NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Karen suddenly stopped what she was doing, swallowed nervously, and asked, "Did I hurt you again?"
"No, not at all." Lip smiled warmly, his sincerity evident in his eyes. "In fact, I must say, you're making great progress. You're much more skilled than you were under the dining table earlier."
"Three grams of oil," Karen replied with a sweet smile, a playful twinkle in her eyes. She buried her head back into her homework, trying to focus.
Yet, despite her apparent concentration, Karen would occasionally glance up, her gaze meeting Lip's. Her eyes, shimmering like spring water, carried a charm that was almost hypnotic.
Lip couldn't help but notice how naturally gifted she seemed, her movements fluid and captivating.
She really does have innate talent, he thought as a wave of comfort swept over him.
However, a sudden question surfaced in his mind.
Based on the plot he'd seen in the original timeline, Karen was supposed to be experienced and confident in these matters by now. So why did she seem so unpracticed and unsure?
Her every move and expression felt genuine, unpolished.
If this is an act, she deserves an Oscar, Lip thought.
But if it wasn't…
A realization struck him. Is Karen still… untouched?
This question was crucial. It could not only confirm where he stood in the timeline but also shape the course of his next steps.
I need to be tactful about this, he thought, carefully planning how to broach the topic.
Before he could decide, he felt himself nearing a critical threshold.
"Oh, for f—!" Lip exclaimed as he lost control, the built-up tension erupting all at once.
In that moment, the soft voice of the system echoed in his mind:
[Congratulations, dear host! You've completed the hidden task, "Being the First," and unlocked the reward: "Clear at a Glance."]
["Clear at a Glance": Allows you to view the core attributes of your target. (Targets with a golden exclamation mark visible only to the host indicate inspectable traits.)]
Lip grinned widely. "Wow, this system is so considerate!"
With this ability, he could finally confirm his earlier suspicion.
He immediately noticed a golden exclamation mark glowing above Karen's head.
Focusing his thoughts, Lip activated his new ability.
[Core Attributes of Target: Karen Jackson]
Grade: Red—Top Quality
Keywords: Contrast Queen
Loyalty: 60/100
Condition: Factory New (Original, Unopened)
Pregnancy Progress: 0/100
"Hahahaha!" Lip burst out laughing, equal parts shocked and delighted.
His guess had been correct: Karen was still untouched.
But this revelation puzzled him.
Did my arrival in this timeline trigger a butterfly effect? he wondered. Have key events or personal histories changed drastically for some people?
He decided not to dwell too deeply on it for now.
Instead, a bold and mischievous thought crept into his mind: If Karen's condition is still brand new, then I must be the one to claim her first.
"The earlier 'service' wasn't quite satisfactory," he mused, his ambition growing. "It's time to push the envelope and go all the way."
Lip prepared to use "Lucifer's Gaze" to heighten the moment.
But before he could act, Karen suddenly stood up, her expression unreadable. She opened the door and rushed out of the room without warning.
Lip sat stunned, still reeling from the moment.
Moments later, the sound of retching came from the bathroom next door.
"Vomit… vomit…"
Lip sighed, grabbing some tissues to tidy himself up.
Then, the unmistakable sound of high heels clicking against the staircase echoed from downstairs.
Mrs. Sheila, Lip realized.
He scrambled to compose himself, zipping up his pants and sitting back on the bed as casually as possible.
Mrs. Sheila appeared at the door, tilting her head with a curious smile. "Hi, where's Karen?"
Lip forced a smile. "She's in the bathroom."
Mrs. Sheila nodded and walked toward the bathroom. "Honey," she called through the door, "your dad called. He said he won't be coming home tonight since he's on duty."
"Ugh, I don't care about him! He can stay gone forever for all I care!" Karen's voice erupted, sharp and filled with rage.
Mrs. Sheila sighed softly. "Alright… I'll go back downstairs and finish making dinner."
On her way back, she glanced at Lip with a faint, tired smile before heading down the stairs.
"Phew…" Lip exhaled in relief once the sound of her footsteps faded.
The conflict between Karen and her father seems deeper than I thought, Lip noted. This isn't just a passing issue.
Karen returned moments later, closing the door behind her.
"Lip," she said, her gaze locking onto his, "I feel like the flame inside me is only burning hotter."
Her tone was a mix of sweetness and wickedness, her eyes gleaming with determination.
Lip realized there was no need to use "Lucifer's Gaze" anymore. Karen's emotions, her need to express anger and frustration toward her father, would likely drive her next actions.
Karen leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear.
"Let's do something even more exciting," she whispered seductively.
"Okay," Lip replied, a sly grin spreading across his face as he opened his arms, ready to embrace whatever came next.