After making a birthday cake for my son while burning up with a fever, I overheard him whispering with my husband. "Dad, when can we go live with Auntie Liu Yan? I don't want to call this woman 'Mom' anymore." My husband, Chen Chen, soothed him in a low voice. "Patience, son. We just have to cooperate with her mission to win us over. Once she gets her reward, we can convince her to use it to cure Yan-yan." "In return," he added, "I'll let her keep her status as Mrs. Chen. But she can forget about anything else." I let out a silent sigh of relief. The mission was finally ending. I could go home to my real husband and my daughter. 1. I am a Player, trapped in this world for three full years. My only way out is to perfectly perform the role of the "perfect wife," raising the Affinity levels of my targets, Chen Chen and his son Chen An, to 100%. Today was the closest I had ever been to going home. The frosting on the cake was piped into flawless roses. I looked at my reflection in a nearby mirror—my face flushed from the fever—and pulled my lips into a gentle smile. Perfect. The very image of a doting mother. Outside the door, Chen Chen was still coaching his son. "An-an, just endure it a little longer. As soon as we get the reward, Dad will let you be with your Auntie Liu Yan forever." "But Dad, I really don't want to smile at this woman anymore. Her cooking is awful." Chen Chen's voice was dripping with calculation. "Dad knows. That's why we have to be quick. Go on. Do what I taught you. Tell her you love her. You're the star today, your words will have the most impact." I held the cake, and the moment the door was pushed open, I erased every trace of my true feelings. Chen An ran to me like a little cannonball, hugging my legs and tilting his head up, his big eyes shining with "sincerity." "Mom! You worked so hard! I love you! This is the best birthday gift I've ever received!" A cold, mechanical voice sounded in my mind. [Target Chen An, Affinity +1%. Current Mission Progress: 96%.] I bent down and stroked his head, my voice the gentle tone I had practiced thousands of times. "Silly boy, Mommy loves you too." Chen Chen walked over and hugged me from behind, resting his chin lightly in the crook of my neck in an intimate pose. "Honey, you must be exhausted. You're still sick. Please go rest as soon as this is done." The warmth of his breath made my skin crawl. [Target Chen Chen, Affinity +1%. Current Mission Progress: 97%.] Good. Almost there. I leaned back into his arms, a genuine smile flashing in my eyes for a split second. "I'm not tired. Anything for our An-an is worth it." A picture-perfect, happy family. We sang the birthday song, the candles were blown out. Chen An closed his eyes to make a wish, his little face a mask of devotion. I knew what he was wishing for. For his dear Auntie Liu Yan to have a speedy recovery. As I was cutting the cake, Chen Chen mentioned, as if by chance, "Speaking of which, an old classmate of mine has been really sick, stuck in the hospital. I wonder how she's doing." My hand paused. I passed the largest slice to Chen An. "Oh really? That's a shame. What kind of illness?" Chen Chen sighed, a perfect shade of sorrow coloring his handsome features. "It seems to be a rare blood disease. The doctors said it's very difficult to treat, unless there's a miracle." As he spoke, he stared intently into my eyes, searching for a reaction. I looked back at him with sympathy. "Honey, don't be too sad. Medicine is so advanced these days, there will be a way." He looked a little disappointed and averted his gaze. "Let's hope so." 2. The next day, my fever had just subsided when Chen Chen suggested a "family day" at a country park. The excuse was to continue Chen An's birthday celebration and for me to get some fresh air. Naturally, I wouldn't refuse. This was the final sprint. I even applied makeup carefully, choosing a gentle, cream-colored dress, and let my long hair fall over my shoulders. I looked the very picture of a serene, perfect wife. Chen Chen was very pleased with my cooperation. Along the way, he kept creating opportunities to increase our "warm family interactions." One moment he'd ask me to feed him a piece of fruit, the next he'd hold Chen An and have me take a photo of them. "Honey, smile a little sweeter." "Mom, Dad says this is how we look like a real family." I dutifully played my part, smiling for the camera more blissfully than anyone. [Target Chen Chen, Affinity +1%.] [Target Chen An, Affinity +1%.] [Current Mission