[Affection from Emily: +10]
[Total Affection: 71/100]
Damn, this "hard and soft" tactic really works, Max thought.
He didn't give Emily time to overthink. He gently guided her to the sofa and picked up the microphone.
Before Emily could process what was happening, Max's voice filled the room, dissolving the thick awkwardness.
"As expected, black hair turns to snow by dawn, success and failure vanish with a turn of the head."
Max wasn't a professional, but his voice was steady and pleasant enough to listen to.
Emily didn't focus on the music. She sat there in a daze, her eyes fixed on Max as if seeing him for the first time.
The more she looked, the more she felt a strange warmth. She realized she had judged a noble man with a petty mind.
Max really just wanted to be here and sing. The realization hit her like a physical weight.
She felt a surge of guilt. Her face burned with shame when she remembered her earlier defensive actions.
She had misunderstood him, yelled at him, and thought the worst. Yet, he remained incredibly patient and kind.
Is this what love feels like? she wondered. Max had been gentle only with her, despite her constant suspicion.
[Affection from Emily: +5] [Total Affection: 76/100]
Max saw the notification and smirked inwardly. Maybe I missed my calling. Should I debut as a singer tomorrow?
As the song ended, Max turned toward Emily, waiting for her reaction with an expectant look.
"That was beautiful," Emily whispered. "It felt like I found a light in the dark while listening to you."
Her face was flushed from the alcohol, and her apologetic smile made her look breathtakingly vulnerable.
She stood up slowly and reached out for the microphone like a shy, innocent rabbit.
This was the peak of natural charm. Not a calculated performance, but a raw, pure sweetness that was impossible to resist.
Max handed her the mic and leaned back on the sofa, clapping his hands to encourage her.
She began to sing. Her voice was angelic, hitting every note with a natural, haunting grace.
Max listened intently, not missing a single detail. He wasn't just enjoying the music; he was looking for the perfect compliment.
He had been a "backup tire" for Ava for years. His skills at flattering women were polished to a mirror finish.
As the melody faded, Emily looked at him timidly.
"The part where your voice rose... about being a lost soul in a sunless land... it gave me chills."
"It felt like I was at a live concert watching a real star," Max added, his tone sincere.
He knew how to praise. Amateurs give vague compliments. Professionals point out specific moments and explain why they mattered.
Emily laughed softly, waving her hand dismissively, though her eyes sparkled with genuine joy.
"Oh, stop! You're such a sweet-talker. Even I don't believe that!"
[Affection from Emily: +3] [Total Affection: 79/100]
Women are truly mysterious, Max mused. He didn't push her to drink more. He didn't want to use threats anymore.
He wanted her total, voluntary surrender. That was where the true satisfaction of the hunt lay.
"I'm starting to feel a bit tired. Shall we head out for some air?"
"Of course," she replied instantly.
When they stepped outside, the night was deep and cold. They had been inside so long they had lost track of time.
The street was mostly deserted, save for a few homeless people huddled on the freezing pavement.
"That's the one in the photo!" a harsh voice suddenly barked, shattering the silence.
A man with a patch over one eye and a bare, scarred chest stood under a flickering street lamp.
A White Tiger gang tattoo was etched across his torso. Behind him stood half a dozen thugs wielding pipes and bats.
Max immediately assumed the man he had beaten earlier had sent reinforcements.
The thugs glared at Max with hatred. Some, however, let their eyes linger on Emily with a sickening, predatory lust.
At least they don't have guns, Max thought calmly. If I died here, I'd be an embarrassment to all system users.
Suddenly, Emily stepped in front of him. Her body was shaking, but she stood her ground.
"Please, don't involve innocent people!" she cried out. "He has nothing to do with this. I'll pay what I owe this week!"
"Listen to this brat!" the one-eyed man laughed. "A poor student like you getting that kind of cash? No way."
"We'll spare your pretty boy, but only if you become a 'vessel' for me and my brothers tonight."
Emily flinched and retreated a step, but she didn't move away from Max. She felt she owed him this protection.
Max stood behind her, a look of pure confusion on his face. Wait... what?
He realized there had been a massive misunderstanding. These guys weren't here for him at all.
They were here for Emily. She must have borrowed money from these sharks to pay for her father's initial costs.
A slow, wicked grin began to form on Max's face.
I was worried about how to get that last bit of affection, he thought. And here you are, the masters of assists.
I really should thank you for this perfect set-up.