His name was Ethan Vale.
He wasn't rich.
He wasn't powerful.
He was just… ordinary.
And that was exactly why Lily Hart left him.
Rain poured outside the café as Lily sat across from Ethan, her eyes cold.
I'm sorry, Ethan… I can't live like this anymore.
Ethan's hands trembled Live like what
Struggling.
She stood up, walking toward a tall man in a luxury suit waiting by the door.
Daniel Cross.
Young CEO. Luxury car. Designer watch. Everything Ethan wasn't.
Daniel wrapped an arm around Lily's waist and smirked.
Some men are meant to dream, Daniel said calmly. Others are meant to win.
They walked away together.
Ethan stood alone.
Heart shattered.
That night, Ethan ran through the city streets, trying to outrun the pain.
His chest burned.
His vision blurred.
Then
DING.
Money Return System Activated
Host: Ethan Vale
Rule: Every dollar spent on a woman will return 2x to the host.
Special Traits may unlock through spending.
Ethan stopped running.
…What.
Was he hallucinating.
Before he could process it
DING.
Pretty Woman Near Host
Compatibility: High
Favorability: -5
He turned.
Standing near a streetlight was a girl trying to shield herself from the rain.
Long dark hair. Simple clothes. No makeup. She looked nervous… but beautiful in a quiet way.
Her name.
Aria Quinn.
She worked part-time at a bookstore nearby.
Aria looked embarrassed. My umbrella broke… I'm fine though.
Ethan stared at the floating blue screen only he could see.
Spend money to Receive 2x return.
He swallowed.
Let's go to the mall, he said suddenly.
Aria blinked Huh.
You're soaked You'll catch a cold.
She hesitated but something about his calm tone made her nod.
They walked into a luxury mall Ethan normally avoided.
Aria whispered, This place is expensive…
Pick anything you like.
She froze. I can't let you do that.
He smiled faintly. Let me.
She chose modest things:
A simple dress
A warm coat
Shoes
Total: $1,200.
Ethan paid.
His heart pounded.
DING.
Transaction Confirmed
$1,200 spent
$2,400 returned to host
His bank account notification buzzed.
He checked.
Balance increased.
Real.
It was real.
Favorability Increased
Aria Quinn: -5 to 15
New Ability Unlocked:
Charm Boost (Passive)
Aria looked at him softly.
You're… different from other guys.
Ethan felt something change inside him.
The heartbreak Still there.
But now…
There was opportunity.
Far across the city, Lily sat in Daniel's sports car, laughing.
She didn't know.
The ordinary man she left behind…
Just unlocked unlimited wealth.