Chapter One: The Working Man System

Out on the open sea.

A colossal cruise ship sounded its horn. The enormous words “Treasure Vessel” were emblazoned along its side.

When Zhao Jinchun opened her eyes, she found herself standing on the deck of the ship.

Where am I?

In her mind, a voice echoed:

[Ding dong, welcome to “Infinite Odd Jobs in Dawn City (Horror Edition)”]

[The strongest worker will earn the title of “Ultimate Laborer” and receive a five million cash prize!]

Zhao Jinchun’s eyelids twitched at the last part.

Soon, the electronic voice continued:

[Congratulations on your successful selection as an intern in our company.]

[Ding dong, the first task scenario is now open. Please prepare yourself for the experience.]

...

...

Zhao Jinchun kept her eyes closed.

Ten minutes earlier, something called “the system” had suddenly appeared in her mind, and immediately after, she found herself on this unfamiliar cruise ship.

Before she could process what was happening, the system’s voice, void of emotion, spoke again:

[No matter your questions, please complete the first task scenario. The system will answer everything afterward.]

Zhao Jinchun was silent for over a minute before she finally spoke, “Does it have to start right now? Can’t I have a few more hours?”

System: [The schedule cannot be changed.]

Zhao Jinchun clicked her tongue, troubled. After wrestling with her thoughts for a long while, she brought up something completely unrelated: “I have a boyfriend.”

System: “?”

She frowned, rubbing her brow. “He was supposed to come find me today. If he can’t see me, it’ll be a problem.”

The system said nothing.

Zhao Jinchun went on, “He’s too handsome, a real head-turner.”

For some reason, her boyfriend was unlike anyone else’s. People were obsessed with him, behaving like lunatics—stalking, following, luring, doing anything just to catch his eye, to earn a moment of his attention.

This was the first time she’d ever voiced her frustration to anyone, and she was exasperated. “I’m worried something might happen to him, so I even put a tracker on him.”

Lost in her worries, she was interrupted by the system:

[According to research, some women believe their kappa boyfriends are adored by all, yet she is the only one who would pick up such castoffs; no one else would spare him a glance.]

Zhao Jinchun: Who are you insulting?

[Ding.]

[Personal profile updated.]

[Intern Worker: Zhao Jinchun

Mental Value: 90 (Above 80 is excellent condition. Normal workers fall between 80-70. Below 60 is poor. Below 20 risks dementia or even death. Your score is commendable, keep it up.)]

Physical Value: 90 (Average female worker starts at 60-80, males at 70-90. Congratulations, your initial score is higher than 95% of participants.)

Innate Skills: None (Rookie. Innate skills will be granted after you complete your first scenario, based on your abilities.)]

Zhao Jinchun was leafing through the information at a leisurely pace.

Suddenly, a commotion and the sound of chatter erupted on the deck nearby.

She looked up.

A striking young man was kneeling on one knee, his gaze intoxicated. “Hello. Though this is our first meeting, I am certain—I’ve fallen in love with you.”

A man was proposing to another man.

Zhao Jinchun raised an eyebrow, moving closer to watch the spectacle, curious to see how the recipient would react.

But when she finally caught sight of the man being confessed to, her amusement vanished.

He wore long sleeves and trousers, stood six-foot-one, with a white bandage wound around his neck. His skin was pale and sickly.

Clearly, he was unwell, but for some reason, his lips were bright red, as though smeared with blood.

He was strikingly handsome—in fact, beautiful, breathtakingly so.

If only his expression weren’t so cold and disdainful, he would have been perfect.