I Failed the System Mission on Purpose

The system demanded I win over the quiet, penniless scholarship student, but from day one, all I wanted was to C fail.

In my old life, I was as ordinary as could be. My looks were average, my family background nothing special. I lived in a cramped studio, agonizing over buying even a simple latte. An orphan, I had no family, no friends, and my days were a monotonous, solitary drone.

But now, everything was different. I was in the back of a luxury car, heir to a formidable fortune, with striking, captivating looks. My parents doted on me like a princess, and my bank accounts held more zeroes than I could ever spend in several lifetimes. The cold, grating mechanical voice in my head had vanished. I needed to confirm the system was truly gone, unlinked and out of my life for good.

I quickly reined in my exploding joy, furrowed my brows, reddened my eyes, and began my performance. In my mind, I called out to the system, my voice trembling, my fingertips subtly shaking, playing the pitiful host who feared being stranded after failing a mission.

System are you still there? Dont leave me I failed the mission. Can I go back I dont want to stay here

It wasnt until my mind was completely devoid of any mechanical sound, truly confirming it was gone and would never return, that I could hold back no longer. I clapped a hand over my mouth, laughter bubbling uncontrollably through my fingers, from quiet muffled giggles to bending over double, tears streaming down my face, my whole body shaking.

Go back? Who in their right mind would want to go back there?

Mr. Smith, first, to my usual high-end salon.

I watched the bustling cityscape outside the window, a smile uncontrollably spreading across my face. At the salon, the artistic director himself greeted me.

Miss Evelyn, what can we do for you today?

My fingertip lightly tapped the table as I gazed at my reflection, still bearing traces of a rebellious, scene-kid look. Dye my hair back to natural black, make it sleek and smooth, to collarbone length. For makeup, a clean, no-makeup look, naturally shaped brows. Get rid of all the exaggerated stuff.

This outlandish appearance C rebellious, edgy C was something Id deliberately cultivated to sabotage the mission. Who understood the feeling of going to school every day with yellow streaked hair, heavy smoky eyes, ripped crop tops, and platform combat boots, under the constant scrutiny of judgmental stares?

Understood.

The car had barely pulled up to the mall entrance when the boutique staff immediately rushed forward, bowing respectfully. Miss Evelyn, welcome!

I offered a faint smile, my eyes sweeping over an entire wall of new arrivals. All the latest collections that just came in C clothes, dresses, bags, shoes C anything in my size, wrap them all up.

The sales associate paused, then excitedly responded, Yes, Miss! Preparing them for you right away!

I stepped into the VIP fitting room, trying on one outfit after another. A couture dress hugged my slender waist, exquisite leather shoes graced my feet, a new designer bag casually draped over my arm. The girl in the mirror had innocent eyes, fair skin, and the designer labels made her look dazzling and captivating.

I twirled gently in front of the mirror, unable to hold back a soft laugh. I laughed until my eyes curved into crescents, until my heart swelled with pure delight.

The sales assistant respectfully called out the tally beside me: Miss, sixty-eight items in total. Theyve all been loaded into your car.

I picked up my credit card, handed it over without even glancing at the price. Just swipe it.

Beep

The sound of a successful transaction was sweeter than any music in the world. No more faking anger, faking malice, faking being utterly detestable.

But before the smile completely faded, a prickle of caution instantly shot through me. No, I couldnt be careless.

Back then, to cooperate with the systems mission, Id specifically transferred to the public high school the male lead attended, acting out and looking hideous right under his nose. All I wanted was for him to thoroughly detest me, to plummet his affection rating into the negative, ensuring the mission crashed and burned.

The system was gone now, but what if what if it suddenly detected an anomaly someday and came back? What if the male lead inexplicably became blind and suddenly didnt hate my bad girl persona anymore, and the affection rating miraculously bounced back? What if the system then forcibly dragged me back to complete the mission, or even worse, threw me back into my old, poor, ordinary world

I couldnt even bear the thought. I absolutely could not take any risks. The male lead, he had to completely vanish from my life. The further, the better. Ideally, Id never see him again.

I immediately picked up my phone, my fingers rapidly dialing the number of my familys private education consultant. My voice was sweet and calm, without a trace of hesitation. Mr. Thompson, please handle my transfer paperwork. Immediately.

Yes, transfer me out of this public high school. No reason needed, I just dont want to be there anymore.

