Chapter 9
I slapped him hard across the face. “You think you were the only one tempted in the game? You think I never faced any temptation?”
Levi had no idea that, during the simulated pregnancy, I was confronted with a powerful temptation of my own.
I was tempted–deeply tempted–but after agonizing over it, I turned it down.
“Levi, this game is fair. The reason you couldn’t resist temptation is that your moral bottom line is just too low. You’re selfish, through and through!
“If you don’t believe me, go ahead and request to see the game replay!”
With that, I turned and walked away, no longer willing to listen to the wailing and sobbing of his family.
Over the years, I dated Levi, and his family’s fortunes steadily improved.
They bragged everywhere about how capable their son was, how he’d managed to land the daughter of the richest man in the country.
Now, all of that was gone.
I walked out of the VR game hall and straight into my dad’s waiting arms.
He stroked my hair gently, his voice was full of love. “Now do you understand why I never agreed to your marriage?”
Tears streamed down my face as I finally realized the depth of hist
concern.
Later, I filed a lawsuit, demanding that Levi return every cent he’d siphoned from me over the years under the guise of dating.
His family’s wealth evaporated overnight, and they were right back where they started.
Levi started going on blind dates everywhere, hoping to meet another naïve, wealthy girl.
And, as luck would have it, he actually did.
But thanks to the marriage reflection period, her parents arranged for them to play the “Marriage Game.” Once again, Levi’s true colors were
revealed.
He completely lost it, lashing out online and attacking the game at every
tumn.
At a press conference, a reporter raised a question. “There are claims that the marriage game contains violence and causes players significant emotional harm. Is there any truth to this?”
I replied with a smile, “I was among the first to experience the marriage game. There is no violence built into the design. If violence ever occurs, it can only come from the players themselves.
“To prevent harm, we monitor players‘ brain activity in real time. If there’s any sign of overwhelming stress or a life–threatening event, the relevant sensations are immediately blocked from the brain.”
Seeing the approving looks on many faces in the audience, I continued, “These days, a lot of people choose a partner just because that person treats them well, or they’re moved by small gestures, and they overlook their partner’s true character.
“A partner with poor character, when faced with real pressure and temptation, might turn on you in an instant–or even throw you under the
Cholers
bus.
“And when that happens, regret won’t help you at all.
“The original purpose of this game was to help people recognize this truth, and to choose a partner truly worth spending a lifetime with!”
The room erupted in thunderous applause.
Later, I stood at the entrance of the game hall and saw a young couple.
The girl was arguing with her parents, saying, “He treats me so well- there’s no way he could fail a game like this!”
I smiled to myself. Before I went in, I had thought exactly the same thing.
Standing at the doorway, I watched people come and go.
Some were crying, some were laughing, some parted ways in silence.
I let out a long, deep sigh.
All I could hope was that everyone who gave their heart would find the right person in the end.
