As Ethan drives Mr. Desmond home, his mind is consumed by thoughts about the man, pondering the grudge he seems to hold against him.
Lost in his thoughts, he momentarily loses focus and nearly collides with the car ahead. His reflexes kick in, and he slams on the brakes, causing Mr. Desmond to lurch forward in his seat.
"Are you crazy? Do you want to kill me? Is that your plan as my driver?" Mr. Desmond exclaims in frustration.
Ethan quickly apologizes, his voice filled with genuine remorse.
"I'm so sorry, sir. It was not intentional. Please forgive me."
Despite Ethan's plea, Mr. Desmond remains silent until they reach home.
"Give me the key," Mr. Desmond demands, his tone cutting through the air.
"I apologize, sir. It truly wasn't my intention," Ethan bows, regret evident in his voice.
Ariana, dressed to leave the house, enters the room just in time to witness the tense scene. She rolls her eyes and hisses at Ethan before storming off and slamming the door behind her.
"There will be no food for you tonight, and you won't be sleeping here," Mr. Desmond spats at Ethan.
He pleads, "Please, I have nowhere else to go."
Mr. Desmond's voice remains unyielding, "That's none of my concern. Leave the house now and return tomorrow morning, you worthless bag of endless trash."
"Okay, sir. I'll sleep outside," Ethan concedes as he slowly makes his way out, only if he knew he is a bag full of endless riches.
As he steps out into the night, Ethan mutters to himself, "Wait and see." His determination resounds in his voice.
{Mission reloading: 25%, 45%, 85%, 100%, New mission}.
"Hoping this is just another lavishing some money," he murmurs.
{Make that boy happy, reward: 100 billion}.
A confident smile graces Ethan's face; the promise of wealth is steadily growing day by day.
He waits patiently until the boy emerges from the alleyway, dressed in tattered white clothes and worn-out gray shorts.
"Hey there, young one," he calls out.
The boy, barely six years old, glances at him with a blank expression before continuing on his path.
Quickening his pace, he pursues the boy. "Wait!" he calls again. "It's polite to respond when an elder speaks to you."
The boy halts and mutters, "My dad told me not to talk to strangers."
Chuckling, he responds, "Well, you already talked to me just now."
The boy shoots back, "I'm telling you why I won't talk to you."
Surprised, he flinches. "Fair enough. So, what would make you happy?"
The boy sizes him up, turns away, and continues walking. Intrigued, he bends down to the boy's level.
"Hey, don't judge me by my appearance. Tell me what you'd like."
The boy's stomach rumbles audibly. He grins, "I think I've got it. You're hungry. Let's go."
Offering his hand, the boy hesitates before accepting it. They head to a high-end eatery known for its expensive dishes.
"Bring us the menu," he instructs the waiter.
She scoffs, handing over the menu. He passes it to the boy, who points to the priciest item.
"We'll take that," he says, and the boy gestures for three plates.
"Three plates? You must be really hungry," he remarks, prompting a nod from the boy.
"Payment first," the waitress quips with a fake smile. He hands her his card, telling her to withdraw the amount.
She gives him a mocking look but is stunned when the transaction goes through. As they wait, he and the boy converse, and their order soon arrives.
The boy devours his food hungrily, prompting him to advise, "Take it easy."
The boy finishes the first plate and drink rapidly. He pushes the second plate toward the boy, who nods and softly utters, "Home."
After packaging the remaining food, they leave. The darkness has already settled over the day.
Ethan waits for the system to signal the mission accomplished, but he hears nothing.
"Hey boy, are you happy now?" he asks.
The boy looks at him blankly and says, "Thank you," then continues on his way.
"You're not going anywhere until you're happy," Ethan insists, pulling him towards a boutique and lavishly purchasing various expensive clothes, watches, shoes, toys, and more.
Yet, the boy's happiness remains elusive.
"Grrr! Kid, you're a weirdo. Most kids your age would be thrilled with all this," Ethan says, displaying all the bags.
"I never asked you to buy me these things. You can never make me happy," the boy replies.
Ethan is shocked by this. It's the toughest mission he has encountered so far. He scratches his head, wondering what to do next. Then, another idea pops into his head.
"Let's go," he says, grabbing the boy's hand.
"But I should be at home, sir," he protests.
"Not until you're happy," Ethan insists.
