[Qinghua University Library, Second Floor, Historical Literature Section, 9:07 AM, September 15]
Long Tian walked through the library with absolute confidence.
The Beauty Records System floated in his vision, its translucent blue interface displaying quest markers and affection counters that only he could see.
It was the most overpowered cheat code in existence.
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[Target Located: Su Qingxue]
[Location: Historical Literature Section, Aisle 7, Section C]
[Current Distance: 15 meters]
[Recommended Approach: Accidental Collision Technique]
[Success Rate: 87%]
[Tip: Be gentle! Be charming! Women love helpful men who don't expect anything in return!]
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I can't believe this. This is too easy, way too easy, impossibly easy.
The system tells me exactly what to do. It's like playing a dating sim with a perfect walkthrough, like having cheat codes for real life. There's no guessing. There's no risk. There's no chance of failure.
Oh right, that's why. It's because I'm the protagonist, the chosen one.
The morning sun streamed through the library's tall windows, casting golden rectangles on the polished floor. Students scattered across tables, heads buried in textbooks, completely oblivious to the conquest about to unfold in aisle seven.
Long Tian turned the corner casually, pretending to browse the shelves. His footsteps were deliberately soft and his posture deliberately relaxed. Everything was calculated to appear natural.
And there she was.
Su Qingxue.
Holy shit.
The campus belle Su Qingxue is a freshman at Qinghua University majoring in International Business. She has maintained her position as the most popular girl on campus through careful image management and cultivated beauty.
She possesses conventional attractiveness enhanced by meticulous grooming that makes her stunningly beautiful in a polished, high-maintenance way.
Her figure is well-proportioned with graceful curves and slender legs accentuated by form-fitting designer clothing. She moves with practiced elegance born from years of poise training.
Her long black hair cascades down her back in expensive salon-maintained waves. She looks like a carefully crafted image of perfection—the kind of woman who made heads turn through sheer effort and investment.
Long Tian had to give her credit. She knew exactly how to present herself.
She stood by the bookshelf holding a thick historical text with her delicate eyebrows furrowed in concentration and her lips pursed in frustration. The morning light streaming through the tall windows caught the expensive highlights in her hair.
But there was something else. Tension. Distraction. Something that didn't fit the carefully composed image she usually presented.
She pulled out her phone. Checked the screen.
Then she frowned.
Thirty seconds later, she checked again. The frown deepened.
Another minute passed. She checked a third time. Her thumb hovered over the screen like she wanted to type something but didn't know what to say. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped against the phone case in an unconscious rhythm of anxiety.
Someone stood her up. Someone actually stood up the campus belle.
--------------------------
[Analysis: Target experiencing negative emotions due to external stressor]
[Opportunity Detected: Target's usual support has failed her]
[Recommendation: Position yourself as the reliable alternative]
--------------------------
Long Tian's smile widened. Perfect timing, absolutely perfect timing.
Someone had let her down. Someone had disappointed her. And he was about to save the day.
This was a classic protagonist move—a face-slapping opportunity to steal some rich kid's girl while the idiot wasn't even paying attention.
He moved closer, watching and waiting for the perfect moment. Timing was everything here, absolutely everything.
Su Qingxue reached for another book on the high shelf. She stretched up on her toes, and the thick historical text in her other hand started to slip.
Long Tian moved, and they collided.
It wasn't hard at all—just enough to make her stumble slightly, just enough to make the books slip from her hands, just enough to create that perfect damsel-in-distress moment straight out of a romance novel.
He caught the books smoothly before they hit the floor and steadied her elbow with his other hand, gentle but firm.
Then their eyes met.
--------------------------
[Perfect Execution! Physical Contact Achieved!]
[Su Qingxue Affection: 61 → 63]
--------------------------
"I'm so sorry!" Long Tian said immediately, his voice warm and genuinely concerned. "Are you okay? I should've been watching where I was going."
Su Qingxue's breath caught slightly and her eyes widened just a fraction. Something flickered in their depths—recognition, interest, and the unmistakable spark of attraction.
"Oh! No, it's... it's fine." Her voice came out softer than expected, warmer than anticipated. "I wasn't paying attention either."
