Chapter 34: Unmasking the Wealth Within
Jin felt the familiar rush of excitement as he prepared for another public performance. He slipped on his mask, a simple black design that covered the top half of his face, ensuring his anonymity. With his electric guitar in hand, he made his way to the town center, where a small stage had been set up.
The crowd gathered quickly, drawn by the sight of a masked performer and the promise of music. Jin adjusted the microphone and strummed the opening chords of "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles. The familiar melody filled the air, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm, clapping along and swaying to the rhythm.
Jin lost himself in the music, his fingers moving effortlessly over the strings. The song carried a message of hope and renewal, and he could feel the positive energy radiating from the audience. As the final notes faded, the crowd erupted into applause, cheering for an encore.
"Thank you, everyone," Jin said into the microphone, his voice slightly altered by the mask. "You've been a wonderful audience."
With a final wave, he packed up his guitar and slipped away discreetly, avoiding any potential recognition. He made his way to his Bugatti, parked a few blocks away, and climbed in, feeling the thrill of another successful performance. The system chimed in his mind, notifying him of his reward: £4 billion and 2 shop points.
Driving through the bustling city streets, Jin felt a sense of contentment. He had grown to enjoy these performances, not just for the rewards but for the sheer joy of playing music and connecting with people in a unique way.
His next destination was a high-end jewelry shop he had been eyeing for a while. He wanted to buy something special for Jade, a token of appreciation for her unwavering support and friendship. The shop, known for its elegant and luxurious pieces, was located in a posh part of the city.
As Jin walked into the store, the contrast between his casual attire and the opulence of the surroundings was stark. The interior was lavishly decorated with plush carpets, crystal chandeliers, and glass cases displaying an array of glittering jewels.
A woman behind the counter, impeccably dressed and with an air of superiority, looked up as he entered. Her gaze swept over him, and her expression quickly turned to one of distaste. Jin could almost hear her thoughts: "Another penniless loser."
Ignoring the disdainful look, Jin walked over to one of the display cases and admired the intricate designs of the necklaces. He gently touched the glass, trying to get a closer look at a particularly beautiful piece.
The shop assistant, her voice dripping with condescension, snapped at him, "Please do not touch the glass. This is a high-end store, and we don't entertain window shoppers."
Jin's patience began to wear thin. "I'm interested in buying a necklace. Can you show me some of the pieces?"
The woman's lips curled in a sneer. "I'm sorry, but our pieces are quite expensive. Perhaps you should try a more affordable store."
Her dismissive attitude irritated Jin. He decided to play along for a moment. "I understand. But could you at least show me a necklace? It's for a special girl."
The assistant hesitated, clearly thinking he couldn't afford anything in the store. "Sir, I really must insist that you leave. We don't want any trouble."
Their exchange had drawn the attention of the manager, a middle-aged man with a keen eye for customer service. He walked over, his expression curious. "Is there a problem here?"
The assistant quickly lied, "This man was trying to steal, sir. I was just asking him to leave."
Jin had had enough. "Actually, I was trying to buy something, but your employee seems to think I'm not worthy."
The manager's eyes flicked between Jin and the assistant, sensing an opportunity. "Is that so? Well, why don't we settle this right now? If you can afford the most expensive item in this store, I'll fire her on the spot."
The challenge was set, and the assistant's face turned pale. Jin smiled coolly. "Very well. Show me your most expensive necklace."
The manager led Jin to a separate display case, where a stunning necklace sat gleaming under the lights. It was a Lotus Necklace in White Gold, priced at £125,500. Without hesitation, Jin took out his black card and swiped it.
The transaction went through immediately, the receipt printing out with a soft whirr. The manager's eyes widened in surprise and amusement, while the assistant looked as if she might faint.
"Well, a deal's a deal," the manager said, turning to the assistant. "You're fired. Clear out your things immediately."
The assistant turned to Jin, her eyes pleading. "Please, sir, I didn't mean any harm. Just this once, let me stay."
Jin's expression hardened. "Work hard somewhere else. Maybe you'll learn to treat people with respect."
As the assistant gathered her things and left, Jin took the necklace, feeling a sense of satisfaction. The manager thanked him profusely, offering a complimentary cleaning service for the necklace, which Jin politely declined.
Jin left the store, the necklace securely packed in a luxurious velvet box. He returned to his Bugatti, his thoughts now focused on how he would give the gift to Jade. As he drove back to his villa, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
The system's notification rang in his mind once again, reminding him of the significant rewards he had earned today. But the true reward, he realized, was in the small acts of kindness and the way he used his wealth to make a positive impact, whether it was helping a friend or teaching someone a lesson in humility.
As Jin parked his car and entered his villa, he knew that tomorrow would be an important day. He had planned a special surprise for Jade, and he wanted everything to be perfect.