After an intense round of "PK," James lay on the bed smoking a cigarette. The woman beside him, Amanda, had no objections to his smoking, unlike the fiery Tailsa.
Amanda was too accommodating. She let him do whatever he wanted, indulging him with no boundaries or restrictions. Watching her gently wipe the sweat from his forehead, James couldn't even muster a trace of irritation.
"Sis, if you keep spoiling me like this, I'm going to turn into a bad person," he joked.
"Hehe, I never expected you to be good anyway."
The next morning, at 7:30 AM, James woke up to find Amanda no longer beside him.
Getting up, he peeked into the next room and saw her holding Timmy as they slept.
Not wanting to disturb them, James got ready quietly and headed downstairs. He planned to grab breakfast and bring back something sweet for the two of them.
It was a beautiful early autumn morningâcool and refreshing, with crisp, clean air that invigorated the senses. The sun was already up, shining warmly.
The streets outside the residential area were starting to get busy. Workers were rushing to their jobs, grandparents were escorting kids to school, and elderly folks were out shopping for groceries or taking morning walks.
James stood at the gate of the residential complex, taking in the tranquil scene.
Suddenly, a young woman jogged past him, trailing a faint fragrance in the air.
She was dressed in a pink, form-fitting yoga top and sporty shorts, her long, toned legs gleaming in the sunlight. Her forehead was wrapped in a red headband emblazoned with the words "Hard Work and Perseverance," and her black hair was tied into a loose ponytail, bouncing lightly with her every step.
Her side profile was stunningâdelicate, with a defined nose and rosy cheeks glowing with a healthy flush. She was breathtaking, like a jade flower in full bloom, radiant and lively.
As he watched her pink-clad figure fade into the distance, it felt as if she had added a touch of vibrancy to the already beautiful morning.
The longer James watched, the more familiar she seemed. He had the nagging feeling he had seen her somewhere before. But with just a glimpse of her profile, he couldn't quite place her.
James activated his system scanner from afar.
Name: Sofie Barnes
Age: 22
Charm: 91
Number of Relationships: 8
The name didn't ring a bell. At her age, she definitely wasn't a former classmate. But considering her charm score and number of relationships, she seemed to have plenty of experience. She was probably quite open and outgoing.
James had no real thoughts about her as a person but was a bit intrigued by the way she ran. His back had been feeling sore latelyâafter last night's efforts, he'd managed to earn some affection points but was beginning to feel the toll on his body.
Suddenly inspired, James decided he could use some exercise and started jogging, keeping a casual distance behind the young woman.
She jogged, and he jogged. When she slowed to walk, so did he.
This made her glance back at him multiple times.
Feeling good about himself, James, now rich and confident, flashed a clean, friendly smile and nodded at her.
That smile flustered the young woman. Her gaze shifted nervously, and she shyly looked away, quickening her pace.
James thought he might have scared her and, with a shrug, gave up the pursuit. He was only following her because she looked pretty and her running form was pleasant to watch. If she wasn't interested in any interaction, he wouldn't push it.
He slowed his pace and began scanning the street for breakfast shops.
However, as he walked, he noticed that the young woman up ahead was slowing down. She even glanced back at him again, as if subtly hinting for him to catch up.
James smiled but didn't take the bait. He continued at his own leisurely pace, neither speeding up nor slowing down.
Noticing he had stopped following her, Sofie Barnes came to a halt, waiting for him to catch up. When he was close enough, she smiled warmly and asked, "Hey there, you look familiar. Have we met before?"
As James got closer, he saw her face clearly. She was like a rose that had just bloomedâdelicate, charming, and brimming with allure. Her bright, almond-shaped eyes sparkled as if tiny streams of water flowed within them, giving her an almost dreamlike beauty. Her sweet, coquettish voice was the cherry on top.
That's when James remembered.
Back when he used to deliver food, he had delivered to this girl multiple times. Back then, she had worn a nude-colored yoga outfit and appeared to be livestreaming from home. The thin fabric had clung tightly to her body, highlighting her curves with every movement, leaving a deep impression on him.
Adding to that was her distinctive dimples and her playful, sugary voice. James had remembered her well, along with her 200-pound best friend.
Back then, this girl had been just as bold. She had even asked him if he knew how to fix computers, complaining that her stream kept lagging. If it weren't for her friend's imposing physique, James might have gone inside to "fix her computer."
"Maybe I just have a common face," James said with a chuckle.
Sofie tilted her head and thought hard but couldn't remember where she might've seen him before. After all, who remembers the face of their delivery guy?
She didn't dwell on it and casually asked, "Are you out jogging too?"
"No, I'm out hunting for breakfast," James replied.
"Then let me recommend an amazing breakfast place to you! Their crab roe dumplings are incredible, and their spicy hot soup is perfect for the stomach," she said enthusiastically, pointing toward a street corner up ahead.
James, charmed by her warmth, smiled and replied, "I was just looking for a breakfast spotâthank you! How about I treat you to breakfast?"
"Oh no, no, that's not necessary. Don't worry about it. I'll keep running, bye-bye!" Sofie waved cheerfully at James and resumed jogging toward the lakeside park.
Earlier, she had stopped because James seemed familiar. His calm demeanor, carefree smile, and casual floral shirt gave off an air of someone extraordinary, which had piqued her interest.
However, accepting a breakfast invitation from someone she had just met felt a bit odd. If she agreed too easily, it might give him the wrong impressionâthat she was overly forward or unreserved. So, she politely declined and jogged away.
Secretly, though, she hoped James might chase after her and insist on the invitation a few more times. That would show sincerity, after all.
That's how her admirers had always treated her.