NIKKE: Max Bonded but System Gone

"That's a custom-made plush designed by Boss Yan. It's been selling really well lately," the clerk explained.

"Uh…"

"Sorry, Mr. Green. I'm just an employee. Maybe you should contact Boss Yan directly about this?"

The clerk looked at Green nervously, clearly sweating under his gaze. She was also beginning to sense a copyright crisis when she saw that the doll's image matched Green's face.

Green narrowed his eyes slightly.

He didn't recall signing any contract with Yan to produce and sell plushies based on his appearance. That greedy merchant must have decided to use his image without permission.

"Alright, I'll call Yan right now," Green said curtly. "Carry on with your work."

After that, Green took out his phone, dialed Yan's video call, and settled on a sofa in the shopping center.

Beep.

The call connected, and the first thing he saw was a pair of red-and-white sneakers.

A moment later, Yan's voice came from somewhere offscreen. "Hold on a second, newbie. I'm a bit busy right now."

"Busy with what?" Green asked.

"What else would a merchant be busy with? Selling stuff, obviously."

Click.

The screen shifted as Yan repositioned her camera.

As the camera jostled slightly, Yan's face finally came into view on the screen.

As always, she held a folding fan in one hand, her expression a mix of leisure and shrewdness. She lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, speaking in her peculiar dialect:

"What's up? Need something from me?"

"Just now, I saw a plush toy in the shopping center near the outpost that looks a lot like me. Care to explain where it came from?"

"Oh, that?"

With a snap, Yan opened her fan, partially concealing her face behind it.

To her, the marketplace was a battlefield.

Ever since Green's crowdfunding livestream had taken off, Yan had noticed a lucrative opportunity. If Green was this popular among the Nikkes, why not produce a batch of custom plushies to test the waters and gauge the market?

Unexpectedly, even though the toys weren't officially endorsed, the small batch of commander plushies sold out on their first day.

Faced with such promising prospects, Yan's merchant instincts were naturally piqued.

After a moment of thought, Yan closed her fan and smiled. "Rookie, I know what you're about to say—probably something about infringing on your image rights or whatever—but I heard from Dolla that your finances have been a bit tight lately."

Green didn't retort. Instead, he decided to listen.

"Placing factory orders costs money, and handing out plushies to the Nikkes is no small task. So, why not leave this to someone more experienced?"

"You're saying…"

"How about we work together?" Yan suggested. "I can handle everything from manufacturing to marketing. As for profits, we can discuss them face-to-face. So, wait for me. I'll be at the outpost shortly."

A few minutes later, an old-school sports car pulled up at the shopping center entrance.

Yan stepped out, removing her sunglasses with a bright, confident smile.

"Over here."

Green glanced at her, taking a moment to observe.

His impression of Yan had always revolved around her exceptionally well-shaped thighs and the sneakers she seemingly never changed. While most Nikkes preferred high heels, Yan had an unwavering love for sneakers. No matter her outfit, her bare legs always ended in a pair of mismatched shoes.

As for why…

It was probably just Yan's unique sense of style.

"Why are you staring at my feet, rookie? Don't tell me you've got a thing for shoes," Yan teased as she plopped down on the sofa beside him.

With a small shake of his head, Green replied, "No, I was just curious—do you ever wear socks?"

Yan laughed lightly, explaining, "Nikkes aren't human. We have internal temperature regulation systems, so I dress however I like. Besides, as a merchant, you need some individuality. When you're out making deals, people might forget your name, but they'll remember the one with the quirky sneaker habit."

Returning to the main topic, Yan handed him a contract.

Green scanned it carefully. The terms were reasonable—Yan was only taking a modest 20% cut for her efforts.

However, one clause stood out:

"The second party (Green) must participate in monthly livestream sales at the shopping center alongside the first party (Yan). On days without Livestream events, the second party must serve as Yan's secretary for a day and will receive a salary."

"What's this about?" Green asked.

