Bound to the Green Tea Upgrade System

After being bound to the Manipulative Social Climber System, I became a self-taught master of all eighteen arts of manipulation.

Yet, my target was a connoisseur of cunning, a master at spotting manipulative acts. All ninety-nine of my attempts failed.

At the Caldwell family gala, Arthur Caldwell, the prince of New York society, once again precisely saw through my scheme. He knocked the drugged wine glass from my hand, his voice sharp:

Ive seen plenty of calculating women like you. Take my advice, dont waste your energy. Anything youve touched, I find disgusting just to look at.

Yet, he was easily swayed by a holier-than-thou act, completely losing his head over a seemingly pure woman.

I smiled, furious, and promptly changed my targets.

Later, when the entire Caldwell family was fiercely vying for my attention, Arthur was the only one who pointed at me, screaming in frustration:

Cant you all see shes just a manipulative fraud?!

The entire Caldwell family stood in front of me, saying in unison:

Shes no manipulative fraud, shes our little darling.

The system instantly blared a sharp warning:

How dare you change your targets without permission? And you picked a whole bunch at once!

Arthur Caldwells father, his mother, his sister.

Oh my god, how about the Caldwell familys ninety-year-old Grand Matriarch?!

I spoke with righteous indignation:

If I cant complete the mission to climb the social ladder in an elite family, Ill die on the spot anyway.

This is my last chance, so of course, I have to cast a wider net.

The thought made my teeth ache. I had initially believed that with my perfected manipulative skills, securing Arthur Caldwell would be a piece of cake.

Unexpectedly, I failed ninety-nine times.

The man was impervious to my charm. Feigning accidental encounters, playing the victim, orchestrating life-saving moments, accidentally ending up in his room

Every trick turned into a joke in front of him. He could instantly tell I was a top-tier manipulator.

I once thought he was the legendary ultimate challenge in seduction.

Until I saw another woman, with far cruder tactics, look down her nose at him and declare, Get lost. Dont think being rich makes you special.

Arthurs eyes, usually like still water, instantly lit up with astonishing brilliance.

Woman, you have successfully captured my attention.

At that moment, it hit me like a revelation.

It wasnt that my methods werent sophisticated enough. It was that this socialite prince had never experienced anything truly refined.

I patiently explained to the system:

Theres more than one path to securing a place in high society.

If I cant be Arthur Caldwells wife, I can be his stepmother, his sister, or a close confidante to his great-grandmother.

Just then, distracted, I accidentally bumped into someone around a corner.

Ouch.

I stumbled backward, nearly falling to the ground.

However, a distinctly familiar sneer reached my ears:

Scarlett Davies, are you faking a fall again?

I looked up.

Arthur Caldwell stood before me, beside him Audrey Windsor, her face aloof, as if untouched by worldly concerns.

Arthur tilted his head, his voice laced with disdain, Save your energy. Dont try any tricks to seduce me.

Seeing it was the prince and his pure-hearted darling, my face instantly fell, and I simply wanted to turn and leave.

But Arthur grabbed me.

You bumped into someone and didnt even apologize? Still planning to leave?

I rolled my eyes. Who bumped into whom?

Just as I was about to retort, the systems voice chimed:

Host, attention, first target has appeared.

I instinctively looked behind me.

A young woman was walking down the stairs. She bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Arthur, but her demeanor was more composed and refined.

It was Vivian Caldwell, the eldest daughter of the Caldwell family.

In a flash, my mind raced.

Suddenly, following the direction of Arthurs pull, I leaned gently towards him, feigning weakness.

Alright, I apologize, Mr. Caldwell. Please dont be angry.

Arthur was momentarily stunned by my sudden move.

Then, as if hed touched something disgusting, he abruptly shoved me away.

Scarlett Davies, get away from me!

That push was exactly what I was waiting for.

I spun around and fell to the floor.

My eyes instantly welled up, and my voice, thick with feigned sweetness, filled the room:

Mr. Caldwell, Im so sorry. I was too clumsy. Its all my fault. Please dont hit me.

Arthurs face flushed with anger.

What? Whos hitting you? Get up!

He bent down, intending to forcibly pull me up, but just as he touched my arm

Arthur Caldwell, stop right there!

An angry female voice rang out.

