On my way home, I stopped by one of the supermarkets and bought a few things Sofia liked. Even though I had been working for the past few weeks, I still hadn't managed to shake off the "unreliable big brother" image in her eyes. I was trying hard to get along with my family. Clara loved her children without making distinctions, so I never received harsh reactions from her—but that didn't apply to Sofia.
When I got home, I headed straight to my room. Sofia had complained a little when I spent my money on football boots and training clothes, but since it was my own money, she didn't push the issue further. When I first started working, she thought I would change. But once she saw me spending what I earned on these things, she seemed to give up on me again.
After taking a shower and putting on my casual clothes, I saw Sofia sitting in front of the TV, watching something. I called out to her:
"I bought you a few things from the store," I said.
She turned to me with a strange expression.
"What nonsense are you talking about now?" she muttered.
The previous Ryan had been irresponsible and careless, never showing Sofia any genuine kindness.
I walked closer and said,
"I've been working for weeks but haven't really gotten you anything. These are snacks you like—I picked them up on the way home. If you need anything, you can just tell me."
I placed the items next to her.
Sofia first reacted with surprise. Then a sly smile formed on her face.
"I don't know why you're doing this, but I won't refuse. And if I ask for expensive stuff later, don't forget you said this."
She let out a soft, mischievous laugh.
Knowing Sofia's straightforward and cheeky personality, I had expected something like this. I smiled back.
"I won't forget. If I can afford it, I'll get it," I replied.
Her brief look of surprise lingered for a moment, then I returned to my room.
I opened the system and saw that I had 2,626 points. After adding one point to stamina and one to endurance, a message popped up:
• You've reached Level 11 and earned 400 points.
I earned fewer points than I did at Level 10—likely because Level 10 was some kind of threshold. I added another point to stamina, which would help me get tired less during daily work and training.
RYAN MILLER (Level 11)
• Agility: 11
• Strength: 11
• Stamina: 12
• Endurance: 11
My stats were improving steadily. At this pace, I could level up several more times soon.
When dinner time came, I sat down with Clara and Sofia. Sofia kept eyeing me in a strange way, clearly trying to make sense of my behavior today.
After dinner, I glanced at whatever was on the TV, then went to my room and lay down, exhausted from the day. Until Thursday, I would just stick to my daily routine. And when Thursday arrived, I hoped I would finally lear
n that I had been chosen by the club.
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