Chapter 2

I wanted nothing but to go home.

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only two months to live. It was then that the system sent me an invitation.

As long as I completed the mission in this world, I could return to reality and regain my health. I agreed without hesitation.

Like a parched traveler discovering an oasis, I threw myself entirely into the conquest. As long as it could increase Jake's affection for me, I was willing to set aside my pride and become the woman he wanted.

Over the past three years, Jake's affection level for me had constantly risen and fallen. Every time it dropped, I would replay every moment in my mind, searching for where I might have gone wrong. I addressed each flaw, examining them one by one.

Whenever my progress rose again, it proved I had done the right thing. By following this method, I became Jake's ideal girlfriend. Before long, my score reached 99%.

This time was no different. As long as I perfected the art of pleasing Jake in bed, I was convinced I could win back his love.

I threw myself entirely into this pursuit. I watched adult films, read erotic stories, and even bought research books.

Some of my recent studies included "A Complete Guide to Physical Intimacy", "The Intimacy Files", and "An Introduction to Human Desire". I approached the study of human intimacy and desire with the mindset of a dedicated researcher.

Still, I knew that learning theory alone wouldn't suffice. With this in mind, I decided to visit the nightclub to observe how men and women interacted. But as I passed a private lounge, I caught Jake's boastful remarks.

Although my original goal had been to master the art of flirtation, my intentions had now changed.

Wiping the tears from my face, I summoned the system for the first time in a long while. "System, I want to go home. Please help me terminate this mission."

After what I had just witnessed, the bitter reality finally sank in. With Jake, I would never succeed. I was chasing the carrot he kept dangling in front of me.

Instead of staying here and letting him continue to toy with me, I would rather go back and spend the last two months of my life with my parents.

But the moment the system heard my decision, its shrill voice cut through the air. "Terminate this mission? Are you serious? You're the top performer in this batch of transmigrators!"

I was stunned. "Top performer?"

"That's right! I've been counting on you to complete this mission so I can finally claim my bonus and retire! If you quit, how am I ever supposed to retire?"

"Wait, I still don't get it." I opened the status panel and double-checked the numbers. "Jake's affection level for me is only 60% right now. With a score this low, how could I possibly be number one?"

The system let out a snort. "Who says affection levels determine rankings? That's an old-fashioned method from the previous systems. There's no scientific basis for it at all.

"Each mission carries its own difficulty level. Some people start with an affection level of 90%, while others begin in the negatives. It would obviously be unfair to judge success solely by reaching 100% affection.

"Because of this, the new generation of systems measures performance by the range of affection fluctuations. The larger the fluctuation, the stronger your influence over the other person.

"Emma, Jake's affection level for you has been swinging back and forth like a pendulum. It shows just how much you're on his mind. He's probably uncertain about what to do next.

"Now that's the mark of true success!"

I was stunned by the system's words. Even so, I understood its meaning. With Jake having the power to adjust my score, my numbers fluctuated wildly.

He had planned to manipulate me like a pawn, but his approach ended up perfectly matching the system's new standards. Because of this, I took first place among the other contenders.

Thanks to this unexpected turn of events, I was rescued from a dead end.

Seeing my expression soften, the system hurriedly explained, "Emma, each 1% change in affection level gives you one point. Achieving 2,000 points marks a successful conquest, while 5,000 points will win you a ten-million-dollar cash prize! We can split it right down the middle.

"You're just 666 points away from 5,000! Are you seriously going to pass up this golden opportunity?"