Aiden woke up that morning tired from the party.
The morning sun invaded Aiden's room like a golden ray, cutting through the expensive linen curtains and illuminating the minimalist ambiance of his room. He stretched, feeling the tense muscles in his body. He was prepared for a peaceful day until a familiar sound echoed in the air.
『New mission activated』
The System hologram floated in front of him, detailing the new task.
『Mission: Live as a ride-hailing driver for a while.』
『Reward: 15,000,000,000 credits added to your account and Chronus AI.』
『○ Not Completed』
Aiden arched an eyebrow and chuckled to himself.
In the bathroom, the day began like any other. He shaved with precision and washed his face, while reflecting on what it meant to "live as a ride-hailing driver." As CEO of Star Corp., he ran one of the largest technology and investment companies in the world. Being behind the wheel of a car as a driver sounded like the perfect contrast to challenge his instincts.
After changing into a basic t-shirt and jeans, abandoning the expensive suits and luxury watches he usually wore, he went down to the kitchen. Preparing himself for breakfast was a simple but enjoyable task. On the holographic screen next to the table, his financial profile appeared:
『Owner: Aiden
Charm: 79
Strength: 71
Intelligence: 110
Dexterity: 73』
『Bank account: 62,749,081,084 credits』
He looked at the astronomical numbers and smiled amusedly. Despite the financial comfort, it was time to face something new.
In the garage, he found the car assigned to the task: a discreet silver sedan, perfect for a ride-hailing driver.
"So, is this how it's going to be?" he muttered, with an ironic smile. He started the car and activated the app on the integrated dashboard.
Soon, the characteristic sound of a new ride echoed in the cabin.
"Passenger: Marcos.
Destination: Financial Center"
"Let's get started," he said, pressing the button to accept the ride.
Aiden arrived at the indicated address. A man in an expensive suit and a grim face was waiting for him. As soon as he got in the car, he didn't even look at Aiden.
"To the Financial Center. Hurry up. I'm late," Marcos said, already immersed in his cell phone.
Aiden looked at him in the rearview mirror, but preferred to maintain his composure. It was his first ride, and there was no need to cause trouble.
Silence settled in the car for a few minutes, interrupted only by the sound of Marcos' cell phone keypad. Then, the passenger mumbled something.
"Can you drive faster? I told you I'm late. I don't have all day."
"I'm following the speed limit," Aiden replied calmly.
"Seriously? Are you a driver or a cop?"
Aiden smiled but said nothing. In his position as CEO, he was used to dealing with inflated egos, but he hadn't expected a simple passenger to test his patience so soon.
Marcos huffed, slamming his phone shut. "If I'd known you were this slow, I would have called another driver."
"If you want, I can end the ride right here," Aiden suggested, keeping his tone neutral.
The answer took Marcos by surprise. He hadn't expected a driver to confront him. "Just... drive on," he said, returning to his phone, but more restrained this time.
When they reached their destination, Marcos got out of the car without even saying thank you, but Aiden just shrugged. It was just the beginning.
The next ride was a stark contrast. He picked up a young woman named Clara, who seemed to be in a great mood.
"Good morning! Wow, this car is spotless. Are you new here?"
"Something like that," Aiden replied, laughing.
During the drive to a café, Clara started talking about her plans to travel the world, sharing her stories and adventures on social media. Aiden realized how passionate she was about her freedom, and it made him reflect on how his life was always tied down by commitments and responsibilities.
"You should try it, you know? Travel, I mean. It's amazing how much you learn about yourself when you're outside your comfort zone."
"I'd say I'm out of my comfort zone right now," he replied with an enigmatic smile.
Clara laughed, and the ride ended with her leaving a generous compliment on the app.
It was already night when Aiden accepted another ride. The passenger, a tall, burly man, got into the car with a grim expression. The destination was a neighborhood known for being dangerous, but Aiden didn't hesitate.
On the way, the man began to talk about his life, revealing that he was an ex-convict trying to reintegrate into society. The conversation was tense, but Aiden kept his attention, asking questions that made the passenger feel more at ease.
"You're different," the man said, before getting out of the car. "Most people don't even want to hear it."
"Good luck with everything," Aiden replied, sincerely.
But the night wasn't over yet. On another ride, he was called to an address near a nightclub. Three drunk young men got into the car, laughing and talking loudly.
"Hey, driver, have you ever driven anyone famous?" one of them asked.
"Not that I know of," Aiden replied, trying to keep his focus on the road.
"Well, now you can say you've driven the most amazing people in this city!"
They laughed, but one of them started to get more aggressive, hitting the back of Aiden's seat.
"Relax, man. It's just a joke!"
"If you keep this up, I'll have to end the ride," Aiden said firmly.
The serious tone worked. The group calmed down.
Back at his house, Aiden activated the System to review the day's statistics.
『Rides completed: 7
Satisfied passengers: 5
Complex interactions: 2』
Aiden sighed.