𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃

15.

After an entire day of indulging in the luxury of spending the original Faye's parents' money, I found myself utterly exhausted. There's a unique sense of satisfaction that comes with spending someone else's wealth-one that is distinctly different from the gratification of using your own hard-earned money, no matter how wealthy you are. It's almost as if the detachment adds a layer of indulgence, free from the burden of personal responsibility.

What struck me the most, though, was the minimal contact the original Faye's parents maintained with me. They showed little more than distant indifference, and it's no surprise that no one has yet realized the soul inside this body has already been replaced by an entirely different person-me. In the information the system provided, the treatment of the original Faye was never explicitly addressed. Sure, no one openly defied or disrespected her, but the absence of genuine care or affection was palpable. It wasn't the kind of neglect that was overt, but rather a subtle abandonment-a disregard for her emotional well-being. For someone with even basic emotional needs, it would have been unbearable. No wonder the original Faye developed such a warped personality. As they say, hurt people hurt people.

Curious for more context, I mentally summoned the bee system, eager to pry some more useful information out of it. "Wee-wee," I teased, "give me more insight into the original Faye. You handed me a brief overview from a third-person perspective, but that can't possibly be enough if I'm going to survive here, possibly for decades. I need to understand the intricacies of her life."

The bee system, as usual, responded with thinly veiled annoyance. "Host, gathering comprehensive data is beyond my function. The data compilers are simply observers-they can only report on what they witness. It takes a significant amount of energy to maintain their presence in this world, given that this universe is constantly working to expel outworldly entities like them. You should consider yourself fortunate to receive any information at all."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at its excuse. "Fortunate? Please. I didn't even get a beginner's discount pack or any special perks. Admit it, you're a scam system! Be honest, are you secretly in love with me and just pulling these stunts to get my attention?" Teasing the weary bee system had become my favorite pastime, a light distraction in this otherwise convoluted world.

The bee system didn't respond right away. I imagined it fuming quietly in whatever bizarre corner of this world it inhabited. Its voice, when it finally came through, was as stiff and mechanical as ever, but I could practically sense the frustration seeping through.

"Host, your misplaced humor does little to enhance our partnership. My function is not to entertain your whims. I suggest you focus on your mission instead of trivializing our interaction. The system's integrity is designed to prioritize your survival and mission success, not to cater to your personal amusement."

I smirked, leaning back on the velvet couch, surrounded by the luxuries that the original Faye had been accustomed to but never truly appreciated. "Well, Wee-wee, maybe I'd take you more seriously if you actually provided useful data instead of vague guidelines. How am I supposed to carry out my mission effectively if I don't even fully understand the original Faye's relationships? The third-person narrative you provided is like reading a summary of someone's life without the emotional depth. I need to know how she truly felt about the people around her, who mattered to her, and what events shaped her. How else will I convince everyone that I'm really her?"

There was a pause, and for a moment, I thought I might have finally pushed the system too far. Then, unexpectedly, the bee responded, this time with an uncharacteristic hint of concession.

"The original Faye's emotional depth was, indeed, complex," the bee system admitted. "However, you must remember that she herself was disconnected from many aspects of her life. While her parents provided financial support, they were absent in every meaningful sense. As for her peers, most were drawn to her because of her status and wealth, not out of genuine connection. She clung to Caden not because of love, but because he was one of the few who did not outright fawn over her, though even that relationship was marked by tension and toxicity. Her cruelty, you'll find, was often a defense mechanism-a preemptive strike against the loneliness she constantly felt. If you're seeking true insight into her motivations, you'll need to observe the people around her closely. Their interactions will reveal more than any data I can compile."

I sat in silence, absorbing the weight of the bee's words. There was more to the original Faye than the spoiled, abrasive image I had initially formed. I could almost sympathize with her now, a girl so used to being surrounded by wealth and power yet starved for genuine human connection. The irony wasn't lost on me-how similar we were in some ways, both bound to this world by forces beyond our control, trying to make sense of our existence.

But unlike the original Faye, I had the advantage of knowing how things would unfold. And I had no intention of letting the past repeat itself.

"Alright, Wee-wee," I said, my tone softening just a fraction. "Thanks for the insight. I suppose I'll have to figure out the rest on my own. But don't think for a second that I'm going to stop teasing you."

The bee system didn't bother to reply this time, and I took that as a small victory.

Rising from the couch, I glanced at the clock on the wall. If I was going to integrate into the original Faye's world convincingly, I'd need to play my role carefully. The key players in this twisted story-Wilde, Caden, and even the indifferent parents-would eventually reveal their true colors. And when they did, I'd be ready.

The world was about to witness a very different Faye-one with control, cunning, and no intention of being a mere bystander in someone else's tragedy.

My phone pings-a text message. I unlock the screen, and sure enough, Wilde has delivered on his promise. His message, much like the man himself, is concise and straight to the point. No fluff, just a brief list of names. Well, calling it a list might be a bit of a stretch since it only contains three names, but it's enough.

I can't help but smirk. As I suspected, he took the bait. Hook, line, and sinker.

Wilde was always methodical, never one to make unnecessary moves. So for him to send me these names meant he was already thinking several steps ahead, trying to outmaneuver me. But what he didn't realize was that I'd been expecting this. In fact, I was counting on it.

I lean back, staring at the three names on the screen. Each one of them would be key to his plan, but now they were mine to manipulate. With this information, I could begin to unravel his carefully laid schemes, and in doing so, edge closer to completing my mission.

It was time to get to work.