"August 14th, Sunny. Took Sophia and Luna for morning exercise in the park. After three days together, under my training... no, guidance, these two girls can now get along harmoniously, treating each other with respect."
"One's a Taekwondo expert, one's a combat expert. After a few moves, even the elderly couldn't handle them."
"The elders' looks at me have changed, praising how this boy must have some special skill to make these two girls willingly submit."
"Just kidding, back when I subdued three thousand emperors with one hand..."
Writing this, Lucas hesitated, crossed it out.
Couldn't boast too much - with the System around, who knew if some real emperors were hiding in some corner of the universe.
"August 15th, Cloudy. On the way to buy breakfast, found a children's martial arts gym holding a challenge event, prize money $100,000. Looking at the two girls following me, I had an idea."
"That afternoon, as the Lucas Family Senior Brother, I took Junior Sisters Sophia and Luna to challenge the gym."
"The gym owner was nice, very polite, welcomed us warmly, and said if we failed the challenge, he'd give us a 20% discount to join."
"I gladly agreed. Junior Sister Sophia volunteered to go first, facing the first defending group."
"The gym owner was delighted seeing her silly appearance, but his smile turned to tears."
"Sophia won completely, her little fists powerful, dominating the crowd."
"Rules required winning all three rounds."
"Junior Sister Luna went second, ethereal and elegant, clearly skilled. The opponent was so captivated they couldn't focus, letting Luna win effortlessly."
"Tsk, not that Sophia isn't cute, but at this age, Luna's beauty is simply off the charts."
"So, the gym owner cried again."
"For the final battle, I went up personally, facing opponents the System labeled as [Sect Chosen Ones]!"
"Then, the gym owner tearfully handed over $100,000."
Lucas paused his pen.
"To quote Luna: 'The owner is a good person.'"
"Great experience, will come again."
Lucas stretched, took a sip from his water cup, pressed the pen cap, watching the tip bounce up and down, then continued writing after a while.
"August 16th, Split the prize money and took the girls shopping at the mall. Found a roulette prize draw, grand prizes were a cute bear and a sheep plush."
"Sophia and Luna had a strong disagreement over which prize to aim for, engaging in heated debate."
"The store owner watched gleefully, wearing an auntie smile throughout, seemingly enjoying this romance scene."
"I waved my hand decisively - we'll try for both!"
"The store owner's eyes crinkled with joy, probably thinking she'd make a fortune, with the 1% chance for each grand prize."
"But I'm an aged Dragon Emperor, and with my luck, one red bill was enough to claim both the bear and sheep."
"The girls each got one, eyes full of stars."
"I was pleased, but the owner, cried again."
Writing here, Lucas felt somewhat regretful.
"Unfortunately, tested and confirmed lottery tickets don't trigger Dragon Emperor's luck. Lost $20."
Just then, Sarah's voice came from outside.
"Lucas, it's eleven already, time for bed!"
Lucas responded, "Got it, just a minute!"
He picked up his pen, writing one final note.
"Additional notes: First, I feel this silly Sophia is pretending to be silly, but not certain."
"Second, I feel somehow familiar with Luna, like we've met long ago, but can't remember. When I asked her, she just shook her head, smiling without speaking. Needs investigation."
Closing his notebook, Lucas lay back in bed, turning off the light.
"Good night."
...
At this time, stars dotted the night sky.
Emma finished work, walking home somewhat tired.
Since the company wasn't far, to save gas money, she chose to walk.
Late at night, few pedestrians remained on the streets, streetlights casting yellow glows along the road.
Emma slowly stopped, looking at a figure leaning against a streetlight ahead.
A middle-aged man.
His shadow stretched long in the light, sprawling across the road almost menacingly.
"Father."
Emma's pretty face showed complex emotions as her red lips parted, looking at this man clearly waiting for her.
"Lost all the money I gave you last time gambling again?"
Mr. Yu held a cigarette between his fingers, weak sparks floating in the night as he took a deep drag, exhaling white smoke.
"Emma, give me another $50,000."
"Just $50,000, I can turn it all around!"
He looked at his elegant eldest daughter standing in the light, his face showing struggle.
"Sorry, really sorry, I couldn't help it, really couldn't. The pressure was too much, if I don't gamble, I don't know how to go on living..."
"So, please, as your father I'm begging you, give me $50,000 more..."
Emma's fair fingers curled silently, nails digging deep into her palm, that always gentle and strong face slowly filling with heavy disappointment.
"You said last time you'd change, but you didn't."
Mr. Yu suddenly crushed his unfinished cigarette, stepping forward, his face turning somewhat savage as he shouted:
"You think I want to be like this?"
"Back then, we spent everything trying to save your mother, but she still died, leaving just you two with me! What could I do?"
"If I hadn't won that time, won that money, would you and Sophia even be alive now..."
"Now you look down on me... you don't understand, I'm just this close, just need to win this bit..."
His fingers trembled, "Then I... and you both, will never have to worry again!"
Emma stared at him, slowly shaking her head, "Including the $50,000 last time, total $500,000. I've completely repaid you."
"I no longer owe you."
Hearing this, Mr. Yu felt rage surge up, storming forward to grab Emma's collar, eyes fierce.
"Don't owe me? Your very life came from me!"
He snatched Emma's purse from her arm, roughly opening the zipper, rummaging through it, throwing things everywhere.
"Where's the money? Where's the money? Where the fuck did you hide it?!"
Emma remained silent, just watching him quietly.
Finding no cash or cards, Mr. Yu angrily threw the purse down, turning to see his daughter's calm gaze.
But that very gaze seemed to stab at him.
It was like looking at a rabid, desperate hyena.
"Slap!"
In the quiet, bland night, a crisp slap suddenly rang out.
Mr. Yu looked at his seemingly uncontrollable right hand.
Then at the five bright red fingerprints gradually becoming clear on Emma's fair face.
He stepped back twice, shaking his head, face pained.
"Sorry... Emma, I can't go back, I really can't go back. Without money, they'll cut off my hands, kill me, I can only keep gambling..."
The burning pain on her face didn't change Emma's expression at all.
She calmly bent down, gathering her scattered belongings back into her purse.
Then stepped past Mr. Yu, walking home unhurriedly.
Mr. Yu didn't stop her, just watching his daughter's retreating figure, lost and dejected.
"I'm sorry... really..."
"I'm sorry."
...