You can arrange any school, as long as its as far away from this one as possible. A private boarding school, an international program, even a secluded academy C anything.

Please make sure its done by tomorrow. I dont want to stay there another day.

The voice on the other end readily agreed, not daring to question my decision. Here, I was a wealthy heiress who could mobilize all resources with a single word, not the ordinary person who had to pinch pennies for tuition.

Hanging up the phone, I leaned back into the plush leather seat, letting out a long sigh of relief. The corners of my mouth curved upwards uncontrollably once more. Mission accomplished.

Once I transferred, I could completely distance myself from that penniless male lead, severing all ties to the mission. The car smoothly entered the villa district. The ornate iron gates slowly opened, and the fountain splashed with fragmented light in the setting sun.

But the moment the car pulled to a stop, the smile on my face abruptly froze.

Under the streetlamp by the villas front door stood a slender young man in a faded school uniform.

It was Harry Miller.

The male lead I had meticulously, desperately tried to make detest me, the one I needed to completely fail the mission with.

My mind buzzed, and I suddenly remembered something Id almost forgotten in my wild joy

To trick the system into thinking I was diligently pursuing the mission, I had once forcibly kept him by my side under the guise of private tutoring. It was supposed to be tutoring, but in reality, I spent the entire time deliberately bothering him, deliberately trying to annoy him. I intentionally knocked over water glasses when he was explaining problems, intentionally asked incredibly stupid questions, intentionally threw temper tantrums in front of him like a spoiled brat, intentionally said cutting and mean things, intentionally made all sorts of repulsive gestures all to make him feel a physiological discomfort just seeing me, to send his affection rating plummeting until the mission utterly failed.

The system had only just left. I absolutely couldnt afford any mistakes. If his attitude towards me softened even slightly right now, if the system suddenly came back from the dead, if his affection rating mysteriously rebounded all my efforts, all my chances of staying in this world, would go down the drain. I couldnt take a single risk.

The chauffeur was already getting out to open my door. I immediately lowered my voice, my tone colder than my usual innocent facade. Dont open the door.

I sat in the shadows, coldly watching the young man outside the window. His brows were slightly furrowed, his gaze distant, clearly still radiating intense dislike for me. Good.

I took a deep breath, quickly suppressing the surge of joy and caution in my eyes. I slipped back into my arrogant, annoying bad girl persona C even though Id just removed my smoky eye makeup and changed out of my edgy clothes, I could play the part perfectly in a second.

I pushed open the car door, crossed my arms, my voice cutting and impatient. It wasnt loud, but it was enough for him to hear clearly. Who told you to come here? Couldnt teach, and now you want more money? In fairness, Harry was an excellent tutor, I just never paid attention. Now, it was a perfect excuse.

Dont bother coming back. Just seeing you irritates me.

Get lost, quickly. Dont stand around my house making a nuisance of yourself.

Or do you want to stick around like a stray dog?

Every word was sharp and unpleasant, perfectly hitting all his sensitive spots. Harry looked up, his voice faint, with a barely perceptible stiffness. The money paid in advance, I havent completed those hours.

I crossed my arms, my chin slightly raised, my eyes full of disgust and impatience, my voice cold and stinging. The hours arent finished, but they wont be. The money? I dont even care about that little bit. Consider it a tip.

I told you, dont bother me again. Just seeing you brings bad luck.

Harry froze, clearly unprepared for such ruthlessness, such an absolute rejection. Standing under the streetlamp, his fingertips tightened slightly, his voice softer, with a hesitation he didnt even seem to notice. Was my teaching not good enough?

My chest tightened instantly. My face immediately adopted that arrogant and biting bad girl expression from before, my eyebrow arched, my tone cold and sharp, leaving no room for politeness. What else could it be?

Harry stood under the streetlamp, his posture ramrod straight. Though my words had clearly made him pale, he still stubbornly looked up at me, his voice carrying a nearly obstinate seriousness. Your grades are still very weak. Only I can help you.

A cold, scornful disgust settled on my face. I stared at him as if he were an eyesore, my voice rising a few octaves, sharp and stinging. Harry Miller, do you really think too highly of yourself?

Who do you think you are?

I took a step forward, looking down at him, my disdain undisguised. So what if my grades are weak? Even if I get a zero, even if I never study a day in my life, I can still easily inherit the family business, live a life of luxury, and have more money than I can spend.

I dont need your help, and I certainly dont need your fake kindness.

