In the modeling industry, every model vies to become a supermodel—the best of the best, whose life quality could be said to be on par with actors and other famous celebrities.
One supermodel in particular is relatively well known both in China and internationally, though he rarely shows himself in public unless it's for a fashion show or photo shoots. Even so, his fans still preach his name despite his rare appearance.
The model is He An.
And just a few minutes ago, this same model died, choking on a piece of chicken.
He An opened his eyes and felt that something wasn't right. When he looked at his hands, he noticed they were transparent and widened his eyes in surprise. He could tell at glance that this was an empty void with nothing but his consciousness existing. Is this what the afterlife was like? It's nothing like what the books say.
"Greetings, host!" A squeaky voice called out to grab his attention. He looked around when suddenly a flame burst in front of him and from it emerged a tiny spirit who extended it's hands(?) towards him.
"Who are you?" He An asked with caution, reluctant to interact with this being.
"I'm your system! The main system has selected you to be bound to me." The system answered honestly, spinning around it's host with joy. This was his first time serving as an official system!
He An was extremely confused.
"I'll go over the rules, host! I'm System 06, and my duty is to ensure every protagonist shines to their fullest potential. In order to do that, my host must give the protagonist a source to rise and become the number one in their world! Usually it's done so by becoming the villain and putting the protagonist in an almost death situation." The system was rather excited to explain things to He An. It's flame was glowing brighter than before.
"What do I get out of this?" He An was quick to question. He wasn't willing to do something that he himself wouldn't benefit from.
"You will be revived in your original world and live a healthy life~ As you're aware, you're already dead. If you complete the tasks assigned by the main system then you will be able to go back to your body."
"So please rest, host! You'll be sent to your first world soon. Ah, the protagonist's name in the upcoming world is Qi Xiu. He is known for his enticing beauty! Remember to start conflicts with him! I'm going to download some files to help you out since it's your first time... it will take a few days at most~"
It didn't even give him the opportunity to ask more about this when he was suddenly whisked away into a whirlpool and lost consciousness.
*
When He An awoke, the scene presented to him was unfamiliar to him. He was seated on a gold throne and dressed in a large golden robe embroidered with dragons and lilies.
The system was no longer with him either. Had it really run off to download files?
"Stupid system, you didn't even explain what information I need the most..." He An complained under his breath, standing up and taking in his surroundings. He turned his head abruptly when the round wooden door was opened and a strange woman stepped in and bowed to him respectfully.
"Your Majesty, the slaves from the South have arrived. Would you like to go visit them? There's a particular beauty among them that you may like." The woman smiled as she informed him.
He An could tell his status was that of an Emperor judging by how this maid referred to him.
The system mentioned the protagonist was an "enticing beauty." Could Qi Xiu be among them? He nodded promptly and she led the way for him.
The two arrived at a beautiful courtyard and a guard announced his presence. The slaves that were all chained up immediately looked up to get a glance at him before hanging their head low for fear of being executed for not showing respect.
They all had unruly and dirty appearances, what kind of beauty could possibly be among them? He An surveyed all their faces and put away the thought that "Qi Xiu" would be one of them.
The protagonist was still a protagonist, he couldn't possibly be a slave. He An figured he was overthinking and ordered the slaves to be cleaned and given a place to stay for a night.
"Free them all if they'd like. If they're willing to work in the palace, give them a low position as a maid or a servant." He An said as he walked to the other side of the courtyard. As a man from the 21st century, he wasn't interested in owning slaves.
The maid he had come with was shocked however. She knew her emperor wasn't a genuinely kind person! Was he possibly planning to take them as concubines?
While the woman behind him was lost in her thoughts, He An was already at the other side. He exhaled and relaxed his body. He had just arrived here, it wasn't easy to adjust so quickly.
When he finally believed he could spend time alone to gather his thoughts, he heard a group of men shouting amongst themselves,
"Hey! This slave's face is pretty good, he would probably taste good in bed! Hahaha!" As they laughed, He An went closer to see the commotion.
"Brother Li, you can't be thinking of taking him as a toy?" Another guy joked.
It seemed that they were all ganging up on a single person. He wasn't a heroic person, but he also didn't like to see someone being picked on in front of him. He gripped the sleeve of his robe, ready to step in—
"Get your disgusting paws off me, you dogs." The person being bullied spat at the man known as 'Brother Li' and kicked his shin with force.
"How dare you, slave—!"
He An blocked the hit with ease and stood in front of the boy being bullied. He was fast to react when he saw how all four of them were going to attack the person behind him.
"For attempting to hit the Emperor, you all will be punished accordingly." He An smiled coldly and the four men froze in place, their faces turning blue at the realization of who this person dressed extravagantly was. They all knelt down immediately to apologize.
Unfortunately for them, He An wasn't interested in their pleas and simply turned to face the "slave." The boy stepped back cautiously and had a face full of distrust. He An wasn't offended and didn't approach him either.
"Are you alright?"