Chapter 4Game of Hearts: The System Glitch

I wasn't planning on letting Julian off easy, either.

He was calmer than River. No arguing, just immediately ordering a background check on me.

When I switched to his feed, he was already dressed and sitting at his computer.

If he wasn't going to make trouble, I had to make some for him. They needed to learn obedience. And obedience comes from punishment and reward.

[Heroine Sarah Vance Affection: -10. Current Affection: -10.] [Detected Heroine Affection below 0. Initiating Random Punishment Mode.]

Before Julian could process the random drop in affection, the punishment hit.

A wave of intense heat swept through his body.

I had selected [Unrelieved Desire] from the shop.

Honestly? I just wanted to see the show.

Julian, both in person and by reputation, was the epitome of an ascetic, untouchable "High Mountain Flower."

But the first time I saw him, I thought his eyes betrayed him. He looked cold and conservative, but he had "peach blossom eyes"—eyes that naturally looked affectionate and seductive.

He wore non-prescription glasses, probably to hide that contrast.

Making a man like that feel uncontrollable lust... was it torture, or was it liberation?

I zoomed in on the feed.

Julian froze in his office chair as the heat hit him. He was trying desperately to suppress the rising tide of desire.

Sweat beaded on his forehead; his face flushed. Since he was home, the glasses were off. His eyes were misty, lashes wet with sweat or tears.

His lips parted, letting out involuntary whimpers.

After a while, he collapsed onto the desk, heavy pants muffled by his arms.

Realizing self-control wasn't working, he started stripping off his sweat-soaked clothes.

His perfect body, usually hidden beneath expensive suits, was now on full display.

Julian had incredible endurance. Even rolling around in bed in agony, he didn't curse. He just tried to stifle the shameful sounds.

He arched his back, flushed red, pain mixing with... something else.

I watched the livestream.

Only when he realized he couldn't stop the torment did he start to groan in misery.

"Stop... please stop..."

I really wanted to say, "Beg me."

But I had to maintain the cold system persona.

So I issued the mission:

[Host must raise Heroine Sarah Vance's affection to a positive number within two weeks. Failure will result in Random Punishment Mode.]

Julian, drenched in sweat, agreed.

I stopped the punishment.

He went limp on the bed instantly.

For a man whose life had been smooth sailing, this was the most humiliating, unspeakable experience. A complete violation of body and mind.

Even after it ended, his body seemed to tremble with the memory of it.