Chapter 2 - A Cup of Dreams

"Hey, System," Arthur called out as he walked down the hallway towards the changing room, "are you listening to me?" He no longer had any excuse to remain in that place; he had just acquired a system that was way beyond his comprehension and wanted to quickly discover the truth about it.

[Yes, Host, I will answer anything when you ask. I will always be with you and be loyal to you.]

"Say it again, why am I able to get this system? This feels very strange, and magical, and like a fiction in the story." Arthur asked, still not fully comprehending what was happening to him.

He knew it was something extraordinary and filled with limitless potential, and he had seen with his own eyes that his account balance had increased drastically.

[Indeed, there can be no doubt about what I have said.]

[I can guarantee that I am entirely yours. You need not worry; I shall help you to live in peace and contentment.]

Arthur nodded and felt relieved after knowing the facts. "So what can I do with the VIP points you mentioned, System? Will I be able to become a super-strong person? Is it too much for this normal world? Will I become a superhero and fight crime?" he asked.

[Host, the system has unlimited potential, but the skills we're talking about here are life skills that can be possessed by ordinary humans, like singing, driving, and so on. You can get all of that instantly. This is a privilege that only you possess, Host.]

[To get VIP points, you just need to do good deeds, and the system will reward you with VIP points on a certain scale.]

"So I need to do a good deed to get VIP Points? What kind of good deed is it? Will I just get VIP points by donating money to an orphanage?" Arthur was trying to understand the system as the explanation of the good deed was quite confusing.

[Host, you don't need to overthink it. Just let your journey guide you, and follow your heart. You will find what you are looking for in life.]

[Giving a donation to an orphanage will surely earn you VIP Points, but you shouldn't take advantage of it by doing it multiple times.]

[The good deeds you do must come from your heart.]

After confidently confirming his answer, Arthur left the office first while everyone else was still working. Someone ran towards him, whom he recognized as Mr. John, his superior at the office. 

Mr. John said, "Arthur, wait a minute!"

"Hey Kid," said John, with a fat body, the boss of the cleaning service in the office, "where are you off to at this hour? Don't you want this job anymore? Do you think this office is your parents' property and you can just come and go as you please? If you're still intent on leaving, I'll have to fire you, and you'll have to return to the streets, this is all on you."

"You won't even get a cent for severance, kid. Get out of here now. You're nothing but trash," Mr. John told him.

"Thank you for all your kindness to me, Mr. John. I hope you won't regret this," Arthur replied, then turned away without a second glance.

Several people murmured as Arthur departed, "That young man is going to starve, and his story will be broadcast on TV in a few days. He won't have enough money to rent a place or buy food."

"Especially in winter, someone who's malnourished like him won't be able to survive the cold nights. I hope his corpse is eaten by rats in the streets," they added.

Arthur immediately ran away from the towering Brown Corporation building. He couldn't wait to test the things he had just acquired.

That afternoon, the sun was hidden behind dark clouds, and the streets were blanketed with snow. Arthur wore only a light jacket, making him feel cold and wish he had bought new clothes or a jacket to keep him warm.

He stopped in front of a drink machine and chose a hot coffee. He entered his account code, and a steaming cup of coffee was suddenly dispensed.

Arthur had no balance in his account before, so it was a great relief when he received his coffee. He took a sip of the 5 USD coffee and felt its warmth spread throughout his body.

"Five dollars for a cup of coffee? I would have never dreamed of it before. But it tastes a bit strange, could it be because I'm not used to expensive drinks?"

Southlake, the city where he lived, was very developed, filled with big companies, lavish places, and posh entertainment venues. As a result, if someone was without a job, they would end up on the streets.

However, with the money Arthur had, he felt he could have anything.

"Ten trillion dollars!? I can't believe it! That kind of money is now in my account? I could buy anything I want - a house, a car, some good food?"

After pondering for a moment, he decided to go to the most luxurious restaurant in the city, just a few minutes away. There was a 30-story building and many fancy cars parked outside.

As Arthur approached the entrance, a security guard clothed in black stopped him.

"Hey, beggar! Do you know what kind of place this is? Do you think you belong here?"

The guard looked down on him with his worn clothes and haggard face. He was afraid that his boss would be angry if he allowed this person to stay for too long, so he would end up losing his job.

"Get out of here quickly! Beggars are not welcome in this place!"

"Sir, don't people with money come here? I think I have a reason to stay. Maybe you should've checked who you were talking to before trying to get rid of them."

Arthur was already quite cold and wanted to get into the restaurant. He had heard about its many comforts, such as warm baths and noble-like services. He was eager to experience it for himself.

Golden Park restaurant was renowned for its top-notch cuisine and service - and was connected to the famed seven-star Golden Chamber hotel. Both establishments were owned by one of Southlake City's most influential figures. 

The guard took out a black club and pushed Arthur's body away, not wanting to touch him due to the stench of a beggar. "If you don't leave soon I will have to resort to force and abuse you. Your presence here for even two more minutes could tarnish the reputation of this restaurant and I cannot allow that."

Arthur stared at the guard's face sternly. "I have money, and I can afford anything in this place. Don't judge a book by its cover. You'll regret underestimating me."

The guard was used to meeting people like Arthur, beggars with too much ambition, believing they were rich. It was a reality he was all too familiar with. He felt angry and pitiful, but he had to maintain his professional composure. His patience was wearing thin, and he was about to strike Arthur when someone called from behind him.

"If you don't want to go, I will have to beat you, beggar!" The guard was about to hit Arthur when the girl spoke up.

"Mr. Guard, is there a problem here?"

A girl emerged from the restaurant door. She wore a waitress outfit and had wavy blonde hair. It was estimated that she stood at 175 cm (5.74 ft), slightly shorter than Arthur's 180 cm (5.9 ft). She had a sexy body, young facial features, and a gentle, comforting expression.