Chapter 3

Since Zachary could remember, he'd always treated me as his enemy. His health was poor, and his grades were worse. He blamed me, convinced that I had stolen all the nutrients in the womb and caused his problems.

When I was ten, I topped the class, and he was at the bottom. Mom and Dad praised me, and he resented me for it. He tricked me into going out and pushed me into a river.

I was on the brink of death when the system chose me to be its host, saving my life.

From then on, I embarked on a bitter rivalry with Zachary that lasted more than ten years.

I spent eight years trying to win my parents' favor and five years trying to earn Judith's affection, but I failed.

Compared to Zachary, I had lost completely.

I pushed him away, speaking softly. "You won."

I left the ward and went downstairs to get some air.

The kidney transplant surgery would begin in the afternoon, and I would disappear from this world. Would Mom, Dad, or Judith shed a single tear for me?

As I was lost in thought, a group of men and women suddenly blocked my path.

"You plagiarist! You have no shame! Zac forgave you, but we won't let you off the hook!"

"A mole to the design world! You think you can get away with such blatant plagiarism just because you're Zac's brother? We'll teach you a lesson today!"

"Guys! Let's beat him up!"

Seeing they were all Zachary's fanatics, I quickly stepped back.

But it was too late. They threw rotten eggs and vegetables at me, covering me in a foul stench. People around us quickly scattered to avoid me.

The crowd grew bolder. Someone picked up a stone and hurled it at me.

The rock coming was larger than a fist. I knew there was no way to avoid it, so I closed my eyes, thinking that maybe it would be better to just die like this.

But the pain I expected never came. Judith jumped in front of me, shielding me. She then called for security to have the mob arrested.

Seeing the blood on her forehead, I felt a strange stir in my chest. "Your head…"

Judith quickly scanned my body. "Are you okay? The surgery is this afternoon. You can't afford to have any accidents now."

At that moment, the last shred of hope in me faded away completely.

I looked at her and forced a bitter smile. "Don't worry. I won't cause any delays for Zachary's transplant."

That afternoon, Zachary and I changed into blue surgical gowns and were wheeled into the operating room.

Mom, Dad, and Judith all surrounded Zachary, comforting him.

"Zac, don't be scared. We're all waiting outside. The surgery will be a success."

"Once you're better, I'll make your favorite truffle mushroom coup."

Judith pulled out a blue diamond watch. "Zac, this is the one you liked last time. I've already bought it. I'll give it to you when you're out."

No one cared about me, who was about to go into surgery as well. I should have been used to it, but my chest still twisted with a sharp ache.

Finally, I couldn't help but ask, "If I die on the operating table, would any of you be sad?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, all three of them gave me an annoyed look.

"Stanley, it's just a kidney! You're not going to die!"

"Even with one kidney, you'll be fine. Stop pretending to be pitiful!"

"I've hired the best medical team. You'll be fine. Now go do the surgery and stop making a fuss."

Amidst their rebukes, I entered the operating room without a second thought. The anesthesia was injected, and I felt the cold blade of the scalpel cutting into my skin.

At the same time, I heard the system's final countdown in my ear.

"Five, four, three, two, one. Host termination successful."

I hoped I'd never meet them again in my next life.