"Now, I understand everything." Cupping his chin with his right hand, Stephen lightly muttered.
Although the memories didn't give that much complex information about this new world, they still provided him with basic and essential data and that was enough for Stephen to get to live without being ignorant of the unspoken yet general rules of this world.
First, this world was akin to the Dog-eat-Dog world, or what they like to call 'Survival of the Fittest'.
'One can do almost do anything if his strength is adequate.' Stephen thought dreamily as a strange light flashed in his eyes.
'Furthermore, strong people will always get perks such as being treated highly, looked up to by everyone, and more importantly, having a beautiful wife will not be an impossible dream anymore!'
Thinking that, a smile slowly formed on his face.
However... his lips became stiff and his eyebrows twitched when he understood that he was...
'Too weak! I'm too weak! Stephen grimaced at his realization.
Right now, all he could do was to work harder to become stronger as soon as possible. After that, not only could he get a beautiful life, his life would also be safe and sound!
Shaking his head, he forcefully erase such needless thoughts before continuing his analysis about this new world.
Second rule: Most of the inhabitants of this world had the philosophy of... 'Reputation is more important than life.'
He got an interesting discovery from the new memories, there was once a family that was brutally massacred because the father said something 'unpleasant' about a clan.
'In other words, I need to watch out what I'm going to say.' Stephen nodded inwardly before giving a silent thanks to the father of the massacred family.
After all, if not for his 'noble' sacrifice, Stephen might step on a landmine in the future because of his words!
'Yes, I need to be more careful.' Knowing simple words like 'Cone Hair' could get someone's family killed, Stephen's vigilance and wariness were raised to a new level.
---
After spending an hour or so in his room, Stephen finally sorted out all his memories and listed all the things he must be wary of in the future.
Afterward, he took a deep breath while wiping off the sweats on his forehead.
'Damn, these memories really changed me.' Stephen knew that having someone's memories assimilated into his would bring some change into his personality, but he didn't expect that it would be this drastic!
Normally, he would not be able to endure sitting in one place while thinking for an hour!
'Thankfully, I didn't have any urge to go out and go on in an adventure and fall out with the evil forces to save the world!'
Stephen patted his chest as he sighed in relief.
'I'm still me!'
Although some parts of him changed, all of them could be said irrelevant and unimportant traits of him.
Knock! Knock!
"Brat! You dare to make me wait for half of an hour! Are you seeking death?!" A booming voice that was filled with hatred and resentment soon echoed after the knocks.
Stephen's figure became stiff as soon as the voice entered his ears and got processed by his brain.
'Oh, shit. I forgot about that old man.' He was rather engrossed at his analysis and notes that he forgot that he had to go and meet with the old man half an hour ago.
'Not that I care though.' Stephen nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.
For him, between his well-being and the old man's appointment, his future was 1,000 times more important.
Heck, if he could get benefits, he would kill anyone who was not his family without batting an eyelid!
Be it a man or a woman, old or young!
In his whole life, Stephen had a merchant mindset.
'Weigh the pros and cons, exploit anyone, get benefits as much as possible!' Such a true merchant's way of thinking!
---
Leaving the bed, Stephen first removed his clothes before wearing another new set that was already prepared by his servants on the table near him.
He also wondered what things he had done in his previous life to be this lucky. Not only did he get a new chance in a new world, but the body he possessed also had a rather bug background!
What luck!
"Brat, still now coming out and face this old man? Make me wait for a few more seconds and let's see if I don't bust this door out for you!"
Stephen didn't pay any mind to the screaming old man. After he finished wearing his clothes, he walked in front of the adult-sized mirror.
'Hm, not bad.' Although he knew his appearance because of the memories, it still felt good seeing himself having a rather handsome appearance that he could only dream of in his past life.
After enjoying the reflection, Stephen walked in front of his door before putting his right hand on the doorknob and twisting it.
Creak!
The wooden door creaked as it slowly opened.
"Brat! You've grown brave, haven't you? Have you forgotten the one who would always beat you up in the past?!" As soon as the door opened, what greeted Stephen was a burly and robust old man that was about 2 meters tall!
The old man was wearing a green-colored Hanfu that showcased his muscles. Along with his white mustache that reached about 10 inches long and a scowl on his surprisingly no-wrinkled face, the old man looked quite frightening and intimidating.
Stephen had to raise his head to look at the old man's face, but as soon as he did, his face froze as his eyes constricted a bit.
"What? You finally realized your wrongdoing? Ha! Boy, it's too late to regret now. I will have you to train harder than usual!" Seeing Stephen's expression, the old man had sported a triumph smile.
However, what he did not know what Stephen was not looking at his face but the screen floating above his head.
[Lackey System: Activation Finished]
[Peeking Function(Automatic)-Activated]
[Peeking...Completed]
[Name: Gu Fengcui
Dou Qi Rank: 7th Dou Shi(Dou Master)
Lackey Points to be extracted: None]
Ding!
The old man, Gu Fencui was now starting to get impatient.
"Why are still standing there?! Hurry up, the sun's about t-"
Bang!
Before he could even finish his words, the door slammed closed as his grandson went into his room again.
"You brat!!" Gu Fengcui's face flushed red in fury.
He clenched his fists before raising them into the air, preparing to punch a hole in the wooden door. But before he could do so, a youthful voice filled with urgency came out of the room.
"Sorry, old man, I have to go to the bathroom before I shit all over the place!"
"Fine! But, make sure you'll be ready when I return!!" The old man took a repeated deep sigh to calm himself, before retracting his fists and yelled out.
"This brat and his mouth! Hmph, so infuriating!" Gu Fengcui angrily muttered before turning around and leaving the place.
Stephen didn't pay any heed to the old man's feelings as he immediately jumped into the bed while looking at the same transparent screen that was levitating before his eyes.
While looking at the screen, wondering what it was about, a mechanical voice suddenly sounded inside his head.
[As of the moment, the Lackey System has only 2 available Functions: Status and Peek.]
[Status: showing the Host's current status using the system's computed numbers. Please, think 'status'.]
The mechanical voice didn't even introduce itself and just went to the point.
'Status.' Stephen unconsciously did what the mechanical voice said.
[Name: Gu Feng
Dou Qi Rank: 10th Stage Dou Zhi Qi (Dou Disciple)
Lackey Points: 00]
Stephen had many questions regarding this 'Lackey System', however, the mechanical voice didn't give him any chance and once again, emotionlessly explained,
[Peek: is the function that will let the Host see other being's stats and Lackey Points that the Host can harvest.]