This Life, I Will Be the Protagonist

Agreeing to 500 performances of *Hope Song* was simply too much, and eventually, Zoey and the **Special Affairs Bureau** each compromised. They settled on 300 performances of *Hope Song*, starting on September 1, with one performance each day.

Zoey had only used her skill in the Lopez family, and the most she had ever used it on was 18,000 people at once. She knew the skill required the person to see her and hear her sing *Hope Song* for a chance to trigger its effect, but she didn't know its limits. After all, the Lopez family only had so many people eligible to benefit from it.

However, she didn't need to be responsible for the outcome. The **Special Affairs Bureau** would conduct tests to determine the limits, and all these specifics would be written into the contract.

Meanwhile, the **Special Affairs Bureau** would dispatch 94 players to help Zoey reduce the dragon to near-death, allowing her to contract it. Among them, at least 80 players would be of a level not lower than the average of the top 100 ranked players. They would also ensure Zoey's protection, with all costs for potions, food, and any casualties fully covered by the **Special Affairs Bureau**.

The crucial factor that made Zoey agree to the deal was the **Special Affairs Bureau**'s guarantee that they would help her subdue the dragon by October 30. For each day they were delayed, the required *Hope Song* performances would be reduced by five.

If another faction managed to claim the dragon before they did, the **Special Affairs Bureau** would help Zoey find another boss-level creature of at least level 12 for her to contract. They would even provide a list of at least ten creatures for her to choose from.

In essence, the **Special Affairs Bureau** demonstrated their utmost sincerity to enhance the collective strength of their players.

Zoey, of course, would have preferred the full complement of 99 players, which would have made her feel even more secure. But adding just one more person would have increased the price.

As Shadow.Q had put it, "Are these just numbers to you? No, these are living, breathing people! The foundation of our country! The hope of Blue Star! We can give you 99 players—but that will cost you 388 *Hope Song* performances."

Zoey: …?

The "living, breathing people, the foundation of our country, and the hope of Blue Star" were now reduced to mere bargaining chips in Shadow.Q's hands.

Zoey, clearly frustrated by Shadow.Q, couldn't argue further. She realized that Shadow.Q had absolutely no shame when it came to haggling!

In the end, they settled on 94 people. Zoey planned to bring along her own leveling team and invite Rita, rounding it up to 100.

After signing the contract, Zoey couldn't resist mocking Shadow.Q with a snide comment, "I thought you represented the nation. Don't you have any dignity?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Shadow.Q smiled sweetly, gracefully tucking the contract away. With serene composure, she replied, "Everything I said just now? Once I walk out of this room, I won't acknowledge a single word of it."

Zoey: …

After Zoey and Rick left, Asher, who had silently observed the negotiations the whole time, turned to Meow.Q, who had been brought along to learn negotiation skills. "So, did you learn anything?"

Meow.Q's expression was serious as he shook his head. "I can't do it."

Asher: "Why not?"

Meow.Q: "My sister is level 6. She's not afraid of being beaten to death. But I'm only level 3, and I'm terrified."

Asher was convinced. "You're right. This kind of skill—provoking people to the point of fury—definitely requires a certain level of power to back it up."

Shadow.Q, wearing a faux smile, corrected them, "This is called negotiation, thank you."

Meow.Q and Asher exchanged amused, doting looks before turning back to Shadow.Q with a smile. "Sure, whatever you say."

Shadow.Q: "…"

Ugh, only Rita truly understands my negotiation skills.

With the contract signed, Shadow.Q immediately posted the task within the **Special Affairs Bureau** as a high-level mission. The bureau wasn't a wolf's den, and since this mission wasn't a matter of national survival, they couldn't just forcibly assign people to what could be a dangerous task. Naturally, they set a high skill requirement and let people volunteer.

Potions and food were to be provided by the participants themselves, but the reward was that they could participate in 300 performances of *Hope Song*, which had the potential to increase their attributes, though the skill could only activate once every 30 natural days.

They only released 70 slots, leaving the rest reserved for players whose Divine Gifts could increase the survival rate of the group.

There was no need to force anyone. The "living, breathing people, the foundation of our country, and the hope of Blue Star" needed to pull strings just to get a spot in this mission.

Of course, there were stringent entry requirements. Participants had to sign contracts ensuring that they wouldn't abandon the employer or flee during the mission, among other things.

Technically, Zoey could find other mercenaries outside the **Special Affairs Bureau**, but, as always, working with the bureau provided more security. Even though Shadow.Q had driven her mad during the negotiations, the final contract thoroughly protected both parties. It even specified that all loot dropped during the mission would go directly to Zoey. Every last detail was addressed.

Of course, the contract also required Zoey to perform *Hope Song* at locations and times designated by the **Special Affairs Bureau**.

Sure, Shadow.Q was cunning and ruthless, but she was undeniably professional.

…

Rita didn't know how long she had slept. She had woken up briefly, eaten a bowl of noodles, and then gone right back to bed.

Sunlight streamed through the window, hurting her eyes. Just as she was debating whether to get up and close the curtains, the doorbell rang.

Still groggy, she went downstairs. On her way, she patted Nivalis on the head as the little dragon sat on the couch playing video games, pawing at the controller with her claws and wings. The distraction caused Nivalis to lose concentration, and her character was immediately KO'd by a boss. Furious, Nivalis let out an angry screech, flapping her wings wildly against the sofa.

Even before opening the door, Rita knew who it was, having already heard Scarlett's excited voice from inside.

She opened the door to let Scarlett in. Rita assumed she was there to take more pictures of Nivalis, but what Scarlett said next jolted her fully awake.

"Rita~! I'm pregnant~! I'm having a baby!!!"

Rita: !

The doorbell rang again. This time, it was Samuel, who had fallen behind Scarlett by a few steps. He entered with a big smile on his face, carrying a cloak in his hands. In a gentle tone, he said to Scarlett, "Here, put this on. You rushed over too quickly. What if you catch a cold?"

Rita glanced outside at the blazing sun. Big brother, it's mid-August.

After making Scarlett a cup of warm milk as Samuel requested, they all sat down to chat.

The pregnancy had just been confirmed that morning.

Rita, curious, asked, "How far along are you?"

Scarlett, glowing with happiness, replied, "About a month~! The doctor said that even though I'm an older mother, with today's medical technology and the available artifacts, there's nothing to worry about."

A month, huh? That meant she got pregnant in early July?

If Rita remembered correctly, it was in late May that she had someone inform Samuel and Scarlett about Rick's illness.

So, right after learning about Rick's condition, they had started trying for a baby?

How is this any different from pooping on Rick's neck?