She didn't pull away from his hand immediately. Instead she let it linger for one heartbeat, then two. Then she stepped back, but not beyond arm's length.
She was still close enough that he could smell her perfume—expensive, subtle, and absolutely intoxicating.
--------------------------
[Target Response: Positive!]
[Target experiencing favorable impression boost]
--------------------------
Long Tian handed her the books carefully, making sure their fingers brushed during the exchange. It was only a brief contact, nothing inappropriate, just enough to register.
She noticed. He saw the tiny spark in her eyes and the slight flush on her cheeks that she couldn't quite hide despite all her image training.
"Here, let me help you with those." He gestured at the heavy texts in her arms. "These are pretty heavy. Historical texts? Are you researching something?"
She nodded and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture seemed almost unconsciously flirtatious.
"It's for a group project. Han Dynasty economic policies, but the books are scattered everywhere and the catalog system is terrible."
She stopped mid-sentence and glanced at her phone lying on the nearby table. The warmth in her expression dimmed noticeably.
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[Target Status: Frustrated, Disappointed, Seeking Alternative Solutions]
[Recommendation: Offer Assistance Immediately]
--------------------------
"Is something wrong?" Long Tian asked, keeping his voice gentle.
"No, it's..." She bit her lip slightly. "It's nothing. I was supposed to meet someone who offered to help, but he hasn't responded to my messages all morning. I've been waiting since eight."
Disappointment flickered across her face. Something deeper than just practical frustration. The kind of disappointment that came from expecting better and receiving nothing.
--------------------------
[New Quest Triggered!]
[Quest: Be Her Hero]
[Description: Su Qingxue's previous helper has abandoned her! Step in and save the day!]
[Objectives: Help find her research materials, carry her heavy books, and make a positive impression]
[Rewards: Gentleman's Courtesy Skill Book, ¥5,000 Cash, Premium Coffee Voucher]
--------------------------
Long Tian accepted internally without hesitation. The system was practically writing the script for him.
"Well, if your friend is too busy to help you today, then I happen to have time." Long Tian smiled warmly. "I'm actually pretty familiar with this section. I spent half of last week here, so I could help you find what you need?"
She looked at him. Really looked at him this time. Her eyes lingered just a moment too long.
Something about him felt so nice. There was something intoxicating about his laughter and his voice. It was magnetic. It was like she was being pulled toward him, and her intuition was telling her to walk closer, to listen to his words, to stay by his side.
"I... I don't want to impose..."
"You're not imposing at all," Long Tian said with that warm, genuine smile. "Helping a beautiful girl with research is way better than boring economics homework. I'm Long Tian, by the way. Economics Department, freshman year."
A slight blush colored her cheeks. Tiny. Barely visible. But absolutely real.
"Thank you, Long Tian. That's very kind of you. I... I'm Su Qingxue."
"I know," Long Tian said with a slightly embarrassed grin. "The famous campus belle? It's kind of hard not to know who you are."
Her blush deepened. She looked down, then back up at him through her lashes.
"You're sweet."
[Su Qingxue Affection: 63 → 64]
[Excellent Work, Host! First Impression: Extremely Positive!]
[Continue Building Rapport Through Helpful Actions]
--------------------------
After that, they spent two hours working together.
Two full hours. One hundred and twenty minutes. Su Qingxue didn't even bother going to her morning class. She just stayed there and spent time with Long Tian.
The morning turned to midday. Sunlight shifted across the library floor. Other students came and went around them, but neither noticed.
And Long Tian played it perfectly, exactly according to the system's real-time coaching.
[Tip: Ask about her opinions first. Make her feel heard.]
[Tip: Share a small personal detail. Create reciprocal vulnerability.]
[Tip: Light touch on shoulder when making a point. Physical anchoring.]
He was helpful but not overbearing. Efficient but not showing off. Intelligent but not arrogant. He helped her find the books she needed and carried the heavy ones without making a big deal about it. He made intelligent comments about Han Dynasty trade policies that showed he actually knew his stuff.
Each move was calculated. Each word was chosen. Each gesture was practiced to perfection.
