Episode 2

The next day, Aldo awoke from his slumber considerably later than usual, his exhaustion from the previous night weighing heavily upon him. Yawning broadly, he glanced at the wall clock which displayed 10:34 AM.

"It seems skipping work for a day won't hurt," Aldo mused, fully able to envision his boss's fury should he arrive late.

"Besides, I've got more pressing matters to attend to today, system are you there?" Aldo continued, summoning his system.

[I am ever at your service, sir.]

*Thank heavens this isn't just a dream\,* Aldo thought\, relieved.

"Do you have a mission for me today?" Aldo inquired, hoping for something worthwhile from the system. However, the system's reply wasn't quite what Aldo had hoped for.

[A true gentleman must possess an exotic physique to attract passionate admiration from women; thus, your first mission is to exercise.]

----------𝔐𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫----------

[Daily Mission]

-Jog for 1 km

-Perform 30 push-ups

-Perform 30 sit-ups

[Reward]

10 System Points

10 Ability Points

Cash RP 10,000

----------𝔐𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫----------

"Isn't there a more useful mission than exercising, perhaps one that would instantly fortify my body or grant me wealth?"

Aldo felt a tinge of disappointment with his system, which seemed less useful than those he'd read about in novels or comics.

[I am a system that assists you in becoming a true gentleman, not in amassing wealth. Financial concerns are your own affair.]

[Moreover, the system generously bestows cash rewards upon mission completion. Is that not enough?]

*Honestly\, it's far from enough. A measly 10\,000 can barely cover a packed meal; what does it know about living expenses?* Aldo pondered in disbelief.

Despite his frustration, Aldo couldn't reject the missions given by his system, believing they might lead him to a brighter future.

"Very well, I'll accept the mission," Aldo declared, and rose from his bed.

Dressed in worn shoes, shorts, and a white T-shirt, Aldo set out to accomplish his assigned task.

But before he could depart his boarding house, he was unexpectedly called out to.

"Ah, Mr. Night Owl is up. It's rare to see you awake at this hour, had a wild time with your girlfriend last evening?”

Aldo rolled his eyes, disinclined to engage with the landlady taunting him loudly; she was a gossiping widow with a penchant for trouble.

"Ah Ms. Santan, I was merely exhausted from work yesterday, that's why I'm up late today...” Aldo responded with a strained smile.

"Oh, is that so? My apologies for jumping to conclusions," Ms. Santan exclaimed, her surprise feigned.

"Oh, by the way, my daughter will be marrying a wealthy manager in a few months, and I hope you can make it to the celebration," she added, the words 'wealthy manager' heavily emphasized.

"Is that so? Please extend my congratulations to your kind and beautiful daughter," Aldo replied, still maintaining the façade of a grin.

What Ms. Santan didn't know was that her daughter was one of Aldo's many ex-girlfriends from months ago; now, Aldo harbored no feelings for her or any of his previous partners, as there were far too many to remember.

"So, when will it be your turn to marry?"

Ms. Santan's question was one Aldo abhorred. If he could, he would have already married his first love. Unfortunately, fate wasn't so kind.

Reflecting on his fate only soured Aldo's mood further.

"I'll marry when I find the perfect woman, rather than rushing into it and ending in divorce," Aldo remarked sternly, meeting Ms. Santan's eyes with intent.

His words a clear jab at Ms. Santan's hasty marriage which resulted in a bitter divorce.

Ms. Santan's face flushed with anger, humiliated for the first time by someone much younger--and someone she despised.

"Y-you, apologize this instant, or I'll have you removed!" the landlady spat.

Aldo was fed up with the conniving woman and without a second thought, he flipped her off.

"Keep your filthy place and your foul mouth to yourself!"

"In that case, consider yourself evicted from my boarding house indefinitely. Go sleep under a bridge, you scoundrel!" Ms. Santan shouted.

Onlookers and neighbors who witnessed the commotion remained indifferent, as if such altercations were commonplace.

"That old hag is kicking up a fuss again."

"With a wealthy son-in-law, she's grown too bold."

"Just let Ms. Santan be; it's best we stay out of it!"

Ms. Santan glared at the gossiping neighbors, driving them away.

Meanwhile, Aldo efficiently packed his few possessions into a large backpack; his sparse belongings did not require much time to organize.

The decrepit boarding house was hardly comfortable, fraught with mosquitos at night and roaches by day, with an occasional rat skirmish overhead that disturbed Aldo's sleep.

Indeed, such were the amenities one could expect for a million a month...

Aldo was eager to leave, but Ms. Santan blocked his path once more, "Hey! Don't think you can just walk out, pay this month's rent first!"

*It's not even mid-month and she's hounding me for rent? What a greedy shrew!* Aldo scoffed silently.

However, Aldo, wanting no further dealings, handed over a million to the landlady.

"There, that's more like it..."

With a triumphant smile, Ms. Santan used the money as a fan.

"Now be on your way and stay away from this area," she proclaimed smugly.

*Just you wait\, you vile woman\,* Aldo swore internally before leaving her presence.

Her face alone was enough to make Aldo's blood boil.

[To epitomize a true gentleman: stand your ground, particularly against a woman, make decisions firmly, and be ready to face the consequences. You are awarded: 50 System Points, 50 Ability Points, +5 Charisma]

*So\, positive actions can yield rewards... this is intriguing\,* Aldo pondered.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***