Chapter One: The Erased Starter

Yellow tabs marked every signature line. The salary was five times Lin's academy wage. The additional clauses gave Obsidian control over appearances, interviews, and his public image. "Can I refuse?" "Of course. But the academy's second squad is being cut next month. Your younger sister's rehabilitation cannot be cheap." Lin's pen stopped. Lin Ying had been twelve when a car accident shattered her right leg. Their father was long gone. Their older sister Lin Ji worked at a bank by day and kept books for small shops at night. Lin's academy wage was modest, but it was the family's only reliable extra income. He signed. Outside, Zhou Ye caught him and clamped a hand on his shoulder. "Sitting in his chair won't turn you into him."