Stop bothering me, and stop being so presumptuous. Just seeing you annoys me.

He didnt say another word, just gave me a deep, lingering look. The next second, he turned and quickly disappeared into the night.

The next morning, I walked slowly to school, wearing new leather flats and an outfit of clean, gentle white C a stark contrast to the obnoxious, edgy bad girl from yesterday. My hair was sleek, black, collarbone-length. My makeup was light and fresh. I wore a French-style dress Id bought yesterday. I was here today to handle the transfer paperwork and completely sever all ties with the male lead.

But as I reached the corner of the academic building, a burst of laughter and shoving suddenly pierced my ears. My steps faltered. I looked up, and my heart instantly jumped into my throat. A few of the guys who usually hung around me were cornering a small girl against the wall. Books were scattered everywhere, their voices arrogant and cruel.

Did you hear us?! Our boss said, you poor trash, stay away from her!

Look at who you are! Do you even deserve to talk to our boss?

Quickly, pick up your stuff and get out! Dont stand there making a nuisance!

The girl trapped in the middle kept her head down, trembling, tears welling in her eyes. My mind buzzed, and I instantly understood everything. Before, to max out Harrys dislike for me, Id deliberately staged a bullying scene in a corner where he could see C pretending to pick on this girl, pretending to mock her cruelly. All I wanted was for him to see my worst, most detestable side, to send his affection rating plummeting through the earth. And now, someone was actually using my name to corner and bully someone.

I stood not far away, my face instantly turning cold. The female lead, Sarah Green, was an orphan, relying on Harry for everything. She was quite pitiable.

What are you doing?

The guys saw me and immediately grinned, crowding around. Boss! Were helping you teach her a lesson! You said you hated her the most

Shut up. I cut them off, my eyes chilling. When did I ever tell you to lay a hand on her?

Since when do you get to interfere in my business?

Get out, now. Dont cause trouble for me here.

The guys froze, probably never having seen me so serious. They muttered an assent and quickly scattered. Only I and the bullied girl remained. I didnt look at her, nor did I offer comfort, simply stating blandly, No one will bother you again.

Thank you, the girl mumbled. But then, a glance from the corner of my eye C

Under the sycamore tree not far away, Harry stood silently, having seen the entire scene unfold. My heart tightened violently. Damn it. What was he doing here? What if he thought me stopping those guys was a sign of softness, a change, a sudden conscience? If his impression of me warmed even a tiny bit, and the system somehow revived, Id be completely finished. I absolutely could not let him entertain the slightest thought of shes not so bad after all.

Almost instantly, I pulled my cafeteria card from my pocket, turned, and walked up to the girl who was still picking up her books. I deliberately kept my chin high, my eyes contemptuous and impatient, and shoved the card hard into her arms. My voice was just loud enough for Harry to hear clearly from a distance.

Take it.

Im transferring anyway; this card is useless to me. Here, you pauper can have it.

The girl froze, looking up at me. I didnt wait for her to speak, adding another remark, cutting and hurtful. Dont misunderstand. I just think its a waste to throw it away. Im not pitying you.

With that, I turned and walked away, not sparing her a glance, nor looking at Harry. My steps were light as I walked towards the principals office. The teachers voices, however, drifted softly into my ears.

That student, Harry Miller its really a shame. His grandmother suddenly had an emergency and needs a large sum for surgery.

Yes, his family is already struggling. The school plans to organize a fundraiser to help in any way we can

My steps halted abruptly. Harry. Grandmothers emergency. Needs money. A strange pang in my chest. A very faint prickle of guilt, like a fine hair, brushed across my heart.

I wasnt a good person. From beginning to end, I had used him, deliberately disgusted him, desperately tried to make him hate me, all to fail the mission, all to stay in this world of luxury. But hearing news of his desperate situation, I couldnt remain completely unmoved. Guilt aside, I didnt want to owe him anything. After all, he had helped me accomplish the most important thing in this life C staying in this world.

I turned, walked around to the side door of the principals office, and found the teacher responsible for the fundraiser. My face was expressionless, my voice calm and even. I want to make an anonymous donation.

The teacher paused. Student, you

No need to record my name, and dont ask who donated. I pulled out my black card without hesitation. Transfer two hundred thousand.

The teacher was utterly stunned, speechless for a long moment. I didnt wait for his reaction. When signing, I simply wrote Current Student. After swiping the card, I turned and left, swift and clean, leaving no trace.