Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

Chapter 7: Chapter 7



"It's not impossible," Lucas thought. "Even though it costs ten million mora, the money I'm spending here is what I've earned in the simulator, and I'll get to enjoy it myself using the 'immersive mode.' This is a win-win situation." 

However, would this truly count as revenge?

To be honest, this would only be humiliating Barbara by throwing money at her. The perfect revenge should involve leading her step by step into an inescapable abyss, making her completely fall into ruin and become a mere tool for his amusement...

[You're getting quite skilled at this, aren't you?] the system commented sarcastically.

"This is just a simulation," Lucas, now used to playing the villain in the simulator, replied calmly. "I've come to realize that as long as I can separate the simulation from reality, I won't be affected by evil thoughts. It's better to go all in rather than to hesitate inside the simulator."

Exactly, everything in the simulator was fake! It was merely the system's way of trying to corrupt him.

---

[You smiled and said, "I can make you a popular idol. You don't want to see your sister withering away, do you?" Barbara hesitated for a moment but ultimately rejected your offer.]

[You could tell she didn't trust you, which you had expected. You handed her a business card, telling her to contact you if she changed her mind.]

[Soon after, you organized a free idol concert in Mondstadt's main square, inviting the most popular idol group from your agency. The energy and joy from the performance brought new life to the city, which had been scarred by recent calamities. For the first time in a while, smiles returned to people's faces.]

[Among the audience, you spotted Barbara with a telescope. Her eyes were filled with admiration and longing. You knew your plan was halfway complete.]

---

[Age 25: You held several more idol concerts, this time ticketed, and they all sold out. The concept of "idols" soon took hold in Mondstadt.]

[Seizing the opportunity, your agency launched an idol talent search in Mondstadt, with tens of thousands of applicants vying for a spot.]

[The selection process had two stages: a preliminary round and an interview. The pass rate for the preliminary round was less than 1%, with only about a thousand applicants making it through.]

[You know from your years in the industry that the path to becoming a successful idol is paved with the failed dreams of countless hopefuls.]

[Sure enough, Barbara Gunnhildr's name appeared on the list of successful candidates. While you could have used your influence to guarantee her success in the final interview, you chose not to.]

[You believed in your judgment—even if this was revenge, you could still recognize that Barbara had the potential to become a top idol.]

[Only 7% of those who made it to the interview passed to the next stage, which took place across eight different groups. As expected, Barbara passed her interview effortlessly.]

[In the end, only 98 applicants passed the interview. After three months of intensive training, only 30 remained for the final assessment—and you were the final examiner.]

[As the creator of the "idol" phenomenon, you were known for your strict standards and exceptional ability to create stars. Many of the hopefuls left your office in tears, and next up was Barbara.]

---

"Enter immersive mode."

---

[Successfully entered immersive mode.]

Lucas was now fully accustomed to immersive mode, easily distinguishing between reality and the simulation.

The office door softly clicked shut, and in front of him stood a blonde girl of around eighteen. She wore an idol costume reminiscent of a nun's attire, giving her a pure and innocent appearance. Her white thigh-high socks only added to her charm.

Becoming an idol wasn't just about having beauty or talent; it was about having a quality that made fans feel connected, a certain approachable allure. Barbara possessed this naturally, without the need for training.

---

"You came after all," Lucas smiled. "Why didn't you contact me directly? You know I could've saved you a lot of trouble."

"I... I didn't want to take shortcuts," Barbara replied, her expression conflicted. After all, the harsh mockery from her childhood had left her with a lingering resentment toward Lucas.

"That's the right choice. If you had tried to take shortcuts, I would've eliminated you without hesitation," Lucas replied, sizing her up, causing Barbara to fidget nervously. "So, why do you want to become an idol?"

"First, I need money. The family's finances are stretched thin, barely enough to keep my sister alive. We need a large sum of mora to wake her from her coma," Barbara said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Second, since Stormterror's attack, the city has been filled with gloom. I want to bring joy to the people again with my voice. If I become an idol, I can lift their spirits."

Lucas clapped slowly and smiled. "Well said. It seems you've already grasped the essence of being an idol."

"The essence of being an idol?" Barbara repeated, looking puzzled. "What... what is it?"

"It's deception, my dear nun," Lucas said nonchalantly. "The essence of an idol is to craft a perfect lie, to create a persona that everyone will adore."

"But... I wasn't lying! I meant what I said!" Barbara protested. "Those were my true feelings."

"It doesn't matter whether it's the truth or a lie," Lucas shook his head. "What matters is achieving your goal. The idol gains fame, the fans get their joy, and I get my mora. As long as everyone wins, who cares if it's all built on lies?"

"I... I can't accept that!" Barbara, in her innocence, couldn't wrap her mind around such a perspective. To her, the idols on stage were radiant and pure. "Is that what being an idol really means?"

"Oh?" Lucas shrugged. "Alright then, tell me, who's your favorite idol?"

"Alice from 'Slime Marshmallow,'" Barbara replied hesitantly. "She's so cute, playing with slimes, isn't she?"

"Ah, her... A fantastic actress," Lucas smirked. "But in reality, she hates slimes. She gets hives all over her body whenever she touches them. She complains to me about it all the time."

"W-What?" Barbara gasped, shaking her head. "But... but what about Ayase Sakura from 'Good Morning Cat'? Her love for food can't be fake, right? Watching her eat makes me so happy!"

"Do you really think someone can eat that much and stay in shape?" Lucas sighed. "She's always using a purge technique. You know that glove she always wears? It's to hide the marks on her hand from making herself vomit."

Barbara's world was crumbling as she learned that everything she believed in was fake.

"It's all a lie, but it's a beautiful one," Lucas said with a sly smile. "That's why idols are such wonderful things. Smiling as they spin these perfect dreams. Barbara, do you have what it takes to do the same?"

Barbara remained silent for a moment, then, with resolve in her eyes, said, "President Lucas, I've made up my mind. I will become an idol. I'll prove to you that I can succeed without lying."

"I see your determination," Lucas replied with a grin. "In that case, let's begin the final test. Sing your best song for me."

"S-Sing?" Barbara hesitated, the confidence draining from her. 

"Just as I thought," Lucas said coldly. "I've been observing you during training. You work hard, but you have one major flaw—you can't sing solo. You only feel comfortable in a group, isn't that right?"

Blushing, Barbara nodded. "Ever since you criticized me all those years ago, I've been too scared to sing alone. But I'm fine singing in a group."

"If you only sing in a group, you'll never be the star. You'll always be in the background," Lucas said bluntly. "I'm looking for a lead idol. If you can't sing solo, I'm afraid you're out."

"Wait, I-I can do it!" Barbara took a deep breath, tapping her foot to keep rhythm. She started to sing softly, "When the rain falls on your sky, that's me fighting off the clouds for you..."

The song was one that Lucas had personally composed, Let the Wind Tell You.

Despite her nerves, Barbara's natural talent shone through. Her voice was still sweet and captivating, despite the occasional note slipping.

---

"Alright," Lucas said, waving his hand. "You did it."

"Does that mean..." Barbara asked excitedly, "I passed?"

"Not so fast," Lucas grinned mischievously. "Now take off your top and sing it again."

Barbara was stunned. "What? That's too much!"

"This is nothing," Lucas replied coolly. "On stage, you'll have to face thousands of eyes. This is just to train your composure."

"C-Could that be true?" Barbara, in her naivety, almost believed him.

"Of course it's not true," Lucas said shamelessly. "I'm just seeing if you'll do what I tell you."

"But..."

Barbara didn't reject him outright. After all, becoming an idol had been her lifelong dream. And more importantly, she needed the money to heal Jean.

"I... I understand." Slowly, Barbara began to undo her collar.

As her clothes fell to the floor, so too did her shattered dignity.

Once more, Let the Wind Tell You filled the room. But this time, the cheerful song was tinged with an undercurrent of sadness.

Lucas didn't bother hiding his enjoyment of the scene unfolding before him.

His revenge plan was proceeding smoothly.

But this was only the first step in Barbara's descent. His ultimate goal was to build her up into a famous idol, only to later reveal all the dirty secrets behind her rise to fame, ruining the Gunnhildr family's reputation for good.

Barbara may have been innocent, but Lucas had no pity for her—she was just another pawn in his game.

---

[Exited immersive mode. Reentered text mode.]

---

[Barbara passed the final exam and officially joined your new idol group, Dandelion Song. The group was composed of four members, including Barbara. The leader of the group was a girl from Inazuma named "Raiden Mai" ([Puppet Master] Talent activated).]

["Raiden Mai" was actually a doll you had found in your warehouse. Strangely, you discovered that you could temporarily transfer your consciousness into this doll and control it.]

[You decided to use the doll's body to join the idol group, not only to help boost the group's popularity but also to keep a close eye on Barbara.]

[Even though you're a man, your deep understanding of the industry and mastery of singing and dancing made you a perfect idol producer. More importantly, the doll named "Raiden Mai" had an astonishingly beautiful face and body, making gaining popularity almost effortless.]

[The "Dandelion Song" group project still lacked two members. Though you had plenty of artists to choose from, this was a brand-new group, so you decided to pick fresh talents.]

