After silently reciting "B" in his mind, Cheng Yu felt his limbs regain control. He could move again.

But he didn’t rush to help the old beggar. Instead, he wondered if he could first give that bastard a solid beating.

To his disappointment, it was impossible. The system seemed to have cursed him. The moment he tried, his body froze completely.

It appeared the system’s choices were half-forced. Once made, he had to follow through.

Cheng Yu silently noted this. He turned to the old beggar and said softly,

"Old man, here’s the thing. I can’t help much—I’m broke too. But I’ll join you in asking others. Maybe someone will spare you some cash."

"Young man, you… you’re such a good person!"

The old beggar’s acting was flawless. Tears streamed down his face instantly.

*You not only beat me up but slapped me with a ‘nice guy’ card. Don’t let me catch you off guard, or you’ll regret it.*

Cheng Yu smiled outwardly, but seethed inwardly.

…

Soon, an odd scene unfolded on the street. A college student dragged a suitcase while pulling a ragged old beggar. They begged passersby for help.

Onlookers were surprised. But Cheng Yu looked decent—no scammer or thug.

*Probably a poor kid forced to beg with his grandpa… Poor thing.*

Thinking this, people gave him some leeway. They dropped spare change into the beggar’s cup.

Thanks to Cheng Yu’s help, they soon collected a thick stack of bills and coins.

The amount was enough for a subway ride to the train station—and a ticket anywhere.

Cheng Yu handed over the money without hesitation. He kept his voice low, masking his emotions:

"Alright, old man. This should cover it. Head home early. Be careful on the way."

"Thank you, young man! Thank you, all you kind souls!"

The beggar’s sincerity was perfect. Without the earlier incident, Cheng Yu might’ve believed he was just a homesick elder.

But now…

Cheng Yu sneered inwardly. A prompt echoed in his mind:

[Task complete. Reward: Porsche 917K.]

*Damn good. Knew you loved me, system. Girl, that prompt doesn’t lie. I’m itching to take that Porsche for a spin.*

Eager to feel the sports car’s seat, Cheng Yu grinned and gave all the collected cash to the beggar.

"No trouble. Years ago, I was a Young Pioneer too. Helping others is my favorite thing. Old man, I hope you reunite with your family soon!"

The beggar nodded, clutching the money. He bowed and thanked Cheng Yu repeatedly. Cheng Yu shrugged, dragged his suitcase away—eager to distance himself.

He was already planning to call the police. Have them tail the beggar and bust the traffickers.

But he hadn’t forgotten his main task. With the event over, he needed to report to school early.

*Sigh. No mercenary or dragon king life. But college might be fun.*

Cheng Yu checked his phone map. A shortcut through a right-turn alley led straight to campus. Faster for registration.

Plus, the path was deserted. Perfect for calling the police.

He took the alley without overthinking. After a short walk, he pulled out his phone, ready to dial.

"...Hello?"

A gloomy voice came from behind. Cheng Yu turned instinctively. To his shock, a stranger girl stood there.

His shock wasn’t about her.

It was the hatchet in her hand.

Crisis surged in his chest. Cheng Yu forced a fake smile.

"Y-you there, beautiful miss. Uh, what’s this about…?"

"I saw everything."

Her voice was lifeless—a death knell from hell. Cheng Yu’s unease grew. He pushed on:

"You saw? Uh, what exactly? I’m a bit confused…"

"You just gave that beggar a lot of money, right?"

Her tone dripped with hysterical despair. She strode toward him. Cheng Yu spun around, walking briskly away while explaining:

"Miss, you’re mistaken! I was helping him ask others—that money wasn’t mine…"

"Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up! Do you think I’d believe human traffickers like you?!"

"Wha… traffickers?"

"...My sister. That dead old man—your beastly gang—kidnapped her! I still can’t find her! If not for him, if not for you… you damn things…"

"No, miss, you really misunderstood! I told you, I gave him money not because—"

"You—"

"Shut up!"

The final shout was crystal clear, inches away. Cheng Yu’s hair stood on end. Goosebumps erupted. Before he could turn, searing pain exploded in his back. His vision blacked out. He collapsed.

His eyelids grew heavy. Consciousness blurred. Lying on the cold ground, he felt warmth draining away. The girl’s mutter reached him:

"I won’t spare you… or that old thing. All of you deserve to die."

"Xuanxuan… Sister can’t find you. But I’ll avenge you. Those bastards who took you—"

"Every single one… must die."

These were the last words Cheng Yu heard.

Then he opened his eyes again. The familiar ceiling came into view.