The Daily Quest

Liu Yumei awoke from a dreamless slumber. The world outside his window was just beginning to stir, casting a soft, pre-dawn glow on his room. He lay still for a moment, attuned to the gentle symphony of morning sounds, a world coming to life.

Stepping from his bed, he approached the window, gazing out onto the quiet street. The tranquility was soon disrupted by the appearance of an ethereal blue message, which materialized before him.

"Good morning, Host!" the message cheerfully greeted. "I've noticed you've been resting for quite some time, so I wanted to remind you about today's daily quest."

The term "daily quest" sent Liu Yumei's thoughts swirling; it was unfamiliar territory. He puzzled over the concept of beginning his day with a task when he'd barely managed to keep up with life's demands yesterday.

With a quizzical tone, he inquired, "What exactly is this daily quest?"

In response, a holographic message materialized, a digital spectre hovering in his field of vision. "Daily quests," it explained, "are challenges that appear at random intervals during the week."

The holographic message continued, outlining the day's mission:

–> Start your day with a refreshing morning bath, before breakfast.

–> Practice proper oral hygiene and brush your teeth.

–> Step outside and explore the town for at least 15 minutes.

–> Make a friendly "Hi!" greeting to someone you encounter.

–> Enjoy a leisurely stroll through your neighbourhood.

Liu Yumei remained perplexed by this seemingly mundane checklist. However, as he pondered its purpose, it gradually dawned on him.

"In that case," he ventured, "is there a reward for completing these daily tasks? Or is this some form of punishment?"

The Quy System's response was swift. "I'm delighted you asked," it said.

As the holographic message hovered before him, Liu Yumei's heart sank as he absorbed the revelation. "Indeed," the message continued, "there is a reward if you successfully complete all the daily tasks. You shall earn a valuable 1+ grade, which can enhance any attribute of your character. This reward is granted once weekly and may undergo changes over time."

At first, he wasn't sure what to do or if he should bother going out to complete all these tasks. Well, usually Liu Yumei had spent the majority of his life indoors, only venturing beyond the confines of his home when it was time for school. The idea of leaving his familiar surroundings was met with uncertainty, but the Quy System had promised rewards for those who completed their daily quests. With a touch of trepidation, he decided it was worth a try, despite his lingering concerns about what might lie ahead.

He made his way to the closet, his fingers finding their way to his favourite plush towel, a comforting companion through countless showers.

The bathroom door swung open with a flourish, and he stepped inside. The shower, which seemed just a touch too cold, greeted him with an exhilarating jolt. It was as if the universe conspired to infuse his morning with electrifying energy.

After a refreshing shower, he meticulously attended to his morning routine. With care, he brushed his teeth, restoring the minty freshness to his mouth. Then, he applied a subtle layer of makeup to enhance his complexion, delicately touching his cheeks, nose, and forehead. As he emerged from the shower's warmth, he cocooned himself in a fluffy towel, embracing its comfort before slipping into his carefully chosen attire.

His old outfits, the former wear of his former self, seemed to cower in the corner, unworthy of today's grand adventure. They were baggy, ill-fitting, and reeking of mediocrity. But not today, not on his watch. With a mischievous grin, he paid a visit to his father's wardrobe, as if raiding a treasure chest.

Among them, he selected a set he had never donned before – a pair of sleek grey trousers, harmoniously paired with a pristine white button-down shirt. Even his hair bore the signs of neglect, but he remedied this with a diligent brush and a touch of gel, crafting a more polished and presentable appearance.

After the light makeup had worked its magic and he had slipped into the fresh, neatly pressed clothing, he ventured out into the pristine hallways of his father's opulent apartment.

Though the sun had only begun its slow ascent, the hallway was abuzz with early risers, their impeccable hairstyles and radiant smiles lighting up the scene.

As he made his way towards the apartment's main entrance, an unexpected message materialized before his eyes, suspending his disbelief. It bore the cryptic but intriguing message:

[Compliments Host, you complete one daily quest, and you have four out of five daily to go, if you want to get a 1+ grade you need to go through all five tasks for that day.] See more details inside the quest log ——————-Quy System, Daily Quest Guide———–>

Liu Yumei couldn't contain his surprise. A message had appeared right in front of his face, explaining everything he needed to know.