[Among the candidates, a girl named Lilina caught your eye. Apart from her unpolished "clumsy girl" persona, she belonged to the rare Cat-Ear Tribe. Those adorable cat ears naturally boosted her popularity.]

[Most importantly, she was very understanding. After the audition, she left you a card with the name of a hotel and her room number.]

[That night, after preparing yourself, you went to the room Lilina had reserved. There, the two of you had a deep conversation. She didn't hold back and showed off her advantages, proving her determination to become an idol. You also experienced the incredible stamina and superhuman physicality of the Cat-Ear Tribe.]

[After this "discussion," you agreed to let Lilina join the group. It wasn't just because of her talent; it was also because she was the kind of girl who was easy to control.]

["Favoritism" wasn't a new concept in your industry. After all, there were countless beautiful and youthful girls, and to stand out, they had to pay a price.]

[Of course, you never needed to hint at anything. With your handsome appearance and unique charm, many women offered themselves willingly. You didn't see anything wrong with it, your life philosophy was all about "mutual benefit."]

[Now, with three members confirmed for the group, you needed a musician. You walked the streets of Mondstadt at night, thinking about the final member. That's when you heard a sweet melody from the tavern "Angel's Share."]

[The music was familiar. You entered the tavern and saw a handsome young boy in green, playing the lyre and singing. For some reason, he seemed familiar—almost like the wandering bard who gave you an apple when you were a child.]

[However, you quickly dismissed the thought. That happened 20 years ago, and the bard before you didn't even look 20 yet.]

[You quietly observed him from a corner. You noticed that he seemed to love drinking, though he looked short on money. Seeing an opportunity, you bought him a drink and struck up a conversation.]

---

"Enter immersive mode."

---

[Successfully entered immersive mode.]

Standing before Lucas was indeed a face so beautiful it could be mistaken for a girl's. Despite knowing he was a boy, the slight blush from the wine and the mischievous smile made him undeniably charming.

Let's get this straight: first, Lucas wasn't into men.

Second, he was just too cute.

With that voice, face, and aura, not making him an idol would be a waste!

As for his gender?

Did that even matter?

"I'm Venti, a wandering bard... hic!" the boy hiccuped, his sweet, wine-scented breath filling the air as he smiled. "I know you—Lucas, the idol producer, right?"

It wasn't surprising that Venti recognized Lucas. After all, he was somewhat of a celebrity, often featured in newspapers and magazines.

"Since you know who I am, you can probably guess why I'm talking to you," Lucas said, handing him a business card. "So, are you interested in becoming a girl idol?"

"Pfft!" 

Venti almost spat out his drink. "Wh-What? But... I'm not a girl..."

"Who says only girls can be idols?" Lucas's smile was full of subtle traps. "With my expertise, I can make you one of the most popular idols out there."

"I'd rather not," Venti said awkwardly. "Being a wandering bard suits me more."

"In reality, there's not much difference between a bard and an idol," Lucas continued to coax him. "Both sing for a living. The only difference is one performs on a small stage, the other on a big one. One earns more, the other less."

"I think you misunderstand," Venti said, now more serious. "I, Venti, am not someone who can be swayed by money."

"I happen to be on good terms with Master Diluc. This is a lifetime VIP card for free drinks at 'Angel's Share'..." Lucas placed a black and gold membership card on the table, smiling. "Too bad I don't care much for wine."

"Y'know, now that I think about it," Venti's expression suddenly turned serious, "you might have a point. Being an idol isn't so bad after all."

"You're a smart one," Lucas said, quietly slipping the membership card into Venti's hand.

"I... I do have one small request," Venti said, his face flushed. "Could I... not wear a miniskirt?"

Without skipping a beat, Lucas calmly finished his glass of Dandelion Wine, smiled, and replied:

------

"No."

[Thus, the four members of the group "Dandelion Song" were officially set: the doll with the appearance of a beautiful girl, Raiden Mai, the not-so-girl "idol" Venti, the seemingly clumsy but deeply calculating Lilina, and the only one with genuine idol dreams, Barbara.]

[Of course, before debuting, Dandelion Song needed time to practice. In addition to the group, the idol auditions had produced 30 trainees, all of whom signed contracts with you.]

[However, these girls, full of dreams, had no idea that the not-so-thin contract they signed was not just a ticket to their dreams but also a dead-end contract, tying them to you.]

[While the world knew you as a "top producer," in the industry, you had another name: "the devil producer." The idols you trained always rose to fame, but without exception, they had gone through hellish training.]

[Training sessions lasting more than ten hours a day were just the basics. To maintain their figures, you also imposed strict dietary restrictions. Under this intense regimen, some trainees quickly began expressing the desire to quit, and it was then that you revealed your fangs.]

[You informed those wanting to leave that breaking the contract would mean paying a huge penalty, which was clearly stated in the contract they had signed.]

[Seeing the despair on their faces didn't stir any emotions in you. You had a natural eye for spotting who could become a top-tier idol. In a glance, you could see whether someone had the talent.]

[But talent alone wasn't enough. Without effort, talent meant nothing. So, you used their dreams of becoming idols to make them sign those unfair contracts, forcing them to stay. And even if they insisted on leaving, the hefty breach-of-contract fees would ensure you didn't lose a dime.]

Whoa...

Doesn't that make me a full-blown ruthless capitalist?

Is the end of this simulation going to be me hanging from a streetlamp?

To be honest, while Lucas despised ruthless capitalists, playing this role came with a strange sense of satisfaction.

Certainly, Lucas's methods in the simulator were meant to push the trainees to their limits, helping them achieve their potential. But at the end of the day, his real goal was to exploit these dream-chasing girls, turning them into his money-making tools.

[While some trainees did choose to pay the penalties and quit, most came from common families and couldn't afford to leave. So, they stayed, enduring the harsh training.]

[You would occasionally join rehearsals as "Raiden Mai." For you, these practice sessions were a breeze, and the doll body you controlled never got tired.]

[As for the cross-dressing Venti, despite his laid-back attitude, no matter how intense the training got, he always seemed to handle it with ease.]

Well, of course!

Even at his worst, Venti's still a god of wind! No wonder he breezes through it!

[Lilina, being from the Cat-Ear Tribe, used her physical flexibility to her advantage—something you were already quite familiar with.]

[For Barbara, however, the training was grueling. Still, she pushed herself hard, often staying to practice even after the scheduled sessions ended.]

[You knew why she was so determined. In just a month, Dandelion Song would hold its first live concert. This performance would not only decide Barbara's future as an idol but could also provide her with enough earnings to cover her sister Jean's medical bills.]

[A few days later, Dandelion Song had their first formal rehearsal. As expected, your group stood out as the top performers among all the trainees.]

[However, after practice, you pulled Barbara aside and said to her…]

[1. "You performed really well. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me."]

[2. "You're working hard, and you're talented, but compared to the others, you still fall behind. If this continues, you might hold the group back."]

[3. "You're a huge disappointment. But if you agree to become my pet, I'll still give you a chance to perform."]

Choosing the third option would likely push Barbara to sacrifice her pride, given that for her, saving her sister Jean was more important than her own life.

But that would be too easy.

Lucas's goal wasn't just to make Barbara's body fall—it was to corrupt her soul entirely.

"I choose the second option."

[You sighed, pretending to be disappointed, and said to Barbara: "You're working hard and you're talented, but compared to the others, you're still falling behind. If this keeps up, you might end up holding the group back."]

[Your implication was clear—you were considering kicking her out of the group. Barbara fell silent at your words, not refuting them. Instead, she chose to push herself even harder in training to bridge the gap between herself and the other members.]

[Yet, when everyone else left, the exhausted Barbara broke down for the first time, crying alone in the practice room under the overwhelming pressure. And at that moment, Raiden Mai, whom you controlled, quietly entered the room.]

---

"Enter immersive mode."

---

[Successfully entered immersive mode.]

"Ah, isn't it Barbara-chan?" Lucas, in the guise of Raiden Mai, feigned concern. "What are you doing here so late?"

Raiden Mai had been designed as the quintessential center idol: energetic, friendly, and brimming with charisma. Even someone like Lilina couldn't compete with her radiance.

"M-Mai?" Barbara quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Sorry, I must've dragged down today's rehearsal."

"Nonsense! Barbara-chan's performance was absolutely perfect!" Raiden Mai gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Who said otherwise? I'm mad just thinking about it!"

"It was… it was the president," Barbara sighed. "He wasn't wrong. Compared to the rest of you, I'm just not good enough."

Indeed, to Barbara, Raiden Mai was the epitome of perfection—a shining idol whose very presence captured the stage. Even as someone sharing that stage, Barbara couldn't help but feel overshadowed by her brilliance.

"President, huh? He's just like that—don't pay him any mind!" Raiden Mai slyly shifted the blame away from her other self, smiling. "It's already late, and it's not safe for such a cute girl like you to walk home alone. How about staying at my place tonight?"

"But..." Barbara hesitated. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"

"Not at all!" Raiden Mai pulled her into a gentle hug. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Friends?

By now, Barbara had seen the realities behind the idol world. Many of the so-called "best friends" she saw on stage were simply playing a role for the audience. Offstage, they had little to no real connection.

But Raiden Mai—so perfect and radiant—considered her a real friend, and that deeply moved Barbara. "In that case… I'd be grateful," she whispered.