Seeing the newcomer, Arthur instantly reined in his fiery temper.

Vivian, what are you doing here?

Vivian Caldwell, heels clicking, approached.

If I hadnt come, how would I have known youre so domineering out here?

I wasnt!

Arthur immediately retorted.

Shes staging it all herself!

Before he could finish, I had already flung myself into Vivians arms, sobbing softly.

Sister, its true, I just tripped and fell. Its not Mr. Caldwells fault. He he didnt bully me.

Vivian looked down at me. My eyes and nose were red, tears glistening but not yet falling, and though clearly scared, I was still defending Arthur. A soft spot in her heart gently melted.

Target Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 30.

Dont be afraid. Vivian patted my hand, then turned to Arthur and said coldly,

Apologize.

Arthur was absolutely furious. He reached out to grab me.

You manipulative fraud, get out of my sisters arms!

You dare bully someone right in front of me? Vivian shielded me, her face hardening.

I quickly stepped between them.

Sister, please dont argue with Mr. Caldwell because of me. Its okay if I suffer a little.

Target affinity score: 40.

Vivians gaze lingered on my face. The more she looked, the more she found this girl well-behaved and sensible, utterly unlike her rogue younger brother.

Just then, Audrey Windsor, who had been ignored, finally spoke, carrying an air of holier-than-thou arrogance.

Ms. Caldwell, youve come in and immediately taken sides, jumping to conclusions without understanding the full situation.

No wonder Arthur always says he doesnt like you as a sister.

Vivians brow furrowed abruptly.

Seeing that she seemed about to press further, I quickly interjected:

Thats not true! Sister is clearly so kind, how can you try to drive a wedge between her and Mr. Caldwell?

Vivians heart suddenly warmed.

She looked back at Audrey, her gaze now scrutinizing.

Who are you? Our Caldwell family matters are none of your business to dictate.

Arthur quickly stepped forward.

Vivian, Audrey is my girlfriend. While she might speak her mind, shes very innocent, unlike some gold-diggers full of schemes.

He pointedly glanced at me.

Dont let her trick you.

Vivian scoffed.

Her gaze critically swept over Audrey. Dressed in the seasons latest limited edition, carrying a bag that could equal an average persons annual salary C all likely gifts from her foolish brother. And she had the nerve to call someone else a gold-digger?

This girlfriend youve brought back, Vivian said, her voice laced with sarcasm,

doesnt seem like a simple character either.

Audreys face instantly went ashen, as if she had suffered a profound humiliation.

I knew it! You rich people all look down on me!

With that, she turned and ran.

Audrey!

Arthur anxiously chased after her, casting a furious glare at Vivian before he left.

Vivian, this is all your doing!

Vivian watched her brothers unhesitating retreat, a flicker of melancholy in her eyes.

This brother of mine, hes really becoming less and less close to me.

I stood quietly beside her.

Id long heard that Vivian Caldwell possessed exceptional abilities, and there was an intention to groom her as the familys successor.

My voice was soft.

Mr. Caldwell is still young and foolish. He doesnt see how much effort Sister has poured into this family, and into him.

The fact that Sister is still willing to guide and teach him now already makes her the best sister in the world.

I lifted my face, revealing undisguised admiration.

If I had such a wonderful sister, Id wake up smiling every day. Id constantly be by Sisters side. If Sister told me to go east, Id never even glance west.

Vivian paused, then laughed aloud, much of her earlier irritation dissipating.

Her gaze towards me visibly softened.

You can stay with me at the gala today. Itll save you from being bullied by that rascal again.

I nodded obediently, following close by Vivians side, my affinity score rising to 70.

Just as I was about to press my advantage, the system alert chimed urgently again.

Attention, target two and target three have appeared.

I immediately looked up.

Vivian by my side had already quickened her pace, respectfully greeting the distinguished middle-aged couple ahead.

Dad, Mom, youre here.

On the left, a man of commanding presence. On the right, a graceful, elegant woman. These were Arthur Caldwells parents.

Mrs. Caldwells gaze immediately fell on me.

And who is this?

Vivian was momentarily speechless, unsure how to introduce this poor girl who had been bullied by her brother.

I immediately stepped half a pace forward, my voice sweet and gentle.

