Ethan Cole had never felt this empty before.
Three years.
Three years of late night calls, cheap diner dates, saving every dollar just to buy her birthday gifts.
And now
I'm sorry, Ethan… I can't live like this anymore.
Standing in front of him was Lily Morgan, the girl he thought he would marry.
Beside her stood a tall, well dressed man in a designer suit, car keys spinning around his finger.
This is Victor Kane, Lily said softly He understands my future.
Ethan stared at the luxury car parked behind them.
So that's it Ethan's voice trembled. You're leaving me for money.
Victor smirked. It's not personal, man. Some people are just… built different.
Lily didn't deny it.
Ethan felt something inside his chest crack.
He laughed bitterly. Yeah Guess I wasn't rich enough.
They walked away together.
And Ethan stood alone.
10 Minutes Later
Ethan ran.
He didn't know where he was going. He just needed the pain to stop.
Rain started pouring.
His chest burned. His legs shook.
Why wasn't I enough…
Suddenly
[DING!]
Money Rebound System Activated.
Host: Ethan Cole
Emotional Damage Detected.
System Binding Successful.
Ethan stumbled.
What the.
Core Ability Unlocked: Double Return
For every dollar Host spends on a woman, Host receives 2x cashback.
No upper limit.
No cooldown.
Ethan froze.
Is this some kind of joke
System Notice:
Pretty Woman Nearby.
Favorability: +5
Recommended Action: Invest.
Ethan blinked.
Across the street, under the neon glow of a café sign, stood a girl trying to shield herself from the rain with a thin folder.
Long black hair. Soft features. Simple white blouse. No umbrella.
She looked elegant… but not flashy.
She was beautiful in a quiet way.
Target Identified:
Name: Sophia Lin
Status: College Student
Financial Condition: Struggling
Initial Favorability Toward Host: +5 (Sympathy)
Ethan swallowed.
…So if I spend money on her…
Confirmed. 2x Return.
His heartbeat sped up.
Let's test it.
Ethan walked toward her.
Hey… you'll get sick standing out here.
Sophia looked up, slightly startled. Oh I'm okay. I'm just waiting for the rain to slow down.
Ethan took off his jacket and held it over her head.
She blinked You don't have to
Let's go somewhere dry, he said treat.
The system flashed again.
Opportunity Detected.
Nearby Location: Crystal Gate Mall.
Ethan smiled slightly.
Sophia, right.
She tilted her head How do you
Lucky guess, he lied smoothly. Let's go to the mall. I need to buy something anyway.
She hesitated.
I don't really have money to shop
Good, Ethan said lightly I do.
Crystal Gate Mall
Bright lights.
Luxury brands.
Sophia looked completely out of place and somehow even more stunning because of it.
Ethan walked into a boutique.
I'll take that coat, he said, pointing at a soft beige designer coat And that bag.
Sophia's eyes widened Wait that's expensive
Try it.
She slowly put on the coat.
Perfect fit.
She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover.
[DING!]
Amount Spent: $2,000
Cashback Returned: $4,000
Net Profit: +$2,000
Current Balance: $6,300
Ethan's phone vibrated.
He checked his banking app.
The money was real.
His breathing turned steady.
His heartbreak…
Started fading.
Sophia looked at him softly You don't have to do this… Why are you being so kind
Ethan looked at her.
For the first time that night, he smiled for real.
Because I want to.
Favorability Increased: +15
New Favorability: +20
Bonus Multiplier Unlocked at +50
Ethan's eyes flashed.
Oh.
So the more she liked him…
The more he earned.
Victor Kane had taken his girlfriend because he was rich.
But now
Ethan Cole could buy the entire city.
He looked at Sophia.
Let's keep going.
Sophia blinked Going where.
Ethan grinned slightly.
Shopping.
And somewhere far away, Lily Morgan would soon realize…
She chose the wrong man.