Liu Yumei couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected appearance of this interface. He grinned, revealing the brilliance of his pearly-white teeth, and remarked, "This seems like it will be quite the interesting days."

Liu Yumei's thoughts resonated with the Quy System's encouragement: "It is possible to complete today's quest within a single day."

With that determination in mind, Liu Yumei set out early, embarking on a leisurely stroll through the town. As he passed the local park, a heartwarming scene unfolded before him: a group of children immersed in a spirited game of soccer, their energetic kicks sending plumes of dust into the air. This picturesque sight brought a smile to his face, even though he had never considered himself a participant in such activities. But what about his daily tasks?

In an unexpected turn of events, a soccer ball hurtled toward him with the speed of a runaway meteor, defying the laws of physics with its unimaginable velocity. Time seemed to slow to a standstill as the ball connected with his head, sending his world spinning into an electrifying whirlwind of chaos and wonder. As he stumbled backwards, his very existence seemed to tremble on the precipice of reality and fantasy.

Liu Yumei's thoughts swirled in a tumult of disbelief. The idea that he'd been struck by a flying object was incomprehensible. He stood there, utterly stupefied, as if he were an audience to a surreal spectacle, watching his own life play out from a detached perspective. Gradually, as vertigo receded, he rose to his feet, his hand tenderly massaging his cheek as he sought to disentangle himself from the bewildering haze that had overtaken him.

As he stood up, a bit dishevelled but intact, he couldn't help but notice the child approaching him with an expression that teetered between worry and curiosity. "Hey mister, you alright?"

Liu Yumei, trying to inject a bit of humour into the situation, raised an eyebrow and said, "Well, I guess I've officially joined the 'Soccer Headbutting Club' now. It's all the rage, you know." He examined his cheek, which was now hosting a tiny nosebleed, and added with a wry grin, "Yeah, I'm good. Just a little extra seasoning for my day."

.The child stared at him, a blend of amusement and bewilderment flickering across their face before they decided to return to the game with their friends, leaving Liu Yumei to contemplate the absurdity of life and its penchant for throwing the most unexpected comedic twists into the mix.

As Liu Yumei scanned his surroundings, he realized that a number of people in close proximity had been spectators to his unexpected mishap. Desiring to put the episode behind him and escape the prying eyes of curious onlookers, he pivoted away and resumed his leisurely walk down the bustling street. The last thing he wanted was additional, unwanted attention.

His mind churned with the enigmatic message delivered by the Quy System. It seemed to hint at a set of rules or guidelines for quest completion, yet the specifics remained veiled in mystery. Questions swirled through his thoughts. What did these implied rules entail, and how would they impact his day? What extraordinary tasks might he need to undertake as part of this uncharted adventure? The possibilities loomed before him, rife with intrigue and uncertainty.

A couple of hours had slipped away, and Liu Yumei found himself still wandering the town's vibrant streets, far from the confines of his home. The bustling local businesses had begun opening their doors, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as the early risers commenced their daily routines.

Craving sustenance, he decided to step into a nearby restaurant and place an order for a light meal. His hunger gradually waned as he savoured the flavours.

However, in the midst of his meal, a friendly and welcoming waiter approached him, suggesting, "You must be new in town." He turned his gaze toward the source of the voice and was met with the sight of a captivating young lady dressed in a delightful pink skirt paired with sleek black leggings. Her smile was radiant, showcasing a set of impeccably white teeth, while her hair was elegantly tied back, and her eyes sparkled like precious gemstones. Her slender and well-toned figure added to her allure.

She inquired once more, "May I sit next to you?" Unbeknownst to Liu Yumei, her inner thoughts betrayed her true impression: "Gosh, he's gorgeous," she quietly whispered to herself. Liu Yumei, caught off guard by the unexpected request, stammered, "Uhh... Sure, I guess," hardly expecting the delightful turn of events.