Hello, Uncle and Auntie. My name is Scarlett Davies, and Im Vivians friend.

I made no mention of the earlier conflict with Arthur.

Vivian gave me a grateful look.

Vivian rarely brings friends home, Mrs. Caldwells smile grew even warmer.

I can tell you must be a good child.

Mrs. Caldwells initial affinity score was already 20.

As she spoke, she actually took off a beautifully translucent mutton-fat jade bangle from her wrist, took my hand, and gently slipped it on.

Its our first meeting, and Auntie didnt prepare anything. This bangle looks lovely on your skin. Consider it a gift.

I stared blankly at the bangle, then looked up at Mrs. Caldwell, my eyes instantly reddening.

Large tears, without warning, rolled down my cheeks.

Oh, why are you crying?

Mrs. Caldwell jumped, her tone a little flustered.

Dont you like the bangle?

No, its not that.

I shook my head.

The bangle is very beautiful, I love it. It just made me think of my mother.

After my mother disappeared, no one had ever been so kind to me.

I lifted my tear-filled eyes to Mrs. Caldwell.

Auntie, thank you.

Mrs. Caldwell affinity score: 35

Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 80

Mr. Caldwell affinity score: 30

Hearing my pitiful story, Mrs. Caldwell and Vivians affinity scores increasing was expected. Mr. Caldwells sudden affection, however, made me slightly pause.

The system provided a timely explanation:

Mr. Caldwell is henpecked. He saw Mrs. Caldwells clear liking for you, and thus developed a favorable impression of the host.

Theres such a good thing?

My heart soared with delight, and I became even more diligent in pleasing Mrs. Caldwell.

Therefore, when Arthur finally appeased Audrey and brought her back, what they saw was this scene:

Mrs. Caldwell, her face full of pleasure:

Scarlett, I didnt know you had such skill?

I, while massaging her arm, shyly replied:

I specifically sought out an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor to learn. I originally wanted to learn to massage my mother, but before I could use it, she

My voice trailed off sadly.

Mrs. Caldwell immediately squeezed my hand, her eyes full of sympathy.

My dear child, youve truly suffered.

Fortunately, youve met Auntie now. Youre so kind to me, just like my mother.

Scarlett Davies!

Arthur roared.

Oh, so youre trying to deceive my parents now too?!

I immediately stood up, looking frantic and helpless.

Mr. Caldwell, please dont be angry. Auntie and I are not what you think.

Arthurs chest heaved with rage.

I heard everything! How disgusting! Not only are you trying to seduce my sister, but now youre saying my mother is like your mother? Do you even deserve that?!

Arthur!

Mrs. Caldwells face darkened, and she sharply rebuked him.

How dare you speak like that? You have no manners at all!

Vivian immediately shielded me.

Dont you dare insult my friend!

Friend? Vivian Caldwell, have you lost your mind?!

Arthur, furious, laughed, then pointed abruptly at me.

Do you know what kind of person she is? Shes a manipulative gold-digger wholl stop at nothing to climb the social ladder! She even drugged me once!

Arthur Caldwell!

Vivians voice suddenly rose.

What nonsense are you spouting?!

Im not spouting nonsense.

Arthur stood his ground.

On the contrary, you, knowing nothing, brought this kind of person in front of Mom and Dad!

Seeing the siblings at daggers drawn, the atmosphere was taut to the extreme.

Audrey Windsor, who had been standing silently behind Arthur, seemingly detached from it all, finally opened her crimson lips.

Scarlett Davies, youre causing chaos in other peoples homes, yet you hide away. At this point, shouldnt you come out and explain yourself?

I looked at Audreys malicious eyes and inwardly cursed, you sanctimonious fraud.

However, my past history of pestering Arthur was undeniable. Even if I denied it today, if the Caldwell family found out later, my affinity scores would plummet.

Arthur pointed at me.

Scarlett Davies, you tell them yourself, what I just said, do you admit it or not!

Vivian shielded me.

Scarlett, dont be afraid. If hes slandering you, Sister will protect you.

I looked at Vivian, then swept my gaze across the Caldwell parents, whose expressions had subtly darkened.

Taking a deep breath, I said,

Mr. Caldwell is right. I did pester him for a long time.

Vivian instinctively released her grip. Disappointment flickered across the Caldwell familys faces.