Yan lightly tapped his shoulder with her fan. "There's no such thing as a free lunch, rookie. If I'm reducing my profit share, it's only fair that you give something in return. Don't worry, being my secretary won't be too hard."

Green nodded slightly before asking, "Are you planning to move into live-streaming? You've been talking about sales promotions quite a bit."

Yan sighed dramatically, waving her fan. "Yes, these days, brick-and-mortar businesses are tough. I just can't figure out how Rupee, that little rascal, can make so much from her livestreams while I'm out here running a legitimate business and earning less. Don't you think that's bizarre?"

"It is a bit," Green admitted.

He hadn't realized until now that out of the three members of the Talentum Corps, Rupee was the wealthiest—despite her equally impressive ability to burn through her earnings.

"Exactly. So, I've decided to diversify and expand my business to cater to more Nikkes. And you're the perfect spokesperson for the job."

She gave him a sharp look and added with a teasing smirk, "Also, while I won't stop you from signing contracts with others, if Rupee tries to charm you too much, you'd better hold your ground. Don't forget we're contractually bound now."

"Got it?"

"Well…"

After three cups of hot tea and some lighthearted conversation, the topic shifted to Green's personal life.

Covering her face coyly with her fan, Yan asked, "By the way, I heard from some other Nikkes that you've started dating someone recently. Is that true?"

Green coughed lightly, his expression turning serious. "Who told you that?"

Yan's eyes wandered mischievously. "Who told me? I can't quite recall. But everyone's talking about it, so you're not seriously dating someone, are you?"

Green shook his head firmly. "No, of course not."

Hearing his denial, Yan's face lit up with satisfaction. "Now, that's more like it. Look, rookie. You're still young, and you'll likely face plenty of challenges. But as your senior, let me give you some advice. First off, if you're going to date, make sure it's with someone financially stable."

"Like you, for example?" Green quipped, his response prompting Yan to snap her fan shut and give him a playful, provocative glance.

"Oh? So, are you saying you think I'm a good match? Why don't you start by being my secretary tonight?"

"Ho~? Are you sure you don't have any business tomorrow? This is because your sour body might not let you get out of my bed tomorrow," Green replied with a faint smile.

They say the young intimidate the wealthy; the same applies to bold young men and wealthy women.

Yan seemed genuinely tempted. She hid her face behind her fan, mulling over the suggestion for a long moment, before finally sighing with regret.

"Unfortunately, I really do have a deal to close early tomorrow morning... Cough! let's not dwell on that."

She clapped her hands, signaling an employee in a suit to approach with a plastic box.

"These are fresh from the factory."

The box contained custom-made plushies modeled after Green.

"Take them. Whether you want to sell them or give them to your favorite Nikkes, it's entirely up to you."

"Okie-doki, thanks, Yan."

"You're welcome. Since I've got something to take care of, I'll head off now. But once I have some free time, I'll definitely contact you right away. Don't forget our contract."

After leaving the box full of plushies behind, Yan hopped into her sports car and drove off.

Green picked up the box and returned to the Commander's office.

No sooner had he sat down than his phone vibrated repeatedly from his pocket.

——— Commander's Fan Club? ———

Professional Woman (Yan): "Big news."

Yan: "I just asked, and it's true. The big celebrity at our forward base definitely doesn't have a girlfriend yet."

Anis: "Oh, really? Really?"

Privaty: "I knew it! So, who started this rumor? If the Commander had a girlfriend, it would definitely be me."

Anis: "Privaty, can you stop being so narcissistic?"

Anis: "It's pretty obvious you have a crush on him, and he knows it. But if he hasn't agreed to anything, that's a clear sign he doesn't like you."

Privaty: "Heh, Anis, don't try to talk me out of it."

Privaty: "I checked just now. Commander's zodiac sign is just a little slow to warm up."

Neon: "..."

Neon: "Pfft."

Neon: "?"

Anis: "?"

Anis: "You really are hopeless."

Rapi: "Privaty, I didn't expect you to believe in astrology."

Privaty: "W-What? I just checked it out casually! I'm not superstitious about that stuff!"