And Su Qingxue responded beautifully.
She laughed at his jokes. Actually laughed, not that polite fake laugh she usually gave people. Real laughter that made her eyes crinkle at the corners and her carefully composed expression soften into something genuine.
"Wait, so you're saying the Han's centralized granary system was the actual blueprint for Xiao unification? Not just the gunpowder or the printing press?" She leaned closer as he explained, close enough that her shoulder brushed his arm and strands of her hair tickled his neck when she moved.
She didn't pull away.
"Pretty much," Long Tian said. "The gunpowder won battles, but the granary logistics won the war. And once the Xiao figured out steam engines, they scaled that system across the entire continent with tributaries spanning as far as the Western Seas within two generations. That's not conquest—that's economic integration. The original globalization, if you think about it."
"That's actually fascinating. My professor never explained it like that."
She asked his opinion on historical interpretations and actually listened to his answers with full attention. Nodded thoughtfully. Added her own insights. Their conversation flowed naturally and easily, like they'd known each other for years instead of hours.
Every time their hands touched while passing books, she didn't jerk away. Let the contact linger for one heartbeat, two, three. Sometimes her fingers would brush his deliberately, testing boundaries she'd never tested before.
She played with her hair while talking to him. Twirled the ends around her finger. Tucked strands behind her ear repeatedly. It was a nervous gesture that betrayed her interest.
Her eyes kept finding his. Holding his gaze for longer each time. Smiling when their eyes met. Looking away shyly, then looking back moments later like she couldn't help herself.
When he made a particularly clever observation about currency reforms, she actually grabbed his arm in excitement. Her hand stayed there for five full seconds before she pulled back with an embarrassed laugh.
"Sorry! I just—that's exactly the point I've been trying to articulate for days!"
"No need to apologize," Long Tian said smoothly. "I like that you get excited about this stuff."
She blushed again. "Most people think I'm weird for caring about economic history."
"Most people are boring."
She laughed at that. Really laughed.
The attraction was obvious. Undeniable. Growing with every passing minute.
For the first thirty minutes, she still checked her phone occasionally. Every ten minutes or so. Each time, disappointment flickered briefly when there was no new message. Each time, she turned back to Long Tian with a slightly warmer smile.
Like she was comparing. Like she was realizing.
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[Analysis: Target is performing active comparison between Host and previous attachment]
[Note: Each failed expectation from "Lin Feng" increases Host's relative value]
--------------------------
Long Tian saw it happening in real-time. He didn't need to push, didn't need to rush. Just be present. Be helpful. Let the contrast do the work.
During the next thirty minutes, she only checked once. It was very brief, almost apologetic. She immediately dismissed whatever she saw on her phone and refocused on Long Tian.
The second time she checked, Long Tian deliberately made a joke right as she put her phone down. She laughed so loudly that other students glanced their way. Her hand flew to her mouth in embarrassment, but her eyes sparkled with genuine delight.
"Oh god, I'm so loud," she whispered, still giggling.
"I think you scandalized that guy in the corner," Long Tian whispered back conspiratorially. "He looked personally offended."
She snorted, then covered her mouth again. "Stop! You're going to get us kicked out."
[Target actively prioritizing Host over previous attachment]
[Affection increase accelerating]
After the first hour, her phone lay forgotten on the table between them. The screen was dark and silent. It buzzed once with an incoming message.
She didn't even glance at it. Just continued discussing Han Dynasty economic policies with him, her face gleaming with intellectual excitement.
Long Tian noticed the exact moment she forgot about it completely. Saw when he became her entire focus.
She'd stopped waiting. Stopped hoping. Stopped caring about whoever had disappointed her.
Long Tian had her full attention now. Absolute. Undivided. Total.
[Su Qingxue Affection: 64 → 65]
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By the end of the second hour, they'd found everything she needed.
Twelve books. Three academic journals. Two government documents that required special access from the archives librarian. More than enough material for her entire group project.
They checked out the books at the circulation desk. The librarian gave them a knowing look as she scanned each item. The campus belle and this helpful young man. A scene she'd probably witnessed countless times before.
