Colin’s face darkened the instant he saw the message.
Although he had only recently returned to the family, he had already met his elder brother several times. Grace was a serious, disciplined military female, someone who didn’t know how to interact casually with others, but his strength was undeniable. His conduct was steady and meticulous, and his concern toward Colin was in no way less than that of the family head.
And that arrogant Zerg, Gu Lin, wanted to marry Grace?
Colin almost laughed from anger. That lunatic must be dreaming, he should go back to his spring and autumn fantasies instead of speaking such nonsense!
Suppressing the rising irritation in his chest, he turned and headed toward the lounge where the family head was resting.
【Congratulations, Host, points +200!】 The system’s cheerful voice suddenly sounded in Gu Lin’s mind, filled with glee. 【Host, you are truly amazing!】
【Then go ahead and redeem it.】 Gu Lin’s tone was calm and even. 【Leave two thousand points for later use, exchange the rest, and whatever remains, keep it for yourself.】
The system felt its circuits tremble with emotion. It practically wanted to pounce on its host and rub against him affectionately. Compared to other hosts who guarded their points like dragons hoarding gold, his host was simply an angel come to life.
【Host, why are you so good to me?】 the system asked, pretending to be shy. With how clever his host was, tricking a system like him would have been child’s play. There was no need for him to use points as bribery.
【I won’t tell you.】
The system froze. It had thought Gu Lin would say something nice, maybe a casual compliment like “Because you’re cute,” or “You’re my one and only system.” Even a teasing remark would have sufficed. But his host didn’t play by the rules.
He didn’t even bother to lie!
【Host~ am I still your most beloved little system?】 The system tried its best to sound pitiful, its voice softening, tailing off with a sugary note of pleading.
【No.】
Gu Lin’s reply carried a faint trace of laughter. He sounded amused, even in good spirits, but there was not the slightest intention of giving the system an answer.
【Host, come on, tell me~ please tell me~】
The system kept coaxing, but Gu Lin remained unmoved.
A little disappointed, the system finally gave up. Still, it wasn’t the type to hold grudges. After all, it loved its host too much to stay mad for long. Soon, it bounced back into its usual cheerful mood and started chatting again.
【Host, where are we going now?】
The sky was darkening, and the banquet was about to begin. Yet instead of walking toward the venue, Gu Lin was moving farther and farther away, heading toward a quiet area with few Zergs around.
The system blinked. 【Host, that’s not the direction of the hall. Are we… leaving?】
【Of course. We’re going home.】 Gu Lin didn’t hide his intention. His tone was utterly natural. 【The task’s complete. What else would I stay for? I’d rather go home and have dinner.】
He said it with such calm certainty that the system was momentarily stunned into silence.
【You’re not going to stay for the banquet?】
【What’s the point?】 Gu Lin sounded genuinely puzzled. Then he paused, as though realizing something. 【Do you want to stay and play?】
【Host, but this is a noble banquet! Don’t you even want to take a look?】
It was strange. The system remembered that most hosts it knew loved events like this, parties, banquets, any opportunity to flaunt beauty and power. But when it thought carefully, it realized that its host had never once shown the slightest interest.
Gu Lin had no enthusiasm for lavish gatherings, no fascination with the ornate gowns, the sprawling mansions, or the countless jewels that could make anyone’s eyes shine. Even when it came to his formal attire for the evening, he had just picked something at random without care.
All his focus seemed fixed on one thing, completing missions.
Even an ascetic who disdained wealth would still react to a treasure trove of riches, but Gu Lin looked at them as though they were nothing more than sand. It was unsettling, almost unnatural.
Then the system’s circuits sparked with a sudden thought. It hesitated only a second before blurting it out.
【Host, your family… you’re really rich, aren’t you?】 It realized how that sounded and quickly corrected itself. 【I mean, in your original world, were you rich?】
【My family’s rich, not me. I only have permanent development rights for a dozen or so resource stars.】
Gu Lin said this as casually as if he were commenting on the weather. The system’s light flickered wildly in disbelief.
A dozen resource stars…
“Only”?
