[Return]: Spending money on yourself generates a 50% return on the amount spent. However, when the expense is on a woman whose affection index is above 50, the return can vary from 1 to 100 times — and it's not limited to just money.
'It's not limited to just money?'
He started imagining what else it could be. Maybe something like gold?
After trying to grasp more details about the skill, he gave up minutes later when he got no results.
...
The bell rang for lunch break.
"Alright, don't forget to review what was covered." Leaving those words behind, the sensei, who had finished packing her things, left the classroom.
As soon as the sensei left, the sound of chairs scraping was heard constantly, and in moments, Zayden and Erika's desk was surrounded by the girls in the class.
"Hey, Valtrex-san."
One of the girls asked: "If I may ask… Why did you decide to change your look so much?"
"I'd like to know too!"
"+1!"
"+2!"
"Calm down a bit." Zayden signaled with his hand.
When they fell silent, he said slowly: "It's not some cool story of overcoming or anything like that. I just realized that what I was doing before, especially my style of dressing, was pretty lame. The truth is, I just wanted my dad's attention, and because of that, I ended up being pretty childish. Once I realized that, I felt embarrassed of myself and decided to change."
"I see, so that's it!"
When they heard all this, practically everyone believed his words. After all, who in their right mind would use such an excuse if it wasn't true—especially something so embarrassing.
Because of this, most started to look at him differently. Admitting your mistakes and wanting to fix them was something hard to do. And, even with a bad reputation as a delinquent, the truth was that he had never caused any harm to his class.
The only serious thing he had done in relation to them was bringing the reputation of having a delinquent in Class 1-A.
The conversation continued, with them asking some questions, which shifted focus to Erika.
"Huh? Well, I like her." Zayden answered directly: "That's why I wanted to give her a birthday gift."
""""Kyahhh!!!""""
When they heard Zayden's words, several girls squealed excitedly.
"He admitted so openly that he likes her!"
"So cool~!"
"I wish my boyfriend would do the same…"
Erika herself was blushing with her head down.
After that, several girls either lamented that their birthdays had already passed or deliberately mentioned their upcoming birthdays near Zayden.
The reason for this was clear: Many of them were jealous of Erika.
Seeing Erika wearing the necklace only fueled their jealousy even more.
Although not all of them were materialistic, who wouldn't want to receive a gift from a handsome guy?
As for him being a delinquent? Being handsome is justice!
Besides, he was trying to turn the page and stop being a delinquent. Admitting his mistakes and reasons for doing what he did in front of everyone.
And the fact that he was willing to spend, buying such an expensive gift for a girl who wasn't even his girlfriend, made several of them daydream.
Zayden pretended not to notice the exaggerated reactions of many of them.
However, this kind of reaction was something he also wanted.
Only 3 out of the 9 guys in the classroom looked at him with jealousy and even anger.
Those three liked Erika.
Although she had a gyaru appearance, she wasn't the type to go around hooking up with just anyone. The truth was, no one had ever heard of her having a boyfriend.
With her being a hot, gyaru, yet still pure, she had many admirers, whether in Class 1-A or even upperclassmen from the second and third years.
Something that he used to treat as normal, but because of the memories of a past life, things became somewhat confusing for him.
In this world, it was common for a man to have more than one wife. Polygamy was something common in this world, mainly because the female birth rate was higher. It was something like, for every 10 newborns, 9 were girls.
His own father had 3 wives – including Zayden's mother, Izabella.
He was the only child of his father with his mother.
But with his two other wives, his father, Zeroth, had three more children: a half-brother four years older and two twin sisters one year younger.
Seeing his mind start to wander, Zayden shook his head and looked at a girl with an Affection Index of 25.
Emilia Akiyama, childhood friend of the protagonist, Subaru Kisaragi.
In the game, Zayden is described as being in love with her.
Emilia had ivory-white skin and delicate facial features, with long, slightly curved eyelashes, a sharp nose, and bright red lips. Her long, pool-blue hair, silky as threads of silk, fell loosely, completing a face of refined and captivating beauty.
It's no wonder it was described that he fell madly in love with her, trying in various ways to win her affection, especially using money.