Long Tian carried half the stack as they headed toward her dormitory building. Su Qingxue protested initially.
"I can manage, really. You've already helped so much."
"These are heavy," he said simply. "And your dorm is on the other side of campus."
"But—"
"I insist."
Her smile when he said that told him she was secretly pleased.
They walked slowly across campus despite the books being heavy. Neither wanted the moment to end. Neither was ready to say goodbye just yet.
"So what made you choose economics?" Su Qingxue asked.
"Honestly? I like understanding how systems work. Why people make the choices they make. Money just happens to be the most honest measure of what people actually value."
"That's... surprisingly philosophical for an econ major."
"We're not all spreadsheets and stock tips."
She laughed. "Fair enough."
They made light conversation about everything and nothing. The weather was surprisingly warm for September. The architecture was European-style, buildings that looked out of place in Northern Xia.
They passed by the campus café. Long Tian glanced at the menu board and grimaced slightly.
"Fifteen yuan for a small coffee. This place is basically robbery."
Su Qingxue blinked. "Is it? That's pretty normal, isn't it?" She tilted her head, genuinely confused. "The café near my house charges thirty for a latte. This is actually quite cheap."
Long Tian's smile didn't waver, but internally he filed that information away.
Rich girl. Very rich girl. Doesn't even realize fifteen yuan coffee is a luxury for most students.
"Right," he said smoothly. "Guess I'm just used to instant coffee in the dorm."
She laughed. "Instant coffee is terrible for you. You should treat yourself sometimes."
Easy to say when daddy's money pays for everything.
Long Tian smiled and flagged down the barista. Fifteen yuan. Worth it for the impression.
He took the coffee and handed it to her. "Here. My treat."
Su Qingxue's eyes widened slightly. "You didn't have to—"
"Consider it thanks for making Han Dynasty economics actually interesting."
She let out a genuine, unguarded giggle that made his chest warm.
They passed by a group of students practicing traditional instruments near the music building. The sound of an erhu drifted across the lawn, melancholic and beautiful.
Su Qingxue stopped walking. Turned toward the music. Her expression changed completely, and something wistful, almost sad, appeared in her eyes.
Long Tian noticed immediately. "Do you like music?"
"I love it," she said softly. Her voice carried a different quality now, more vulnerable, more real. "Actually, I... I've always wanted to be a singer. That's my real dream."
Long Tian raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Really? But you're studying International Business, right?"
"Family expectations." She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes this time. "My father thinks business is practical, stable, respectable. Singing is just a hobby, he says. Not a real career. Too risky, too competitive, and too many people fail."
"But what do you think?" Long Tian asked, keeping his voice gentle.
She was quiet for a moment. They started walking again, slower now. She seemed to be weighing whether to trust him with this.
"I think..." she began carefully, "I think music is the only time I feel like myself. When I sing, I'm not the Su family's daughter, or the campus belle, or someone who needs to maintain perfect grades. I'm just... me." She glanced at him hesitantly. "Does that sound stupid?"
"Not at all," Long Tian said sincerely. "It sounds like you've found something you're passionate about. That's rare."
Her eyes lit up when he said that. Like he'd validated something she'd kept hidden for too long.
"I practice every day," she admitted, her words coming faster now, more animated. "In my dorm room when my roommate's out. Sometimes at the empty practice rooms in the music building when no one's using them. I've written dozens of songs. Nothing professional, just... lyrics and melodies that come to me when I can't sleep."
"You write your own music?" Long Tian looked impressed. Genuinely impressed, not just playing his part. "That's incredible. Have you performed anywhere?"
She shook her head quickly. "No, no. I couldn't. What if people laughed? What if I wasn't good enough? Besides, my family would be furious if they found out I was 'wasting time' on singing instead of studying."
"But you keep doing it anyway," Long Tian observed.
"I can't stop," she said simply. Her voice was almost a whisper now, like she was confessing something sacred. "Music is the only thing that's truly mine. The only dream that belongs to me and no one else."
They reached her dormitory entrance. She stopped and turned to face him fully. The vulnerability in her expression had shifted to something else—gratitude, connection, maybe the beginning of trust.
