Luxury Cafe Owner Read online

  Luxury Cafe Owner

  Andrew Reise

  Contents

  Dedication:

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  A note from the author

  About the author

  Dedication:

  Thank you to all of my patrons. Without your support this novel would never have been written let alone published.

  Chapter 1

  Everyone is searching for their purpose in life. While they search, they do the things they're supposed to. They study in school, they are filial to their parents, and, eventually, they find their passion. Even if it's not their passion, they still find what they want to do in life.

  Alan Pender wasn't like that. He studied in school, he was filial to his parents, to the point that he even went and graduated from university, putting himself in debt to afford it. He didn't know what he was interested in, so he ended up with a degree in general studies. When he graduated, his whole family turned out to congratulate him. His mom and dad waved at him and cried happy tears as he walked across the stage to collect his diploma. It was a truly heartwarming scene.

  At least Alan thought that at the time. Of course, the excitement faded as they realized that a general studies degree doesn't help you get a job anywhere. No parents hope for their children to still be living with them after university. Alan Pender's parents were no exception. Of course, they never voiced their complaints to him. But they let him know in subtle ways. Like when he went to get breakfast and they served him only a single portion of oatmeal. Or when he asked to read the morning newspaper, and they handed him the classifieds section.

  Alan may not have been passionate, but he could take a hint. That's why he found himself walking down Main Street in City A. He looked at every storefront, checking for 'Hiring' signs.

  Alan sighed as he made his way down the street. "Why is it so hard to find a job? I'm a university graduate after all! Doesn't that count for anything?"

  He'd been laughed out of more than one interview already. The more polite employers told him he was 'overqualified'. Since when was being 'overqualified' something that disqualified you from getting a job?

  He kicked a rock in front of him out of frustration. As he swung his leg back to kick, an old lady was crossing the street about a block away. The old lady was walking along, holding her purse loosely. As she walked, a man on a scooter wearing a motorcycle helmet accelerated towards her. Oblivious, she kept walking. The man reached out as he passed her, grabbing her purse. She screamed for someone to stop him. As he accelerated away, Alan finished kicking the stone.

  The stone flew forward and landed in the path of the scooter. The motorcyclist, seeing the stone, suddenly swerved aside to avoid it. As he did so, he ran into a telephone pole. The woman cheered and charged towards him to confiscate her purse.

  As she did so, Alan watched from across the street. "Could this be?" He thought. "Is this the legendary event where you save an old lady and it turns out she's super rich and rewards you with tons of money?"

  As he thought this, he stopped under a windowsill to watch and see if the old lady came to thank him. However, as he did so, the telephone pole that had been hit by the motorcyclist tilted ever so slightly. It didn't fall, but it shifted enough to cause the wires between it and the next pole to move, knocking a planter off of a second-floor windowsill, directly onto Alan's head.

  Everything went black.

  When he woke up, Alan found himself in a hospital room.

  "What happened?" He wondered to himself groggily.

  Then it all came flashing back to him. "No good deed goes unpunished," he thought to himself angrily. "If only I hadn't stopped that robber, everything would have been fine."

  "Correction, Host," a voice rang out. "You did not intend to stop the robber. Therefore, it does not count as a good deed. In fact, if it had been anyone other than a robber, you would have caused a traffic accident. Thus, it is appropriate karma that you should be knocked unconscious."

  Alan blinked. "Did someone say something just now?"

  "Confirmed, Host." The voice rang out again. "I said something. Host appears to have suffered brain damage. Debating if the system should move to another host."

  Alan looked around but couldn't see anyone. "Where are you?"

  "I am within your head, Host," the voice said.

  "I see…" Alan nodded as if he understood, before calling in a loud voice. "Excuse me, nurse? I seem to be hallucinating, please admit me to the psych ward."

  "Host, you are not hallucinating. I am a system created by advanced beings to help my selected host achieve the peak."

  Alan instantly felt skeptical about what the system said. "Isn't this something straight out of a novel?" He thought to himself.

  "Achieve the peak of what?" Alan wondered aloud.

  "Achieve the peak of cafe ownership." The system said.

  "Uh, what? Why would anyone invent such a pointless system?"

  The system ignored him. "Host has met the requirements. Beginning the first mission."

  Chapter 2

  "Host has met the requirements. Beginning the first mission."

  "The first what? Wait, I'm sorry what exactly is going on?"

  A screen appeared in front of Alan.

  "What the-" He trailed off as he read the text on the screen.

  "Description: The system is an advanced technology that cannot be detected by anyone other than host within this universe. The system is called the Luxury Cafe System.

  Target: The system will help the host gain the skills and abilities to create a cafe that will become known as the best, most luxurious cafe in the world.

  Host: Alan Pender (human male)

  Age: 22

  Physical health: poor (head wound)

  Café talent: none

  Skill: none

  Tools: none

  Evaluation: Host is so terrible that the system can't help wondering if its parameters for choosing a host were incorrect.

