264: Chapter 264 New Mission

"Who threw it randomly!"

Su Ning stomped her foot in anger. "I put it there because I planned to wash it with the rest of my luggage! Who knew you'd pounce on it as soon as you came back... and even smell it!"

"What are you talking about? I didn't even see it! I just lay down and it landed right on my face!"

Jiang Ye sounded as if he had suffered a great injustice, his voice rising by an octave:

"I am such a gentleman, don't you understand the concept of remaining uncorrupted even when a beauty is in your lap? Even if you threw all your underwear and socks on my face, I'd rather suffocate than smell them! I'm warning you, don't throw your personal belongings around in public areas next time! This time, I'll let it slide since it's your first offense, but there won't be a next time!"

Su Ning watched his exaggerated performance of "I've been slandered, I'm going to jump off a building to prove my innocence" and rolled her eyes speechlessly.

She wondered who it was that had secretly asked for 'small gifts' on WeChat; and who had pretended to be a delivery guy to collect them...

She huffed unhappily, her face red, and scooped up the dirty clothes she had just changed out of and hadn't had time to put away from the sofa, then quickly rushed back to her room.

Looking at the closed door, Jiang Ye smacked his lips, unconsciously savoring that fleeting 'sniff' from earlier.

Honestly, even though the drama queen was a bit 'tea-like' and often spaced out, her natural body scent... was quite interesting.

It was clean and sweet, not as alluring as Ye Cheng's, nor as full of sunshine as Lin Wanxing's. It was an enticing scent, full of youthful vitality, that made one's heart itch a little.

However!

He immediately criticized himself for such unhealthy thoughts.

He was now a person with two million in assets, almost a successful individual, wasn't he?

How could he indulge in such low-brow interests and drool over such things?

Maintain your style!

Yes, style!

Jiang Ye smiled mischievously, then slumped back onto the sofa, ready to refresh his February monthly mission.

Su Ning was returning to Shijiazhuang the day after tomorrow, and Ye Cheng was going back to County on the 1st to celebrate the Minor New Year.

He had to quickly complete the first mission for February before they left.

This way, even if the second mission got stuck, he could wait until they returned at the end of the month to figure it out, ensuring he met the minimum two monthly mission targets.

"System, refresh mission."

The light screen in his mind rotated, and new mission information appeared:

[February 226 Monthly Mission: Personal Treasure]

Mission Objective: Successfully obtain one personal item from three women with Charm > 8, either actively gifted or temporarily entrusted to your care.

Optional items include, but are not limited to:

● Her everyday hair tie/hairpin.

● Her handkerchief/tissue used to wipe sweat.

● Her mask, recently removed.

● Her close-fitting clothing.

(Note: Items must be acquired after being naturally worn by the target in an unintentional state, and must have been removed for < 0.5 hours.)

Mission Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Tests the host's communication skills and intimacy with the target)

Mission Description: A true gentleman knows how to appreciate beauty from the inside out. Every personal item carries a unique warmth and scent. Go forth and begin your elegant collection journey.

Mission Rewards:

A. [Scent Hunter] (Passive Skill): Slightly increases sensitivity to the body scent and aroma of target women. Helps you to better 'understand' them.

B. Random Rare Item *1.

...

Jiang Ye abruptly sat upright on the sofa, subconsciously looking towards Su Ning's tightly closed door, a strong wave of regret washing over him.

Damn it!

Why did he pretend to be a gentleman just now! What was the point of being so prim and proper!

If he had known, he should have confiscated that fragrant little item directly under the pretext of 'littering'!

He smacked his lips, his consciousness delving into his mind, feeling a bit puzzled:

"System, haven't I done this mission before? Why again? Do missions repeat?"

[All monthly missions are unique. The host previously completed an experience mission included with system activation, which differs from formal monthly missions in terms of requirements, restrictions, and rewards.]

Jiang Ye thought back and realized it was indeed true.

The previous experience mission was much more lenient; it didn't require the other party to 'actively' gift it, nor did it have the perverse restriction of 'removed for < 0.5 hours'.

His gaze fell on the newly appearing reward option B—Random Rare Item x1.

Previously, this spot had always been a straightforward cash reward.

"This random rare item... what kind of good stuff is in it?"

[The current rare item pool contains a total of 300 different items, acquired through fully random draws. For example—]

Virtual images and brief descriptions of several items then appeared on the light screen:

[Item Name: Schrödinger's Kidney Tonic Pills (One bottle, 3 pills)]

Effect: After consumption, for the next 12 hours, physical strength, energy, and stamina will increase to superhuman levels.

Side Effect: After the effect ends, you will fall into a state of extreme weakness for 24 hours. The specific degree of weakness is directly proportional to the 'consumption' during use.

[Item Name: 'A Gentleman's Self-Cultivation: How to Apologize Elegantly' (Skill Book)]

Effect: After reading, apology skills will be elevated to master level. The next three apologies will appear incredibly sincere, deeply moving, and will automatically generate convincing reasonable explanations tailored to the specific situation, greatly reducing the other party's anger.

Restriction: Can only be used on women. Only effective once per event.

[Item Name: Truth or Dare Cards] (One set, 3 uses)

Effect: When the host is alone with a target woman, a 'Truth or Dare' can be forcibly initiated. There is a very high probability that the target will honestly answer or be willing to try the host's first question or request (unless it touches their absolute bottom line).

Restriction: Can only be used on the same target once every 24 hours.

...

Jiang Ye stared at the seemingly unremarkable small pill bottle on the light screen, remained silent for two seconds, and then decisively made up his mind.

This mission it is!

There was no particular reason, mainly because he had loved opening blind boxes since childhood, enjoying the thrill of the unknown surprise.

With a massive pool of thirty thousand items, if he was lucky enough to randomly draw a heaven-defying divine item, wouldn't he just soar?

It absolutely had nothing to do with that exciting-sounding [Schrödinger's Kidney Tonic Pills]!

Indeed, not at all!

Having made up his mind, Jiang Ye looked at the mission requirements and started calculating.

Ye Cheng should be the easiest to handle.

Although she hadn't been 'contributing' recently due to 'financial freedom,' their foundation was still there, and their relationship was deep enough.

He estimated that with just a slight hint and a look, the understanding Comrade Xiao Ye would grasp his meaning and 'serve him' proactively.

Su Ning and Lin Wanxing, however, would be a bit troublesome.

The drama queen was eager to return home, with a flight early the day after tomorrow, leaving him barely more than a day to complete the mission.

Moreover, the 'underwear incident' had just occurred, and his image as a gentleman would likely make the operation much more difficult.

As for Coach Lin...

She was too thin-skinned, and after these past few days of interaction, her guard was probably even higher.

Asking her to actively give him something personal?

That would probably be harder than getting her to admit she liked him.

...

Jiang Ye stroked his chin, his gaze darting between Su Ning's door and the direction of Lin Wanxing's room, his brain rapidly working. Prototypes of various plans, both serious and saucy, gradually emerged...