To make Raiden Mai feel more lifelike, Lucas had put in plenty of effort.

For instance, the backstory of a "wandering girl from Inazuma" helped smooth over any potential questions.

He even rented a nice apartment, though it was more of a storage space for the doll than a real home.

---

In the bathroom.

"Ah, it feels amazing to soak in a hot bath after a long day's work!" Raiden Mai stretched comfortably in the bathtub. "Barbara-chan, how's the water temperature?"

Although Raiden Mai was just a doll, its craftsmanship was so precise that it was indistinguishable from a human. There was no worry about it getting damaged by water.

"It's… perfect," Barbara replied, still feeling a bit shy about sharing a bath with someone else. "You're so outgoing, Mai."

"You have to overcome your weaknesses if you want to be an idol, right?" Raiden Mai chuckled. "I used to be super shy and uncoordinated. I couldn't sing at all—it was awful!"

"R-Really?" Barbara's face lit up in surprise. "Then… how did you become so amazing?"

"Well, that is my little secret," Raiden Mai said with a playful smile. "But if it's for you, Barbara-chan, I suppose I could share… just don't tell anyone, okay? Especially Lilina—she's so competitive."

"I swear by the Anemo Archon, I won't tell anyone!" Barbara promised earnestly.

Of course, she had no idea that the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, was right there with her the entire time.

"It was the president who gave me special coaching," Raiden Mai revealed. "Though his personality can be rough, when it comes to singing and dancing, he's a genius. Even the dullest block of wood can become a masterpiece in his hands. Haha, am I being too full of myself?"

"Him?" Barbara's expression darkened slightly. "Could he really do something like that without expecting anything in return?"

"It wasn't free," Raiden Mai said, shaking her head with a sly, knowing smile. "I paid him back with something of equal value."

"Equal value?" Barbara, still innocent, asked. "What do you mean?"

Raiden Mai leaned close and whispered a few words into Barbara's ear, causing her face to turn bright red.

"H-How could he make you do something like that?" Barbara stammered, flustered. "To force you into that…"

"It wasn't forced—I agreed to it," Raiden Mai corrected. "The president is handsome, talented, and, well… let's just say he's good in that department, too. Honestly, I think I got the better end of the deal!"

Lucas's acting was spot on. Even shamelessly praising himself, he didn't break character.

Barbara, meanwhile, was left speechless, the revelation clearly overwhelming her.

"Barbara-chan…" Raiden Mai asked gently, "You don't hate me for this, do you?"

"Of course not!" Barbara shook her head quickly. "Mondstadt is a city of freedom—your choices are your own."

"An idol is like a lotus," Raiden Mai mused, gazing out the window at the pond lit by the moonlight. "Even if it grows in the mud, it still shows its purest side to the world."

"I… I understand now," Barbara suddenly stood up in the bathtub, resolute. "Even if I have to stand in the mud, I can still bloom as a pure flower!"

With that, she got out of the tub. "Thank you, Mai!"

Watching Barbara leave, Raiden Mai smiled meaningfully. She closed her eyes and transferred her consciousness back to her other body.

---

Twenty minutes later.

As the doorbell rang, a luxury villa's door slowly opened.

"Who is it this late?" Lucas answered, raising an eyebrow at the visitor. "Barbara? It's quite late for a house call."

"I'm not here as a guest," Barbara said nervously. "I'm here to ask you to teach me how to be a proper idol."

"The agency's instructors are more than capable of doing that," Lucas replied, playing hard to get.

"I need your personal guidance," Barbara said, gathering her courage. "Just like… the guidance you gave Mai."

"That girl actually told you about that?" Lucas pretended to be surprised. "Well, in that case, you should also know that my 'personal lessons' come at a hefty price."

"I… I'm ready," Barbara said, clenching her fists. "Please, teach me everything."

"Of course," Lucas patted her head. She instinctively flinched but stood her ground. "What I'll teach you won't just be knowledge, you know."

Whether for her dreams or for her sister, Jean, Barbara knew… she had to make a sacrifice.

"I… I'd like to take a bath first," Barbara stammered, heart racing with regret yet knowing she had no other choice.

"Perfect," Lucas smirked. "Let's bathe together. My bath is quite spacious."

"But…" Barbara hesitated, taken aback by his directness.

"It seems you haven't fully decided," Lucas smiled. "If you want to back out now, there's still time."

"I… I won't regret this!" Barbara steeled herself, shaking her head firmly. "But… I don't know how."

"Don't worry, I'll teach you," Lucas said, walking back into the room without looking back. "Once you step into this room, there's no turning back. Think carefully."

As Barbara watched Lucas's figure retreat, her emotions were deeply conflicted.

Her memories of him stretched back a long time.

The first time she saw him was at his father's funeral, where Lucas was just a young boy with a slightly gloomy look in his eyes.

The second time was in the choir at the Church of Favonius. Little Barbara had immediately recognized him and, using the excuse of "helping with singing," tried to get to know Lucas. But all she received in return was cruel mockery.

The next time they met, it was already more than a decade later. The once lonely and withdrawn boy had transformed into a smooth and charismatic celebrity producer.

He had given Barbara hope but had also shown her the darkness.

Even though, from the very beginning, he had never truly forced her to do anything—everything had been Barbara's own choice.

And this time was no different.

Click.

Barbara's pristine little shoes made a soft sound as they stepped onto the freshly waxed, mirror-like surface of the luxurious wooden floor, leaving a small imprint behind.

"Sorry..." Barbara flinched slightly and said, "I dirtied your floor."

"Don't worry about it," Lucas turned around, gently lifting Barbara's delicate chin as he whispered, "After all, tonight, it won't just be the floor that gets dirty."

Standing so close to Lucas for the first time made Barbara feel a bit breathless.

His deep, dark eyes, the faint scent of cologne, and the firm muscles on his arms, toned from years of dance practice, all exuded a potent sense of masculinity.

It almost made Barbara believe, for a fleeting moment, that he had been waiting just for her.

For an ordinary girl, this scene would likely be the height of romance.

But Barbara knew in her heart that this was merely a transaction. The man who seemed so gentle and polite was, in reality, a wolf in sheep's clothing.

And she was the little rabbit, willingly walking into the wolf's jaws.

Lucas hadn't lied—his bathroom really was enormous. Even innocent Barbara could understand that the reason for such a large bathtub was not purely for practicality.

Of course, with Lucas's wealth, such things were trivial matters.

-----

Barbara also noticed that the brand of body wash Lucas used was the same as Raiden Mai's.

Of course, considering the connection between the two, this was hardly surprising.

Lucas casually removed his coat, as if there was no one else present.

"Huh!" 

Barbara panicked, quickly covering her eyes with her hands. However, through the gaps in her fingers, she peeked at him, unable to resist her curiosity.

The sound of water splashing followed as Lucas turned on the shower. There was no water heater in Teyvat, but using a Pyro Slime as an energy source, one could still enjoy a hot bath at any time.

As the water temperature rose, so did the heat in the air.

...

"Are you ready?" Lucas looked at the petite blonde girl standing before him. "Next, I'll teach you your first lesson... First, you need to cast off all your cloths."

The girl nodded and slowly removed all her cloths.

"Now, let's begin the fight," Lucas positioned himself, ready. "Just follow your instincts."

The pool was clear, except for the crimson that began to spread.

Barbara felt different from Shenhe and La Signora. 

Although neither had much combat experience, the latter two had more dominant personalities and would occasionally take the initiative, sometimes even surprising Lucas with daring moves that nearly forced him to surrender.

But Barbara was different. Like a helpless little animal, she had no idea what to do, remaining entirely passive and allowing Lucas to control the pace of the fight with ease.

Even so, Lucas saw a strong spirit in the girl. Despite being hit at critical moments, she gritted her teeth and held on.

The first battle didn't last long. Of course, this wasn't due to Lucas lacking stamina but rather him being considerate of Barbara's inexperience.

Lucas wasn't one to indulge in any extreme preferences. Barbara was like an uncut jade, and it would be a shame to damage something so precious.

Thanks to the industry's unwritten rules, since founding his agency, Lucas had encountered many women trying to take shortcuts. Among them, some pretended to be innocent and pure.

But their poor acting often made Lucas want to laugh. Barbara was different—her innocence and charm were genuine and unpolished.

Especially after the battle ended, her expression was like a greedy little hamster who had stuffed too many seeds and nuts into its cheeks, making them puff up.

"If you need to throw up, go ahead," Lucas patted Barbara's back gently, "You did well."

With his permission, Barbara finally opened her mouth and began to vomit. Along with the filth flowing down the drain, tears streamed down her face as well.

"So..." Barbara's face was pale as she asked, "Can we begin the idol training now?"

"Of course, I always keep my promises," Lucas nodded, "But I think you should rest first."

"I... I don't have time to rest," Barbara shook her head, "Mai, Venti, and Lilina are all so talented. I must... catch up to them."

For some reason, in that moment, Lucas saw a light in Barbara—a light he had never seen in this glamorous yet corrupt industry.

"Then you better prepare yourself," Lucas said with a devilish smile, "My special training is very rigorous."

Barbara was indeed a hard-working student. Given that the other three members weren't ordinary humans, Barbara had no choice but to push herself harder to catch up.