Arthur finally looked triumphant.

Hear that? She admitted it! This ill-intentioned person, hurry up and kick her out!

But!

I sharply cut him off, my voice even more choked with sobs, yet I forced myself to stand tall.

I grew up without anyone to care for me. Mr. Caldwell was the first person to ever be kind to me, and I wanted so desperately to hold onto that kindness.

I covered my face, my shoulders trembling slightly.

I had already made up my mind, planning to quietly leave and put an end to my past mistakes.

But then I met Vivian, who protected me. I met Auntie, who loved me like a daughter. I met Uncle

I was too greedy. Greedy for this warmth, which is why I didnt dare to reveal the truth.

I took a step back.

Im sorry, I was too despicable. Ill leave now.

I turned to walk away, but inwardly, I was counting down.

Three, two, one.

Wait,

Almost as soon as I counted to one, Vivians voice rang out.

She pulled me tightly into her embrace.

Im sorry, Scarlett. Sister didnt know you were carrying so much pain. Its my fault.

She turned to her parents, her tone firm.

Dad, Mom, Scarlett is just too starved for love; she took a wrong path.

Arthur was practically insane with rage.

Vivian Caldwell, are you blind?! Cant you see shes acting?!

Mrs. Caldwell also spoke now.

Scarlett is a guest of our Caldwell family.

She looked at me.

Scarlett, dont listen to him. Stay with us.

Mr. Caldwell naturally followed his wifes lead.

Ms. Davies, its good to admit mistakes and correct them. I believe Arthur will forgive you too.

Seeing the situation reverse, Audrey stepped forward, her voice rising.

With all due respect, doing something wrong is doing something wrong. Theres no excuse for forgiveness.

A woman so morally bankrupt, even attempting to reform, is still rotten to the core! Their very being is tainted!

The words were extremely harsh and grating.

Mrs. Caldwells face completely darkened.

Can you guarantee that you will never make a mistake in your entire life?

Audrey raised her chin, like an aloof, pure white snow lotus unafraid of authority.

Of course! My actions are always open and above board. I despise your elite familys twisted games the most.

And I utterly despise those who scheme and manipulate to climb the social ladder!

Arthurs eyes were shining brightly.

Mom and Dad, Audrey is right. This is the woman I love. Shes different from other women. Look how real and pure she is!

The entire Caldwell familys faces turned grim. They looked at Arthur as if he were the foolish son of a rich landlord.

Mrs. Caldwell finally lost patience.

Butler, show them out.

Mom! Arthur panicked. Audrey is my guest!

I spoke softly at the opportune moment.

Oh, I wonder if Sister Audrey knew she was coming to a family gala today?

Why is she wearing all white? It looks so solemn, like shes attending a funeral.

Everyones gazes instantly focused on Audrey. She was indeed wearing a pure white dress.

The Caldwell parents faces grew even darker.

Audreys face flushed then paled. She bit her lower lip tightly.

You Caldwells just look down on people! I refuse to stay in this place!

With that, she turned and ran.

Audrey! Arthur chased after her without hesitation.

After this turn of events, the Caldwell familys affinity scores for me had changed again.

Mrs. Caldwell affinity score: 75

Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 90

Mr. Caldwell affinity score: 60

I was formally invited to stay for the Caldwell family gala. Vivian told me that the Caldwell Grand Matriarch would also be attending today. My heart stirred; she was one of my targets.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the hall. Several black-suited bodyguards secured the banquet halls exits. The guests exchanged puzzled glances. Vivians face changed drastically, and she stood up.

Whats going on?

Just then, Arthur Caldwell and Audrey Windsor reappeared. Arthurs gaze swept across the room, finally landing on me, a cold smirk on his lips.

He raised his voice.

I apologize for interrupting your enjoyment. Just now, the Phoenix and Dragon jade pendant, most cherished by our Caldwell Grand Matriarch, was stolen. The thief is very likely among us.

A gasp rippled through the crowd.

I had a bad feeling. I instinctively looked down.

Sure enough, a jade pendant was hidden beneath my chair.

Before I could react, Arthur, sharp-eyed, rushed over. The moment he saw the jade pendant, his face filled with triumph.

Caught red-handed! Guards, seize this thief!