Ultimate Revenge!

004

Ethan was very satisfied with this skill. Afterward, he was handed pen and paper to fill in his information. Both the clerk and a nearby customer were amazed by the way he wrote, his handwriting flowed like dancing dragons and soaring phoenixes, written out at lightning speed.

“Thank you very much, sir.” the clerk bid him farewell with the utmost courtesy.

Ethan smiled and nodded in return. Although his clothes weren’t too bad, anyone could tell at a glance they were cheap. He’d thought there’d be some face-slapping moment like in the novels, but that didn’t happen, he really was too deep into fiction, he chuckled to himself.

Looking at the smartphone in his hand, Ethan felt an immense sense of satisfaction. It had been so many years since he’d indulged himself like this. Next up, as everyone could guess: “New clothes, here I come!!!”

He bought himself two sets of designer clothes, two pairs of shoes, a watch, and a super-cool navy blue suit. He was about to splurge on a new car, but forcefully reined himself in, his skill was still on cooldown, he couldn’t rush it.

By noon, he stopped at a café specializing in Western food, treating himself to Eggs Benedict with delicious bacon and a glass of fresh 100% orange juice, a taste of paradise.

“Cashie, tell me more about the System. For example, can you level up? What about packs, are there only Starter Packs or will there be more in the future?” Ethan asked Cashie as he took a bite of bacon.

“Ting: Of course I can level up, but certain conditions must be met. For example, when the host’s spending reaches a certain amount or when you complete specific missions. As for packs, there will naturally be quest rewards including packs. The harder the quest, the better the rewards.” Cashie’s robotic female voice responded.

“I see. So aside from helping me raise my stats, assigning missions, and giving out rewards, do you have any other features?” Ethan asked again.

“Ting: I can help remind you of schedules, store items, in short, just like a AI.”

“Nonsense, you’re not just an AI to me. Stop using that word from now on.” Ethan scolded.

“Ting: Understood.” Cashie replied, and though it was subtle, her tone seemed a little happier.

Ethan played around with his new phone a bit, enjoying the sensitivity and that brand-new smell… Ahem, not a single missed call or text from Isabella, just as he expected. To her, he was nothing important, but who cared anymore?

After paying the bill, he left the shopping mall and booked a ride to his parents’ house. The tablet was a gift for them, in their favorite color, gold. It had been a long time since he’d bought them a present, and the thought made him feel even more guilty.

On the way, Ethan tried to calm himself, telling himself to stay composed, but it was no use:

“Mom, Dad, I missed you so much.” he cried as he hugged them tightly.

“You brat, we just saw you last week and you’re acting like this. You’re too old for this kind of thing.” his dad grumbled, but clearly hugged him back stiffly.

“Look at you, talking tough as always.” his mom teased, eyes crinkling with laughter as she stroked his back.

Reluctantly pulling away, Ethan glanced at their status screens:

*Name: David Parker

Age: 51

Health: Normal

*Name: Mary Parker

Age: 49

Health: Tired

Status: Overwork and lack of sleep

Seeing his parents’ status, the weight on Ethan’s heart eased a bit. It looked like there weren’t any serious issues.

“Mom, you look pale. You’ve been overworking and staying up late again, haven’t you? I reminded you before I left.” Ethan said to his mom with concern.

“Hmph, look at you, all grown up and trying to lecture me? I’m still working and resting regularly, don’t worry about it.” his mom replied gently.

“I keep telling her, but she never listens, always busy with something.” his dad sighed, eyes full of affection as he looked at her.

“I got you two a gift, use it to watch movies or play games as you like.” Ethan said, knowing he couldn’t change his mom’s habits overnight, so he hoped this gift would bring them a little joy.

“This is too expensive, you keep it for yourself. We don’t even know how to use it.” his dad said as soon as he saw it.

“Please, I have a dozen at home. I’m sick of using them. Just take it.” Ethan brushed it off.

He kept the truth about Isabella never caring for him, and about the Knight family, from his parents. At least the Knight family treated them with courtesy, so there was nothing much to say.

After that, Ethan and his dad made dough to prepare a new batch of buns while he taught his mom how to use the tablet. This warmth, he would do everything to protect it.

After going back and forth, it was already 6 PM. Ethan said goodbye to his parents and ordered a ride back to Isabella’s mansion. By the time he arrived home, it was nearly 7. Ethan didn’t rush, walking into the house and upstairs as if nothing had happened.

Suddenly, a voice as cold as a thousand-year-old glacier rang out: “Where have you been all day?”

Ethan turned around and saw, standing there, a beauty with fair, flawless skin, full curves, and a face that was simply breathtaking. However, that aura of innate arrogance and domineering chill made her seem untouchably high above.

This was Isabella Knight, CEO of Angel Corporation, one of the country’s top conglomerates.

Seeing Ethan remain silent, Isabella raised an eyebrow, folding her arms across her impressive chest, her tone becoming even sharper: “Are you deaf or something??”

If it had been Ethan of the past, he would have cowered at this pressure, but now he only felt bored. Was it that everyone in the Knight family looked down on others?

“Wife, I had some errands today, so I couldn’t come to the company, and I forgot to text you.” Outwardly, Ethan smiled and answered gently, but inside, he was filled with contempt.

Isabella was a little surprised. Forgot to text her? Hadn’t he, for years, always wanted to stick to her no matter the time or place? She’d always found that tiresome and annoying.

As she was about to question him further, suddenly a voice echoed in her mind: [Where I go is my business. Isabella, you’re really over-managing things.]

[Today was such a good day, I almost forgot the important part, after tonight, I’ll finally get to divorce this ice-cold woman, right?]

“Huh? Who’s talking? That voice sounds like his?” Isabella wondered if she was hearing things. Ethan clearly hadn’t spoken.

[Hm? Why’s she looking at me like that? Is it because my new clothes look too good?]

“Did you go shopping for new clothes today?” Isabella asked.

“That’s right. Such trivial things, I didn’t think it was necessary to bother you. I’m truly sorry for not texting you.” Ethan replied, taking the opportunity to glance at her status panel:

Name: Isabella Knight

Age: 24

Looks: 9.5

Health: Normal

As expected of the top beauty, her appearance stat was sky-high.

Isabella couldn’t be bothered to ask further, nor did she care where he got the money. And what about those voices she’d heard in her head just now? Maybe it was just her own fatigue from overworking lately and not sleeping enough, probably hallucinations.

[Her figure’s great, her face is stunning, but that expression, always looking like everyone owes her money, always frowning, doesn’t she ever get tired? Tch. I really don’t know how I managed to put up with that for so many years.]