Doctor Doug

It was evening in downtown Los Angeles.

With a roar of the engine, a black modified Supra came to a halt in front of a hotel.

After handing the car key to the valet, Simon, dressed in a suit, approached the passenger side and opened the door.

Bowing slightly, he extended his right hand, saying, "After you."

Meg, dressed in a formal gown, smiled and placed her hand in Simon's, elegantly sliding into the car.

"Thank you!"

Linking her arm with Simon's, they made their way to the elevator.

The elevator ascended quickly, and in no time, they arrived at the 71st floor, where the 71Above restaurant awaited them.

"Reservation for two?" the host asked as Simon and Meg approached the entrance.

"Yes, Simon Louis," Simon replied confidently.

The host checked the reservation list, then smiled and said, "Mr. Louis, right this way."

Following the host, Simon and Meg were escorted to a table by the window.

"Anything to drink, or would you like to start with food?" The host handed them menus once they were seated.

"Bring us the chef's recommended dishes," Simon said after a quick glance at the menu.

"I'll have the same," Meg added.

After noting their orders, the host left them to enjoy the evening.

"This place is beautiful!" Meg exclaimed, gazing out the window at the stunning cityscape.

"If you like it, we can come back next time," Simon replied, his eyes locked on her.

"No need," Meg said softly, her voice warm. "As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we are."

Simon held her hand gently, the unspoken bond between them growing stronger.

Not long after, the host returned with their appetizers, explaining the dishes before leaving them to enjoy their meal.

They ate and chatted, savoring each bite and losing track of time. Before they knew it, they had finished their dessert.

"Water, please. We're ready to check out," Simon said, taking out his wallet and waving to the staff.

Upon hearing this, a waiter walked over. "Sir, another gentleman has already taken care of your bill."

Simon looked up, confused. "Who?"

The waiter stepped aside, pointing to a man who was chatting near the entrance. "That gentleman, over there."

Simon was taken aback as he recognized the man immediately.

"Simon, who is he?" Meg asked, puzzled.

"An old friend of my parents. Excuse me for a moment," Simon said, giving Meg an apologetic smile.

"Go ahead," Meg waved him off.

Simon walked over to the man with a confident stride.

"Hello, Mr. Doug," Simon greeted him.

"You know me?" The man, Doug, a tall figure with an air of authority, took out a cigar and lit it.

"You're the infamous crime lord, Doug 'The Doctor'. I saw you with Dom back in the day," Simon explained, recognizing him instantly.

Just as Simon spoke, a system notification echoed in his mind.

[Ding! Detected the presence of Doug, the protagonist from Baby Driver.]

[Do you want to check in?]

"Check in," Simon replied mentally.

[Ding! You may choose one of the following skills:]

[1. Calm.]

[2. Slight intelligence boost.]

Simon paused. This was the first time he encountered skills without any tiered ranking.

After a moment's consideration, Simon chose [Calm]. Maintaining a clear mind seemed far more valuable than a slight boost in intelligence.

[Ding! Congratulations, you have acquired the passive skill: Calm. This skill cannot be upgraded.]

[Ding! General experience +500. More experience will be granted for consecutive check-ins.]

Simon closed the system window and returned his focus to Doug. "Mr. Doug, how can I assist you?"

The infamous crime lord had come to him, and Simon was sure this wasn't just a casual meeting.

"It's simple," Doug replied, his voice cool. "Soon, I'll need someone to drive for me."

Simon nodded, understanding the unspoken request. "Got it. How much is the pay?"

"Everyone splits it evenly," Doug said.

"Why me?" Simon asked, confused.

"In Los Angeles, you're one of the best drivers. Plus, you know the roads here well. Dom has his own business now, so I'm choosing you."

Doug paused before adding, "And, let's face it—you could really use the money right now."

"Impressive. No wonder they call you the King of Crime," Simon replied, genuinely impressed.

He paused, then said, "You're right. I do need the money."

"So, I accept," Simon concluded, deciding to take on the offer.

"Good!" Doug said, pulling out a phone from his pocket. "When everyone's gathered, I'll call you."

Simon nodded, taking the phone. "I look forward to your call."

After a quick handshake, they parted ways. Simon returned to Meg.

"Everything okay?" Meg asked as Simon returned.

"Of course! What could be wrong?" Simon smiled reassuringly.

"In that case, let's head back to your place," Meg said with a suggestive tone.

Simon laughed, "As you command, madam."

The next day, since it was the weekend, Simon dropped Meg off at her house and then headed to the Mai Duo Duo supermarket.

Though he had a new job lined up soon, Simon couldn't just leave without reporting for his shift after agreeing to work for Big Mike.

Besides, Simon figured that Doug's job would likely only last a few jobs, whereas the part-time gig was far more stable.

Arriving at the supermarket, Big Mike led Simon around, introducing him to the other employees.

Soon, Simon was handed his uniform—a simple green t-shirt.

After pinning on his sales badge, Simon officially started his part-time job.

There were no formal introductions or training—he was simply thrown into the mix.

Simon could only shake his head at the casual approach.

"Hey, Chuck," Simon greeted, spotting the familiar face among the other employees.

"Simon! Why... why are you here?" Chuck looked shocked to see Simon in his uniform.

"I'm working part-time! I wanted to tell you yesterday, but after I got the job, I couldn't find you," Simon explained.

"Okay..." Chuck was still stiff, but then he hurriedly added, "I've got something to do, I'll be off."

Before Chuck could leave, Big Mike called out to him.

"Chuck!"

"This isn't the time, Big Mike. I've got something really important to take care of!" Chuck tried to run.

"Stop!" Big Mike blocked Chuck's way. "Even if the president shows up, you're not leaving now. I've got a job for you, and you're going to do it—whether you like it or not."

"Okay, what do you need?" Chuck sighed, resigned.

"It's simple—teach Simon how to be a proper salesman."

"What?" Chuck's eyes widened in disbelief.