PART 1
Yujin woke up to the worst headache of her life.
Her mouth was dry, her limbs felt like lead, and her brain was caught between confusion and regret. She barely had time to process where she was before
Ding!
A pink holographic screen blinked into existence above her.
[Reminder: You have 12 hours left to meet a billionaire's son.]
Yujin blinked.
Then she shut her eyes.
Then she opened them again.
The screen was still there.
"...What?"
Memories of last night crashed into her like a badly parked truck.
The club.
The weird herbal drug.
The floating screen that had definitely been hallucination material.
But if this was a hallucination… why was it still here?
She groaned, rolling over on her bed and pulling the blanket over her head. This isn't real. I'm just sleep-deprived.
[New mission activated: Ignoring system messages will result in penalty.]
Her entire left leg cramped up instantly.
"AHH!-" Yujin shot up, clutching her calf in pain.
[Penalty issued: Temporary muscle cramps.]
"You psychopath!" she yelled at the air.
[You have 11 hours, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds remaining.]
Yujin wanted to die.
Or at least go back in time and slap herself before she ever stepped into that nightclub.
PART 2
After a cold shower that left her shivering and cursing every life choice that had brought her here, two painkillers she hoped weren't expired, and several minutes of deep breathing that barely held off a full-blown panic attack, Yujin sat cross-legged on her bed, her damp hair dripping onto her pajama shirt. And still still that cursed pink screen floated in front of her, pulsing gently like it had all the time in the world.
She glared at it like it owed her money.
First, she tried ignoring it.
[Warning: Ignoring system messages will result in penalty.]
Her right leg seized up in a cramp so sharp she let out a yelp and fell sideways on the bed. "Okay, okay! I'm not ignoring you, you digital demon."
Then she shut her eyes. For five full minutes. She even counted. Nothing changed. The screen was still there when she opened them again, hovering with polite persistence like a stalker dressed in pink.
Next, she had an idea since it was Ai, something that had to do with technology. What other way to destroy it than..she splashed water at it using her now-empty painkiller cup. It passed right through, of course, droplets landing uselessly on her blanket. The screen didn't flicker, didn't blur. It just… hovered.
Finally, in frustration, she swiped at it like she was playing an aggressive game of Fruit Ninja.
And then
[Would you like to access the Help Guide?]
The text blinked at her innocently.
"Oh no," she muttered, recoiling. But her finger had already tapped the glowing Yes before her brain caught up.
A new window unfolded in front of her, unfurling like a digital scroll.
Yujin sank back against her pillow, staring at it like she'd just cracked open Pandora's box.
She hadn't even eaten yet.
Help Guide: Billionaire Marriage System™
Welcome, Ahn Yujin. We're so glad you're here!
Q: What is this system?
A: Congratulations! You've been selected (read: fatefully chosen) to participate in the Billionaire Marriage System™ a cutting-edge, ultra-exclusive matchmaking program designed to pair ambitious individuals like yourself with ultra-high-net-worth partners. Think of it as love, upgraded assistance.
Q: What if I don't want to?
A: We appreciate your honesty! Unfortunately, participation is mandatory. Opting out is not available at this time, or any time.
Q: What happens if I refuse?
A: Excellent question! Refusal to comply with assigned missions will result in penalties. Penalties may include but are not limited to physical discomfort, emotional sabotage, social humiliation, digital hauntings, and in severe cases, total life destruction,maybe.
Thank you for understanding.
Q: What do I get out of this?
A: Greatness, A successful match guarantees:
Unparalleled wealth
Elevated social status
Lifetime financial security
Custom luxury perks (see: yachts, penthouses, private islands, legacy children)
In short, a happily-ever-after.
Q: Can I talk to customer service?
A: Haha.
No.
But we're always watching!
Have a system-worthy day!
Yujin slowly closed the guide.
She stared at the ceiling for a very long time.
Then, with the deepest exhale of her life, she whispered:
"This system is a scam."
PART 3
By the time the fourth hour rolled around, Yujin had officially surrendered.
Her choices were clear:
Option A: Stay inside and risk another "penalty." Which could be anything from cramps to god knows what.(Last time, it felt like an electric shock down her legs and thighs.)
Option B: Step outside for five seconds, trick the system, and retreat back into the shadows.
Naturally, she picked Option B.
Throwing on an oversized hoodie and sweatpants, she grabbed her wallet and phone and stomped out of her apartment.
"I'm outside. Happy?" she muttered.
Ding!
The system responded with its usual unintentional smug cheer:
[Mission Update: Physical exit detected. However, exposure to high-end environments is required to increase encounter probability. Please proceed to a qualifying location.]
Yujin squinted at the screen. "Qualifying what now?"
[Tip: Try upscale lounges, hotel lobbies, rooftop bars, or luxury boutiques.]
Yujin froze.
"…Excuse me?"
Her eyes twitched.
"Oh, great," she muttered. "So now I have to walk into a Gucci store or something?"
She stared down the hallway, hoodie hood up, soul deflating. This system didn't just want her outside it wanted her humiliated.
[You have 4 hours and 15 minutes left.]
Her heart sank.
A high-end location? Within the next four hours?
There was no way. She didn't even know where rich people hung out around here.
How was she supposed to know where potential billionaires lounged or where money casually changed hands over sparkling water and avocado toast?
This wasn't her world it never had been. And yet, somehow, the system had pulled her into its twisted little challenge.
Now, she found herself weirdly engrossed. Curious, even. Her earlier logic this isn't normal, this isn't real had quietly slipped out the back door.
She pondered. The only person who'd have a clue about these kinds of places was Soe Mina's friend or maybe Mina herself. Yujin had enough trouble trying to keep her life together, let alone knowing where the city's elite liked to burn their money.
…Right?
Unless-
A memory stirred. Mina had mentioned a new café last week something trendy downtown with velvet seats, expensive coffee, and pastries that looked better than they tasted. The kind of place that had a dedicated aesthetic on social media and people who carried business cards like they were currency handing out business cards like they were candy.
She didn't want to go. Every fiber of her screamed don't.
But the timer kept ticking. And despite everything, a tiny part of her wondered…
What if this really did lead to something anything? Even if it was insane.
The system sure as hell wasn't bluffing about that penalty.