The last bite of my meal settled in comfortably in my stomach as I leaned back, letting out a deep sigh. It has been a while since I had felt this full, and honestly it wasn't just about the food. There was something special about this place—the energy ,the atmosphere ,it felt... calming even with the eyes on me
Just as I began to sip the last of my wine , the owner of the restaurant returned.
"Just had to pass instructions to the waiters."she smiled at me."Enjoy your meal?"
I took closer look at the restaurant owner she was young probably mid– 20s, with jet black hair tied into a neat bun. Her features were sharp but softened by a warm smile.
"Yeah ," I said smiling back. "Best I have had in a long time. You are really doing great."
Her smiled widened slightly ,a hint of pride in her eyes."I'm glad you think so , I have been running this place for a couple of years now. My name's Li Na, by the way I haven't see you around before."
"Thomas ," I introduced myself. "And no , this is my first time here. Just passing through."
~System Task: Engage in a conversation. Task completion requires: genuine interest.~
The system chime in my ears.
Li Na pulled out the chair opposite me and sat down.
"Passing through ,huh ? You don't look like someone who is passing through. Most of my customers come in for a quick meal,not... whatever that was."
She gestured at the empty plate in front of me , her expression teasing but curious
I laughed scratching the back of my head . "What can I say ? I was starving , and your food is something else."
Her eyes sparkled at the compliments . "We have a saying back home — food brings people together . Maybe you were meant to find us."
"Maybe ," I said nodding thoughtfully ." There's a certain energy in this place . Its different, peaceful in a way."
My phone beeped.
~+50 Charm Points.~
Li Na leaned in slightly ,her tone more curious now . "Where are you from ,Thomas ? I can't quite place your accent."
Ding.
~Task update: Divert attention.
Reward : Enhanced rapport~
I gave a nonchalant shrug ,steering the conversation away from anything to revealing. "I have been around. Traveled a lot. I guess you could say, I am still figuring out where I belong."
She raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Sounds mysterious. Most people who come in here are running from something— or towards something."
I met her gaze and for a moment, there was silence between us .She was sharp, no doubt about it . But she didn't push instead , she just started to the now empty table.
"So ,are you running from something or towards something?"
"Both,maybe ." I smiled ."What about you ? How had you end up running a place like this?
Li Na's expression soften and she leaned back in her chair . "My parents moved here from China when I was little. They worked hard ,saved up , and eventually they started this restaurant .
When they retired , I took over . It's been a journey ...not always easy , but it's worth it. Every time a customer leaves here with a smile ,I know I'm doing something right.
Ding.
~+100 Rapport points~
I nodded , genuinely impressed.
"That is something to be proud of , I'm sure your parents must be proud too."
She gave a small , wistful smile.
"They are, but I still felt like there's more achieve , you know? Like I am meant for something bigger than this."
~Task completion: Genuine interest shown.~
~Reward unlocked: Bong Strengthened~
~New Task : Reveal nothing.
Continue building rapport ~
I leaned forward slightly , lowering my voice .
"You have thought about expanding? You could bring this place to a bigger city. Hell, you could turn it into a franchise . Food this good shouldn't be kept hidden."
Li Na's eyes widened slightly at the thought and she left out a soft laugh . "Expand ? You think , I could really pull that off?"
"Why not ?" I shrugged ."You have already proven you can run this place like a well-oiled machine. With the right help ,you could take it to the next level."
Her expression shifted, thoughtful now ."It's funny you say that. I have been toying with the idea, but always felt.... impossible . Maybe it is not."
Before I could respond, a soft chime from my phone interrupted the moment . I glanced at the screen and saw the notification flash.
~Your vehicle has arrived sooner than 24 hours ~
~Task update: Elite Vehicle unlocked.Prepares for the reveal.~
I smirked to myself, putting the phone back into my pocket. Li Na noticed my change in expression and raise an eyebrow . "What is so funny?"
I stood up , gesturing towards the door ."I think you might want to come outside with me."
Li Na looked confused but intrigues ,as she followed me towards the front of the restaurant.
As we stepped outside, the sounds of cars on the road
filled the air. A crowd had already gathered , their attention fixed on something at the curb.
And there it was.
A sleek, beautiful Bugatti Chiron.
It's presence alone , demanded attention , with sharp aggressive lines and an engine that purred like a beast barely contained. The car gleamed under the streetlight, every inch of it exuding raw power and elegance
Crowd outside had their phones out , snapping pictures , whispering in wonder. Li Na stood beside me , her mouth slightly opened in disbelief.
Ding.
~+500 Surprise factor!~
"That's ...your car?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper
I nodded casually, trying to suppress a grin." Yeah. I figured I had tread myself."
"Treat yourself ? She let out a laugh ,shaking her head ." You are full of surprises,Thomas."
Ding
_~Congratulations !
Task complete.~
~Vehicle Reveal: Bonus +1,000 XP for crowd reaction .~
~New Task : Ride with your ally~
The salesman who had delivered the car , handed me the keys with a bow , and I tossed them slightly in the air before catching them, feeling the weight of their significance.
I could feel the energy shift , as the crowd stared captivated
"How about a ride ?"I offered glancing at Li Na with a teasing smile
Her eyes widened again, but this time she didn't hesitate." I think I had like that. But no , I will pass."
A notification popped up on my phone.
~Host , you have the right to pass and ride~
I tapped the button.
~Goodluck ,King Of Steeze ~

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