Progress: 99%.] The progress bar moved forward, slowly but surely. During lunch, Chen Chen suddenly took out his phone, swiped to a photo, and held it in front of me. The woman in the picture was lying in a hospital bed, her face pale and gaunt, but you could still see her delicate beauty underneath. It was Liu Yan. "Honey, look. This is my sick classmate. Pitiful, isn't she?" Chen Chen's tone was probing. I leaned in, studying the photo with a slight frown. "She is. So young, too. Honey, is there anything we can do for her? Like, a donation?" I was exhibiting the exact reaction a kind-hearted wife should. A flicker of impatience crossed Chen Chen's eyes, but he quickly hid it. He put away his phone and took my hand. "It's the thought that counts. Besides... there's not much ordinary people like us can do to help." His words were loaded with hidden meaning. Just then, Chen An, who had been eating quietly, suddenly spoke up. "Dad, I wish Auntie Liu Yan could come play with us too." His words were clear, his eyes locked on me. The air instantly grew still. Chen Chen immediately reprimanded him. "An-an, don't talk nonsense! That is Auntie Liu Yan!" Chen An burst into tears with a "Waaah," the waterworks turning on instantly. "I don't care! I want Auntie Liu Yan! I hate you!" he shrieked, pointing at me. This was their pre-planned drama. One played the good cop, the other the bad cop, attempting to use a child's "innocence" to break down my psychological defenses. I watched this clumsy performance. I stood up, walked over to Chen An, and knelt down, gently wiping away his tears with a tissue. "An-an, don't cry. Mommy knows you feel sorry for Auntie Liu Yan." My voice was calm and gentle. "Once your Auntie Liu Yan is better, we'll invite her to our house as a guest, okay?" Chen An's crying hitched. He stared at me, stunned. Chen Chen was stunned too. The argument, the breakdown, the accusations they had anticipated—none of it occurred. I had made their entire scheme fall flat. [Warning: Target's emotional state is experiencing severe fluctuations.] [Current Mission Progress: 98%.] It actually dropped. It seems I overplayed my part, and it had the opposite effect. 3. After we got home, the atmosphere was ice-cold. Chen Chen's face was grim, and Chen An hid in his room, refusing to even come out for dinner. I prepared the meal as usual, brought the dishes to the table, and then knocked on Chen An's door. "An-an, time for dinner. Mommy made your favorite sweet and sour ribs." A muffled "Don't want any" came from inside. I didn't press further and returned to the dining room. Chen Chen was sitting at the head of the table, not having touched his food. Seeing me, he spoke, his face dark. "Su He, weren't you a bit too much today? An-an is just a child. He just speaks his mind." I lowered my gaze, my voice tinged with a hint of grievance and restraint. "Honey, I'm not blaming An-an. I know he's a kind boy. I just... I didn't know how to face it." "What do you mean?" I lifted my head, my eyes red-rimmed as I squeezed out a few perfect tears. "You showed me Miss Liu's photo, and then An-an started crying for her. I felt... I felt like an outsider." "I thought we were a family, but it seems like both of your hearts are somewhere else." Those words struck Chen Chen's weak spot. What he needed most was for me, his "perfect wife," to unconditionally tolerate everything about him, including his "sympathy" for Liu Yan. My "jealousy" and "hurt feelings" made the situation feel more real to him, solidifying his sense of control. His expression softened. He stood up, walked to my side, and pulled me into his arms. "Silly girl, what are you thinking? Liu Yan and I are just old classmates. I just feel sorry for her." "An-an is just a kid who doesn't know any better. He only says her name so much because he hears me talk about her," he said, patting my back in his practiced, coaxing manner. "You and An-an are my family. Always." [Target Chen Chen, Affinity +1%. Current Mission Progress: 99%.] Just one last point. I leaned against him, burying my face in his chest, my voice muffled. "Honey, don't mention her in front of me anymore. And don't let An-an mention her either. It makes my heart ache." "Okay, okay. Whatever you say," he promised readily, dismissing it as a woman's petty jealousy. The next day, Chen An, likely after a talking-to from his father, came to my bedroom door early in the morning. He rubbed his eyes, looking like a sleepy kitten. "Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that