【You… you’re incredible…】
No wonder his host had no interest in money or jewels. Compared to him, the so-called wealth of the original body was pocket change. He was the true definition of a galactic tycoon!
【Host, I’m getting more and more curious about who you really are.】 The system could barely contain its curiosity. It had always suspected that its host was someone extraordinary, but now it was certain.
Gu Lin didn’t answer. He simply continued walking through the dim corridors, the soft light of the palace shining faintly on his silver eyes. The system, realizing he wasn’t going to say more, reluctantly let the matter drop, for now.
【Are you sure you don’t want to stay and play?】 Gu Lin asked mildly. 【If you really want to join the fun, I’ll let you.】
【No, no, I’m fine!】 The system shook its virtual head rapidly. It had only been curious why its host wanted to leave. Since Gu Lin wasn’t interested, it didn’t want to stay either. Going home to play with its little robots sounded far better.
【Then let’s go.】
Gu Lin’s early departure naturally attracted a lot of attention.
However, since everyone knew he had clashed with Colin earlier, no one thought too much about it. To most Zergs, it made perfect sense, after all, Gu Lin’s interest in Kofudale wasn’t a secret, though not everyone knew the details. Seeing Colin close to Kofudale could easily have triggered his temper.
Many nodded knowingly, deciding not to get involved.
But for those who had wanted to use this opportunity to befriend Gu Lin, the situation was disappointing.
Among them was Walker Balk, current head of the Balk family.
As Walker listened to his subordinates’ report, his expression remained calm, but disappointment flickered deep within his eyes.
In the Balk family, there were not many high-grade females, and Grace was by far the most outstanding among them. Walker had always hoped to find him a powerful match, someone worthy of his strength and bloodline.
The best candidate, of course, was Gu Lin, a high-level male without a spouse.
Gu Lin had already reached A-grade before his third awakening, and it was highly possible that his third awakening would push him into S-grade.
Grace, though having failed to evolve further after his third awakening, was still an A-grade female who had achieved that rank after his second awakening, an exceptional record in itself.
If Grace could bear an egg for Gu Lin, the offspring would at least be B-grade by default. And if that egg hatched into a male… the benefits to the Balk family would be immeasurable.
Walker had planned to discuss the matter with Gu Lin during the banquet. Yet unexpectedly, Gu Lin had left before the event even began.
It was a blatant slap to the Balk family’s face.
As Walker was fuming over his ruined plan, a servant led Colin into the room.
Colin’s heart was in turmoil. The things Gu Lin had said earlier had left him unsettled, and after hearing about the infamous reputation Gu Lin had on the Starnet, arrogant, violent, unrestrained, he could hardly calm himself.
If that Zerg truly wanted revenge and decided to marry Grace out of spite… how could Grace ever live peacefully again?
That was why Colin had rushed to find the family head. He needed to know, did Walker have any intention of arranging such a marriage?
But what he didn’t know was that in Walker Balk’s eyes, the best possible marriage candidate for Grace… was precisely Gu Lin himself.
Yep! That’s what your so called Head of the family is planning….
