Chapter 2

"Darling, let me pay for it myself." Charlotte's gentle voice came through, sounding warm and considerate. She added, "Your money doesn't just fall from the sky. Just make sure you show me a good time when I get there. I heard Jazona has amazing gumbo—I'm definitely having a few bowls when I arrive!" Nicholas was not about to pass up the perfect chance to test the system. He replied, "It's fine. Just send me your details on WhatsApp. This ticket's on me." Charlotte sighed in defeat. "Well, alright. Then book it for the 18th. I'll spend the weekend there and fly back Monday—I've got class in the afternoon." "Got it." Nicholas nodded. They chatted for a bit longer before ending the call. A few minutes later, Charlotte sent over her full name, ID number, and phone number. He read it aloud, "Charlotte Miller... What the heck! She's born in 2004?" Honestly, after two and a half years of online dating, this was the first time Nicholas had learned her actual age. She was 20 this year, meaning she had been around 17 when they first met. He finally realized why she had always dodged the age question. Just then, a voice message popped up. "Darling, let me treat you to something delicious once I get there!" Charlotte's voice was filled with excitement, making it clear how much she was looking forward to this. "Sure. Let me book your flight first." Nicholas exited WhatsApp and opened a booking app to get the ticket. "Hold up..." he muttered. As soon as he pulled up the flight options from Stola to Jazona, reality hit him like a brick. His online persona was supposed to be a rich, tall, and handsome guy. If he booked the cheapest economy seat, that would completely ruin his image. Nicholas immediately backed out and checked his account balance—7,852 dollars. Then, he switched back to the booking app and scrolled straight to the first-class section. This was not about pretending to be rich anymore. After all, the more he spent, the bigger his future rewards would be. Hence, this was an investment. The first-class seat would cost 6,300 dollars. Nicholas took a deep breath and called out in his mind, "System, you there?" The system's response was instant. "I am, Host. How can I assist you?" "Nothing. Just checking." Without hesitation, Nicholas proceeded with the purchase. Soon, the bank card payment notification sounded. A similar mechanical chime echoed in his mind the next moment, followed by a system notification. "Congratulations, Host! Your purchase was successful. You have received a tenfold cashback reward! "As this is your first official purchase, marking your entry into the perfect life, the system has also granted you an exclusive skill: Discerning Skill!" Just then, Nicholas received a text message notification on his phone. He glanced down as a text message popped up on the screen. It read, "Account 4399. On May 15, at 8:12 a.m., a deposit of 63,000 dollars was made. Available balance—10,759 dollars." Nicholas gasped in shock. He blurted out, "It's real! This isn't a dream! The system actually works!" Then, he pinched his thigh. The sharp pain shot through him—confirming that this was, without a doubt, reality. In the very next moment, he let out an uncontrollable shout of excitement. He could not believe that he actually received ten times worth the cashback. The 6,300 dollars had instantly turned to 63,000 dollars. This was not just satisfying—it was insanely satisfying. Before Nicholas could fully process the euphoria, his phone buzzed again, pulling him back to reality. Nicholas answered the call and said, "Charlotte, what's wrong?" Charlotte exclaimed in surprise, "Darling, why did you book me a first-class ticket?" Nicholas chuckled and replied, "It's fine. It's not even 20,000 dollars—it's not a big deal." As he said it, a flicker of disbelief flashed through his eyes. Since when had he been able to casually call 6,300-dollar pocket change? Not in a million years. "Not a big deal?" Charlotte's tone suddenly dropped, her voice turning soft but serious. "Darling, first of all, I'm not a materialistic person. First class or economy doesn't make a difference to me. The only thing that matters is seeing you." She said, "But I don't want you to spend so much on me because of this. A few thousand dollars isn't a small change—it's an entire month's salary for most people. For some, it's even years' worth of living expenses." Nicholas paused, momentarily taken aback. "Darling… the truth is, I actually came to Jazona last year on the 20th of May to see you," Charlotte continued. "Back then, you were still delivering food." Nicholas froze, shocked to learn that she had come to find him. Charlotte explained, "I know we've only been dating online, but for someone like me—who's never been in a real relationship before—what we have feels genuine. "When I'm upset, you always listen, no matter how much I rant or complain. And sure, you annoy me sometimes, but isn't that what real relationships are supposed to be like?" When he heard this, Nicholas took a deep breath. "It's really fine. Since you just booked it, we can still cancel it and get a refund." Charlotte's voice came through again, gentle yet firm. Nicholas exhaled. "Charlotte, I was just trying to experience something different at that time. I might not be as tall and handsome as you imagined, but I'm actually from a wealthy family." Since he had been the one to craft this persona, he might as well stick to it. If he did not have the system, he would have backed out and come clean. But now, he had it. And it was insanely powerful. In just a few seconds, 6,300 dollars had turned into 63,000 dollars. With a few more days to grow his fortune, there was no way he would not be able to maintain the rich-kid act by the time Charlotte arrived. "Huh?" Charlotte sounded stunned. "I'm serious." Nicholas smiled wryly. "And I really had no idea you came to find me last year." "Really?" Charlotte still seemed skeptical. "I swear. What kind of car do you like? I'll drive it when I pick you up." Nicholas chuckled. Charlotte replied softly, "It doesn't matter. I don't care about stuff like that." "Charlotte, get to class already!" A voice chimed in from her side. "Coming! Let me just say goodbye to my boyfriend." Charlotte responded to the person. Then, she returned to the phone. "Darling, in that case, I won't worry about you anymore. I'll go to class now. Let's talk later." "Go ahead." Nicholas nodded. Charlotte shyly blew him a kiss before ending the call. Nicholas stared at his phone and then glanced at his account balance—64,552 dollars. It was not much yet. Nonetheless, by the time Charlotte arrived in Jazona, he was confident he would break seven figures—maybe even eight. "The richer you are, the easier it is to make more money," Nicholas muttered. He believed that 64,552 dollars was more than enough to leverage something big.