And she could see the progress. Raiden Mai hadn't lied to her. Lucas truly was a genius. Whether it was the dance steps she always missed or the notes she couldn't quite grasp, with just a bit of guidance from him, she quickly understood.

Perhaps because she was so focused on her improvement, Barbara didn't even notice time passing. By the time she was exhausted and close to collapsing, she saw the faint light of dawn through the window.

"President..." Barbara said, weary, "Can you... give me more guidance next time?"

"My guidance..." Lucas rubbed his chin and replied, "is paid per session."

"Paid per session?"

Barbara froze for a moment, then realized what he meant. She murmured, "So... every time there's guidance..."

"If you knew how much I usually charge for private tutoring, you wouldn't be so surprised," Lucas said nonchalantly, unfazed by Barbara's reaction, "You're cute, little nun, but not cute enough for me to work for free. However..."

"However what?" Barbara asked, furrowing her brow slightly.

"If it were your sister..." A sly smirk appeared on Lucas's lips, "That might change things..."

Slap!

The sharp sound of a slap echoed in the streets of Teyvat, just as dawn broke.

It was hard to believe that such a small body could produce so much force.

"You... you can treat me however you want," Barbara said angrily, biting her lip, "But you are not allowed to insult my sister!"

To be honest, the moment she slapped him, Barbara regretted it. Though his words had been vile, her impulsive act might earn her a severe punishment.

"I'll let this one slide since you worked so hard tonight," Lucas said, touching his burning cheek with the back of his hand, smiling, "Now go, before anyone sees an idol trainee leaving the producer's villa early in the morning. If you're caught, your career will be over."

He... let it go?

Right, I'm an idol trainee, one of his investments—property. That's why he's willing to let me off the hook.

"Goodbye, President, and... thank you for your guidance." Barbara gave him a complicated look before adding, "But you really are a complete scumbag."

It was the first time in her life that Barbara had used foul language. Even though it might go against her faith in the Anemo God, Barbatos, she had to say it.

"You clearly don't know me well," Lucas leaned against the doorframe and scoffed, "I'm much worse than you think."

Watching Barbara's retreating figure, Lucas finally rubbed his sore cheek.

Wasn't this simulator supposed to make things painless?

That slap hurt way too much!

[Sorry]

The system chimed in,

[It seems I misjudged Barbara's combat strength and didn't activate the defense measures in time.]

You did that on purpose, didn't you?

[Whistling innocently~]

Don't write out your thoughts! And that whistling is awful!

[You took that slap on purpose anyway.]

Indeed, Lucas had provoked Barbara intentionally, ensuring she would hate him.

After all, a young girl's feelings are always unpredictable. After such an intense night, if she accidentally developed feelings for him, it would ruin his plans.

This wasn't vanity on his part. Being a talented, well-off idol producer with decent looks, it wasn't hard to attract women.

[Switching to text mode.]

[After your "special guidance," Barbara's progress became much faster. Her training advanced at a remarkable pace.]

[Of course, no one else knew about the secret between you and her. After all, who would have guessed that the sweet, innocent little nun had slowly begun to change?]

[Thus, you played two roles. During the day, you were Raiden Mai, the center of "Dandelion Song," Barbara's supportive teammate and sister. At night, you returned to your real self, giving her meticulous private lessons.]

[Luckily, when your consciousness was transferred into the doll, your physical body remained in a state of rest. Otherwise, even you would have found it difficult to handle.]

[Besides her growing skills, you also noticed another change—Barbara's personality. She became more outgoing. Sometimes, during rehearsals, even you couldn't overshadow the brilliance she exuded.]

[As for the other two members, Venti seemed oblivious. The training was not difficult for him, and the compensation satisfied him.]

[For Venti, being an idol was just another job. Though at first, he resisted wearing the miniskirt, after you bribed him with Dawn Winery's century-old wine, he not only accepted the miniskirt but also welcomed stockings and tank tops.]

[His slender figure made his gender ambiguous. If it had been anyone else, they would have been exposed long ago.]

[Lilina, on the other hand, seemed to have noticed something. She frequently hinted at resuming your "deal," but you politely declined.]

[You had never engaged with Lilina because of personal desire. She was just convenient to control. While talented, she was the only replaceable member in the group. After all, there were always plenty of talented people.]

[A month later, the highly anticipated debut live performance of "Dandelion Song" took place in Mondstadt's plaza. The hard work had finally paid off, and the performance was a huge success. Songs like "Let the Wind Tell You" and "Ever-changing Alcohol" became instant hits, sweeping across Mondstadt.]

[At the final performance, you stood on stage as Raiden Mai, with Barbara by your side. Her performance had been incredible, almost overshadowing you as the center.]

[The live show was a massive success, making "Dandelion Song" explode in popularity, even making headlines in the "Steambird Gazette." The group quickly gained a large following.]

[According to post-show fan votes and analytics, Raiden Mai held the top spot, but Barbara wasn't far behind. After all, Mondstadt was her hometown, and even if she wasn't as skilled as you, her local ties gave her a significant edge.]

[True to your word, you awarded the four members a generous bonus according to their contract. Barbara immediately used her share to hire Mondstadt's best doctor to treat her sister Jean's condition.]

[You gave the group a few days off. Having heard that Jean had begun treatment, you decided to...]

[1. Visit as Raiden Mai. ]

[2. Visit as Lucas. ]

[3. Invite Barbara to your home. ]

"Let's go with the second option."

For some reason, Lucas had a feeling that this choice might trigger some significant plot development.

[A few days later, you arrived at the Gunnhildr family estate, carrying a gift, and knocked on the door.]

[Forcefully entering immersive mode.]

I knew it…

Lucas found himself standing before an impressive yet somewhat neglected estate entrance. It seemed as though it hadn't been cleaned for quite some time, with dust settling even on the statues by the gate.

As the saying goes, "To wear a crown, you must bear its weight." When the Stormterror dragon, Dvalin, ravaged Mondstadt, the Gunnhildr family, upholding their honor, had to send their elites to fight, which led to a significant loss of manpower. Even the family's heir, Jean, had been gravely injured and fallen into a coma.

In theory, Lucas no longer needed to seek revenge. If he simply waited, the Gunnhildr family would inevitably decline. 

However, that wasn't the outcome Lucas desired. Even if the Gunnhildr family fell, they could still leave behind a glorious legacy. Lucas's goal was to utterly ruin their reputation.

"Hello…?" A young boy with brown hair opened the door, looking puzzled. "Sir, who are you looking for?"

The boy seemed no older than sixteen or seventeen, with a few freckles on his face and a hint of youthful innocence.

"I'm Lucas, the president of Barbara's talent agency," Lucas said politely, inclining his head. "I've heard that Barbara's sister is recovering, so I've come to pay a visit."

"Oh! I know who you are!" the boy exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. "I attended her performance, though I could only afford the cheapest ticket. Thanks to your support, Miss Barbara was able to shine so brilliantly."

"Please come in. I'll take you to see her," the boy said as he stepped aside. "I'm a servant here. You can call me Kent."

As Lucas followed Kent into the mansion, it was clear that the inside was just as desolate as the exterior, with only a few servants in sight.

Noticing Lucas's curiosity, Kent gave a slightly embarrassed smile. "Sorry for the state of things. Since… the incident, the family's income has plummeted. We can't even afford to pay most of the staff anymore, so many had to leave."

"Oh?" Lucas responded calmly. "So, why did you stay?"

"Me…?" Kent's young face flushed slightly. "As long as I can serve Miss Barbara, I… I'm more than content."

Lucas smiled slightly. "It seems you're quite fond of Barbara."

"Well… yes," Kent stammered, before quickly shaking his head. "No, no, someone like me, a mere servant, shouldn't have such thoughts. Miss Barbara deserves a truly great man."

"Don't worry," Lucas said with a reassuring but insincere tone. "According to the rules, idols aren't allowed to date. Your Miss Barbara won't be falling in love with anyone."

"That's… that's good," Kent said, visibly relieved. His eyes sparkled with admiration. "Of course, idols shouldn't date, especially someone as perfect as Miss Barbara."

The rule that idols cannot date is well-established in the industry.

The excuse is that relationships might distract idols from their work, but the real reason is that idols thrive on fan support. If an idol starts dating, it makes fans feel betrayed, which can lead to a massive loss of followers.

"Miss Barbara is in this room," Kent said, bowing slightly. "I'll head to the kitchen to prepare lunch and notify you both when it's ready."

As Kent walked away, Lucas allowed a barely perceptible smirk to cross his face.

After knocking on the door, a familiar voice came from within. "Who is it?"

"It's me."

After a brief silence, the door was quickly opened by a visibly nervous Barbara. Without giving Lucas a chance to speak, she pulled him into the room and closed the door behind him.

Barbara's expression was complicated as she asked, "Why… why are you here?"

Perhaps due to her previous encounter with Lucas, Barbara had become much more cautious around him.

"No need to be so tense," Lucas said with a smile. "I'm just here as your producer, visiting one of my idols."

"Who… who let you in?" Barbara asked, still a bit hesitant.

"That young man, Kent," Lucas replied honestly. "He seems to have quite the fondness for you."

"Stop with those pointless jokes," Barbara shot him a glare. "Someone like me… doesn't deserve to be liked by anyone."

