【 This chapter is sponsored by FiFi! Huge thanks for your support】
【Host, we earned points! 】The system cheered excitedly, practically bouncing as it reported the good news. 【A system actually exchanged for your tutorial!】
Gu Lin was a little surprised. He didn’t fully understand how the internal structure of the System Network operated, but judging from the system’s complaints the night before, promoting a product there was extremely difficult. For it to earn its first transaction so quickly was something he hadn’t expected.
“The system’s doing quite well,” Gu Lin said with a faint smile. Children, whether real or digital, always needed encouragement.
【Hehe!】 The system was instantly overjoyed. To it, there was nothing in the world more rewarding than receiving praise from its host.
Still giggling, the system popped up a notification window. Gu Lin glanced at it and couldn’t help laughing. It was five points.
So, every time someone made a purchase, the system actually sent a separate message? If the number of buyers ever increased, it might end up being overwhelmed by its own notifications.
But he didn’t say that aloud. He didn’t want to dampen the system’s enthusiasm, especially when it was in such high spirits.
“I didn’t expect the first earnings to come this fast. That’s impressive,” he said instead.
In the past, the little system would’ve wagged its imaginary tail so hard it’d fly off the ground, but ever since following Gu Lin, it had matured a lot.
【Host, I’ll keep working hard!】 It declared firmly.
【By the way, I’ve already prepared your breakfast. Would you like to eat in the room?】
After expressing its determination, the system quickly switched to something more practical. It was particularly attentive to Gu Lin’s health now, especially his meals. Three times a day, at regular hours, no exceptions.
“I’ll eat in the dining room,” Gu Lin replied.
【Oh, right! 】The system suddenly remembered something and sent him a file. 【This… this is what I sorted out after studying with you yesterday. I’m still not very good at it, so the organization might not be perfect…】
The little system had really outdone itself today. Gu Lin opened the document and read it carefully. The more he looked, the more impressed he became. The structure was clear, the logic neat and coherent, it was entirely presentable.
“Well done,” he praised sincerely. “You’ve improved quickly. You could almost graduate already.”
The system’s happiness overflowed, it was even more thrilled than when it earned points.【 It’s all thanks to your teaching, Host!】
Since recording the tutorial, the system had reviewed it countless times while editing. Each replay helped it understand more, and it couldn’t help but admire its host’s brilliance. Gu Lin not only made complicated material sound vivid and engaging but also simplified concepts in a way that made learning easy and enjoyable.
Even after watching the same lesson repeatedly, the system never got bored. Every time, it discovered something new.
“It’s your own effort,” Gu Lin said softly. “You’re doing great.”
The system was completely speechless this time, overwhelmed by how kind its host was. Every time Gu Lin praised it, it felt like it might float right out of the system space.
It even had a ridiculous thought, maybe it could study for three days and nights straight if it meant pleasing its host!
The system quickly chased that suicidal idea out of its head. No, it didn’t want to perish so young!
Once it had calmed down, it suddenly asked, 【Host, I think the Zerg society here is so… twisted. Why is it like this?】
Gu Lin didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he asked in return, “And what do you think the reason is?”
The question caught the system off guard. 【I… don’t know】 it admitted after a pause.
“If you really want to understand, you can try finding the answer yourself,” Gu Lin said.
The system didn’t mind the lack of an explanation. Deep down, it believed that if it stayed by its host’s side long enough, it would eventually learn everything it wanted to know.
Because of this brief detour in their conversation, Gu Lin ended up missing Kaxiu in the morning. By the time he reached the dining room, Kaxiu had already left for the military headquarters.
【Don’t worry, Host】 the system reported proudly. 【I’ve already prepared breakfast for Kaxiu, and even packed his lunch!】
After what happened last night, the system had completely accepted Kaxiu as one of its own. It was now extra attentive whenever he was involved.
Gu Lin gave a faint nod. Last night he’d been too unwell, and with so many other matters to deal with, he’d simply handed this task over to the system.
The system had naturally agreed without hesitation. Refusing a request from its host? Impossible. Besides, it wasn’t even much work, just giving the food delivery bot an order was enough.
After breakfast came the usual physical training, followed by a mountain of technical papers and theoretical reports, stuff that looked like pure gibberish to the poor system.
But even those didn’t last long before the system interrupted him for lunch, and then Gu Lin dove straight into another pile of mecha-related texts.
All day long, the system barely got a word in.
It wasn’t until the sky began to darken that Gu Lin finally stood up, stretched, and decided to take a short walk to loosen his stiff body.
Watching him, the system was completely dumbfounded. Yesterday, because of the banquet, Gu Lin had only studied half a day, so it hadn’t realized just how intense his routine was. But after observing him from morning to night, the truth hit it like a thunderbolt.
