Chapter 03

Zhang Yuchen stepped out of the taxi and stood before his apartment building. The structure was old and dilapidated; as a lackey of the young master without much talent, it was no wonder that he lived in such a place.

The building was much like his pathetic life. The paint was peeling, and the once-vibrant walls were now faded and stained. Despite its condition, it was the only home he could afford.

As he approached the entrance, he noticed an unusual commotion.

Residents had gathered at their windows, and some were even out on the street, their eyes fixated on a scene unfolding in front of the building.

Curiosity piqued, Zhang Yuchen made his way through the small crowd to get a better look.

In the middle of the street, three hooligans were harassing a woman. She was clearly distressed, her eyes wide with fear as she tried to fend them off.

Zhang Yuchen recognized her immediately: Long Shiqian, a kind-hearted milf who lived in the building. She had always been polite to him despite his rough exterior, though it was out of fear, but that's irrelevant.

Zhang Yuchen couldn't help but gaze at Long Shiqian. She was wearing a traditional black hanfu, its delicate embroidery hinting at a time when it was new and beautiful.

Her black hair was tied in a messy bun, held together with an ornate hairpin that seemed out of place given her distressed state.

Even though she was in a dire situation, her natural Chinese beauty was evident - her delicate features, porcelain skin, explosive figure,  and the grace with which she carried herself made her stand out.

One of the hooligans, a lanky man with a sneer plastered on his face, stepped forward.

"Long Shiqian, you've had plenty of time to settle your debt, but it seems you've been avoiding us. That ends today."

Another thug, broader and more intimidating, said with a lewd grin.

"Hehe!, if you're short on cash, there are other ways you can make it up to us. Your body, for instance. You've been a widow for decades, right? Come with us, madam. We'll quench that thirst you've been feeling."

Long Shiqian's face flushed with shame and fear. Eight years ago, she had taken a loan for her son Long Aotian's studies in the USA, believing his promises of returning with unimaginable wealth.

However, eight years had passed without a word from him, leaving her feeling both betrayed and anxious.

"Please, I just need a little more time. I promise I'll repay every yuan. Just give me a few more days."

Her golden eyes were constantly scanning for hope, yearning for someone to come to her aid in this dire situation.

As a single mother, she was deeply concerned about preserving her chastity, and upon hearing these threats, she was frightened to the core.

The broad thug stepped closer, his eyes raking over her figure with a disgusting leer.

"No more time. Previously, you said your son would come and pay, but we all know he's been gone for years. Maybe it's time you had a new son with us. Hahah! Unlike your husband, we'll teach him how to be responsible."

The lanky man laughed cruelly.

"Yeah, think about it. You'll finally have someone who can take care of you. And we'll make sure he knows how to pay his debts."

Long Shiqian's eyes filled with tears as she pleaded,

"Somebody, please help me!"

But the residents who had been watching from their windows quickly shut them, not wanting to get involved. Those who were on the street averted their eyes and took a step back, intimidated by a single glare from the hooligans.

One of the thugs, the scrawny one with a nervous twitch, added,

"Come on, darling. Just come with us quietly, and we won't have to make a scene. You wouldn't want the neighbors to see something... unpleasant, would you?"

He approached her, stretching his hands and attempting to tear apart her clothes, but she narrowly avoided him and slumped down on the ground, her ankle strained, tears streaming down her oval face.

"At this moment, the system responded:

'Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully discovering the daughter of destiny, Long Shiqian. The first task has been issued.'

---[Task: Conquer the destiny heroine Long Shiqian and become the stepfather of the protagonist of destiny.]---

---[Reward: God Level Martial Art Talent.]---

---[Time limit: 20 days]---

✓Profile

[Name: Long Shiqian]

[Age: 41]

[Titles: Widow/Hero's adoptive mother]

[Emotional state: Terrified, helpless]

[Strength/Superpower: None]

[Luck: A Rank]

[Favorability towards the host: 002 ] (Max -100)

"Protagonist's mother and also destiny heroine? Why does it sound like a bloody plot?" Zhang Yuchen couldn't help but ask.

"Host, you think too much. Who said there will be only one protagonist?"

But even before he could retaliate, another ding resounded.

"Ding! The imminent crisis for the host has been detected! Initiating decision-making protocol. Host, please choose one of these options wisely."

[ Choice 01 - Ignore the suffering of the poor woman and walk away towards your room. What does it have to do with you?

Reward: Someone is likely to call the authorities, you will soon be arrested by the police for your previous crime, and will lose your 'backdoor dignity' to a certain twisted officer in jail. ]

[ Choice 02 - Run away from the situation, don't help, it's not your responsibility. Who gives a f*ck?

Reward: Get smashed by a truck on the street. ]

[ Choice 03 - Protect the innocent mother of the protagonist, help her through this dire situation, steal money from three thugs, ask them to remove clothes, and run naked on the road.

Reward: Gain the approval of local residents; from this day forward, they will see you in a new light, and slightly increase Long Shiqian's favorability rating by 15 points. ]

"It seems you're forcing me, system? But anyway, I was about to save this woman, even without the task and all that shit... I chose option three." Zhang Yuchen declared.

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( End Of This Chapter)

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