-----

Lucas naturally understood what Barbara meant. After her "deal" with him, she felt she had become a "tainted" girl, no longer worthy of being loved.

"You're doing that 'Versailles' thing again," Lucas chuckled as he patted Barbara's head. "Over the past few days, your fan base has grown exponentially, almost catching up to…"

"Catching up to who?" Barbara frowned.

Oops, almost let it slip!

"Catching up to the one I intended to promote the most—Raiden Mai," Lucas quickly corrected himself. "To be honest, you might just be the most popular girl in Mondstadt right now."

Despite her complicated feelings toward Lucas, hearing such praise brought a hint of pride to Barbara's face. Yes, her hard work had finally paid off. Her sister's condition was improving, and even though the cost had been great, it all seemed worth it.

"It seems your sister is recovering well," Lucas said, glancing at Jean lying in the bed. He smiled. "Her complexion looks much better than before. She really is a beauty."

"Get lost!" Barbara quickly stepped between Lucas and Jean, glaring at him with a wary expression. "Don't you dare have any improper thoughts about my sister!"

"It's just a compliment," Lucas shrugged. "Even if I wanted to do something, I prefer interactions, and an unconscious Sleeping Beauty doesn't really interest me."

"My sister will wake up!" Barbara declared firmly. "The doctor told me today that her condition is improving. As long as I keep working hard, she will recover fully."

Looking into Barbara's eyes, Lucas couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.

Ever since their "deal," Lucas had rarely seen Barbara show this kind of determined expression. 

Aside from moments like this, she only wore such a genuine, happy smile when she was on stage.

"Don't worry. Your sister will recover," Lucas said softly. "In this world, there's nothing Mora can't buy."

In the past, Barbara would have immediately argued back with the moral lessons she had learned. But after experiencing her family's decline and the coldness of the world, Barbara had come to realize that maybe that statement was true. Money had paid for her sister's treatment. Money could control people's fates. Money had even bought… her.

"Can I ask you a question?" Lucas's voice broke through Barbara's wandering thoughts. "If your sister wakes up and recovers, will you… continue being an idol?"

"I… I don't know," Barbara sighed. "I feel genuinely happy when I'm performing on stage, but… I don't want to be controlled by you anymore."

"You're right. Not just you, but all the idols under me are in my control," Lucas said, surprisingly calm. "But don't worry. As long as you can pay the contract's penalty fees, you're free to leave anytime."

Lucas didn't deny being a ruthless businessman. But, on the other hand, everything was clearly written in the contracts. The girls, lost in their dreams of fame and success, rarely paid attention to the fine print.

"I will pay back everything I owe you," Barbara said, her voice firm. "And after that, I will cut all ties with you."

"Speaking of what you owe me…" Lucas narrowed his eyes, a mischievous smile forming. "You still haven't paid me for the last 'private lesson,' have you?"

"The… the last time?" Barbara's face flushed as she recalled something. "I was too exhausted that time. You can set a date, and I'll… I'll make it up to you."

"How about… right now?"

Without waiting for an answer, Lucas reached out and placed his hand on Barbara's shoulder.

"What?" Barbara's eyes widened in shock. "How… how can you do it here? How can you…?"

How can you do this in front of my sister?

"Relax. When I came in earlier, there wasn't a soul around," Lucas said, stepping closer. "And as for your sister, she won't know a thing."

"But… but…" Barbara weakly protested, still trying to resist. She pleaded, "Can we do it somewhere else? Anywhere but here?"

"You don't have the right to bargain with me," Lucas whispered in her ear. "Keep your voice down, my little nun. This is part of the deal."

In the end, Barbara gave in.

For the first time, she was grateful her sister was completely unconscious.

Avoiding looking at her sister, Barbara failed to notice the smile creeping across Lucas's face.

He glanced at the unconscious Jean and then at the prominent portraits of the Gunnhildr family heads that adorned the wall. It felt as though they were watching him, but Lucas knew that what he was doing was trampling on the last remnants of this family's dignity.

The image of his father had long faded from his memory, but the desire for revenge only grew stronger with each passing day.

...

Kent was from the small village of Springvale, just outside Mondstadt. Most of the villagers worked as hunters, but Kent lacked the talent. While his peers could hunt boars, Kent couldn't even catch a rabbit.

On the recommendation of the hunter leader, Doolaf, Kent first worked at Diluc's stables before being sent to work at the Gunnhildr estate, where he found a job tending the gardens.

Even though the work was simple, Kent was more than satisfied. The pay was good, and most importantly, he occasionally got to see the angelic second daughter of the family—Barbara.

Barbara wasn't just beautiful; she was kind and approachable, the only family member who ever greeted him. No matter how hard the day's work was, seeing her smile made Kent feel like all the fatigue had vanished.

So when he learned that Barbara's idol group was hosting a live concert, Kent didn't hesitate to spend all his savings on a ticket.

Watching Barbara shine on stage, Kent made up his mind. No matter how hard he had to work for the rest of his life, he would stay with the Gunnhildr family just to catch glimpses of her smile.

Now, lunch was ready, and Kent stood outside Jean's room, lightly knocking on the door. "Miss Barbara, Mr. Lucas, lunch is ready. You can come eat now."

There was no reply, only a faint sound of movement inside.

Must be the wind blowing through the window, Kent thought to himself. I should fix that loose window later.

"Miss Barbara?" Kent called again.

"I heard you…" Barbara's voice came from inside. "You go ahead. I'll be right there."

"But…" Kent hesitated, concerned. "If we wait too long, the food might get cold. Whatever you're discussing, it can wait until after you eat."

Barbara's stomach had always been sensitive. It wouldn't be good for her to eat cold food.

"It's fine," Lucas's voice replied from inside. "We'll be there together, right, Barbara?"

"Mm…" Barbara's voice sounded soft and faint. "I'll be right there."

A long silence followed.

Kent felt a bit uneasy. Something seemed off about the way Barbara had spoken, but he couldn't quite pinpoint why. 

He knew the door wasn't locked, but as a servant, he didn't dare to open it without permission.

Finally, the door slowly opened, and Barbara stepped out, her face slightly flushed for some reason.

Naive Kent didn't realize what had just transpired in the room. Concerned, he asked, "Miss Barbara, are you feeling unwell? You look a little flushed. Do you have a fever or something?"

"Don't worry," Lucas appeared behind Barbara, smiling. "I know Barbara's body very well. She's fine… perfectly fine."

Lucas's acting was undeniably top-notch. Although his special ability was called "You're Too Beautiful, Chicken", his acting skills far surpassed a certain kun.

To Kent, Lucas seemed like a considerate, graceful, and charismatic producer. But Barbara knew all too well that it was just a façade. If she were to describe him with the harshest words she could think of, they still wouldn't do him justice.

"Let's go eat," Lucas patted his stomach with a smile. "After some intense exercise, I always get hungry."

"Intense exercise?" Kent asked innocently. "Did you exercise earlier, Mr. Lucas?"

As soon as Kent asked, Barbara's face turned a few shades redder. She struggled to think of an explanation, but Lucas casually nodded and replied, "Before I came here, I went horse riding for a bit at Mr. Diluc's stables."

"Mr.Diluc's stables?" Kent's face lit up with excitement. "I used to work there! Which horse did you ride?"

"Let me think..." Lucas made a show of stroking his chin thoughtfully. "It was a beautiful little white horse with golden hair and the most mesmerizing blue eyes."

"Golden hair and blue eyes?" Kent tilted his head, confused. "I don't remember any horse like that."

"It must've been a recent arrival," Lucas said, smoothly running his hand down Barbara's back. "She looked quite tame, but in reality, she's quite wild. I've tried for a while, but I still haven't fully broken her in."

Barbara caught the hidden meaning behind Lucas's words but couldn't find the right way to respond. She could only bite her lip in frustration as her face grew redder, like she was about to burst.

"Breaking in a horse takes skill," Kent continued, seemingly unaware of the subtext. "You need to get close to the horse, give her regular baths, take her for walks, and make sure to keep a leash on her, of course."

"Bathing and walking her, huh?" Lucas looked at Barbara with a mischievous grin. "Sounds like a good plan."

Ugh, this guy—he's talking about horses, but in his mind, it's clearly about…

Barbara puffed her cheeks in frustration, though Kent remained oblivious. He continued on, "But being too gentle isn't always good. If the horse misbehaves, you've got to use the whip to get her in line."

"Kent!" Barbara shouted suddenly. "Enough about horses. I'm hungry—let's eat!"

"S-Sure!" Kent jumped, surprised by Barbara's outburst. It was the first time he'd ever seen her so upset.

Strange, he thought. Did I say something wrong to anger her?

Lucas followed the two out of the room, but before closing the door, he cast a meaningful glance at the still-unconscious Jean. "Keep sleeping, my Sleeping Beauty," he murmured. "It's not yet time for you to wake up."

Lunch was a far cry from anything lavish, yet Lucas didn't utter a word of complaint. In fact, he seemed to relish the simple meal.

Barbara had likely spent all her earnings on her sister's treatment, leaving little to cover household expenses.

After the meal, Lucas didn't linger. He left the estate, but instead of heading home, he rounded a corner. Waiting for him there was a woman dressed in white, as if she had been expecting him.