They head to the amusement park, but all his attempts go wrong, and the boy doesn't even crack a smile.
Another idea strikes him: the cinema to watch a comedy. But all his efforts are in vain.
"Thanks for today, sir, but I should be on my way," the boy says and leaves.
"Not until you're happy. Tell me what would make you happy, and I'll buy it," Ethan pleads.
"You can never buy me my happiness!" the boy exclaims, causing Ethan to flinch in surprise.
"You think all this will make me happy? You're wasting your money because MONEY CAN'T BUY HAPPINESS!" he yells.
Money can't buy happiness?.
To Ethan, money means everything. He has everything he desired when his parents were alive.
He had options and can easily got any girl he want.
However, after his parents death, he losed it all simply because he wasn't rich anymore.
Tears well up in the boy's eyes. He snatches the bags from Ethan and leaves.
"I tried my best after all," Ethan shrugs.
{Mission failed, punishment: reduction of 10 million, complete 20 missions without pay.}
The screen appears, displaying the reduction.
He would become poor again before he could even finish the 20 missions.
"What! That much?" he exclaims.
Everyone around him stares, wondering who he is talking to.
"Okay, okay, what if I eventually complete the mission?"
{Punishment will be removed, but you won't be rewarded.}
He immediately chases after the boy, wondering what would truly make him happy.
"Hey kid, please tell me what makes you happy. Even if money can't, I'll find another way," Ethan says, growing frustrated. "Home," the boy utters. "Home will make you happy?" Ethan asks, puzzled. The boy nods. "Okay, let's go home," Ethan agrees, following the boy's lead. After a few minutes of walking, they arrive at a shabby hut. "Is this your house?" Ethan inquires. The boy nods. Just then, a woman rushes out from the house. "John!" she exclaims, embracing him. "Where have you been all this time?" Ethan surveys the house and realizes that this is likely the source of the boy's unhappiness. "So, you're not happy living in this kind of house. I'll build you a new home," Ethan declares. "Who are you?" the boy's mother asks skeptically. "Um... I'm your child's friend, and I'm trying to make him happy," Ethan claims, gesturing to the bags in his hand. The mother notices the bags and examines them closely, nearly exclaiming in surprise. "He bought me these," the boy informs
Chapter 7Ariana wakes up to a delightful aroma, instantly recognizing Ethan's cooking skills from their dating days.She joins the others at the table, where Ethan serves breakfast."He's the cook now," Ariana comments as she takes her seat."That's his role here, do the chores," Mr. Desmond adds.Nick takes a spoonful of the delicious meal Ethan has prepared and compliments him, "You're an amazing cook, destined for success.""Thank you for your kind words, enjoy your breakfast," Ethan replies, about to leave but halted by Mr. Desmond's request to stay."Water," Max orders, though it's right in front of him; Ethan hands it to him."I'm meeting the mighty-E today," Mr. Desmond announces, stunning everyone.Ethan smirks confidently."How can you be so sure? No one's ever seen him," Ariana questions."I'm going to the company and offer him something he can't refuse," Mr. Desmond states."That's my dad," Nick proudly chimes in."What can you offer someone who seemingly has it all?" Aria
Ariana and Max leave the room, leaving the others behind. Ethan remains beside Mr. Desmond."I was wondering, who is this guy?" Sandra asks, referring to Ethan."He is something insignificant, a once-upon-a-time rich, spoiled brat who thinks money is everything," Nick comments."Oh, what a dynamic life," she laments."Dynamic indeed, you don't have to feel pity for him, as he is not meant to be pitied," Mr. Desmond says."How did he end up working for you?""Don't let talk about him spoil the gracious moment," Mrs. Desmond intervenes.She nods, then points at something on the ground. "What's that?"They all turn to look, and it's the shining ring. The ring holds a lot of memories for Ethan. He quickly picks it up."I will give this to her."He makes his way upstairs and is about to open the door but hesitates, pressing his ear against the door."I said no, Max, a total no!" Ariana exclaims as she and Max argue."What is no? You don't have a choice, you must," Max retorts."You shamele