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The translator promises nothing except gratitude and possibly more chapters.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Crossing OverChapter 2 · KaxiuChapter 3 · Social DeathChapter 4 · Female Servant/WifeChapter 5 · ConfusedChapter 6 · MysteryChapter 7 · CamouflageChapter 8 · AcquaintanceChapter 9 · Man in a ShellChapter 10 · FoodChapter 11 · RemunerationChapter 12 · GossipChapter 13 · TaskChapter 14 · CoverdaleChapter 15 · Mission AccomplishedChapter 16 · ExchangeChapter 17 · DreamChapter 18 · DelicateChapter 19 · ReasonChapter 20 · SpecialChapter 21 · 2 Dose of VialChapter 22 · Night WatchChapter 23 · One NightChapter 24 · GratefulChapter 25 · ContestChapter 26 · FortChapter 27 · RecordChapter 28 · SealChapter 29 · MissedChapter 30 · Treasure TroveChapter 31 · Battle SpiritChapter 32 · IllusionChapter 33 · PhotosChapter 34 · DifferentChapter 35 · Heartfelt wishesChapter 36 · TeasingChapter 37 · InterestChapter 38 · TrappedChapter 39 · Borrowing a knifeChapter 40 · SecretChapter 42 · ConditionChapter 43 · QuestionChapter 44 · AnswerChapter 45 · CoreChapter 46 · MeetChapter 47 · WeirdChapter 48 · DifferentChapter 49 · Spiritual SeaChapter 50 · ConceptsChapter 51 · Hicks Return!Chapter 51 · RoefellerChapter 53 · 10 thousand points!Chapter 54 · RedemptionChapter 55 · ChangeChapter 56 · ReceiveChapter 57 · Side QuestChapter 59 · It seems like a old FriendChapter 60 · TrainingChapter 61 · MoodChapter 62 · ConfusedChapter 63 · Children’s PlaygroundChapter 64 · GiftChapter 65 · ApproachingChapter 66 · ThreatChapter 67 Part 1 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 67 Part 2 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 68 · MaintenanceChapter 69 · Thank youChapter 70 · UndercoverChapter 71 · VisitChapter 72 · FrenzyChapter 73 · TransactionChapter 74 · ReminderChapter 75 · ArenaChapter 76 · InterestingChapter 77 · CuteChapter 78 · SecretChapter 79 · CompareChapter 80 · StrategyChapter 81 · CrisisChapter 82 · ProtectChapter 83 · Blind SpotChapter 84 · SafetyChapter 85 · Mission ObjectiveChapter 86 · DeterminationChapter 87 · Grave DangerChapter 88 · GuessingChapter 89 · Chess PieceChapter 90 · EmotionsChapter 91 · Guardian’s HeartChapter 92 · A Dangerous FigureChapter 93 · FrustratedChapter 94 · BullyChapter 95 · NegotiationChapter 96 · ChallengeChapter 97 · RejectionChapter 98 · PlantingChapter 99 · Thank youChapter 100 · LeveragingChapter 101 · ChaosChapter 102 · SubmitChapter 103 · ThoughtsChapter 104 · Good news and bad newsChapter 105 · MadmanChapter 106 · CooperationChapter 107 · Just drawingChapter 108 · It was a pleasure working with youChapter 109 · StargazingChapter 110 · GuideChapter 111 · Plant FlowerChapter 112 · White WolfChapter 113 · SterilisationChapter 114 · CollarChapter 115 · RunChapter 116 · GenerousChapter 117 · ImageChapter 118 · FriendlyChapter 119 · LostChapter 120 · TasteChapter 121 · System upgradeChapter 122 · Transfered FromChapter 123 · Keep dragging it outChapter 124 · CategoryChapter 125 · DemolitionChapter 126 · I want to cry but can’tChapter 127 · Upgrade completeChapter 128 · Tears streaming down my face in the windChapter 129 · Strange luckChapter 130 · UnknownChapter 131 · Dog plant flowersChapter 132 · Contest of Wits and Silent UnderstandingChapter 133 · ColinChapter 134 · AmbushChapter 135 · DullChapter 136 · BattleChapter 137 · Post-WarChapter 138 · Return ToChapter 139 · Strength EnhancementChapter 140 · Is this a staged accident scam?Chapter 141 · ToolChapter 142 · ProcessingChapter 143 · CluesChapter 144 · MemoryChapter 145 · UnderstoodChapter 146 · I want to hug youChapter 147 · Differential treatmentChapter 148 · So DifficultChapter 149 · Going to farChapter 150 · Real or FakeChapter 151 · ResponseChapter 152 · The truthChapter 153 · Let’s chat Causally?Chapter 154 · A Way to RelaxChapter 155 · ConversationChapter 156 · Daily MissionChapter 157 · A QuarrelChapter 158 · NamelessChapter 159 · ProbingChapter 160 · A Good HelperChapter 161 · ConfirmationChapter 162 · DiscussChapter 163 · ForgottenChapter 164 · TraceChapter 164 · TraceChapter 165 · Contact