Gout99

Zhang Ye, a delusional yet fiercely ambitious college graduate, dreams of becoming the world’s greatest star—despite being a nobody in reality. On the eve of his make-or-break radio host interview, he stumbles into a surreal game that promises to rewrite his destiny. Armed with a mysterious "Random Modification of Real-World Background" reward, Zhang Ye must navigate absurd challenges, inflated lies, and a reality-bending system to transform his wildest fantasies into fame. But can a chronic daydreamer survive the highest difficulty setting of life itself?

I Want to Be a Sigma boy!

Zhang Ye wasn't surprised by the stunned reactions.

Li Honglian struggled to articulate her thoughts. "This poem… you…"

Zhao Guozhou, clueless about Russian, leaned in. "Lao Li, translate it. How good is it?"

Li Honglian coughed awkwardly. "I… didn't catch all of it. The prose poem's complexity, combined with his rapid delivery…"

Zhang Ye offered, "Let me recite the Chinese version."

A young interviewer, eager to undermine him, scoffed inwardly. Russian theatrics won't save you. Let's see your Chinese craftsmanship.

Zhang Ye inhaled, channeling the poem's defiance—a perfect mirror to his own struggle:

"Over the vast gray sea, winds gather stormclouds. Between sky and waves, the sea swallow soars like black lightning—proud, untamed. Its wings graze the swells, then pierce the gloom. In its cry, the storm hears joy. In its call, fury blazes. The gulls cower, hiding their fear in the depths…"

His voice crescendoed, raw and electric:

"Winds howl. Thunder roars. Clouds burn like dark fire on the abyss. The sea snuffs lightning's arrows in its depths—serpents of flame swallowed whole. The storm approaches! The storm is here! This brave swallow, this prophet of victory, screams above the fury…"

Why must I face endless obstacles?

Why does fairness feel like a myth?

Zhang Ye's final roar shook the room:

The last line—iconic in another world—ignited the air.

Zhao Guozhou sat transfixed. Li Honglian's arms prickled with goosebumps. The skeptical interviewer shriveled in his seat.

When silence reclaimed the room, Zhang Ye bowed. "Judges, I've completed the second test."

Li Honglian blinked, her soul still adrift in the tempest. "We'll… notify you later."

Zhao Guozhou snapped out of his trance. "What's this poem called?"

"Sea Swallow," Zhang Ye said. "In Russian, it also means 'Harbinger of the Storm.'"

"Apt!" Zhao marveled. "You are that swallow—defiant, unbroken. Today, you've taught us all a lesson."

Zhang Ye returned to his cramped studio apartment, skipping his parents' place. Independence mattered—he'd prove himself before facing them.

His "feast" consisted of Kangshifu shrimp-flavored instant noodles. Poverty tasted better with purpose.

The door burst open without warning.

Rao Aimin floated in, summer dress swaying. "Failed the interview, didn't you? Told you to stick to behind-the-scenes work. Who'd hire this face?"

As if on cue, his phone rang. A voice declared, "You're hired. Report to the Arts Frequency后天."

Rao Aimin gaped. "You? A host? Well, color me shocked. Even moldy bread finds its pigeon someday."

Ignoring her barbs, Zhang Ye called his parents, voice trembling. "Mom, Dad—I made it!"

This was his first step. With the game ring's power, his star would rise. The "Save" function had reversed fate; the altered cultural landscape was his arsenal.

Fame? Mansions? Armored limos? His daydreams spiraled. Five girlfriends minimum. Tanks for security!

The world would know his name—no, not "Zhang Jingkong" (wait, wrong fantasy)—Zhang Ye.

Chapter 5: [Hired!]