Chapter 9"Ethan!" Mr. Desmond's voice jolts Ethan awake, prompting him to groan as he rises from his bed and hurries to meet him in the still-dark hours."Sir, here I am," Ethan mutters sleepily."Do you know how many times I've been calling you? Sleeping like a pig!" Mr. Desmond scolds."Sorry, sir," Ethan replies."You have to drive me somewhere now, in the dead of night, and mark my words, don't snoop around. Stay in the car, got it?" Mr. Desmond warns sternly."Okay, sir," Ethan acquiesces as Mr. Desmond tosses the car keys to him.The world outside is still asleep as they board the car, Mr. Desmond guiding Ethan along an unfamiliar path that takes twenty minutes to traverse.Eventually, they arrive at their destination. A grand black gate stands proudly before a two-story building, an imposing structure that captures Ethan's attention. The automatic doors swing open, allowing them entry into the spacious compound, though not as expansive as the Mighty-E compound."Stay here and
{Mission reloading, 25%, 45%, 65%, 75%, 100%. New mission unlocked: Feed the Nation. Reward: 50 trillion.} "What!" he screams. {Every single necessary person.} "Who are necessary people?" {Everyone that needs it.} "Oh, but how will I do that? How? How?" he wonders aloud in his room. Then he calls Sandra, his new secretary, his new interest. "Hello, I've got a new mission for you, the system's new mission," he says. "What's that, and Mr. Davis is greeting you". "My regards to him. The mission is to feed the nation." "What!" she exclaims so loudly that he shifts the phone away from his ear. "What did he say?" Mr. Davis asks from the background. "How is that possible!" he yells. "And if it is possible, you know it will damage the economy," Sandra asks. "I know, but I have to do it. It seems impossible but somehow possible. I want you to calculate the nation's population, then calculate how much will each person collect if 10 trillion is to be shared," he requests. "See, yo
Ethan wakes up earlier than usual. He quietly tends to the house and prepares breakfast. He glances at the clock and realizes he has an hour before the others will awaken. As he plates the food, he can't help but enjoy this clandestine role. He observes people's true selves by pretending to be nothing more than a humble servant. He hums a tune while setting the table. Contemplating what it would be like if he reveals his true identity as the mighty-E from the very beginning. They might beg for forgiveness, claiming they don't mean any harm, while they are wolves in sheep's clothing. Just as he is lost in thought, he hears hurried footsteps descending the stairs. Startled, he turns to see Mr. Desmond. "Good morning," Ethan greets with a bow. "Keep it," Mr. Desmond replies curtly, snatching the remote control and turning on the TV. The screen displays a news headline that reads, "Generous Benefactor anonymous mighty-E Gifts $30,000 to Every Citizen, Inspiring Unity and Hope
The loud banging on the door jolts Ethan awake, and his bleary eyes land on the clock – already past nine.He knows he's in for some scolding as he opens the door, and there stands Ariana."Hope nothing's wrong; you woke up late," she says, her eyes filled with concern."I'm okay, just tired," Ethan replies, and Ariana nods.She turns to leave but abruptly halts, casting an assessing glance up and down Ethan before turning back, leaving him puzzled.Realizing he is late, Ethan rushes to the kitchen to prepare breakfast."What! Where is Ethan?" Mrs. Desmond's voice echoes through the house, reaching the kitchen. The impending facepalm moment has arrived. He hurriedly approaches her."I'm sorry, I woke up late," he mumbles, bowing his head.Then, Mr. Desmond enters, and his wife envelops him in a hug."Where were you all night?" she asks while helping him with his suit."Just had an urgent and serious meeting," he replies, moving further into the room."Good morning, sir," Ethan greets
As the old counts, "1...2...".Ethan finds himself on his knees, desperation in his voice, "Please, I'm just curious. I see them carrying something out of a van," he explains anxiously.The old man can't help but laugh."And you want me to believe that? You're here as a driver, yet you won't stay in your place," he scoffs."Anyway, you've seen what you shouldn't have, and for that, you'll have to pay with your life," he declares, signaling to the armed man to proceed with the grim task.But Ethan pleads earnestly, "Please, I'll do anything. Anything you want."His sincerity is evident.The old man leans forward, a wicked grin on his face."You'll do anything?" he inquires, raising an eyebrow.Ethan nods vigorously, desperation in his eyes. "Yes, yes, I will," he affirms.The old man exchanges whispers with the person beside him, their eyes locked in a sinister understanding."Alright, I'll give you a chance," he relents.Ethan sniffs in relief, "Thank you. I'll do anything," he repea