However, this view was quite distant from the current him.
If he thought about it, he really did have some interest in her before. But that was clouded the moment he recalled his past life, as well as being linked to this mysterious system.
...
After the lunch break ended, everyone returned to the classroom.
"Okay, everyone, to your seats."
The sensei entered the room and clapped her hands.
When a loud snap sounded, she seemed surprised.
She tried to repeat it, but when she didn't succeed, she said: "How strange… When we really try, it doesn't come out as expected."
Then her expression turned serious as she placed both hands on the desk: "Okay, everyone. Listen carefully. It's a bit sudden, but we'll have a new friend joining our class."
"So suddenly? And in the middle of the class?" One of the students commented.
"Well, I understand your confusion." The sensei said: "You'll soon understand why. Anyway, Catherine-san, you can come in."
"Excuse me."
Then, a beautiful girl entered the classroom.
Another heroine from HHHS arrived.
She has long, enchanting platinum hair and a well-proportioned face. Her purple eyes are as beautiful as gemstones and, above all, large breasts.
Standing in front of everyone, some sighs of admiration echoed.
With impeccable posture and hands at her sides, she spoke in Japanese with a strong accent: "Hello, everyone. My name is Catherine Lefevre. I lived in Japan until I was ten, then moved to Europe for personal reasons. My Japanese isn't very good, but I'll do my best. I hope to get along with everyone."
She bowed her head slightly.
"Pat, pat." The sensei said, clapping her hands.
Seconds later, the sensei said: "Okay, Catherine-san, you can sit in the second-to-last row on the right, at that empty desk."
Catherine was 1.73 m tall and would have no problem sitting in the back.
Replying with a "Yes," Catherine went and settled in.
Looking at Erika, she said: "Pleased to meet you."
"Likewise." Erika replied.
Then she looked at the neighbors beside her and greeted them too.
Zayden looked at her.
In the game, she also appeared this way.
And it was revealed near the end of the game that she was Subaru's childhood friend, but since Subaru seemed not to remember her, she pretended not to recognize him. It was only revealed when following her route or the harem route.
Looking at her Affection Index for him at 33, Zayden didn't think too deeply about it.
If it's like in the game, she remembered Subaru with great fondness, and he was basically her first love.
She was the one who ended up most caught in Zayden's 'clutches.' This was because she deeply loved her family, and when the company her father had founded after moving to Eiko Town went bankrupt, she repeatedly gave herself to him in exchange for loans that could save her father from ruin.
It was almost magical, as after receiving Zayden's money, her father managed to revive the company and become a successful businessman.
Only in two routes did she not do this. Those were the ones where she chose to stay with Subaru, but unfortunately, her family went bankrupt both times, losing everything.
They say money doesn't bring happiness. However, her happy family fell apart when they lost everything and became poor, having to take ordinary jobs. Her parents, who were once loving, barely spoke to each other, and when they did, they fought.
Because of this, she became very emotionally dependent on Subaru.
As for whether she was truly happy? It was hard to say.
If she knew that giving herself to Zayden could save her father's company, she might have been truly sad, depressed, and regretful.
After all, she loved her family deeply — so much so that, most of the time, she chose to sacrifice herself.
'Since she appeared so many times in the game, I clearly remember why her father went bankrupt.' Zayden thought.
Her father's idea — Benedict Lefevre's — was very good, but unfortunately, he encountered some 'barriers' and ran out of money, eventually going bankrupt.
"Is there something on my face?" Catherine, who turned and saw him looking at her, asked.
"Not at all." Zayden replied, without looking away: "I just thought you were beautiful."
"Oh, I see." She tucked her hair behind her ear and stopped paying attention to him.
Chuckling a bit, Zayden shifted his focus to the window outside.
**
**
Today had been, at the very least, a strange day.
Between the surprised reactions of people to his change — even the teachers — and the silent crumbling of his own world, he could barely process everything.
The memories of another life, combined with the presence of the system, completely altered the way he perceived reality.
That said, when he was surrounded by pretty girls inviting him to go to karaoke, he initially considered accepting but ended up declining.