"Thank you so much, Long Tian," Su Qingxue said softly. Genuine gratitude filled her voice, mixed with something deeper.
Interest. Attraction. Hope.
"You really saved me today. My group members are going to be so relieved."
"Anytime," Long Tian said with that warm, genuine smile. "Seriously. If you ever need help with research again, or anything else, just let me know. I'm usually at the library anyway."
He paused, then added with a sincere expression, "And for what it's worth? I think you should pursue your music. Even if it's just for yourself right now. Don't let it die just because other people don't understand."
Her breath caught slightly. Her eyes widened. Like he'd said exactly what she needed to hear but never expected anyone to say.
She hesitated for a moment. Bit her lip in a way that was absolutely adorable. Her cheeks flushed pink. She looked down at her shoes, then back up at him.
"Um... Can I..." Her voice came out softer, almost a whisper. She fidgeted with the strap of her bag. "Can I add you on WeiChat? In case I need help with the project again? We're supposed to write a twenty-page analysis paper, so I'll probably have to ask more questions."
The words tumbled out in a rush, like she'd been rehearsing them and needed to say them before losing courage.
She looked genuinely nervous. Vulnerable. Like she was afraid he might say no. Like this mattered to her more than it should after just three hours together.
[Milestone Achieved! Contact Information Request Initiated By Target!]
[Major Step Forward, Host! Well Done!]
Long Tian let a beat of silence hang between them. Just long enough for her nervousness to peak. Just long enough to make the moment matter.
Then he smiled. Warm. Genuine. Delighted.
"Of course," Long Tian said, pulling out his phone. "That's a great idea. I'd love to help."
Relief flooded her face like sunrise breaking through storm clouds. She pulled out her own phone quickly, almost eagerly. Fumbled with it slightly in her haste.
"Sorry, I'm—" She laughed at herself. "I'm usually more coordinated than this."
"You're fine," Long Tian said warmly. "Completely fine."
They exchanged WeiChat contact information. Their fingers brushed again as they held their phones close to scan the QR codes. She didn't pull away this time either. Let the contact linger even longer than before.
The scan completed. Their phones chimed simultaneously.
Long Tian sent her a friendly first message right away: "Looking forward to working on the project with you! 😊"
She checked her phone immediately. Read the message. Her face lit up. She smiled so brightly, so genuinely, that she looked almost radiant.
Her fingers flew across her screen. Deleted what she typed. Typed again. Deleted again. Bit her lip in concentration. Finally hit send.
"Me too," her message appeared. Followed immediately by a blushing emoji. Then another message: "Thank you for being so patient with all my questions today 😊"
Long Tian typed back: "Your questions were great. Really made me think about the material in new ways. You're clearly going to ace this project."
Another notification. She'd sent a shy emoji, then: "Only because I had such a good teacher today 😊"
Was she flirting? The campus belle who rejected confession after confession was sending him messages with blushing emojis and compliments?
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[Target exhibiting clear romantic interest]
[Recommended: Maintain friendly boundaries for now—let attraction build naturally]
[Next contact window: 12-24 hours optimal]
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Long Tian pocketed his phone. Don't push. Let her chase. Leave her wanting more.
She looked up at him one last time. Eyes lingering. Smile soft and genuine.
"Thank you again, Long Tian. For everything. Today was..." She paused, searching for words. "Today was really nice. It's been a while since someone actually listened when I talked about... about the things that matter to me."
Su Qingxue said this as if Lin Feng, who had been chasing her for a very long time, wasn't ready to drop everything he was doing just to listen to her speak. Her voice carried a weight that suggested she wasn't just talking about the research project anymore.
Then she disappeared into her dormitory building with one last warm smile over her shoulder. Reluctant to leave. Looking back twice before the door closed behind her.
Long Tian stood there for a moment, watching the door. Then he checked his system interface with barely contained excitement.
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[Daily Quest Status: COMPLETE]
[Su Qingxue Affection Progress: 61 → 65 (+4 Points)]
[Affection Point Rewards: +4 × 100 = 400 Conquest Points]
[Quest Material Rewards: Skill Book, ¥5,000, Coffee Voucher]
[Overall Performance: Excellent]
[Achievement Unlocked: "First Step on the Path to Harem King!"]
