"System balance? What does that even mean?"
Aiden squinted at the glowing screen. "Is this… money I can actually spend?"
Before he could blink, a sleek black card materialized in his hand. It shimmered faintly under the sunlight, heavier than any ordinary card he'd ever held.
[Correct, Host.]
The System Balance represents funds you can spend.]
Aiden's s eyes widened.
"Wait, how much is this? Ninety quadrillion dollars?!"
His mind spun.
How much was the richest man in the world worth, two hundred billion? Maybe three?
Even if every billionaire on Earth combined their fortunes, they wouldn't come close to a fraction of that.
He laughed in disbelief. "You've gotta be kidding me…"
But then the next message flashed:
[Notice: Funds are system-bound and may only be used through interactions with designated targets. Personal purchases, such as food, housing, or entertainment, are not eligible.]
Aiden's excitement froze on his face.
"…You mean, I can't spend any of this on myself?"
[Affirmative.]
System funds can only be used during social or emotional interactions. In other words, when you're investing in others.]
Aiden groaned, running a hand through his hair. "So, let me get this straight, I'm still broke. I'm just… cosmically broke with ninety quadrillion in restricted funds."
A pauper with infinite wealth. The irony almost made him laugh.
But then, another line of text appeared:
[However, should the Host succeed in reversing the relationship dynamic (Target - Host devotion ratio ≥ 95%), the System will transfer 10% of total expenditures as liquid assets into the Host's personal account.]
Aiden's s eyes narrowed. "So if I can make someone who looks down on me actually fall for me, I get real money back?"
[Correct. The more you spend, the more you stand to earn.]
He exhaled slowly. "So it rewards loyalty flips… That's insane."
For the first time since Emily left, something like hope flickered in his chest. Maybe this was how he'd turn everything around.
Following the system's guidance, Aiden linked the black card to his mobile wallet.
The connection beeped, successful.
A few minutes later, he was in the campus convenience store, arms full of snacks and a six-pack of beer. He scanned the payment code, but the app refused to process.
"What the...?"
[Transaction denied. Personal expense detected.]
"Right," Aiden muttered. "Can't use it for myself."
Behind him, a woman's voice snapped, "Hey, can you hurry up? Some of us actually have lives."
Aiden turned. The girl was striking, tall, stylish, maybe a junior from the business department.
He smiled faintly. "Tell you what, how about I cover your total instead?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"I'm serious," he said with a grin. "Just add me on WeChat, and I'll pay for you."
Normally, he'd never have dared to say something like that. But this was an experiment and a little payback for the system's twisted sense of humor.
['System engagement detected.']
[Target identified: Ivy Mae]
Age: 21
Height: 165 cm
Weight: 47 kg
Attractiveness Score: 7.9
Current Favorability: –50
[Link established. When target favorability ≥ 95, dynamic reversal achieved. Reward: 10% cash conversion + 5 Reinforcement Points.]
"Reinforcement points?" Aiden muttered. "What do those do?"
[They enhance the Host's physical and mental attributes, strength, focus, resilience, charisma, and more.]
Aiden let out a low whistle. "Now that's overpowered."
He glanced down at the black card in his hand, the edges gleaming faintly.
For years he'd begged for love that cost him everything. Now the universe was begging him to spend.
And this time, he wasn't going to lose.