If Barbara had seen this woman, she would have been shocked—because standing there was none other than Florence, the renowned doctor treating her sister.

"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Florence," Lucas said, bowing slightly. "What's the current status of Captain Jean's condition?"

"To be honest, it's not good," Florence sighed. "With my skills alone, it'll be very difficult to save her."

Lucas's brow furrowed. "So, she's going to die?"

"Not necessarily. While there are very few ways to save her, there are plenty of methods to keep her from dying," Florence replied, narrowing her eyes.

"That's all I need," Lucas exhaled in relief. "No matter what method, make sure to keep Jean alive."

"Mr. Lucas, if I may speak frankly, from a medical perspective, this is pointless," Florence said. "Even if we keep her alive, she won't regain consciousness. She'll be no different from the dead. Maintaining her life will also require a large amount of Mora. Given the Gunnhildr family's current financial state, I doubt they'll be able to afford it."

"Just charge a symbolic fee for the treatment—not too much, but not too little either," Lucas said as he handed Florence a check. "I'll cover the rest of the expenses."

"I don't know why you're doing this, but money is money, after all," Florence accepted the check. "If you're willing to pay, then why not?"

Lucas wasn't acting out of kindness. He knew Jean was Barbara's only emotional support. If Jean were to die, Barbara's resolve would crumble, and she wouldn't be able to continue as an idol.

---

[Age 26: The popularity of the "Dandelion Song" idol group exploded, surpassing previous idols and solidifying their place in the industry.]

There was little left that Lucas could teach Barbara, but he had many ways to keep her by his side. He realized he was starting to feel dependent on the little nun.

Whether it was in his villa, the Gunnhildr estate, the quiet dance studio late at night, or even the dressing room before a show—any place could become their battleground.

One minute, Barbara might be exhausted from backstage battles; the next, she would be on stage, full of energy, giving a powerful performance.

Watching her energetically sing and dance on stage, while carefully hiding the "knowledge" he had taught her, gave Lucas an unprecedented thrill. 

Barbara had become the face of Mondstadt's idol scene, and her infectious voice was rekindling the spirit of a city once left in despair by the dragon disaster.

But if her fans knew about her "little secrets," what would they think?

Yes, it was time to "reel in the net." Barbara's popularity had reached its peak. If her scandals were exposed now, it would be the final blow to both her and the Gunnhildr family.

But Lucas hesitated. It wasn't because he had grown soft. No, the truth was that Barbara's career had brought enormous profits to his agency.

On top of that, after experiencing Barbara, other women began to lose their appeal.

There was something strange about the male desire for conquest. Barbara's beauty, body, and abilities weren't the best Lucas had ever encountered, but seeing this once-innocent idol, adored by millions, submit to him gave him unparalleled satisfaction.

So, he decided to let Barbara "grow" a little longer. When the time was right, he would destroy her completely.

For now, he maintained his vigilance. By using the identity of Raiden Mai, he stayed close to Barbara, both to observe her and to extract her innermost thoughts.

---

[Age 27: Maybe it was because Raiden Mai was slightly older than Barbara, or maybe it was their time spent together, but Barbara began to see Raiden as a trusted confidant, like a sister. ]

[Initially, their interactions were limited to things like shopping and eating together.]

[But gradually, their closeness deepened, to the point where Barbara would now bathe with Raiden and even sleep in the same bed.]

[Lucas didn't think much of it. After all, as long as he and Raiden Mai didn't appear together, there was no issue. Whether it was Barbara clinging to one body or the other, it made no difference to him.]

[That evening, after their rehearsal, Barbara used the excuse of "it's too late" to once again stay in Raiden Mai's room.]

---

[Entering Immersive Mode]

Huh?

-----

Before Lucas could even process what was happening, the scene shifted, and he found himself in Raiden Mai's bedroom.

He was lying on the bed, and Barbara, fresh out of the bath and wrapped in a towel, slowly walked into the room.

In the two years that had passed, though Barbara's public persona had remained unchanged, her appearance and figure had matured considerably. Her golden hair cascaded down, and her once-childish features had become much more refined.

He had to admit—Barbara and Jean were indeed sisters.

In the game, the difference in their ages and outfits made the two seem quite distinct. But now, as Barbara stood before him, Lucas could clearly see the resemblance to Jean, especially in a certain... striking feature they shared, emblematic of the Gunnhildr family.

Lucas was confident that when their mother gave birth to the two sisters, both were certainly delivered naturally.

"Mai," Barbara smiled softly as her towel slipped down. "What do you think of my new outfit?"

Raiden Mai was taken aback. Beneath the towel was a mature ensemble, a stark contrast to Barbara's usual innocent idol image, yet it exuded a strange allure.

"It looks... pretty good, Barbara," Raiden Mai responded awkwardly, nodding. "Why the sudden change in style?"

"This is for the President," Barbara said without hesitation. "Do you think he'll like it?"

For me? Lucas thought, surprised. Barbara's trying to please me?

He had always assumed that Barbara's "compliance" up until now was merely an act.

"The President already likes you a lot," Raiden Mai smiled uneasily. "Whether it's as an idol or... something else, you're his number one."

"That's not enough," Barbara said, sitting gracefully on the bed, her eyes dark and serious. "I want to be the only one in his eyes. So, Mai, will you help me practice?"

"Practice? Practice what?" Raiden Mai had a sinking feeling about this.

"Practice making sure the President can't leave me," Barbara said earnestly. "Mai, you're experienced, aren't you?"

Well, as a man, yes, that's true, Lucas thought.

"For a girl, that's not exactly a compliment," Raiden Mai replied helplessly. "Even if you say that, I'm still a girl. How could I help you practice?"

"It's okay. I... bought some things in private," Barbara gestured to a bulging bag in the corner of the room. "Mai, only you can help me."

Raiden Mai hesitated for a moment, but then, thinking that Barbara's "training" would ultimately benefit him, he reluctantly agreed. "Alright, since... we're best friends."

And so, Raiden Mai had no choice but to become Barbara's "practice dummy."

Technically, as a "doll," Raiden Mai shouldn't have felt anything at all, but the sensations were surprisingly real throughout the process.

As a doll, Raiden Mai experienced sensation through the feedback of his consciousness. In essence, because the doll had fingers, his mind generated a sense of touch. Because the doll had eyes, his mind produced sight.

So, when additional "attachments" were added to the doll, the consciousness automatically "installed drivers" that adapted and created corresponding sensations.

Hours later.

"Thank you so much, Mai," Barbara lay beside Raiden Mai, full of gratitude. "You were so cooperative; it was like... it was real."

No kidding—it was real!

"R-Right..." Raiden Mai sighed, exhausted. "After all, an idol's primary job is to perform. And besides, we're... best friends."

"Good thing you've cut ties with the President," Barbara said with a serene, angelic smile, her eyes narrowing. "Otherwise... even if you were Mai, I wouldn't let you off."

For some reason, Barbara's angelic smile sent a shiver down Raiden Mai's spine.

Over the past two years, Barbara had changed in ways that even she might not have noticed.

On stage, she was still the bright, innocent 18-year-old nun idol. But in reality, her once-pure soul had long since been stained with colors that Lucas had painted upon her.

---

[The popularity of "Dandelion Song" continued to soar. Not only that, but Raiden Mai, who had initially held the center position, now shared that spotlight with Barbara.]

[Oddly enough, Venti, who never cared about fame, was also rapidly gaining popularity, especially among female fans, which was quite different from Barbara and Raiden Mai, whose fanbases were predominantly male.]

[Meanwhile, Lilina's popularity remained lukewarm. Though her "clumsy cat-girl" persona attracted some attention, many felt her performance was too rehearsed. Additionally, some old scandals had resurfaced, and compared to the other three members, any small advantage she once had had completely disappeared.]

[In an effort to further expand the influence of "Dandelion Song," Lucas announced plans for a major idol festival in Mondstadt in two months. The festival would invite several high-profile idol groups and donate all proceeds to the city's reconstruction efforts.]

[Lilina approached you afterward, pleading for a chance to shine during the festival. "I know you're pushing Barbara right now," she said, "but considering the time we've spent together, please... give me a shot!"]

[To you, Lilina was already a pawn that had outlived its usefulness. Faced with her desperate request, your response was...]

[1. "Sorry, the company doesn't have any extra resources to waste."]

[2. "'We'? Who's 'we'? If you want something, fight for it."]

[3. "You? Compete with Barbara? You must be joking."]

In the past, the choices always left some room for negotiation. But this time, none of the options offered Lilina a way out.

"Let's go with the second one."

[You sneered and said, "'We'? Who's 'we'? If you want something, go fight for it." You noticed the hatred in Lilina's eyes, but it didn't bother you in the least. You had dealt with countless women in similar situations, and you had never left behind any evidence.]

[You thought Lilina's issue had been settled, but one day, after you finished your daily rehearsal as Raiden Mai, Barbara approached you with a recording device in hand, asking you to help her record something.]

"Enter Immersive Mode."

Lucas, suspicious of what was happening, immediately activated Immersive Mode.

[Entered Immersive Mode]

As Raiden Mai, you now held a delicate recording device, hidden behind a wall, watching Barbara in the practice room. It seemed like she was waiting for someone.

