Zhou Yi studied at Huaihai University, a mid-tier institution known for its practical focus rather than academic prestige.

  Having grown up in Huaihai, he opted not to venture far from home and instead enrolled locally.

  The majority of students at Huaihai University hailed from the surrounding area, with only a small proportion coming from other regions.

  Today happened to be the monthly holiday at Huaihai University.

  After reviewing the system panel and grasping how it functioned, Zhou Yi hurried off to his part-time job.

  The original host had been an orphan, raised without parents, which forced him into a semi-work-study lifestyle at an early age.

  During winter breaks, summer vacations, and weekends, he worked near the university town to earn money.

  Fortunately, his workplace provided a rest area, making it a convenient refuge for homeless Zhou Yi during holidays when he had nowhere else to go.

  "Sister Wen, my break has started," Zhou Yi said.

  After putting down his backpack, Zhou Yi headed straight to the kitchen, where a woman was busy preparing food in the cramped space. Hearing his voice, she turned around with a soft smile. "Xiao Yi, you're here. Have something to eat first."

  The sound of her voice sent a subtle warmth coursing through Zhou Yi's body—a mix of allure and the distinct grace of a mature woman.

  He glanced at her; she wore a simple blouse paired with fitted jeans, leaning slightly over the chopping board as she sliced vegetables.

  Even in such understated clothing, her figure commanded attention: curvaceous and poised, her silhouette alone exuded quiet confidence that stirred admiration.

  Her hair was loosely tied back into a bun, with a strand gently resting against her cheek.

  When she spoke, her head tilted downward, radiating gentleness. The rhythmic chopping of the knife brought Zhou Yi back to reality.

  Zhou Yi worked at a small fast-food restaurant owned by Jing Wen, the very woman standing before him now.

  Sister Wen was both kind-hearted and strikingly beautiful, her features captivating at first glance while her demeanor remained warm and grounded.

  Widowed at a young age, she had taken on the responsibility of running this establishment alone.

  She became renowned along the street as the "beauty with a heart," attracting customers who came not just for the meals but also to see her.

  Though widowed, Jing Wen still drew admirers aplenty.

  However, after enduring one marriage and losing her husband, she resolved never to remarry.

  She understood well that most men were drawn to her physical beauty, but what she truly sought was solitude and independence.

  She preferred to dedicate herself to managing her humble eatery, earning a living honestly and spending her days in peace.

  Her rejection of advances only fueled more interest, including from wealthy businessmen eager to win her affection. Yet none of these pursuits swayed her resolve.

  Material wealth held no appeal for her; she refused to become someone's trophy.

  Zhou Yi's employment at the restaurant was somewhat coincidental.

  Jing Wen hired him partly because she needed extra help, partly because of his honest nature, and partly because his hardships reminded her of her own struggles.

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  Thus, she offered him a position as a waiter.

  Over the past year, Jing Wen treated Zhou Yi kindly, almost like a younger brother. She was innately compassionate, often offering him unsolicited raises—her way of supporting him discreetly without damaging his pride.

  In Zhou Yi's life, Jing Wen stood out as one of the few people who genuinely cared for him.

  "Detected a Level B target available for bonding," the system announced.

  Zhou Yi glanced toward Jing Wen and silently asked, "Are you referring to Sister Wen as the Level B target?"

  077: "Yes, she is a potential bondable character."

  Reflecting on the original host's experiences, Zhou Yi reasoned that if he ever rose to prominence, he would likely feel indebted to Jing Wen and wish to repay her kindness. Pursuing her wouldn't contradict the original host's intentions.

  He then inquired further: "What does Level B mean? Are there different tiers for bondable characters?"

  The system explained the hierarchy:

  - C-Level: 1 Affection Level = $1,000 + 1 Attribute Point

  - B-Level: 1 Affection Level = $5,000 + 5 Attribute Points

  - A-Level: 1 Affection Level = $10,000 + 10 Attribute Points

  - S-Level: 1 Affection Level = $50,000 + 15 Attribute Points

  - SS-Level: 1 Affection Level = $100,000 + 20 Attribute Points

  - SSS-Level: 1 Affection Level = $200,000 + 30 Attribute Points

  As Zhou Yi listened, astonishment grew within him. "If an SSS-level woman were to fall for me, wouldn't I instantly become a millionaire?"

