C5 Muscular Atrophy and Sclerosis

"Ding! The Ultimate Barcode System 1.0 update is complete. A generous gift bag has been awarded to you. Would you like to open it?"

"Open it," Chiang Hao silently commanded in his mind.

Who wouldn't want to open a big gift bag?

"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have received 100 bottles of Immortal Grass Water. Immortal Grass Water: Crafted from a mystical formula, it can be used to fortify the body, restore vitality, and heal wounds."

"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have obtained one Profound Melody Pill. Profound Melody Pill: It can transform the characteristics of a person's voice, elevating their musical understanding to a Divine Level. Singing will come with an electrifying sound, and the quality of the performance will be so mesmerizing that listeners find it unforgettable and irresistible."

It appeared that Immortal Grass Water was some sort of supplement. Though its true efficacy was unknown, coming from the system, it was bound to be effective!

While relishing Han Xun'er's tender kiss, Chiang Hao pondered in his mind.

"Ding! Heroic rescue +100 Exclamation Points."

Having recently braved a three-millimeter-thick steel pipe with his bare body and earning 200 Exclamation Points, the fact that the Flying Dagger now only garnered 100 Exclamation Points suggested that people were becoming accustomed to his feats of strength.

"Why are you crying?"

While Chiang Hao was still contemplating the pattern of earning Exclamation Points, Han Xun'er noticed tears on her face and looked up, puzzled.

"No, I'm not crying... Just got some sand in my eyes," Chiang Hao quickly wiped his eyes, trying to cover up.

A man's tears are not easily shed, especially not in public. He certainly wasn't ready to admit it.

"Yes, the wind is quite strong today," Han Xun'er agreed, nodding.

She suspected that Chiang Hao's tears were moved by her kiss, but understanding that men have their pride, she chose not to call him out on it.

"Cough, cough..." As the two exchanged whispers, Old Master Han approached and bowed slightly to Chiang Hao, "May I inquire the name of the young master who saved my granddaughter today? I must express my deepest gratitude."

"I'm Chiang Hao. No thanks are necessary; it was the right thing to do," Chiang Hao replied.

Han Yuequn smiled and nodded in appreciation of Chiang Hao's modesty. With a wave of his hand, the butler promptly approached, carrying a stack of blank checks.

He swiftly scribbled a few lines with a pen, tore off the check, and extended it to Chiang Hao. "Mr. Chiang, your humility is truly remarkable. Here's ten million as a token of my gratitude for your assistance today."

"Your generosity is noted, but I must decline the check," Chiang Hao said, gently refusing the offer with a wave of his hand.

For Chiang Hao, this was all part of a system mission, a means to protect his own life. He didn't consider his actions to be anything out of the ordinary.

Han Yuequn was taken aback, hardly expecting the young man before him to be so unmoved by the prospect of ten million.

"Grandfather, Chiang Hao sees wealth as trivial—he won't take your check," Han Xun'er chimed in, observing Chiang Hao's genuine lack of interest. "Moreover, as my boyfriend, it's only natural that he saved me. I'll find my own way to thank him."

Her own way to thank him?

The room fell silent, everyone momentarily stunned. Had the two of them already...

Winning over Han Xun'er in such a short time was no small feat. The onlookers now regarded Chiang Hao with a mix of envy and respect.

Han Yuequn's eyes widened in astonishment. His granddaughter, Han Xun'er, had always been bright and discerning, never showing interest in any suitor. Yet, here she was, smitten with such a modestly dressed young man.

Before Han Yuequn could delicately probe into the extent of their relationship, Han Xun'er had already ushered Chiang Hao into the room.

"Weren't you upset when I turned down Grandfather's ten million on your behalf?" Han Xun'er inquired after closing the door behind them.

"Not at all. I merely lent you a hand with a small matter; I never intended to accept the ten million," Chiang Hao replied, shaking his head as he removed his coat.

"What are you trying to do?" Han Xun'er asked, arms crossed, a hint of fear in her voice. "You mentioned repaying me in your own way. Please, don't get the wrong idea... And with so many people outside, let's not be hasty."

Chiang Hao couldn't help but chuckle at Han Xun'er's alarmed expression. It seemed his act of taking off his coat had led to a misunderstanding.

"Uh... I'm just feeling a bit warm, but if it bothers you, I'll put my jacket back on," Chiang Hao said, reaching for his outerwear.

Despite the heat, he certainly didn't want to be misinterpreted as a creep.

"No, keep it off. You look really hot," Han Xun'er insisted, noticing the sweat on Chiang Hao's brow. She pulled a wet wipe from her pocket and began dabbing at his forehead.

"Okay, then." Chiang Hao paused, watching Han Xun'er as she wiped away his sweat.

Standing at 175 cm, Chiang Hao towered over the 165 cm Han Xun'er. From his vantage point, he couldn't help but notice her striking 36D figure and the expanse of fair skin beneath. He tried to avert his gaze, yet he wasn't sure where to look.

Unaware of Chiang Hao's discomfort, Han Xun'er went on, "I stopped you from taking my grandfather's money because I want you to earn his approval, which in turn could free me from an arranged marriage to the Bai family."

"Don't worry, you've helped me, and I'll certainly return the favor," Chiang Hao assured her with a nod.

After all, Han Xun'er had assisted him in fulfilling a task set by the system, and he was determined to see her through her troubles.

"I helped you? How exactly have I helped you?" Han Xun'er asked, puzzled.

Since their acquaintance, it had always been Chiang Hao lending her a hand; she couldn't recall doing the same for him.

"Ah? Oh, I meant by wiping my sweat, that's a big help. I'll be sure to repay you," Chiang Hao quickly clarified, realizing his slip of the tongue.

It was best to keep the System's details to himself for now.

"It's nothing, really. But in three days, at the Hilton Hotel downtown, I hope you can come and help me escape my predicament," Han Xun'er said, tossing the used tissue aside.

"Don't worry, I'll be there," Chiang Hao pledged.

"Pinky promise?" Han Xun'er extended her little finger.

"Pinky promise."

"Then you should head back. I've got a family meeting to attend," she said, reaching for the door.

"Wait, could you lend me some money? I'm in a bit of a bind," Chiang Hao said with hesitation.

It's not common for a man to ask a woman for money unless it's absolutely necessary.

Chiang Hao resorted to this to fulfill a wish of his sister, Tang Qingjing.

Tang Qingjing was an orphan found by Chiang Hao's mother, Tang Huali, in a cradle at the train station. Tang Huali grew so fond of the little girl that she gave her the Tang surname.

After Chiang Hao's parents died in a car crash, the siblings were left with only a modest sum in compensation. From that point on, they depended solely on each other, living a life marked by poverty.

Chiang Hao was determined to ensure that they both could complete their college education. Regardless of the weather, he would set up his fortune-telling stall on the overpass to earn what he could.

He had hoped that their ability to tell fortunes would see them through college and lead to a safe, uneventful life. But fate proved cruel; recently, Tang Qingjing was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.