He hadn’t slacked off once. Apart from eating and the most basic necessities, his entire day was spent studying.
【Host…】 the system finally couldn’t hold back its curiosity. 【Did you live like this in your previous world too?】
“No,” Gu Lin answered calmly.
The system was about to sigh in relief when he added, “When I was in active service, I also had military affairs to handle at night. I usually didn’t leave anything unfinished for the next day.”
The system fell silent.
It had always imagined that someone like its host, a talented, wealthy man, must have lived a refined life of leisure: sipping tea, admiring flowers, maybe casually buying an entire building for a lover on a whim.
But no. There were no lovers, no poetry under the moonlight, only endless data, documents, and research.
No wonder its host was single!
“You’re imagining too much,” Gu Lin said helplessly when he heard the system’s silent grumbling. “I spent most of my time on the frontlines. Once I returned to the rear, I had to use every minute to study and analyze. Enemies and allies alike were constantly updating their technology. If my information fell behind, the consequences could be disastrous.”
He spoke with calm detachment, but the system could still feel the invisible weight in his words. Just what kind of life had its host lived before coming here? Compared to that, even the busiest female insects seemed idle.
Hicks, who clocked in and out like a model employee, suddenly looked like the king of slacking off.
“But it wasn’t always like that,” Gu Lin added after a pause. “When there was a long stretch without assignments, I’d give myself a short break.”
That caught the system’s interest immediately. 【So what would you do during your breaks?】
“I’d help teach a few classes at the academy,” Gu Lin said thoughtfully. “Or visit laboratories to observe new research projects.”
【…】 The system wanted to cry. That wasn’t a vacation, that was working during vacation!
【Host, don’t you ever find this kind of life… boring?】 it asked weakly. Day after day, routine after routine, so little joy.
Gu Lin didn’t respond. He simply lowered his gaze. But the system saw it, an unmistakable trace of nostalgia in his eyes.
The system went quiet. Its host clearly held deep feelings for his original world. That realization made the system nervous.
It had plans to bind its host with a permanent contract someday, but if Gu Lin truly longed for his old world, what would happen when the mission ended? Would he leave?
The system needed a new plan, fast.
To steer the conversation away from dangerous thoughts, it quickly changed the subject. 【So what are you going to do now, Host?】
“Dinner,” Gu Lin replied. “And wait for Hicks’ report.”
During the banquet, the incident with the Takashi clan had already occurred, and the news had likely spread through the military. Anyone with influence probably knew by now.
Kaili’s reaction was especially telling. As soon as he heard about it, he hadn’t even bothered to keep arguing with Gu Lin. He’d rushed off in a hurry, likely to beg his brother for help regarding Hicks’ injuries.
Kaili might be an A-rank male, but compared to his brother, the top-ranked mecha engineer of the empire, he was practically insignificant.
If Kaili wanted to learn about Hicks’ condition, going through Orcott was his only choice.
Based on experience, Gu Lin guessed that Hicks’ injuries couldn’t be too serious. If they had been, the incident wouldn’t have leaked out at all. Kaili’s contact might have high status, but not high enough to access classified information. The fact that he’d even told Kaili about it meant Hicks was already out of danger.
At this time, Hicks should be returning soon…
Gu Lin was honestly curious. After receiving his guidance, what kind of performance would Hicks show on the battlefield?
Before any official report arrived, though, a message popped up on his terminal.
It was from Kaili.
[Kaili Benson]: You’d better apologize to Hicks while you still can. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.
Gu Lin hadn’t even had time to react when the system exploded first.
It couldn’t stand Kaili, well, it couldn’t stand anyone who dared oppose its host.
【What’s he being so arrogant for?】the system fumed. 【Doesn’t he remember how miserable he was in the original story? Dumped, forced into a marriage, kicked out by his own brother! If it weren’t for the protagonist’s protection, he’d have been dragged back to marry some random bug against his will!】
The mention of forced pairings made the system even angrier. 【And he had the nerve to say he’s against forced matches! He’s the first one to manipulate someone else’s! Hypocrite! He just doesn’t complain when the whip isn’t hitting his own back!】
It kept going, crackling like a string of firecrackers. Ever since reading through the gossip on the StarNet, it knew the truth, yes, forced matches existed, but no one actually enforced them immediately. There was supposed to be a long buffer period!
What Kaili did wasn’t illegal, but it was clearly malicious.
【And to think our host even helped Hicks!】 the system huffed indignantly.
As system was ranting about it… Just then, another message came through, this time from Hicks himself.
Thank you once FiFi again for your support! Your sweet gesture helped me to have extra fund for future paid raw! I hope you do enjoy these update! 💛
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
(≧▽≦)ﾉ☕ coffee!
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
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