Chapter 2 (1/2)

Even after returning to the room after the shower, the system continued its relentless assault.

[Initial habitat optimization complete. Survival health index has increased slightly. The System is processing the next course of action.]

[The System is processing…]

[The System is processing.]

[The System is processing.]

[The System has decided on a night jog.]

‘What the f*ck! You know what, you’ve got me there.’ After the System gave him dialogue options, Fang Ning was still wondering if everything would function just like a game, where his body would return after he arrived at a certain cutscene. Sadly, that was not the case.

He could only stare as his own body slid into a set of exercise clothing and put the pair of high quality counterfeit Nike shoes he had gotten from Taobao with a movement of practice eased, before leaving his room.

As he left the house, he bumped into his housemate again, who now had makeup delicately dabbed over her features. She was prettier than she usually was, but for whatever reason, she was wearing something too thick for a warm night like this; she had forgone her usual choice of outfit – stockings, miniskirts, and spaghetti straps – for a pair of long jeans and a pink sweater.

Zhao Ying reflected the look of surprise on her face as well. What was the cold-eyed-boy up now, when it was already this late outside?

She was all dressed up to meet a rich online friend that she had been talking (catfishing) to for a long time. It was Qixi Festival, after all, what could a bachelor be doing out of the house?

She understood after she went downstairs. That bachelor had went jogging.

“What a poor child, seeking release through jogging! He actually looks quite handsome after he tidies himself up. Never really noticed that before, huh? How could he still not have himself a girlfriend?” Zhao Ying pouted, sighing in pity before hailing a cab.

…

Fang Ning observed as the System commanded his body through the workout. As a spectator, he had experienced a very boring half hour. After the jogging had finally ended, he heard another new system notification.

[Physical energy declining to fatigue levels. Resting recommended. The System has decided to rest.]

His body then started to walk around slowly. Fang Ning thought to himself: ‘Great, you’re resting now, time to return the body to its owner, yeah?’

Sadly, he still couldn’t lift even his little finger.

Another ten minutes passed before a new system notification chimed in.

[Physical energy recovered, physical health increased slightly. The System is processing the next course of action….]

[The System is processing….]

[The System is processing….]

[The System decides to fight for justice….]

‘Wait! System, oh Sir System, what did you just say?’ Fang Ning was rendered speechless by what he had just heard. This System came here and snatched his body without even a brief introduction, and now he realized that this System might even have an inclination towards martial arts. Why else would it suddenly decide to ‘fight for justice’?

Well, the good thing was that judging from the signs he caught from the System, he might not be forced to do things that went against his moral compass. The bad thing, however, was that aside from the main character, heroes usually ended up dying much quicker than the average calefare!

Still, the System did not offer him any sort of explanation. It was as if it already had a clear destination in mind as it walked determinedly towards a particular location. Even Fang Ning was confused after the 18th turn it made on the complicated route it took.

While the System was walking, Fang Ning, who read too many novels that reminded him of the different ways of how heroes could die, was hit with a thought that made him shake in fear.

“Wait, System? Sir System? I can’t stop you from your mission to fight for justice, but please, at least put on a disguise! We’re no longer in the past, and surveillance is set up everywhere! I don’t want to become famous after just one night; the first rule of having a life hack in a novel is to be as inconspicuous as possible. The famous die really quickly!” Fang Ning yelled in his mind.

Although the System did not take notice of his previous complaints, Fang Ning was still hopeful as he provided the System with his input. No matter what, the System had indeed given him those dialogue options, even if they were for a simple interaction that he had had with Zhao Ying a few minutes ago. Thus, it was obvious that at least in some aspects, the System’s intelligence was not sufficient; it required help from the Host.

Fang Ning was absolutely delighted when his thoughts were confirmed. This was the first time the System gave a reaction to his comments.

[The Host has provided relevant input. The System is processing….]