Sure enough, after a while, the door opened, and Lilina entered.

You were shocked—Barbara had been waiting for Lilina?

Though they were in the same group, their relationship was distant at best. Even though they acted friendly on stage, the two rarely interacted in real life.

"Hello, Lilina," Barbara greeted her warmly, as she always did. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Hmph..." Lilina scoffed. "There's no need to pretend here. No one else is around."

Barbara shook her head, looking hurt. "I don't understand what you mean..."

"Let me make this clear—I know everything about you and Lucas," Lilina said, her cute face now twisted with anger. "If you don't want me to spill your secrets, you'll..."

"...Obey your every word, right?"

Unexpectedly, Barbara remained calm. It was as if she had taken off a mask. She smiled and said, "Lilina, it seems you still don't understand why you've fallen so far out of favor."

"No… no one cares…" Lilina trembled with anger, muttering, "You're just a bit more popular than me…"

"It's not just a little, it's at least fifty to sixty times more," Barbara continued her mocking, "A woman as talentless, ugly, and old as you can't compare to the cute and lovely Barbara."

Hidden nearby, Raiden Mai couldn't help but feel shocked.

Since when had Barbara become so harsh? Not only that, but she said those cruel words with the same gentle smile, as if she were just having a casual conversation with a teammate.

"You little—!" Lilina, enraged, couldn't hold back anymore and slapped Barbara across the face. "If that's the case, I'll ruin that pretty face of yours!"

Barbara's delicate body crumpled to the ground, and in her fury, Lilina's nails left a faint scratch on Barbara's smooth cheek.

Raiden Mai momentarily forgot about the recording still running and immediately rushed out to help Barbara up, asking, "Barbara, are you alright?"

Damn!

An idol's face was one of their most important assets!

Luckily, the injury wasn't too severe. Otherwise, it might have affected the upcoming idol festival in two months.

The sudden appearance of Raiden Mai shocked Lilina, who exclaimed, "You… what are you doing here?"

"I asked Mai to be here," Barbara calmly wiped the scratch on her face and smiled. "You recorded everything, right?"

"Yes…" Raiden Mai pulled out the recording device. "Every bit of it."

Realizing what had happened, Lilina's face twisted in disbelief. "Barbara, you… you set me up!"

How could she have known that the seemingly innocent and naive Barbara, who always appeared to lack any scheming nature, had laid a trap for her?

"I'm just protecting myself," Barbara said coldly. "Lilina dear, ready to say goodbye to your idol career?"

Barbara's transformation was so unbelievable that even Raiden Mai, watching from the side, felt conflicted.

Was she still the Barbara he once knew?

---

[A few days later, photos of Lilina slapping Barbara and injuring her face were plastered across various newspapers and magazines. Lilina quickly lost a massive number of fans. If Teyvat had social media, she would have been torn apart by online trolls.]

[Although you knew the truth, you didn't defend Lilina. Instead, you took advantage of the situation to officially kick her out of the group, citing "damaging the company's image" and fining her a hefty breach of contract fee.]

[Over the past two years, aside from "Dandelion Song," your agency had successfully launched several other idol groups. Of course, their success was built on the "corpses" of countless dream-chasing girls.]

[Those who hadn't yet gained fame barely survived on small stipends. And if they tried to break their contracts, they would face massive penalties. Even the more well-known idols weren't much better off; despite their glamorous appearances, their share of the profits was pitiful.]

[To you, the idols dazzling on stage were merely tools for accumulating wealth. You had become the "king" of the industry, your fortune rivaling even Ningguang, the Tianquan of Liyue.]

[Achievement: Billionaire]

[Talent Unlocked: Capitalist]

[Effect: You can purchase any "commercial establishment" and turn it into your asset. The system will automatically estimate the value, and you only need to pay 80% of the price. However, any purchased establishment cannot be resold for one year.]

Well, it seems I've really become a capitalist.

Being able to buy properties at an 80% price is tempting, though since they can't be resold for a year, flipping them for profit might not work. It seems like it's best to focus on profitable businesses first.

Maybe I should buy Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue or the Good Hunter in Mondstadt?

Or, just like in the simulation, I could start an idol agency?

The idea was good, but even with the discount, Lucas didn't have enough money for such big purchases yet. For now, earning more money would be a priority.

---

[Age 28: The idol festival was held as scheduled on New Year's Day, attracting countless high-profile idol groups to Mondstadt. You knew that if this festival concluded successfully, your career would reach its peak.]

[Perhaps due to your excitement, just before "Dandelion Song" was set to perform, you summoned Barbara backstage for a last-minute "coaching session."]

"Enter Immersive Mode."

[Immersive Mode Activated.]

For some reason, during this session, Barbara seemed more serious and driven than ever before. In her eyes, you could see a mix of emotions—hatred, regret, reluctance…

After it ended, you lit a cigarette as usual. In reality, you couldn't stand the smell of smoke, but in the simulation, you had become quite the smoker.

"Do your best during the performance," you smiled. "Honestly, you're the real star of today's idol festival."

"Unfortunately…" Barbara said softly, "this will be the last time."

"What?" Lucas hadn't grasped the meaning behind her words.

"I know about the deal between you and Doctor Florence," Barbara said coldly, her eyes like ice. "You've been keeping my sister alive just so you could keep me as your captive bird, isn't that right?"

"N-No! That's not it!" Lucas hastily explained. "I did make a deal with her, but only to keep your sister alive. I never told her not to heal Jean! Her condition is simply incurable…"

"I figured as much," Barbara's expression turned bitter. "Jean's never going to wake up. Rather than letting her live without dignity, it's better if she's gone. So, I stopped her medication. She passed away this morning."

Lucas's heart jolted. Before he could respond, the announcement for their performance echoed from outside.

"Don't worry," Barbara said as she walked out without looking back, "today's performance will be perfect."

Lucas had many things he wanted to say to Barbara, but the performance was the priority now. So, he shifted his consciousness back into Raiden Mai's body.

But something was different this time. Barbara, who usually performed in her signature white attire, had instead donned a black stage outfit, contrasting sharply with her "pure white angel" persona.

Her makeup had also changed, shifting from cute and innocent to a dark, gothic style.

Surprisingly, this sudden transformation didn't stir any complaints. In fact, it only seemed to heighten the audience's excitement.

Perhaps they weren't just in love with the persona Barbara had created—they loved her.

Because the audience was so large, the stage had been specially built, towering at least seven or eight meters high to give everyone a clear view of the idols.

The performance went smoothly. Barbara, almost as if pouring all her life force into this final show, gave it everything she had. And Raiden Mai, dancing beside her, was the only one who truly understood just how deeply Barbara was putting her all into this.

------

As the final lyric ended, the energy of the entire venue reached its absolute peak once more.

"Barbara!"

"Barbara!"

"Barbara!"

Countless glow sticks and neon signs lit up the night, making it as bright as day.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming to my performance. Over the years, I've only been able to keep going because of your support. But…" Barbara bowed deeply to the audience, tears in her eyes, and smiled as she said, "Today might be my last performance."

With those words, the previously loud and lively venue suddenly fell into complete silence.

After all, Barbara was the most popular idol in all of Teyvat. Not only that, she had become the face of Mondstadt, and her singing had inspired countless people. It's fair to say that Barbara played a key role in helping Mondstadt emerge from its dark times in just a few years.

"I'm sorry, I've been lying to all of you," Barbara said, carefully enunciating each word. "I'm not as perfect as everyone thinks."

Raiden Mai sensed that something bad was about to happen, but… it was already too late for her to stop it.

"The truth is, I've been in an improper relationship with the president of my agency… Lucas," Barbara revealed without hesitation. "And not just that, many other girls in the agency have been exploited by him as tools for profit."

Barbara's voice, carried through the microphone, reached far into the crowd. Every single word was heard clearly by the audience.

Damn it! Where's the sound engineer? Why isn't the sound being cut off right now?

Lucas wanted to rush back to his own body, but it was already too late.

Barbara's "speech" continued. She pulled out a stack of photos from her clothing, saying, "These are all the evidence I've collected over the years while staying by Lucas's side. They document all of his unspeakable crimes."

As soon as she finished speaking, she tossed the photos into the air, sending them fluttering down onto the audience like snowflakes, landing in the hands of countless fans.

"In addition to these photos, I've also collected evidence of Lucas bribing officials and forcing idols under his agency into underground deals. All of this has already been submitted," Barbara continued. "I know I alone may not be able to take on the capital behind Lucas, but I hope that you all will stand up and join me… on the side of justice."

So, I underestimated this little rabbit, didn't I?

Raiden Mai finally realized why Barbara had been trying so hard to "please" her all this time—it had all been to gather evidence of her crimes.

After spending her whole life scheming and taking calculated steps, Raiden Mai never expected to be brought down by Barbara!

"For the past three years, I've been in immense pain, but I've also been very happy. Standing on stage as an idol and bringing joy to all of you has been the greatest fortune of my life," Barbara said as she walked step by step toward the edge of the stage. "However, someone as dirty as me no longer deserves to stand on stage in a 'pure white' image…"

"Everyone, thank you, and… goodbye."

With those final words, Barbara leapt off the stage.