"Sorry, I have something to do and won't be able to go." Zayden declined tactfully.
"Seriously? That's a shame." One of the girls lamented.
The others were also visibly disappointed.
If it were before, Zayden wouldn't have thought twice before accepting such an invitation.
Under the regretful gazes of the girls who had surrounded him earlier, Zayden left with Yamagi by his side.
In front of the school, the same car that brought him was waiting.
After getting in, Zayden said: "Wilson, drop me off at the Shopping Center."
"Yes, Young Master." Responding affirmatively, he began to drive.
...
When he got out, Yamagi wanted to follow him, but Zayden stopped him: "Yamagi, you go back first."
Though reluctant, he didn't contradict him and agreed with a simple "Yes, Boss" before returning to the car.
'Okay, what should I do first?' Entering the Shopping Center, Zayden put one hand in his pocket and took out his smartphone.
"Zayden?"
Shifting his attention from the smartphone, Zayden looked in the direction of the voice and saw someone unexpected.
Hyoma Valtrex. Zayden's older brother.
"I knew it, it's really you!" With a charismatic smile, he approached.
Unlike Zayden, Hyoma wasn't very tall, standing at 1.75 m.
Additionally, his hair was grass-green, and his eyes were red.
Perhaps the only thing they had in common was the color of their eyes, though Zayden's eyes were a more vibrant red.
By Hyoma's side was a beautiful, well-dressed girl. She was clearly a rich girl from some important family.
Knowing how much of a bootlicker Hyoma was when it came to the wealthy, he imagined she must be the daughter of one of the business contacts Hyoma wanted to stay on good terms with.
"Oh, let me introduce you." Sensing the gaze of the girl beside him, Hyoma said cheerfully: "This is my little brother, Zayden. Zayden, this is Tsukasa Takeda, from the Takeda Group."
He emphasized "Takeda Group" when introducing her.
Tsukasa Takeda has straight, well-groomed blonde hair that is silky, soft, and shiny. Her large, blue eyes are framed by long eyelashes, both on the top and bottom. Additionally, she has pale, milk-white skin, soft and flawless, and a well-defined nose.
She wore a designer white dress, neither too long nor too short, paired with black tights and platform high heels, making her even taller than Hyoma. She also wore some jewelry that seemed discreet but expensive.
"Hello, Tsukasa-san. As my brother said, I'm Zayden Valtrex." Zayden said: "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Mm, pleasure." She extended her hand toward him.
Holding her hand, he kissed the back of it.
When he saw her blush, he chuckled softly.
"Sorry, I lived in France for a while and picked up the habit of kissing the hand of a beautiful lady." Zayden apologized.
At first, her Affection Index toward him was only 24, but after that, it increased to 39.
"Zayden! What do you think you're…"
Before he could continue, Tsukasa interrupted him with a hand, saying: "It's fine, I don't mind."
The tips of her ears were slightly red.
"…I see. Sorry for my little brother's disrespect. He's always been like this, just…" He seemed to want to say something but stopped, adding: "Anyway, didn't you want to walk around? I'll go with you."
"No! You're boring, I want to go with him~" She pointed at Zayden.
"But…"
"It's decided." She declared: "Otherwise, I'll tell my dad. Besides, he's tall and seems strong. At least he must be more reliable than you."
Tsukasa was by no means foolish. She knew Hyoma was only flattering her to gain her father's favor.
Although she wanted to go out and used Hyoma, now that she found a better option, why not switch?
Hyoma's face turned red. He was angry but managed to swallow it upon hearing Tsukasa's threat. What infuriated him the most was her rubbing salt in his wound by comparing his height to Zayden's.
Taking a deep breath, Hyoma glared at Zayden before turning to her: "Alright, since you prefer it that way, just call me when you want to go back, and I'll come pick you up. And…" He turned to Zayden: "Take good care of her, don't even think about doing anything foolish or disrespecting her, got it?"
Something that seemed so troublesome, he wanted to refuse to entertain such a person, but when he saw Tsukasa's Affection Index increase to 41, he changed his mind.
"Okay, I'll take good care of her." Zayden replied.