yesterday." I knelt down to be at his eye level. "Mommy isn't angry with you." A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes, as if he couldn't believe I'd forgiven him so easily. "Really?" "Of course." I straightened his messy hair. "Mommy knows An-an is a kind boy who feels sorry for a sick auntie. But you also need to know that Mommy can get her feelings hurt." I was walking a fine line, displaying "magnanimity" while also establishing my "boundaries." Chen An lowered his head and said softly, "I understand, Mom." He reached out his small hands, hugged my neck, and planted a loud kiss on my cheek. "Mommy is the best mommy in the world. I love you the most." The cold, mechanical voice exploded in my head. [Target Chen An, Affinity +1%. Current Mission Progress: 100%.] [MISSION COMPLETE.] I maintained the gentle smile on my face, but inside, a storm was raging. Three years. For more than a thousand days and nights, I had finally reached this moment. 4. [Finalizing Mission Score...] [Malicious deception from targets detected. Severe violation of Player Protocol.] [Reward distribution suspended.] The smile on my face froze solid. Chen Chen happened to be coming out of his study. Seeing the affectionate scene between me and Chen An, a satisfied smile spread across his face. "Is An-an being sweet to Mommy again?" He walked over, intending to hug me as he always did. But as he approached, I instinctively took a step back. He froze. My mind was reeling with the System's cold words. Malicious deception? Reward suspended? What did this mean? [Penalty Mission Issued: Perfect Revenge.] [Objective: Enact revenge upon targets Chen Chen and Chen An until their Misery Index reaches 100%.] [Mission Success: Player may return to home world, mission reward will be doubled.] [Mission Failure: Player's psyche will be assimilated by this world, resulting in permanent entrapment.] So, this game had hidden rules. So, their deception came with a price. And I was to be the executioner. I looked at the two bewildered "family members" before me and suddenly smiled. This time, it was from the heart. Chen Chen was caught completely off guard by my reaction. "Honey, what's wrong?" He reached out a hand, as if to feel my forehead. I stared at him, the smile on my lips growing wider and wider until it broke into laughter. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine. I've never been better." Chen Chen's brow furrowed tightly. Chen An was scared, hiding behind his father and peeking out with timid eyes. "Mommy… don't laugh. I'm scared." I stopped laughing and turned my gaze to him, my eyes ice-cold. "Scared? But I thought you loved Mommy the most." I advanced on them, step by step. Chen Chen shielded Chen An behind him, his face filled with alarm. "Su He, what is wrong with you? Don't frighten the child!" I stopped in front of them, tilted my head, and put my gentle smile back on. "You're right, honey. We're a family. We should always be together." "Us... and Miss Liu Yan. We should be a family too." Chen Chen's pupils contracted. "What did you say?" "I said," I enunciated each word, my voice clear and sweet, "we should invite Miss Liu Yan to come live with us. That way, you and An-an won't have to miss her so much." "Are you insane?!" Chen Chen cried out. "I'm not insane." I blinked innocently. "I'm just being truly considerate. Look at you, so worried about her you can't eat or sleep. You've gotten so thin. And An-an, he's always talking about his Auntie Liu Yan." "As your wife, it is, of course, my duty to share your burdens." I turned and walked briskly towards the closet. "I'll go pack your things right now. You can move into the hospital to be with her today." "When you love someone, you have to be by their side, don't you?" Chen Chen was completely stunned. He rushed over and grabbed my wrist. "Su He! Have you had enough of this?!" His eyes were blazing with fury. I winced in pain but continued to smile at him. "Honey, you're hurting me. You love me the most, don't you? How could you bear to hurt me?" I threw the sweet nothings he used to say to me right back in his face. His hand recoiled as if burned. I rubbed my reddened wrist, dragged his suitcase out of the closet, and began packing his clothes one by one. Shirts, slacks, ties... all his favorite brands. "I picked all of these for you. You'll look so handsome when you go see her. She'll be so happy. The sight of you might make her feel better instantly." Chen Chen stood