CHAPTER 42: CHAPTER 42 THIRD SUPPORTING CHARACTER: XIANG YIREN

She failed to get his WeChat again, but Fan Meili still hadn’t given up. Ignoring the visibly displeased Xiang Yiren, she was even thinking of inviting Sun Dasheng to a meal as a thank you.

"Next time, definitely next time!" Sun Dasheng said, leading Xiang Yiren away at a slow pace.

Fan Meili’s mood was not nearly as beautiful as her name. Standing in front of the floor-length mirror in the shop, she gave herself a little adjustment. I’m not so bad myself, she thought, and I’m all-natural. Every drop is guaranteed to be healthy and safe to drink.

Outside the mall restrooms, men were clustered together playing on their phones, holding bags and waiting for people. The women, meanwhile, formed a long queue.

Sun Dasheng sat with his eyes closed, seemingly resting, but he was actually checking the system panel.

[Xiang Yiren]

[Bond Value: 59]

It seems this woman still only recognizes my money. As long as I spend on her, the Bond Value slowly rises. He shook his head, scoffing at his own ridiculous notion. She’s only with me for the money in the first place. How could I expect her to have genuine feelings for me? Maybe someday, but definitely not now. Money brings people together, and a lack of it drives them apart. There’s no point in deceiving myself. Since she loves money, she’ll be the most loyal partner I could ask for, as long as I have it. Sometimes, a relationship based on mutual benefit is more reliable than one based on simple emotions. After all, how many passionate, youthful loves have faded into nothing over time?

He reined in his thoughts.

The salesclerk from before, Little Mei, came out of the restroom with reddened eyes. She must have been crying secretly inside.

We’re all just cogs in the machine of society; who can say their life is easier than anyone else’s? Just out of school and in her early twenties, her first brutal lesson from the working world came a bit too soon.

She hadn’t done anything wrong, yet the blame for everything was placed on her. Her bonus was deducted, and she almost failed her probation period. Later, she’d swallowed her pride in hopes of landing a huge sale, but even that fell through. It was all becoming too much to bear. Online, everyone says Gen Z is shaking up the workplace, but how is that not just self-deception? I certainly don’t have the power to do that. Every generation of young people gets labeled that way when they first enter the workforce. In time, aren’t they all worn down by life’s many pressures, forced to bow down? Workplace reform... what a pipe dream!

Lost in thought, she didn’t see Sun Dasheng approaching and accidentally bumped into him.

"Ouch! Are you blind—"

Halfway through her sentence, her anger instantly transformed into a smile. Because she was young, her acting was subpar, and her smile looked pained and forced.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t see you just now."

Sun Dasheng smiled. "There’s no need to keep apologizing. You haven’t done anything wrong. Just like before, you don’t have to put yourself through this."

She didn’t know which word had struck her vulnerable spot, but tears began to well up again. She quickly lowered her head to hide them. Hearing him stand up for her warmed Little Mei’s heart. But then a thought surfaced, and she said, "Young people just starting out are supposed to endure hardships. A little grievance like this is nothing."

Sun Dasheng sneered at such a notion. "That’s bullshit. It’s the kind of manipulative rhetoric the establishment uses on the younger generation. No one is born to suffer. If you’re unhappy with your job, just find a new one."

This was the first time she had heard such words from someone so privileged. Little Mei looked up at him in surprise.

Sun Dasheng seemed not to notice her expression and smiled as he said, "So what do you think? Have you considered changing jobs?"

"I have a media company that happens to need a receptionist. You could start there, and if you perform well, you’ll be promoted. It’s absolutely fair and just. How about it?"

Little Mei was tempted, but after an internal struggle, she said, "Mr. Sun, thank you for your kindness, but my coworkers take good care of me. I don’t want to change jobs just yet."

"I respect your decision. If you ever change your mind, you can contact me anytime."

And just like that, Little Mei easily obtained the WeChat contact that Fan Meili had been desperately trying to get.

Just then, Xiang Yiren came out. After Sun Dasheng finished speaking, he turned and left, leaving Little Mei standing there in a daze.

"Darling, sorry to keep you waiting." Xiang Yiren skillfully looped her arm through his, asserting her claim.

From a distance, Little Mei gave an awkward smile and promptly left.

She’s like a little cat guarding its food, Sun Dasheng thought, amused by the jealousy on Xiang Yiren’s face.

He then took her on a shopping spree through various designer boutiques, buying her a completely new wardrobe from head to toe. When they left, she was beaming with joy.

The Bond Value finally reached 60 points.

Binding.

[Supporting Character: Xiang Yiren]

[Occupation: Receptionist]

[Bond Value: 60]

[Experience Value: 0]

「At home.」

The moment they walked through the door, before it was even closed, Xiang Yiren dropped her shopping bags and threw herself at Sun Dasheng. While kissing him passionately, she started tearing at her own clothes, then tugged at his belt.

That urgency, that ravenous look in her eyes... it’s a bit frightening. For her, luxury goods are like an aphrodisiac. This time, the dose was a bit too high.

Xiang Yiren, having been ceaselessly entangled with him, was now completely spent, panting like an exhausted animal. She had been so proactive this time, taking the lead wherever she could and not letting Sun Dasheng exert any effort. She serviced him until he was utterly content.

Drenched in fragrant sweat and gasping for air, every part of her was exhausted, with only enough strength left to blink.

She complained with a hint of coquettish grievance, "How come you feel even stronger again?

"Do you have some secret to staying young? It feels like your body is aging in reverse."

Her words made Sun Dasheng break out in a sweat. She’s accidentally stumbled upon the truth. The system’s third upgrade has been subtly changing my body. A woman as ravenous as a tigress would have once been more than I could handle. But now, even she can’t quench the fire within me.

He dodged the topic. Cradling the beautiful woman in his arms, he suddenly asked, "Do you have any dreams?"

Xiang Yiren was startled by the question. The last time I heard that was in elementary school Chinese class. The teacher’s essay prompt: ’My Dream’. What did I even write back then? To be a scientist when I grew up? The memory is so blurry. For years, I don’t think I’ve had any dreams. I’ve been beaten and battered by this cruel society for so long. How could I dare to have such an extravagant aspiration? Dreams? Why is he asking about this?

She caught his wandering hands and pressed them against her heart, temporarily sealing them in place as she asked the question.

Thank goodness my hands are big, Sun Dasheng thought as he squeezed tightly, otherwise, one wouldn’t be enough to hold it all.

"No reason," he said. "Just wondering if you’d like to do something you enjoy more."

Xiang Yiren rubbed her face against his chest. "Thank you for thinking of me, darling, but my reception job is pretty relaxing. I’ll stick with it for now. If I ever become unhappy with it, I’ll let you know, and you’ll have to stand up for me."

Sun Dasheng didn’t press the issue and simply nodded.

After a moment’s rest, his little brother seemed eager for another round.

He flipped her over and pinned her down.

"Yamete!~" Xiang Yiren cried out, startled, in a foreign phrase she had recently learned.