Max was not in a good mood right now. No, he was absolutely furious that someone dared to interrupt the conversation between him and Selena.
When Josh walked over and placed a hand on Max's shoulder, he immediately sensed that something was wrong. Beneath his palm was a mass of muscle as hard as metal, nothing like the body of an ordinary college student.
Right after that, a familiar voice rang out.
"Why are you touching my shoulder, buddy? Looking to greet me or something?"
Along with those words, Max's cold expression slowly turned around.
The moment he heard that voice, Josh felt as if he had heard it somewhere before. As Max turned halfway, every single one of Josh's brain cells began working at full capacity.
An extremely bad premonition surged up.
To Josh, Max's movement felt as slow as a horror movie playing in slow motion. Just like a scene where the protagonist walks step by step toward a pitch-black door, fully aware that a terrifying jump scare awaits behind it, yet unable to stop.
When Max fully turned to face him, their eyes met.
That was when Josh knew his life was basically over.
Selena clenched her hands tightly behind Max's back. Her breathing trembled slightly, but a spark of hope flashed in her eyes when she saw that he was still calm. She trusted his strength. After all, someone who could easily take down a thug couldn't possibly lose to a college student.
Josh backed away in panic, but before he could take a step, Max grabbed his shoulder firmly. Josh immediately burst into tears, begging incoherently.
"I know I was wrong! From now on I'll follow Christianity, fast and chant Buddhist prayers, help the homeless! Please don't kill me!"
At that moment, Max put on a gentle smile, looking like the most harmless person in the world. But Josh knew very well just how terrifying this guy's "greeting skill" was.
"Hey, what nonsense are you talking about? I wasn't planning to do anything bad to you. I just wanted to say hello, that's all."
Josh replied shakily.
"I'm Josh."
Hearing that, Max burst out laughing.
"And I'm Max."
Josh didn't understand what was going on, but he hurriedly laughed along.
"Hahaha."
"Hahaha."
Suddenly, Max exerted force with his hand and then released it. Josh let out a painful scream, his body crashing to the ground as he passed out.
Seeing this, Selena asked a perfunctory question. She had no intention of worrying about someone who had just tried to do something bad to her.
"What's wrong with that bald guy?"
Max replied with a bright smile.
"Maybe his joke was too funny, so he laughed himself unconscious."
"Pfft."
She couldn't help but laugh.
"You saved me again. If I get the chance, I'll definitely treat you to another meal."
After saying that, Selena felt a little embarrassed. It felt like she had promised to repay a debt—but the next time they met, it wouldn't be to repay it, but to… borrow again.
"You really are a bad girl. You've teased me twice now. When are you planning to fulfill that promise?"
Those words flustered Selena. She shifted her feet slightly, her index fingers fidgeting with each other.
"I promise I'll treat you as soon as possible. Definitely."
"Alright, alright. I'll trust you one more time. Do your best, girl, I'll be cheering for you."
Max walked away casually, not forgetting to turn his head back, wink, and give her a thumbs-up of encouragement.
"Mmm, got it, senior. I won't disappoint you."
After Max went far away, Selena quietly recalled the moment she had unconsciously leaned against his back. That solid feeling made her cheeks heat up.
"Senior's body… is really firm."
[Ding Ding Ding][Selena's favorability toward the host +5][Favorability toward host: 82/100]
[Reward for favorability exceeding 80. Enhanced hearing. The host can hear any sound within the radius of a stadium without discomfort. Can be adjusted to filter noise or focus on specific sounds.]
Max felt extremely satisfied, but right after that, he questioned the system.
What the hell is this? The favorability has already exceeded 80, so why hasn't the notification for being ready to accept excessive requests appeared?
Luna suddenly appeared behind him, pressing close to his back. She deliberately rubbed her full, round chest against him, making Max, despite being accustomed to Emily, unable to remain completely indifferent. A faint wave of restlessness rose within him.
"My beloved master, every girl has different boundaries. Some women are willing to sleep with you even while hating you to the bone."
"But Selena is a traditional woman. At the very least, it'll take 95 favorability."
Max nodded. This was still within an acceptable range.
Just then, a voice sounded from behind.
"Max, there you are. Why did you skip my class this morning?"
[Ding Ding Ding][Beautiful woman with appearance over 70 detected][Name: Aiko Sato][Occupation: Japanese language teacher][Appearance: 79]
"Oh, your English has improved. Sorry, I have something urgent to deal with, I have to go."
Max quickly found an excuse and slipped away. Teacher Aiko was beautiful, but a bit abnormal. Right now, all he wanted was to go home and deal with a few things.
"Max, Max, where are you going?"
Aiko tried to chase after him, but in the end, she had no choice but to give up.
"This Lamborghini looks pretty nice. Husband, when are you going to buy one and take me for a ride?"
"I'm not short on money, but I can't spend it recklessly."
A man and a woman casually sat on the hood of Max's car, taking photos and flirting with each other. Just then, Max appeared.
He stood there staring at them with an annoyed expression.
Seeing this, the woman snapped.
"What are you staring at? I'll gouge your eyes out."
The man beside her hurriedly stopped her. Max thought he meant well, but was immediately disappointed by what came next.
"You shouldn't talk like that. Look at what he's wearing, it's all fake brands. He's probably just admiring us, being so young yet already able to afford a car like this."