frozen, his face ashen, his chest heaving. He must have been wondering if I had truly lost my mind. An hour later, I had several packed suitcases sitting by the front door. Then, I called Chen Chen's driver. "Mr. Wang, could you please come to the house? Mr. Chen needs to stay at the hospital for a while, and he has a lot of things." After hanging up, I looked at the petrified father and son in the living room and smiled graciously. "Honey, the car will be here soon. I'll see you out." Chen Chen couldn't utter a single word. All of his plans had been thrown into chaos by my sudden "madness." He wanted a perfect wife he could control, not a lunatic who was packing him up and shipping him off to his lover. The driver arrived quickly. I personally carried each suitcase to the car, then turned and waved at Chen Chen. "Go on now. Don't keep Miss Liu Yan waiting. The house is safe with me. You can rest assured." I practically pushed him into the car. It wasn't until the vehicle was far down the road that he seemed to snap out of it, frantically rolling down the window to roar back at me. "Su He! You just wait!" [Target Chen Chen, Misery Index +10%.] 5. After sending Chen Chen off, I closed the door. Only Chen An and I were left in the living room. He was huddled in a corner of the sofa, his small body curled into a ball, looking at me as if I were a stranger. I walked over and sat down beside him. "An-an, now it's just the two of us at home." He didn't speak, just scooted away, trying to distance himself from me. I reached out and scooped him into my arms. He struggled, but he was no match for my strength. "Mommy..." His voice was choked with sobs. "An-an, do you miss your Auntie Liu Yan too?" I asked softly. He froze for a second, then shook his head frantically. "No, I don't." "Lying is not what good boys do." I stroked his back with a gentle motion. "It's okay, Mommy understands. From now on, Mommy will take you to see her every single day, okay?" Chen An's body went rigid. He looked up at me, his big eyes filled with terror. "No... I don't want to go!" "Why not?" I feigned confusion. "Don't you love her very much? Wasn't your birthday wish for her to get better quickly? Mommy is just helping your wish come true." His lips trembled, unable to form a single word. Fear had seized the six-year-old child. [Target Chen An, Misery Index +20%.] I held him, softly humming a lullaby, just as I had on countless nights before. Only this time, my voice was completely devoid of warmth. Chen Chen couldn't stand being at the hospital. He came back that very same night, seething with rage. Clearly, things with Liu Yan hadn't gone well for him either. A patient needs money and hope, not a burdensome husband who'd been kicked out by his wife. "Su He!" he roared the moment he entered the house. I was in the living room with Chen An, building with Legos. Hearing him, I looked up and smiled. "Honey, you're back? Was Miss Liu Yan's hospital room comfortable?" He stormed over and swept the Lego model off the table with one violent motion. The blocks scattered across the floor. Chen An screamed and hid behind me. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Chen Chen's eyes were bloodshot. I held Chen An protectively, the smile never leaving my face. "Honey, why are you so angry? Look, you're scaring An-an." "You have the nerve to mention An-an? Look at yourself right now! Are you sick? I'm taking you to a doctor!" he shouted, lunging for me. I dodged him nimbly, keeping Chen An behind me. "I'm not sick," I said calmly, looking at him. "I've just figured things out." "I've figured out that since I love you, I should love what you love. You love Liu Yan, so I should love her too. We should be like a family, without any divisions between us." This twisted logic made Chen Chen's fists clench until the knuckles cracked. He probably never imagined that one day he would be unable to reason with a woman. "Su He, I am ordering you to stop this insane behavior immediately!" "Insane?" I asked. "But honey, have you forgotten? It was you and An-an who taught me, bit by bit, what 'love' truly is." It was they who taught me that "love" was calculation, exploitation, and a disingenuous performance. Now, I was simply putting their lessons into practice. Chen Chen was so angry he was speechless. [Target Chen Chen, Misery Index +15%.] He pointed at me, his finger trembling. "You're irrational!" He stormed into his study and slammed the door shut.
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