Indeed, she no longer had any reason to keep living. Her sister, the pillar of her life, had passed away, and her shameful past had been exposed to everyone.

Sister, I'm coming to join you.

"Barbara!"

In that moment, Raiden Mai seemed to forget her hatred for Barbara. She rushed forward, trying to save her, but it was too late. Barbara's body fell like a puppet with its strings cut, plummeting toward the hard concrete ground below the stage.

[You have entered text mode]

[Due to the evidence provided by Barbara, you are being charged with multiple crimes, and many of the trainees and idols you once oppressed have bravely stepped forward as witnesses, inspired by Barbara.]

[As for Barbara, her suicide attempt did not succeed. Just as she was about to fall, a sudden gust of wind caused the nearby filming set to collapse, cushioning her fall. Though she lost consciousness, she survived.]

[Overnight, your reputation was completely destroyed. Over the years, Barbara had been by your side, quietly gathering evidence, leaving you no chance of redemption. More severe than any legal punishment, your reputation, your connections, and everything you had built would be obliterated by the media's negative portrayal.]

[It's true that capital isn't easy to overthrow, and Barbara's actions won't shake the foundations of it, but you know full well that your name is ruined beyond repair. Even if you escape legal consequences, you will be condemned for the rest of your life.]

[Your lawyer tells you he can try to reduce your sentence, but your company will take a massive hit due to the damage to your reputation. You decide…]

[1. Show no remorse.]

[2. Commit suicide to atone.]

[3. Pull off an escape.]

As for the three options, the first two are easy to understand. The third, "pull off an escape," means…

"I choose the third one!" Lucas answered.

[After a night of deep contemplation, you finally make up your mind. The next day, people find your hanging body and a suicide note. The note expresses your guilt toward Barbara, and you declare that you are leaving your company and all remaining assets to her. Of course, this is not an act of kindness. It's all part of your plan.]

[However, this is merely a diversion. Someone as cunning as you would never leave yourself without an escape route. News of your death spreads quickly across Teyvat, and your "body" is hastily buried. No one notices that your coffin is filled with nothing but stones.]

[The world believes the corrupt businessman Lucas is dead, but you've already hidden away enough wealth in various countries to live in luxury for several lifetimes. You are well-prepared to make a comeback.]

[Of course, you're not planning to let Barbara off that easily. You've come up with the perfect plan for revenge. As you leave Mondstadt, you once again enter Raiden Mai's body, preparing for a final goodbye to Barbara.]

[You have successfully entered immersive mode.]

"Barbara!" Raiden Mai cried out in excitement. "You're finally awake!"

Indeed, it was Lucas now inhabiting Raiden Mai's body. While the simulator had exposed his crimes, in reality, Lucas harbored no real hatred toward Barbara. To him, the events of the simulator were still just virtual.

"Is this… is this heaven? No, someone like me doesn't deserve to be in heaven…" Barbara muttered as she noticed Raiden Mai by her bedside. Surprised, she asked, "Mai? You're here too… does that mean you're also dead?"

"You're not dead! You're very much alive!" Raiden Mai, with a face full of relief, said. "It must have been the Anemo Archon who saved you."

"Really?" A glimmer of hope appeared in Barbara's eyes, but it quickly dimmed again. "But even if I lived, what's the point?"

Her sister was gone, and her idol image was shattered beyond repair.

"Of course there's a point," Raiden Mai reached out a hand toward Barbara, smiling. "There are still many people in this world who support you."

"But…" Barbara said emotionally, "After everything that happened, no one could possibly love an idol like me anymore."

"Are you kidding?" Raiden Mai opened the curtains, letting the sunlight pour in. "Look!"

Barbara supported herself and walked over to the window, and the sight before her filled her eyes with tears.

Outside the window, a large crowd of fans had gathered on the open ground without anyone noticing. They were all holding up signs filled with words of encouragement.

"Barbara, get well soon!"

"We'll always be with you, Barbara!"

"No matter what happens, Barbara will always be our pure white angel!"

"The Dandelion Song will never end!"

...

"Everyone…" Barbara covered her mouth at the sight, tears streaming down her cheeks in large drops.

"So, take good care of yourself and recover," Raiden Mai gently patted Barbara on the shoulder, her expression soft. "I believe that after you take over the agency, you'll be able to create a whole new future."

[Entering text mode]

[Three months later, Barbara was successfully discharged from the hospital and inherited Lucas's company. Although the stock price plummeted, Barbara decided to take over. She aimed to prove that idols could be successful without relying on dirty rules and oppressive contracts.]

[Barbara disbanded the "Dandelion Song" group and focused on running the idol agency, implementing major reforms. Thanks to the popularity she had built up, the company's early development went quite well.]

[However, she quickly realized that while her ideals were beautiful, putting them into practice was incredibly difficult. Without the binding power of contracts, those so-called "idols" had no motivation to train. Naturally, idols without talent were not accepted by fans.]

[Barbara finally understood that while your methods were "cruel," they had stood the test of the market. In the end, her dream shattered along with the company's financial collapse. Not only did the company go bankrupt, but she also fell into significant debt.]

...

[Age 30: After several years of silence, you rebranded yourself and made a comeback, once again entering the idol agency business. This time, you were much more cautious, and with your past experience, your agency quickly gained traction, launching several popular idol groups.]

[You knew that the rules of this world had never changed. Barbara's dreams were beautiful, but in the end, they were just dreams.]

[Age 31: One day, your agency welcomed a new batch of trainees. Among them, you noticed a familiar figure—Barbara. Due to the massive debt she had incurred, she had no choice but to return to the idol industry. She sought out the most popular agency at the time—your newly established company. In just a few short years, you had regained everything you had lost.]

[Now came your favorite part: the interviews. Facing Barbara's beautiful but weary face, you smiled—a smile you hadn't worn in a long time. "Hello there, my little nun. Do you remember what I asked you to do during your first interview?"]

[Although you had changed your appearance, Barbara recognized your voice and smile. Her face showed utter shock, which eventually turned into a bitter smile.]

[Everything seemed to come full circle, and your little toy had returned to your hands.]

[Age 32: Although Barbara had passed the prime age for an idol, her talent, looks, and the fan base she had accumulated over the years quickly earned her popularity once again.]

[Of course, as punishment for her betrayal, you would send her "little gifts" every time she performed. While playing with a remote control, you would watch her struggle to keep up with the choreography.]

[Age 33: The Gunnhildr family, after losing both Jean and Barbara, finally met its demise. You bought their estate and land, converting it into a cemetery, as if to declare the family's final fate.]

[Of course, you didn't forget Kent. He wasn't left jobless but instead was given the role of caretaker for the cemetery.]

...

[Age 87: Barbara passed away. You buried her in the Gunnhildr family cemetery, right next to her sister, fulfilling her final wish.]

[Age 91: Sustained by massive medical bills, you managed to prolong your life. One ordinary morning, you quietly passed away.]

[This life simulation has ended.]

[Cause of death: Natural causes.]

[Comprehensive evaluation: Capital never changes.]

So, this is how it ends, huh?

[Your reward has been sent and is available for viewing at any time.]

[Please choose one of the following talents as your innate ability: "Puppet Master" (Blue), "Chicken, You're Too Beautiful" (Blue), or "Idol Master" (Green).]

There didn't seem to be much of a choice, the other two were too niche, and only "Puppet Master" had practical use.

[Puppet Master (Blue): You are naturally gifted with a fully realistic puppet and can transfer your soul into it, temporarily acting through the puppet.]

[Due to completing four simulations, you have earned an additional reward: Pocket Waypoint.]

[Effect: You can set an anchor at a specified location and instantly teleport there. Activation requires one minute of preparation, and the cooldown time is 24 hours.]

The system had kept its promise and granted the Pocket Waypoint as a reward.

However, based on the description of the item, it takes a minute to prepare, meaning it's not very useful in emergency escape situations.

Still, with this tool, Lucas no longer had to worry about being stranded far away in case of an emergency back in Liyue.

...

Upon exiting the simulator, Lucas slowly opened his eyes.

Unlike the previous simulation, this one wasn't very long, and the story was far less dramatic. Although he still played the role of the "villain," his hands were free of blood.

"Yawn~"

Lucas yawned contentedly and was about to turn over and go back to sleep when he was startled to find someone lying next to him.

It wasn't moving, but it was soft and warm.

Lucas jumped up in fright, hurriedly turning on the light, only to see a tall, purple-haired young woman lying next to him.

It was none other than "Raiden Mai"!

[Due to the activation of "Puppet Master," the system has delivered the puppet to your side. Please check.]

Check, my foot! Does your delivery service drop things off directly in bed?

Though initially startled, Lucas quickly regained his composure.

Sure enough, the "woman" in front of him lay completely still, her eyes wide open yet devoid of any color, truly like a doll.

But the more he looked at it, the more familiar the doll seemed.

It felt strangely similar to Raiden Shogun…

Wait a minute, both are dolls, both carry the surname "Raiden," and they look so alike…

Could Raiden Mai and Raiden Shogun have been made by the same creator?

After all, the process of creating puppets likely involved many failed attempts, so having "flawed versions" like Raiden Mai wouldn't be unusual.

So, could this doll not actually be from the system?

[The system never said… that the doll was made by the system.]

-----

 


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