Cat Lover (Admi): "Zodiac signs and MBTI types are pretty popular with girls these days..."

Admi: "Speaking of which, after Privaty came back yesterday, she spent the whole night matching zodiac signs on an app. No matter how she matched, her score with the Commander was always below 30."

Privaty: "Admi, w-what are you saying?!"

Admi: "I won't mention it, but Privaty, can we go to sleep earlier tomorrow? The soundproofing in our dorm isn't that dorable."

Soline: "Matching? What app is that? Could someone share it, please?"

Soline: "@Privaty, sis, please share it! I'll do anything!"

Privaty: "You want to try matching too? Fine, I'll share it this one time."

Privaty: "I've uploaded the file [Matching Scores.apk]."

Soline: "Thanks for sharing."

Maiden: "Thanks for sharing."

Rupee: "Thanks for sharing."

Moran: "I don't believe in this, but might as well try for a bit of luck."

Moran: "Oh, 90 points!"

Moran: "Hmm, looks like my compatibility with the little brother is pretty high!"

Rupee: "94 points! The app even said that the Commander and I have high compatibility both physically and mentally~ We're basically made for each other."

Soline: "I got 86 points. Well, it's not bad, I guess."

Maiden: "I got 90 points too."

Vestie: "92 points, hehe, feels pretty good. Yulha, want to try matching too?"

Yulha: "I don't play this kind of thing. It's feudal and superstitious."

Emma: "Yulha, just try it once. Everyone's doing it!"

Yulha: "...."

Yulha: "97 points. Is this app serious?"

Privaty: "What's going on?"

Privaty: "Why am I the only one below 30 points? This app is clearly broken! I'm going to file a complaint!"

Anis: "Aww."

Anis: "Poor Privaty, I almost feel sorry for you."

Neon: "Anis, you just matched too, right? I saw it from the side, and your score was only 12 points?"

Anis: "Neon, shut up!"

Anis: "How could the person who made this app possibly understand the feelings between the Commander and me?"

Anis: "Zodiacs and stuff are just superstitions! Heh, totally superstitions! Who agrees, hit 1?"

Neon: "???"

Neon: "Someone takes off her sunglasses!"

Privaty: "What? You were just feeling sorry for me, and now you're acting like this?"

Privaty: "Well, Anis, I won't ask you, but how about Rapi?"

Privaty: "@Rapi!!"

Rapi: "I'm sorting documents. Why are you tagging me?"

Privaty: "Just asking about your matching score. Just come and tell us your score?"

Rapi: [Image]

Rapi: "99 points. Any problem with that?"

Privaty: "?"

Anis: "?"

Neon: "?"

Rapi: "I've been with the Commander the longest, so getting that score is pretty normal, right?"

Anis: "Wow, that's some main wife energy right there."

Neon: "And now, we've been obliterated..."

Privaty: "No way you're faking it, Rapi."

Rapi: "I'm not like you, Privaty."

Exia: "99 points? Too weak. Everyone, check mine—"

Exia: "My matching score is 100000000000 points!"

Exia: "Impressive, right?"

Anis: "Can the hacker leave already?"

Rapunzel: "What's everyone talking about? Matching? Wait, could it be the kind of matching I'm thinking of? Hah... I didn't realize the Believer's gotten so wild, matching with every Nikke and even giving them scores! That's too sleazy!"

Rapunzel: "It's a shame I'm not at the base right now to join my brother's 'matching party'... But just thinking about it already excites me!"

Soline: "Wha-wha-wha-wha... what's a 'matching party'?"

Laplace: "Whoa, I just got here, so what's this party about, guys?"

Maxwell: "@Laplace, miss idiot hero, Suen needs you. Stop wandering around."

Laplace: "Suen's looking for me? Too bad I can't join the party, but no worries, I'll catch the next one!"

Laplace: "Hero leaving the stage!"

[Laplace has left the chat]

===

Lets make for 500 stones for advance chapters!

500 stones = 5 advance chapters

Read in advance here: www.pat reon.com/J_Titan