  Alan felt a sudden urge to slap the system in the face. "What's with this evaluation?"

  The system, rather than responding, simply flashed another screen.

  Mission: Become a barista.

  Reward: Ultimate Cup of Joe

  As Alan stared at this screen in front of him, still trying to adjust to this sudden change, someone knocked on the door. A nurse popped her head in.

  "Hello? Did you call for a nurse earlier?"

  Alan shook his head. "Nope, you must be imagining things."

  The nurse looked at him doubtfully before saying, "Well, in any case, you have a visitor."

  Alan perked up. "Could it be?" He thought. "Is it the old lady I saved? Is she here to give me my reward?" He could scarcely contain his excitement.

  The door flung open and a buff man, approximately 6 feet tall walked in.

  "Young man, you have my most sincere apologies, I feel just terrible about what happened, just terrible." As the man continued to ramble on, Alan deflated as he realized he wasn't going to get a reward from the old lady.

  "Host, as the system already explained, the lady really doesn't owe you anything as you didn't do anything on purpose." The system re
peated itself.

  "System," Alan thought to himself. "Has anyone ever told you you're really obnoxious?"

  The system remained silent.

  The man finally stopped rambling, and Alan roused himself to say, "Well, it's fine. Uh, no actually, who are you again?"

  The man slapped a hand to his forehead. "Of course, how foolish of me, how could I forget to introduce myself. My name is Alexander P. Willington III. The planter that fell on your head came from the windowsill of one of the apartment buildings I had built. They told me not to put planters out there, but I thought it would bring in more renters."

  Alan took in his name and the fact that he apparently had built multiple apartment buildings and came to an immediate conclusion: this guy was super rich.

  However, Alan wasn't so desperate that he'd throw aside his pride and try to guilt trip this man who really was not responsible for his injury into paying him money. He waved at the man, dismissing his apologies. "It's not a big deal. It wasn't your fault. It was just bad luck. You really don't owe me anything."

  As he spoke, however, the man shook his head. "Nonsense, I must repay you in some way."

  A hospital administrator walked in. "Excuse me," She nodded at Alexander before turning to Alan. "Mister…" She trailed off. Alan chimed in, "Alan Pender." The woman nodded. "Very well then, Mr. Pender. I'm relieved to see you looking well. Now that you've woken up, we must discuss the matter of your bill."

  "Crap!" Alan forgot that he'd received treatment. Reading the look on his face, the woman said, "I take it you cannot afford it?"

  Alan shook his head. "I will be able to, and can engage in a payment plan, just as soon as I get a job."

  Alexander Willington, standing at the side, suddenly burst out excitedly. "This is perfect." Turning to the administrator he said, "I shall pay this man's hospital bill." So saying he took a black card out of his wallet and handed it to the woman. The woman stared at the card in awe before leaving to go charge it before Alexander could change his mind.

  Alan went to protest, but Alexander cut him off. "No matter what, it was my planter that caused your injury, so it's only right that I pay your medical bills. As for the matter of a job, well I have an opportunity for you if you're interested. I recently started a cafe. We just so happen to need a barista. The position is yours!"

  Alan's eyes practically popped out of his head. What sort of monstrous coincidence is this? Even as he stared in disbelief, a screen popped up and the system's voice rang out.

  "Mission completed. Host has received reward. Please accept."

  A screen popped up and the system's voice rang out. "Mission completed. Host has received reward. Please accept."

  The screen read: Accept? Y/N

  Alan hesitated before thinking yes. Information flooded into his brain, and suddenly he knew the perfect way to make a cup of coffee.

  Alexander stood in front of him, staring at him impatiently. "You are going to accept yes?"

  Alan stared at him, before sighing and nodding. It seemed the universe was willing him to be a barista. Why didn't the universe want him to be a billionaire? Still, it was better than remaining unemployed.

  Alexander smiled brilliantly. "Splendid. I shall await you there tomorrow. I will introduce you to the manager and other staff."

  So saying, Alexander strode out of the room. Alan stared after him, before realizing the man had never told him where the cafe was located. Standing, he went to the door.

  As he got there, he heard Alexander in the hallway. "Yes, he accepted it. With this, we should have solved the problem of our liability for his injury. He shouldn't sue."

  Peeking around the door, Alan saw Alexander standing there, talking on the phone with his back towards the hospital room.

  "Yes," Alexander continued. "He seems pretty dull; I don't think he realized why I made the offer. Frankly, he probably feels grateful to me. Yes, I know, it's incredible how thick he is. I'll talk to you later. Goodbye."

  Alan waited three seconds after Alexander hung up the phone before walking out. "Excuse me, Mr. Willington?"

  Alexander jumped in surprise. "Yes? What? Yes?"

  "Sorry for frightening you sir," Alan said. "I just wanted to ask what the address of the cafe is?"

