NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Karen took a slow drag from the cigarette in her hand.
"Hiss~"
"Phew~"
She exhaled the smoke in a steady stream, directing it teasingly toward Lip's face.
"Fool, what are you doing?" Lip asked, frowning slightly.
Karen giggled mischievously. "I'm getting back at you, you bad guy!"
"For what?"
"Take a look for yourself!"
Lip followed her gaze to the pink bedsheet where a delicate rose of deep crimson had bloomed. Smiling, he quipped, "Well, you've also claimed my 'first harvest.' Fair trade, don't you think?"
Karen's cheeks flushed as she playfully shoved him.
Just then, a familiar chime echoed in Lip's mind:
Ding, ding, ding!
Lip immediately recognized the system's alert. His heart raced with anticipation as the gentle, automated female voice spoke:
"Congratulations, dear host. You've successfully reclaimed your first piece of 'land.' Your rewards include: the skill 'Loyalty' and a top-tier lottery."
Lip's eyes widened. "No way… This is awesome!"
The system continued:
"Loyalty: Deep cultivation of a target 'land' increases its loyalty by 10 points per session. At 100 points, loyalty is permanently locked, ensuring the 'land' remains completely devoted to the host. Additionally, higher loyalty significantly boosts sowing success rates."
Lip couldn't suppress his grin. This is like hitting the jackpot!
With the "Loyalty" skill, he could theoretically have as many loyal "lands" as he wanted—each bound exclusively to him. What man wouldn't be thrilled at such an idea?
Lip's mind raced. He wasn't one to entertain nonsense like "sharing" or "green hats." No, his ambition was clear: every piece of "land" he claimed would belong to him alone.
He glanced at Karen, who lay beside him, savoring the moment with a serene smile on her face. Lip's chest swelled with possessiveness. She's mine. Every part of her. And she'll only ever look at me.
A golden exclamation mark glowed above Karen's head, visible only to him. Intrigued, Lip willed the system to display her core attributes:
[Name]: Karen Jackson
[Grade]: Red-tier Quality
[Keywords]: Contrast Queen
[Loyalty]: 80
[Condition]: Slightly worn
[Pregnancy Progress]: 0
"Not bad," Lip thought, pleased. A single session increased loyalty by 20 points. Just two more times, and she'll be at 100. I should seize the moment tonight and lock it in.
Karen turned to face him, her eyes twinkling as she caught his intense gaze.
"What is it?" she asked coyly.
"I'm admiring something."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"You, of course."
Karen's cheeks turned pink as she giggled. "What's there to admire about me?"
"Everything. You're like a work of art."
"And how do I compare to Venus?"
"You're far more beautiful," Lip replied earnestly.
Karen laughed, clearly charmed. "You're such a smooth talker."
Lip wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. "Only the truth," he whispered, his lips brushing against hers.
Their moment was interrupted by Mrs. Sheila's voice calling from downstairs. "Karen, Lip! Dinner's ready!"
Karen sighed, breaking the embrace. "Lip, you must be starving."
"A little," he admitted with a grin.
"Well, let's eat then!"
Lip smirked. "I'd rather eat you."
"Stop it!" Karen protested, blushing furiously. "It still hurts down there."
Laughing, the two dressed and headed downstairs.
At the dining table, Lip, Karen, and Mrs. Sheila shared a delicious meal. As they finished, Mrs. Sheila turned to Lip with a warm smile.
"Lip, why don't you stay over tonight?"
Lip hesitated. "I'd love to, Mrs. Sheila, but I have things to take care of at home." He noticed Karen's disappointed expression and added, "Although… I can stay with Karen a little longer before heading back."
Karen's face lit up, her smile as radiant as ever.
After dinner, Lip offered to wash the dishes, hoping to leave a good impression on Mrs. Sheila. But Karen had other plans.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him back to her room.
As Karen's back turned, Lip discreetly swallowed a "Like a Dragon and a Tiger" capsule. Almost immediately, a surge of intense energy coursed through his body, igniting every muscle and nerve.
Karen turned back, noticing his flushed face. "Lip, are you okay?"
"Never better," Lip replied, trying to keep his composure.
Karen tilted her head, studying him curiously. "You seem… different. I can't explain it, but something's changed."
Lip smiled slyly. You'll find out soon enough.
He leaned in, pulling her into his arms, and began their second round of exploration.
Three hours later, Karen lay fast asleep, her features soft and peaceful. Lip opened his system interface and locked her loyalty at 100%.
As he left the room, Mrs. Sheila handed him his tutoring fee. Lip was surprised to find $50 instead of the usual $10.
"Mrs. Sheila, this is—"
"A little extra for your hard work tonight," she interrupted with a wink.
Lip decided not to overthink it. Who in their right mind complains about more money?
Thanking her, he left Karen's house with a spring in his step.
Back home, Lip pushed open his bedroom door and froze.
Ian was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling with a gloomy expression.