Kyle's approach to the VIP section was met with a mix of curiosity and mild disdain. The blonde woman, who he now recognized as a local socialite and influencer named Chloe, barely spared him a glance. Her friends, equally glamorous, gave him the once-over, their expressions ranging from polite indifference to outright skepticism. This wasn't the easy charm of the bouncer or the playful banter with Scarlett. This was a different league, a world where status was everything and new faces were scrutinized.
He wasn't deterred. His 'Basic Charisma' skill, while effective, wasn't a magic wand. It opened doors, but he still had to walk through them. He knew he couldn't just walk up and demand attention. He needed an angle. He needed to spend.
He caught the eye of a bottle girl, a stunning brunette in a shimmering dress. "Excuse me," he said, his voice confident but not arrogant. "Could you tell me what Chloe and her friends are drinking?"
The bottle girl, used to requests from eager admirers, smiled. "They're on the Cristal, sir. And a few bottles of Ace of Spades."
Cristal. Ace of Spades. Expensive. Very expensive. Perfect.
"Right," Kyle said, pulling out his wallet. "I'd like to send over a magnum of Ace of Spades to their table. And please, tell them it's from… a new admirer." He handed her a stack of hundreds, far more than the cost of the bottle. "And this is for you."
The bottle girl's eyes widened. "Thank you, sir! Right away." She hurried off, a delighted smile on her face.
Kyle watched as the magnum arrived at Chloe's table. Her eyes, initially dismissive, flickered with surprise. She looked around, trying to spot her anonymous admirer. When her gaze landed on Kyle, a flicker of intrigue replaced the indifference. She raised her glass in a silent toast, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. It wasn't an invitation, but it wasn't a rejection either. Progress.
> [Ding!] Cashback System Activated! Spent $5,000. Critical Hit x7! You earned $35,000. Funds deposited to Account XXX-XXX-XXX]
> [Spent on Beautiful Woman (Bottle Girl): 1 Skill Unlock Awarded. Use it now?]
> [YES] [NO]
Thirty-five thousand. Just for sending a bottle. The system was truly incredible. He hit YES, eager to see what new skill awaited him.
> [Skill Unlocked: Basic Social Etiquette. Your understanding of social norms, unspoken rules, and appropriate behavior in high-society settings has increased. You will find it easier to navigate complex social situations and make a favorable impression.]
Kyle felt a subtle shift in his perception. The chaotic energy of the club suddenly seemed to make more sense. He noticed the subtle cues, the unspoken hierarchies, the way people positioned themselves. He understood why Chloe's initial reaction had been one of scrutiny, and how his gesture with the champagne had subtly shifted her perception. He was learning the language of this new world.
He decided to return to the bar. He needed a moment to process the new skill, and he found Scarlett's presence surprisingly grounding. She was a breath of fresh air in the sometimes-stifling atmosphere of the elite.
"Back for more, are we, Kyle?" Scarlett asked, a playful smirk on her face as he approached. "Did you manage to charm the ice queen?"
Kyle chuckled. "Working on it. But I think I prefer your company." He meant it. Chloe was beautiful, but Scarlett had a genuine warmth, a quick wit that he found refreshing.
"Oh, really?" she teased, wiping down the bar. "And here I thought you were just after my… excellent mixology skills."
"Those too," Kyle admitted. "But you're more than just a bartender, aren't you, Scarlett?"
Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the playful facade dropped. A hint of vulnerability, of something deeper, flickered in their depths. "Everyone's more than just their job, Kyle. What makes you say that?"
"Just a feeling," he said, his charisma skill subtly at work. "You observe. You listen. You understand things most people miss." He paused, then leaned in slightly. "You're wasted behind this bar."
Scarlett's expression softened. "That's… a nice thing to say. But this bar pays the bills. And it's not like there are many opportunities for a girl like me to break into… well, anything else." A hint of bitterness crept into her voice.
"What if there were?" Kyle asked, his voice low and serious. "What if I told you I could offer you something more? Something that would utilize your intelligence, your observation skills, your understanding of people?"
Scarlett's gaze sharpened. "Are you propositioning me, Kyle Carter?" she asked, a hint of challenge in her tone.
"Only if you want me to," he replied, a confident smile playing on his lips. "But what I'm offering is a partnership. I'm building something. Something big. And I need smart, capable people by my side. People who see beyond the surface."
He watched her, waiting for her reaction. He could see the wheels turning in her mind, the skepticism warring with a flicker of hope. He knew this was a gamble, but his gut, fueled by the system's subtle nudges, told him it was the right one.
"Tell me more," Scarlett said, her voice barely a whisper. The playful bartender was gone, replaced by a woman who was suddenly very, very serious.
Kyle smiled. He had her. And he knew, with absolute certainty, that this conversation, this connection, would be worth far more than any champagne bottle.
> [Ding!] Cashback System Activated! Spent $0. Critical Hit x50! You earned $50,000. Funds deposited to Account XXX-XXX-XXX]
> [Spent on Beautiful Woman (Genuine Connection): 1 Skill Unlock Awarded. Use it now?]
> [YES] [NO]
Kyle blinked. Zero dollars spent. Fifty thousand earned. And a skill unlock for 'Genuine Connection.' The system was evolving. It wasn't just about money anymore. It was about influence. It was about building relationships. He hit YES, a new sense of purpose filling him. This was going to be even more interesting than he thought.
> [Skill Unlocked: Basic Networking. Your ability to forge meaningful connections, build rapport, and leverage relationships for mutual benefit has increased. You will find it easier to expand your social and professional circles.]
He felt a warmth spread through him, a deeper understanding of human interaction. He looked at Scarlett, and he saw not just a beautiful woman, but a valuable ally, a potential friend, and perhaps, much more. The night was just beginning, and Kyle knew, with a thrill of anticipation, that his empire was about to expand in ways he hadn't even considered.