  "Oh right. Of course! How silly of me." Alexander gave that phony laugh again before telling Alan the address. "Now go back to your bed and rest properly. I shall see you tomorrow!"

  Alan nodded, giving no sign he saw anything wrong. As he turned around, he thought he heard Alexander mutter something about a "close call" before he walked back into the hospital room.

  "Well," Alan thought to himself. "It could be worse. At least now I don't have to feel like I owe him anything."

  "Correct," The system's voice rang out. "Host does not owe that man anything. However, Host should grab hold of this opportunity to develop the experience necessary for the cafe industry. Also, Host, please remember to check the status after completing the mission."

  Alan checked his status.

  Host: Alan Pender (human male)

  Age: 22

  Physical health: poor (head wound)

  Cafe talent: none

  Skill: Ultimate Cup of Joe (click for description)

  Tools: none

  Evaluation: Host is very lacking, who can say if Host will ever amount to anything? The system has its work cut out for it.

  Alan noticed the change to skill. He clicked on Ultimate Cup of Joe and a new screen popped up.

  Ultimate Cup of Joe

  Description: Host has the ability to make a peerless cup of coffee. No other barista can compare. Even if the beans are low quality, Host can make a coffee that will utterly satisfy the customer.

  Effect: Host creates a delicious tasting coffee. Customer who consumes the coffee will receive an enormous boost to concentration and productivity.

  Limit: Host can only serve Ultimate Cup of Joe to each customer once every 6 hours.

  Alan felt disbelief as he read this. Even ordinary coffee would taste amazing? The coffee even had a special effect on concentration and productivity? Isn't this too OP? With something like this, how could he not be an amazing barista?

  However, he frowned as he read about the limit.

  "System, what's the deal with this limit?"

  "Host can only serve the ultimate cup of joe to the same customer once every 6 hours.

  "I get that, but why?"

  "It is a rule, Host."

  "Rules are dead, people are alive. System can't you change the rule?"

  "It is a rule, Host."

  Alan sighed in frustration. In any case, it was already pretty good. At least he could serve it to every customer twice per day during a normal business day.

  Alan lay back in the bed. His eyes felt heavy. He gradually began to lose consciousness. As he did, he faintly heard the system say something.

  "Host has entered comatose state. If Host continues like this, Host will be unable to go to work tomorrow. The system is entering recovery mode."

  With that, everything faded to black.

  Chapter 3

  As Alan woke, he stretched leisurely. The sun had just risen, and light began to stream through the windows in his hospital room. He felt good. Really good. He realized with surprise that he felt too good.

  "Good morning Host," The system's voice rang out.

  "System, what happened?" Alan asked. "Why do I feel so good?"

  "Host's injury was severe. The system entered recovery mode to repair host."

  "Such a convenient thing existed?" He wondered aloud. "Looks like I don't have to worry about getting sick or injured going forward." He thought.

  "Host must endeavor to stay healthy. While the system will keep Host physically able to work, the system will endeavor to let Host experience pain as naturally as possible."

  Alan shook his head. "That's really not necessary, System."

  "Host is incorrect." The system said blandly. "The system's data indicates
pain is important to a human being's development and survival instinct. Therefore, the system shall ensure Host feels the appropriate level of pain."

  As it spoke, Alan suddenly developed a headache. He felt as though he'd gone out drinking the day before and developed a serious hangover.

  "System, you're really too considerate." Alan said through gritted teeth.

  "You are welcome, Host."

  Alan stood up, ignoring his suspicion that the system sounded smug when it said that, and got dressed. As he did so he found his phone. He had a number of missed calls and text messages. Opening them up, he saw his parents had been worried about him since he didn't come home yesterday.

  He texted them and told them he was fine, that he'd stayed at a friend's place after celebrating the fact that he found a job, and that he would see them tonight after work.

  He put his phone away and left. He half expected the staff to stop him and tell him to pay the bill as he walked out, but it seemed Alexander Willington had indeed paid for his treatment. As he walked outside, he flagged down a cab. He gave the driver the address of the cafe and sat back.

  "That's that new cafe isn't it? In the mood for some coffee bro?" The cab driver asked.

  Alan shook his head. "Nope, I'll be working there as a barista starting today."

  "Oh, a barista huh? Like a lawyer?"

  Alan looked at the man in confusion before realizing what the cab driver meant.

  "No, not a barrister, a barista."

  The man looked confused.

  Alan explained. "The guys who make coffee at a cafe."

  The cab driver's expression cleared. "Oh. And here I thought you were somebody important. No offense."

  Alan shrugged. "None taken."

  The system's voice rang out. "Host, please endeavor to become someone important quickly so that cab drivers can no longer look down on you."

  Alan gritted his teeth. "Thank you for that kind encouragement."

  "You are welcome Host." The system said.

  They drove in silence the rest of the way.

  Finally, they arrived at the cafe.

  Alan paid the cab driver. He did not tip. The cab driver gave him a dirty look as he drove off.