[Reward: Beginner Gift Package]
[Contents: 1× Charisma Boost Pill, 1× Silver Tongue Skill Book, 500 Bonus Conquest Points, 1× Random Encounter Card]
Long Tian grinned as he walked back toward campus. He checked the expanded system interface.
[Beauty Records System - Available Targets]
[Host: Long Tian]
[Current Level: 1]
[Total Conquest Points: 900]
[Active Conquests: 1/3000]
[Available Targets:]
[★★☆☆☆☆☆ Su Qingxue - The Campus Goddess (Affection: 65)]
[★☆☆☆☆☆☆ Zhang Yuting - The Class President (Affection: 61)]
[★☆☆☆☆☆☆ Wang Xiaoling - The Coffee Shop Girl (Affection: 61)]
[★☆☆☆☆☆☆ Liu Meimei - The Library Assistant (Affection: 61)]
[★☆☆☆☆☆☆ Chen Ruolan - The Art Student (Affection: 61)]
[Note: Higher tier heroines will unlock as you level up! Current visible targets: 5/3000]
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Long Tian read through the list, already planning his next moves.
Five available targets. Su Qingxue already at 65 affection, just past the romance threshold. The other four all starting at the default 61, ready to be conquered with minimal effort.
This is too easy, way too easy, almost unfairly easy.
Everyone started already attracted to him. The system gave him perfect coaching. He just had to show up and not be an idiot.
He thought back to the freshman orientation gossip. The rumors everyone whispered.
Lin Feng. The pathetic bootlicker who'd been chasing Su Qingxue for four years without success. The rich young master everyone laughed at behind his back. The joke of Qinghua University.
The fool who stood her up today.
"Thanks for standing her up today, Young Master Lin," Long Tian muttered to himself, climbing the stairs to his dorm room. "Thanks for being so pathetic that she was vulnerable and ready for someone better. Thanks for making my job so easy I barely had to try."
He flopped onto his bed and stared at the system interface floating in his vision. Replayed the entire morning in his mind.
Every smile she'd given him. Every touch that lingered. Every blush. Every laugh. Every moment of vulnerability when she shared her secret dream. The progression had been textbook perfect.
Four affection points today. Three hours of effort. Nine hundred conquest points total. Multiple rewards. New skills unlocked.
And more importantly, Su Qingxue was hooked.
Completely, undeniably interested in him.
Her phone had gone from constant checking to completely forgotten in just three hours. She'd shared her deepest dream, the one her family didn't support, the one she kept hidden from everyone.
That was the real victory. She'd chosen him.
Chosen to trust him. Chosen to ask for his WeiChat. Chosen to look back twice. Chosen to send that blushing emoji like a teenager with her first crush.
Consistent progress like this, and I'll have her at 100 within a month. Maybe less. The music thing is perfect—I can use that. Show interest in her singing, maybe attend a performance if she ever works up the courage to have one. Be the supportive boyfriend who validates her dreams when her family doesn't.
Then move on to the next target. Then the next. Then the next.
Build the harem. Collect the heroines. Become the ultimate protagonist.
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[Daily Summary – September 15th]
[Su Qingxue Affection: 61 → 65 (+4 Points)]
[Conquest Points Earned: 900 Points]
[Items Acquired: Gentleman's Courtesy Skill Book; Silver Tongue Skill Book; Charisma Boost Pill; Random Encounter Card; Premium Coffee Voucher x2]
[Cash Available: ¥5,000]
[Active Skills: Gentleman's Courtesy, Silver Tongue]
[Total Heroines Conquered: 0/3000]
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Long Tian stared at the interface with a wide grin.
One conquest attempt. Four affection points. Nine hundred conquest points. Two new skills. Five thousand yuan. Multiple useful items. Plus he'd learned her secret vulnerability—music and family pressure.
All from a single three-hour interaction with a two-star heroine.
One down. Two thousand nine hundred ninety-nine to go.
And this was only day one.
This protagonist life was going to be fucking glorious.