'Seeing how furious he got, I bet he regrets drawing my attention~' Zayden thought, amused.
Zayden knew Hyoma only held back from making unnecessary comments because of Tsukasa's presence, especially with the change in his appearance.
It became clear after he walked away with Tsukasa by his side and received a message on LINE from Hyoma.
Hyoma: [What's up with your appearance? Why'd you change so much? Stopped being a delinquent? Whatever… just don't forget what I said: take good care of Tsukasa! And let me know when she wants to leave!]
Chuckling softly, Zayden replied with a simple "okay" and put the smartphone back in his pocket.
"Hey, don't ignore me!" Tsukasa exclaimed.
Looking at her, Zayden replied: "Sorry, my brother was just reminding me to be careful while I'm with you. Well, I understand his concern, after all, you're so beautiful, he must be worried if some guy tries to trick you while I'm not looking."
"Although that's true, I highly doubt that's why he's worried." She grumbled. Tsukasa's blue eyes narrowed, becoming as sharp as icicles.
'Oh? Looks like she understands my brother a bit.' Zayden thought.
Between women and money, Hyoma would always choose money.
If he had to describe him in a few words, it would be something like: Pretty girls are nice to have, but money is even better.
...
On the second floor, Zayden and Tsukasa drew a lot of attention.
Tsukasa for obvious reasons—she was beautiful and rich.
Zayden, on the other hand… Although he was in a school uniform, consisting of black pants and a dark blue blazer with a designer red tie, he stood out mainly because of his height and above-average appearance.
"Is there any place you'd like to visit?" Zayden asked.
"A place, huh…" She touched her lips.
"If you don't have any in mind, follow me." Zayden said: "I'm getting a bit hungry. If you don't mind, let's eat."
She thought for only two seconds before agreeing: "Okay, I'm a bit hungry too."
After that, the two walked to the food court.
You couldn't expect much like a fancy Italian restaurant, but there were some places with good reviews, and although not too expensive, the food should taste good.
Zayden put his smartphone back in his pocket.
"I'm in the mood for sushi, is that okay with you?" He asked.
Tsukasa's eyelashes fluttered.
"Let me see… Huh, alright, I'm on a diet, but today I'll make an exception." She winked at him.
Smiling a little, he extended his arm, and she took it.
When they entered the restaurant, the first thing they noticed was the cozy atmosphere with softer lighting and slow classical music in the background.
Wearing a blue kimono and her hair tied up in a high bun, a woman approached with a friendly and welcoming smile.
"Welcome to Sakura Sushi." She gave a warm smile and gestured with her hand: "I'll guide you to your table."
Both the service and the ambiance were better than Zayden had expected.
After being led to a table in the back with dim lighting, she handed them the menu.
Zayden placed a few orders, and Tsukasa did the same.
"One moment, please." Saying that, she walked away.
Sitting across from him, resting her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand, Tsukasa said: "Don't just sit there quietly, tell me a bit about yourself. From your clothes, I assume you're still a student. What year?"
"First year." Zayden replied: "I turned 16 this year."
"Seriously?" She seemed quite surprised. Sighing with a "Wow," she added: "I could've sworn you were at least 18. I mean, look at your height. You must be almost 2 meters, right? Besides, you don't act like a 16-year-old. If it weren't for your uniform, I'd think you were my age."
"I'm 1.95 m." Zayden replied: "And I don't know who you're comparing me to when you say I don't seem that young, but I'll take it as a compliment."
"That's what I'm talking about!" She pointed at him and smiled brightly: "Seriously, isn't a 16-year-old guy dining with a beautiful girl supposed to be a bit more nervous?"
"Now that you mention it…" He placed his hand on his heart and said dramatically: "Indeed, my heart is beating faster from being here with you."
"…"
Even though deep down she knew he was teasing her, Tsukasa was momentarily speechless. She lowered her head with slightly flushed cheeks, even the tips of her ears were a bit pinker.
Looking up, she asked softly: "Are you really only 16?"
"Do I have any reason to lie?" He said in response.
"Well…" She seemed thoughtful.
The truth was that boys his age would rather lie about their age to seem older, not the other way around.