete: Stop Looking Like a Bum]

[Rewards delivered: BMW E30 1990, +5 Lux Points, +$10,000]

Ethan left the store without a glance back, the blonde fuming in envy while Ashley stared after him with a mix of shock and admiration.