Chapter 27

As soon as Lip entered the room, he turned on the vinyl record player.

"I sit alone and watch your light."

"My only friend through teenage nights." Freddie's high, vibrant voice floated through the room.

"Lip, how did you know that Queen's Radio Ga Ga is my favorite song?" Karen asked, her big, bright eyes wide with surprise.

"It's my favorite too." Lip pulled Karen gently into his arms.

Downstairs, Carl whispered to Ian, "Ian, do you think Lip and Karen are upstairs just listening to music?"

"Carl, music is more than entertainment—it's sometimes a cover," Ian explained.

"A cover?" Carl asked, puzzled.

"You'll understand when you're older," Ian replied, taking a sip of his beer.

Carl glanced toward the second floor, then returned to watching TV.

Upstairs, Lip stared deeply into Karen's eyes.

Karen gazed back lovingly, then closed her eyes.

Without a word, Lip leaned in and kissed her.

Karen wrapped her arms around Lip's neck.

After a long moment, they pulled apart.

Karen leaned into Lip's chest, her cheeks flushed red.

Suddenly, Karen broke free from Lip's arms and teased with a playful smile, "I want to take a shower first."

"Okay, let's go together!" Lip declared.

"Huh?"

Lip grabbed two fresh towels, scooped Karen into his arms, and carried her toward the bathroom.

Soon, the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.

After some time, the two returned to the room.

Karen smirked and asked, "Did you enjoy the view?"

"Absolutely!" Lip nodded earnestly. "Sexier and hotter than Marilyn Monroe!"

Suddenly, Lip remembered something Veronica had mentioned earlier.

"Karen, when was your last period?" he asked.

"Why do you ask?" Karen looked at him curiously.

"Just curious," Lip replied casually.

"It was about two weeks ago—sixteen days, to be exact."

Lip quickly calculated in his mind and realized the timing was perfect for conception.

"Looks like I've got to work hard," Lip thought to himself.

"If you're worried about pregnancy, I can take the pill," Karen offered.

"No way. Pills aren't good for you." Lip touched Karen's cheek gently. "Do you like kids?"

"Hmm… I wouldn't say I love them, but I don't dislike them either. I feel neutral about it."

"Well…"

"However, Lip, if you want kids, I'm willing to have them with you," Karen added without hesitation.

Lip was deeply moved and hugged Karen tightly.

Karen hooked her finger under Lip's chin and teased, "Master, don't you want to do something naughty?"

"Of course not! I'm a gentleman. I'd never do anything bad," Lip said, feigning innocence.

"Oh, really? Is that the truth?"

"Of course not!" Lip admitted with a grin.

"You lied! Now I have to punish you!"

"Didn't you say you'd cherish me? Why punish me now?"

"Hehe, Lip, the game has begun!"

…

It wasn't clear how much time had passed. Lip lay back against the headboard, catching his breath.

Suddenly, a familiar, gentle female voice echoed in his mind:

"Dear host, congratulations on successfully 'sowing seeds' and receiving the second-stage reward: Wealth of Money."

"Reward: The host receives $100,000 in untraceable cash and a tip that can lead to further wealth."

"Wow, the system is so generous!" Lip thought, thrilled.

Hard work truly pays off!

Lip's excitement grew as he realized the implications. A hundred thousand dollars could buy a luxury car or even a small house in the U.S.

"Let's see what the wealth tip is," Lip said eagerly, accessing the information from the system.

A flash of green light illuminated his mind as the details unfolded.

Within moments, Lip's expression darkened. "What the hell…" he muttered.

The scene presented by the system was vivid and unsettling.

In a crowded prison yard, a group of inmates gathered around a bald, muscular man.

The bald man, shirtless and imposing, stood at the center. He barked an order at a nervous young man with short hair in front of him.

"You'd better kneel now, Biqi!" the bald man growled.

Though reluctant, the young man glanced at the surrounding inmates, realized he had no choice, and dropped to his knees.

It turned out the bald man was not just the prison bully but also a predator. Every new inmate was subjected to his twisted initiation ritual.

Lip felt sick watching the scene unfold in his mind.

The bald man approached the kneeling boy, pulling an old-fashioned razor from behind his back and pressing it to the boy's neck.

Only then did Lip get a good look at the boy's face. He was stunned. "Isn't this kid from back home? How did he end up here?"

Something about the scene didn't add up.

The bald man sneered, "You'd better cooperate, or you'll regret it!"

Feeling the sharp blade at his neck, the boy closed his eyes, silently enduring.

But just as the bald man leaned in, the boy opened his eyes slightly, focusing on the razor.

As the bald man raised his head in arrogant triumph, the boy seized his opportunity. With a burst of courage, he grabbed the man's hand and swung it sharply to the side.

"Ahh!"

A blood-curdling scream echoed as the bald man collapsed, clutching himself in agony.

Bright red blood splattered everywhere.

Seizing the moment, the boy picked up the fallen razor and turned toward his tormentor, his expression fierce and determined.