You need to pay more!

“What even is this weird phrase?” Lin Yuxuan muttered, staring at the simulator’s text in disbelief.

[Once you’ve chosen your ideal mother, the one you currently have becomes… unnecessary. Harsh as it sounds, her behavior has become increasingly extreme.]

[After suffering setbacks in her own career—rival singers undermining her—she’s poured all her hopes and frustrations onto you.]

[Your academic load grows heavier. You’re forced into vocal and dance training. Your voice turns hoarse. Your delicate feet slightly deform from over-practice. You cry and beg to stop—but your mother ignores your pain.]

[At night, she whispers into your ear like a cursed incantation:
“You are my daughter. You *will* become the greatest singer. You will be the best.”]

[Under this relentless “tiger mom” pressure, your mind snaps.
Your thoughts grow twisted, obsessive.
You become an emotionless monster—unable to connect with peers, more isolated than ever.]

[All you’ve endured only sharpens the idea in your heart.
In the darkness, it’s the only light guiding you.]

[You decide to discuss your “mom replacement plan” with someone. But you have no friends. Your options are limited. Who will you choose?]

A.
Discuss the “mom replacement plan” with your *current mom*

B.
Talk to your dad about replacing your mom

C.
Ask the red-haired lady downstairs for advice

“This is a trap no matter what!
Option A? Asking Mom to help me replace her? That’s suicide!
Option B? Dad’s barely been mentioned—no idea how that’d go.
Option C? Asking Mu Xia to be my mom… sounds impossible… but maybe not?”

“No point overthinking. I’ll go with C—the only one that even *might* work.”

[You chose Option C.]

[In your childish innocence, you confide in the red-haired lady downstairs, pouring out your admiration and asking her to become your new mother. She laughs, humoring you—thinking it’s just a cute kid’s fantasy. She finds you adorable, but doesn’t take it seriously.]

[But somehow, your real mom finds out.]

[She is furious. She can’t accept her “perfect daughter” doing something so shameful.]

[You are beaten severely.]

“Wait… what?! So none of the options were safe? There was no right choice?!”

[Your mother shows no mercy. Even your father couldn’t stop her.]

[Later, your father apologizes. He admits he hates your mom’s methods—but as a henpecked husband, he’s too afraid to stand up to her. He says he also wants to replace your mom. And frankly? He’s impressed you had the guts to go straight to Mu Xia and ask her to be your mom. “You’re a real badass,” he says.]

“Wait a second—was the real correct choice B all along?! Why didn’t you say that earlier?! I just got beaten for nothing?!”

“And even Dad wants to replace Mom? Are you telling me the ‘me’ in this sim and Dad are actually blood-related?!”

[Your father tells you he can’t make Mu Xia your mom—she’s married. He doesn’t want her husband to kill him. But he can find you a young stepmother—someone kind to both you and him.]

[You nod, though your heart is conflicted.
You want Mu Xia as your mom…
but you don’t want her to marry Dad.
You want her to belong only to you.
(“Greed” trait activates—your possessiveness intensifies.)
This situation… is actually perfect.]

[As long as current Mom is gone, you don’t really care who replaces her.
As for Mu Xia?
Just knowing she exists, watching her from afar… brings you joy.
This is better.]

[Just then, your mother walks in, interrupting your talk.
She demands to know what you’re discussing.]

[Your dad quickly says: “She’s not happy with her old dance teacher. The woman’s boring, no energy. I want to hire a younger, more dynamic instructor.”]

[You catch on instantly—nodding eagerly in agreement.]

[Your mom doesn’t suspect a thing.
She thinks the beating finally “fixed” you.
She’s proud of your sudden obedience—and immediately approves the change.]

[Your new dance teacher arrives quickly—a young, beautiful dancer.
She’s gentle and patient with you.
And your dad? He really likes her.]

[She doesn’t just teach you.
When Mom’s away, she “teaches” your dad too.
In fact, she spends *more* time “dancing” with him than with you.]

[You endure it.
Because your dad tells you:
“From now on, you don’t have to practice during dance class. You can play. And you can skip tutoring if you want—I’ll cover for you.”]

[You’re grateful—but still confused.
You ask, “Dad… is cheating on Mom and ‘dancing’ with the teacher… kind of like being a bad guy?”]

[He doesn’t get angry.
He gently pats your head and says,
“If you can attract multiple women, it means you’re charismatic. It means you’re capable. That’s not wrong. In fact, if no woman wanted you… that would be something to be ashamed of~”]

[Young you nods, confused but convinced.
“Dad wouldn’t lie to me, right?”
(“Basic Agent Training” activates—your perfect memory etches this moment into your mind.)]

“Wait, what?! Stop memorizing everything! Forget that toxic nonsense already!”

Yuxuan was speechless.
Every time the simulation reached a messed-up moment, her character’s memory just happened to be flawless.

****

[Over time, the dance teacher’s visits became an unspoken family secret.
She brought you gifts—snacks, toys.
You liked her.
But you also felt guilty.]

[After all, Mom was still your real mom.
Deceiving her felt… wrong.
Inside your heart, it was like a metal tetrahedron—its sharp edges scraping against your conscience, causing constant pain.]

[As a child, you couldn’t understand it.
But this was guilt.
Even you had a basic sense of morality. A line you couldn’t cross.]

“Even me?!” Yuxuan huffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?! Like I’m some kind of monster?!”

And seriously—where did this simulator even pull this scenario from?!
Why is it so messed up?!

****

[The dance teacher notices your inner turmoil.
Afraid you’ll expose her, she showers you with affection—and buys you the latest *Ren Hell Switch* handheld console.]

[For the first time in ages, you smile.]

[In that moment, your guilt vanishes.
You realize: morality has flexibility.
You’re not rigid.
Not everything has to be black and white.]

[And you learn a powerful lesson:
No problem can’t be solved with money.
If one payment doesn’t fix it…
then clearly—
you just didn’t pay enough.]

Yuxuan: ?!?!
“…Are you kidding me?!”