C2 Chapter 2

Jiuyou kept his expression perfectly neutral as he spoke without hesitation.

“To make sure players enjoy the journey, we’ll set up an antique shop in every scenario as a contact point. If a player wants to quit, they can go to the antique shop and forfeit. Forfeiting will deduct from the player’s Heartthrob Appeal score.”

Duu Luo nodded to show she understood. Seeing her nod, Jiuyou continued.

“For this Prince Charming Conquest Game, as your guide, I’ll be with you the entire time—until you clear every Prince Charming scenario. Now, please hold out your left hand.”

After Jiuyou finished, Duu Luo lifted her hand and held it out in front of him. Jiuyou swept his hand beneath her wrist. When he lowered it, a silvery bracelet had appeared on her wrist. A goldfish was engraved on it, its eyes a raised, vivid red.

“This is the Game Bracelet. Press that button, and the operating instructions will appear in your mind.” While Duu Luo examined it, Jiuyou went on. “Before you begin, you can choose what your Prince Charming looks like.”

“Yours,” Duu Luo answered immediately. She figured this NPC was one of the better-looking men she’d ever seen—so far, no one had topped him. If only she could swap in a different heartthrob face every time she played. “Mr. Jiuyou, you seem so easygoing. Going after you won’t be stressful at all.”

As she said it, she clasped her hands into fists under her chin in a pleading pose.

Jiuyou looked briefly puzzled by her comment, but his face quickly returned to its usual calm.

“Prince Charming male lead appearance successfully copied. Random scenario assigned: *The One I Like Doesn’t Like Me*. Setting: a fictional dynasty. Male lead name: Boyan. In-game, the player’s name is Duu Luo, a wealthy young lady. Her parents belong to a prominent, prestigious family. Game entry countdown: sixty, fifty-nine, fifty-eight... three... two... one! Game successfully launched. Player entering the game.”

Location: an unnamed fictional dynasty. Time: Year X. Character: Boyan.

Duu Luo opened her eyes to pitch-black darkness. Her hands and feet were tied. She struggled a couple of times, couldn’t break free, and stopped.

“Jiuyou, get out here!” Duu Luo snapped, shouting his name. “So this is the Prince Charming Conquest Game? And it starts with me getting tied up? This script is a total mess. Who thought this over-the-top, trashy setup was a good idea? What’s next—some hero swoops in to save the damsel?”

“Yes, respected Player. The script is exactly as you described, because only this kind of tired, melodramatic cliché can perfectly present a love story,” Jiuyou said in a stiff, matter-of-fact tone, answering her doubts. “Please rest assured: during this Prince Charming Conquest, you will not be harmed. Just like in those over-the-top romance novels you usually see, you’re basically invincible.”

“Even so, why do I have to be the one getting kidnapped?” Duu Luo complained. “I can’t accept that, okay? Being tied up like this, barely able to move, is seriously, seriously uncomfortable. This setup is ridiculous! Why do I have to be the one kidnapped? Why can’t he be the one kidnapped, and I get to do the whole ‘girl saves the guy’ thing?”

“Respected Player, because your combat rating is zero, for your safety, it’s more appropriate for you to be the one kidnapped.”