Bartender

Chapter 22: First Night on the Job

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city as Jin Smith prepared for his first night as a bartender. He stood in front of his mirror, meticulously adjusting his bow tie. The sleek black tuxedo fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and slim waist. The shiny black shoes and crisp white shirt completed his polished look. "Not bad," he muttered to himself, admiring his reflection. He could pass for a high-end bartender easily, and tonight, he intended to do just that.

Jin's phone buzzed with a notification from the Trillionaire System: "New Job: Bartender. Objective: Complete your shift successfully." He smiled, feeling a thrill of anticipation. This job was going to be different from his previous roles. It promised a night filled with interaction, and perhaps, a bit of fun.

As he drove his Bugatti through the city streets, the neon lights of the nightlife district reflected off the car's sleek exterior. Jin enjoyed the luxurious feeling of the vehicle, but tonight, he was focused on his new role. He arrived at the upscale bar, an establishment known for its exclusive clientele and sophisticated ambiance.

The entrance was flanked by large, frosted glass doors, which opened to reveal a stylish interior bathed in soft, ambient lighting. The polished mahogany bar, the glinting glassware, and the soothing tones of jazz music created a welcoming and elegant atmosphere.

Jin was greeted by the bar manager, a tall man named Peter, with a neatly trimmed beard and an easy-going smile. "Welcome, Jin. You ready for your first night?" Peter asked, extending a hand.

"Absolutely," Jin replied, shaking Peter's hand firmly.

Peter led him through the bar, giving a quick tour of the place. "You'll be working the main bar tonight. It's a busy night, but I think you'll handle it just fine," Peter said, patting Jin on the back.

Jin nodded, taking his place behind the bar. The first customers began to trickle in, and Jin quickly fell into the rhythm of mixing drinks, serving customers, and engaging in light-hearted banter. His charming personality and quick wit made him a hit with the patrons.

As the night went on, the bar filled with an eclectic mix of people, all drawn to the warm, inviting atmosphere. Jin found himself effortlessly slipping into conversations, his natural charisma shining through. He skillfully prepared cocktails, each one a work of art, and his flair for mixing drinks soon caught the attention of several patrons.

A group of women approached the bar, laughing and chatting amongst themselves. They were elegantly dressed, and their presence immediately brightened the room. One of them, a stunning brunette with bright blue eyes, leaned over the bar and smiled at Jin. "What's the best cocktail you can make?" she asked, her voice flirtatious.

Jin returned her smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That depends on what you like. How about I surprise you?" he suggested.

The woman giggled and nodded. "Alright, surprise me."

Jin got to work, mixing ingredients with practiced ease. He added a touch of flair to his movements, flipping bottles and stirring the cocktail with a flourish. The woman watched, clearly impressed. Jin finished the drink with a twist of lemon and slid it across the bar. "One special cocktail for a special lady," he said with a wink.

She took a sip, her eyes widening in delight. "This is amazing! You have to tell me what's in it," she exclaimed.

"Sorry, but a magician never reveals his secrets," Jin replied playfully.

The women laughed and continued to engage Jin in conversation, each taking turns ordering drinks and flirting with him. Jin enjoyed the attention, his confidence growing with each compliment and smile. The night continued smoothly, with Jin expertly handling the bar, entertaining the patrons, and even earning generous tips.

As the night progressed, Jin noticed that the bar was filling up with more high-profile clientele. Businessmen, celebrities, and socialites all mingled together, creating an exciting and dynamic atmosphere. Jin thrived in this environment, his charm and charisma drawing people to him.

At one point, a well-dressed man approached the bar and ordered a drink. "You're new here, aren't you?" he asked, studying Jin curiously.

"Yes, first night on the job," Jin replied, pouring the man's drink.

"You're doing great. Keep it up," the man said, raising his glass in a toast.

"Thanks, I'll do my best," Jin responded, clinking his glass with the man's.

The interactions continued, with Jin effortlessly balancing his duties and the lively conversations around him. He found that he genuinely enjoyed the energy and the varied personalities of the patrons. Each person had a story, and Jin was more than willing to listen, providing them with not just drinks but a memorable experience.

Later in the evening, a group of young professionals entered the bar, their laughter and chatter adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Among them was a striking blonde woman with emerald green eyes. She approached the bar with a confident smile. "Can you make a French 75?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.

Jin grinned. "Coming right up."

He carefully measured out gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, shaking them with ice before straining the mixture into a champagne flute. He topped it off with a splash of sparkling wine and added a twist of lemon peel. "One French 75," he announced, sliding the elegant drink towards her.

The woman took a sip, her eyes lighting up with approval. "Perfect. What's your name?" she asked, leaning in slightly.

"Jin," he replied, meeting her gaze.

"Nice to meet you, Jin. I'm Emily," she said, extending her hand.

Jin took her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch. "Nice to meet you too, Emily."

They chatted for a while, Emily sharing stories about her work and travels, while Jin listened attentively, occasionally adding his own anecdotes. As they talked, Jin noticed how the bar seemed to buzz with an even more lively energy. He continued to mix drinks, effortlessly keeping up with the increasing orders, while still managing to engage with the patrons.

Another woman, a redhead with a mischievous glint in her eye, sidled up to the bar. "I've heard you make a mean margarita," she teased.

Jin chuckled. "You've heard right. One margarita, coming up."

He expertly blended tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau, shaking it vigorously before pouring it into a salt-rimmed glass. He handed it to her with a flourish. "Enjoy."

She took a sip, her eyes closing in satisfaction. "This is fantastic. What's your secret?"

Jin leaned in conspiratorially. "It's all in the wrist," he said with a wink.

The redhead laughed, clearly enjoying the playful banter. Jin found himself surrounded by a growing number of patrons, each drawn by his skill and charm. He thrived in the attention, his confidence soaring with each passing hour.

As the clock approached midnight, the bar remained lively, with Jin at the center of it all. He continued to mix drinks, flirt with the women who came up to order, and entertain the crowd. The tips flowed generously, a testament to his popularity and the enjoyable experience he provided.

Eventually, the night began to wind down. Jin took a moment to catch his breath, wiping down the bar and organizing the remaining glassware. Peter approached him, a satisfied smile on his face. "Great job tonight, Jin. The customers loved you."

"Thanks, Peter. I had a lot of fun," Jin replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Peter handed Jin an envelope. "Here's your pay for the night, plus a little extra for the tips. You earned it."

Jin accepted the envelope, feeling the weight of the cash inside. "Thank you, Peter."

As he prepared to leave, the patrons began to filter out, offering their thanks and goodbyes to Jin. Emily, the blonde woman from earlier, approached him one last time. "I'll definitely be back. You made tonight unforgettable," she said, her smile genuine.

Jin smiled back. "I'll be here. Have a good night, Emily."

With the bar emptying out, Jin felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. His first night as a bartender had been a success, and he had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He collected his things and made his way to his Bugatti, parked discreetly to avoid drawing attention.

As he drove home, the city lights reflecting off the car's sleek exterior, Jin felt a sense of contentment. The Trillionaire System chimed in with a notification: "Objective Complete. Reward: £800,000."

Jin's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Not a bad night," he muttered, a grin spreading across his face.

He arrived at his villa, the grand structure illuminated by soft exterior lights. Jin parked the Bugatti and made his way inside, feeling a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what the future held. As he settled into his luxurious bed, he reflected on the night's events. The flirtations, the conversations, and the satisfaction of a job well done all combined to create a memorable experience.

With a smile on his face, Jin drifted off to sleep, knowing that his journey as a trillionaire was only just beginning.