CLING.
CLING.
The gentle clatter of forks and plates filled the dining hall, illuminated by the warm glow of morning sunlight. It was a picture-perfect scene—peaceful, calm, and almost idyllic.
"So… which school am I attending?" Jean asked, voice steady but curious, twirling his fork.
Tyler, mid-bite, looked up and grinned. "Thinking of sending you to a prestigious one. How about Greenfield?"
Jean paused, eyes wide with innocence. "Okay," he said softly, as if the decision was trivial.
Tyler's smile grew even wider. "Great! You start in two days. Sound good?"
"Very," Jean replied with conviction.
"Excellent." Tyler chuckled.
Sara, observing the scene, couldn't resist a dramatic sniffle, wiping an invisible tear from her eye.
"Ooooh! My baby's growing up so fast!" she exclaimed, voice thick with sentiment. "Feels like just yesterday you were a tiny bundle in my arms. And now—school! Time really flies."
She exaggerated her emotion, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin.
Tyler rolled his eyes. "Why all the drama, woman? It's just a school day. You'll see him every day. Jeez. What a drama queen."
Sara shot him a playful glare, but Tyler, immune, smirked.
"What?" he asked smugly. "Have I gotten more handsome? Or is that just your imagination?"
Sara ignored his teasing, turning to her son.
"When you get to school," she said, voice gentle but firm, "don't start fights unless you have to, don't be a bully, be kind to everyone, and most importantly—get good grades for Mommy, okay?"
Jean saluted playfully. "Roger that!"
They all shared a brief laugh.
Tyler approached his son, scooped him into a hug, and kissed his forehead affectionately.
"All right, little soldier. Daddy's got to head out for work."
"Okay, bye!" Jean replied sheepishly.
Tyler set him down and approached his wife.
"Bye, hon. See you later," he said softly.
"Okay! As always—good luck," Sara responded.
"Thanks." Tyler gave her a quick kiss and headed out.
Sara bent down to kiss Jean on the forehead. "Okay, baby. Mama's got to go too."
"Okay, Mom. See you later," Jean said brightly.
Sara ruffled his hair affectionately. "When I get back, I'll bring your favorite snack. Deal?"
"Yay! Mom, you're the best!" Jean hugged her tightly.
GIGGLE.
Sara turned and left, waving goodbye.
Jean watched her go, then turned toward his room with determination.
Alright… time to get these quests done. Even if I can only do part of them.
He stepped out into the hallway, Rachel following silently.
When they reached his door, Jean hesitated.
Rachel blinked. "Is everything alright, young master?"
Jean looked uncertain. "No, it's nothing. I want to be alone for a few hours."
He knew how that sounded—his parents had made it clear: no leaving him alone unless asleep. This request? Basically impossible.
And, as expected—
*"No."*
One word. Flat, final, unwavering.
Jean sighed.
*Really?*
What a pain.
Guess she's coming in with me then.
Without a word, he pushed the door open.
CREEK.
They both entered.
"I'm going to do some exercises," Jean said, rolling his shoulders. "You just sit and watch."
Rachel tilted her head, skeptical. "You want to exercise…? Sorry, how old are you again?"
"Six. And yes, I want to exercise. It's not like there's a law against it," he said, smirking.
Rachel's eyes narrowed. "Fine. But if you hurt yourself, don't come crying to me."
She moved to a chair by the window, watching him with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"I will," Jean nodded, trying to sound confident—but internally, he was already questioning his decision.
---
*System, show me the quest*
- Push-ups: 100
- Sit-ups: 100
- Squats: 100
- Run: 100 km
Jean stared at the list, eyes twitching.
"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, voice edged with disbelief.
F***ing system.
SIGH~
No choice but to get started then.
He casually peeled off his clothes—no shame at all. Being raised by maids in a child's body had its perks—nothing was embarrassing anymore.
Let's start with push-ups.
He dropped onto the cold marble floor, palms flat.
1.
2.
3.
4.
By five, his arms trembled, muscles spasming.
*F*** you, system.*
*F*** you to the ninth generation.*
*You sick, twisted, sadistic—*
He was mid-rant when a strange cool sensation washed over him.
"Mmh~"
He froze. Did he just… moan?
His eyes widened in horror.
Oh no.
He slowly turned his head—and met Rachel's stunned, slightly disturbed expression.
She stared at him like he'd sprouted three heads.
The worst part?
"I didn't know you had this side…" she muttered, tone laced with discomfort.
Jean nearly died on the spot.
*System.*
*I swear I will dismantle you with my bare hands.*
Seeing this Jean fumed.
The system continued, ignoring his expression with a tone that oozed sarcasm.
*SCREW YOU.*