  077: "SSS-level targets are exceedingly rare and unlikely to appear until you reach Level 50. The higher the tier, the rarer and more challenging the pursuit."

  Disappointed but resolute, Zhou Yi realized he must continue working diligently. Still, a Level B target like Jing Wen wasn't bad either, especially since he harbored no moral qualms about pursuing her.

  Jing Wen emerged from the kitchen carrying freshly prepared dishes.

  With a warm smile, she invited Zhou Yi and Chef Lao Hai to join her for dinner. This intimate trio formed the entirety of the restaurant staff. Conversation flowed naturally between Jing Wen and Zhou Yi, with the former asking about his studies and offering maternal concern.

  "How have things been at school recently?"

  "They've been fine, Sister Wen."

  "You've only just entered your second year—don't put too much pressure on yourself. Look at you, so thin! I bet you haven't been eating properly at school. Here, have some meat."

  "Thank you, Sister Wen."

  "No need to thank me. By the way, if any customers come later, you handle them first. I don't want you staying up too late—it's tough on your body."

  Typically, Jing Wen and Zhou Yi alternated shifts. Zhou Yi worked from 5 PM to 9 PM, while Jing Wen covered the hours from 9 PM to midnight.

  Knowing that Zhou Yi was still young and needed time for his studies, she proposed swapping their schedules to allow him earlier rest.

  What she didn't know was that many of Zhou Yi's assignments weren't solely his own—he often helped others complete theirs.

  Initially, according to Jing Wen's hiring standards, Zhou Yi should have worked until midnight.

  However, recognizing his academic burden, she generously adjusted his hours to ease his workload.

  Zhou Yi paused mid-bite. "That won't do, Sister Wen. I can't let you work such late hours alone—I'll worry about you. Please don't push yourself too hard for my sake. If I can't even serve a few plates of food, how will I survive in the real world once I graduate?"

  In the past, drunken men occasionally visited the restaurant, attempting to harass Jing Wen.

  Since hiring Lao Hai and Zhou Yi, however, such incidents had decreased significantly. Amused by Zhou Yi's earnestness, Jing Wen chuckled softly, her alluring eyes crinkling at the corners.

  There was a certain magnetism in her gaze—a blend of sensuality and wisdom born from life's trials.

  Her beauty wasn't merely skin-deep; it was her aura of resilience and tenderness that truly captivated those around her.

  Zhou Yi felt his cheeks flush—he hadn't interacted much with women in their thirties before, and he found himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

  Seeing his sincerity, Jing Wen accepted his offer with a grateful smile. "Alright, we'll finish together. If it's quiet later, you can do your homework here. It shouldn't be too busy."

  Smiling, Zhou Yi nodded. "I'm done eating, Sister Wen. Take your time—I'll wash the dishes in the meantime."

  Jing Wen hesitated, intending to stop him, but Lao Hai interjected quietly, "Let him do it. He wants to show his gratitude. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words."

  Realizing this, Jing Wen looked thoughtfully at her hands, roughened by years of labor. Perhaps Zhou Yi noticed this too, choosing to take on the dishwashing duties as a gesture of appreciation.

  A tender warmth spread across her face, softening her smile further.

  Today, Xiao Yi seemed particularly thoughtful.

  Back in the kitchen, Zhou Yi busied himself with the task, ensuring everything was spotless.

  Watching him, Jing Wen felt a sense of fulfillment she hadn't experienced in years. His care wasn't rooted in ulterior motives or superficial attraction—it stemmed purely from genuine concern, akin to familial love.

  For Jing Wen, this was a long-overdue reminder that she mattered beyond her beauty or status.

  With a contented sigh, she observed Zhou Yi's industrious movements, her lips curling into a serene smile.

  In caring for another person, she rediscovered purpose in her own life.

  [Jing Wen Affection Level + 1, Wealth + $5,000, Attribute Points + 5. ]