C5 Time to Do the Mission Again!!
Xiaobai peeked his little head out from the crook of his arm, giving a quick look before waving his tiny paws. "Relax, it's just the Mission World's self-repair mechanism at work.
The main storyline typically remains the same, but numerous details can influence the future.
That's why each world automatically mends itself to ensure events unfold in line with the overarching plot.
Take today, for instance—you just finished a mission aiding the protagonist, Su Li, to return to the Su family and clear the way for his success.
Su Ziqing has agreed and set in motion the plan to welcome him back. So, for the time being, the characters required at the banquet will be seamlessly integrated into the schedule.
Like CEO Zhang, who was originally meant to be abroad for negotiations.
But since the story dictates he attend the banquet, the plot conveniently creates a hiccup in his plans, making the trip unnecessary.
Moreover, to help the Host slip into their role with ease, the main system updates the script with the Host's name. Your real name is Chiang Chen, correct?
Here in this Mission World, you've simply been given the Chu surname.
In the next realm, you might take on the surname Zhang, but your first name will always stay the same."
Chiang Chen nodded, indicating he got the message.
With the plot shifting, he knew he needed to get a handle on the script quickly to ace his mission with flying colors!
The script for the upcoming days was bustling with activity.
It started with Du Xinyu bumping into Su Li in the rain, sans umbrella;
Followed by Su Li receiving a letter of apology from Du Xinyu, where she claimed complete ignorance of his heritage, insisting their love was an uncontrollable force;
Then came Su Li's transformation under the female lead's aura, his intellect taking a hit, altering his perspective.
He began to suspect Chu Jiangchen's parting words were laced with malice.
Afterward, a feverish Du Xinyu rushed to clarify things, desperately asserting she was nothing more than a bird in a gilded cage, shielded from the machinations Chu Jiangchen would never let her see, culminating in her collapse from the emotional turmoil;
Su Li, wracked with guilt and compassion, had his mind swayed, setting the stage for a timeless scene of estranged lovers rekindling their bond beside a sickbed.
After several days of back and forth, Su Li was adamant about bringing Du Xinyu to the banquet.
He demanded that the Su family accept both him and Du Xinyu unconditionally, or else he wouldn't return!
Watching the drama unfold, Chiang Chen couldn't help but cheer them on.
The lead couple was a match made in heaven, and he was determined not to let them split and wreak havoc on others!
Before we knew it, it was eight o'clock on Friday evening.
The expansive Su Family Manor on the outskirts was ablaze with lights, luxury cars lined the driveway, and nearly all the young elite of Silk City had arrived.
"Mr. Ali, I'm so anxious," Du Xinyu whispered, her custom white lace dress making her look like a delicate Xiaobai flower nestled against Su Li.
Su Li affectionately stroked her hair. "Relax, I've got you. As the guest of honor tonight, no one will dare ignore you."
"But... Chu Jiangchen will be there too, won't he?" Du Xinyu curled into his embrace, her voice quivering, "After our breakup, he took every chance to humiliate me. I'm afraid of what might happen tonight."
"Don't worry. No one will bully you as long as I'm here," Su Li said through clenched teeth, fury smoldering in his eyes. "Chu Jiangchen is nothing. I'll make him grovel and beg for your forgiveness!"
Blushing, Du Xinyu nestled her face into his shoulder and murmured, "Mr. Ali, you're so kind."
"Get a room," Chiang Chen muttered, swirling his wine and nodding for Su Ziqing to take notice, "They're insufferable together."
Su Ziqing, clad in a deep red gown, stood out with her swan-like elegance and the striking sapphire pendant at her throat. The dress hugged her stunning figure, and her long, sculpted legs peeked out from the slit in her gown.
Amidst the ballroom's dazzling array, Su Ziqing, with her cool, regal demeanor, shone like a peony among lesser blooms.
As the eldest daughter of the Su family, she naturally became the focus of attention wherever she went.
"This little brother of mine really has the nerve to bring her along," Su Ziqing said with a light laugh, her fiery red lips curling into a graceful arc. "Chen, you nailed it!
I've already given them a dose of reality last time. Tonight, I doubt they'll have it easy."
Mission: Facilitate a private moment for Su Li and Du Xinyu to overcome the emotional barrier between them. Reward: A random C-level item.
The system timely released the mission.
Xiaobai, indulging in desserts on the sly, leveraged his invisibility and inaudibility to stand by the dessert table, his mouth brimming as he mumbled an explanation, "Don't be fooled by how close the male and female leads seem now; there's still an unresolved barrier in their hearts.
Host, all you need to do is create a chance for them to be alone together for just over a minute!
Even if it means locking them in a small dark room, that would suffice to complete the mission!"
A small dark room?
Without any special medicine on hand, locking them up would certainly stir up a thrilling scene. Later, he could simply coax someone to open the door...
Chiang Chen's mind raced with various strategies.
Regrettably, his inventory was scant, with only a single-use C-class item to his name...
'Well, I'll just have to play it by ear.'
The banquet kicked off shortly, and under Su Ziqing's lead, the atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration.
Yet, Su Minghe's expression soured the moment he spotted Du Xinyu next to his son.
His investigations had confirmed the facts.
His daughter hadn't lied or exaggerated.
Su Li, fully aware that Du Xinyu was Chu Jiangchen's girlfriend, continued to woo her and shamelessly encroach on their relationship.
He shamelessly spent the money he'd charmed out of the Chu family, and even after a public confrontation and humiliation by Chu Jiangchen, Su Li wouldn't let go and had the audacity to bring her to the banquet.
It was a blatant move to declare his intentions—to recognize Du Xinyu as his girlfriend!
Su Minghe was seething with anger. It was clear that not raising his son by his side had its consequences. Su Ming's lack of depth and willpower was evident; he was easily swayed by the slightest temptation of beauty or wealth.
For a mere girl, he had brazenly defied his own father, even threatening to sever ties with the Su family.
But Su Minghe's desire for a son to continue the family legacy meant he had to bite his tongue for now.
In time, he'd simply find his son a few beautiful, unblemished trophy wives. That would surely make him forget the impoverished girl soon enough.
And if all else failed, any woman who could bear his son a grandson would do...
As the banquet wound down and the formalities concluded, the young guests loosened up, forming circles to chat and jest.
"Mr. Chen, I... I need to speak with you alone," Du Xinyu murmured, seizing a moment to quietly approach Chu Jiangchen with a look of distress. "Could you give Xiner a chance? Let's... talk by the secluded lakeside."
As expected, she had sought him out.
A smirk played on Chiang Chen's lips as he sipped his red wine and responded, "Of course, go ahead and I'll meet you there."
"Host, are you off to complete a mission?" Xiaobai, full and content with a plump belly, sprawled lazily on his shoulder and inquired.
"I've got the updated script all figured out," Chiang Chen replied, glancing through the floor-to-ceiling window at the dimly lit, deserted lakeside. Setting down his wine glass, he gave Xiaobai a pat and chuckled, "So... yes, it's time for me to go on a mission."