I didn’t expect Miss Bennett’s so-called business partner to actually be him—this really took me by surprise. However, as a leading figure in the field of internet addiction treatment, regardless of his academic achievements… Edward Young is indeed very good at making money, and Miss Bennett is a businesswoman. The nature of businesspeople is to make money, so their cooperation isn’t all that surprising…

　　The Bennett Family’s business ventures are extremely diverse.

　　The conversation between Miss Bennett and Edward Young didn’t last long. After a brief lunch, Uncle Young, carrying two bottles of freshly opened fine wine and looking both flattered and surprised, left The Bennett Family.

　　At the dining table, the two struck a major business deal: The Bennett Family would invest and take shares, collaborating with Edward Young to promote his Yongxin electroshock model. The professor’s internet addiction treatment center was about to break out of Xinlu and go nationwide.

　　…Here’s a sincere wish that everyone on my blacklist gets caught and zapped, so they can fully experience the legendary five-milliamp “super electromagnetic cannon” current.

　　After seeing Edward Young off, the formulaic smile on Grace Bennett’s face vanished without a trace.

　　I was curious: “Do you really dislike him?”

　　Grace Bennett curled her lip in disdain. “A mere clown—he’s not even worth my dislike.”

　　So, that PS in your diary: ‘The person who came with Mr. Feng is really annoying’—does that count as a kind of recognition for me?

　　I asked again, “A clown like that can actually get through The Bennett Family’s doors?”

　　“I’m interested in his Yongxin model. As for Edward Young himself, he’s worthless.”

　　“Oh, so The Bennett Family plans to make money off internet addicts?”

　　With the deal done, Miss Bennett seemed to be in a good mood, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Why not? It’s the trend. Someone has to do it. The Bennett Family is just going with the flow—nothing more. Are you planning to seek justice for someone?”

　　I replied righteously, “For myself. I’m an online gamer too.”

　　“……”

　　“So if anyone dares call me an internet addict, I’ll smash their head in.”

　　Miss, working with people like Edward Young might not be such a good idea. Money from internet addicts isn’t so easy to make.

　　Professor Tao in hell would definitely agree with me.

　　Grace Bennett’s smile gradually faded, and she sighed. “Do you really think that just one Edward Young could have caused the situation we see today?”

　　As the young lady said, a mere clown, not worth a penny.

　　The real root lies with the people around those internet addicts—their anxious, disillusioned, and resentful parents.

　　No internet addict would willingly jump into Uncle Young’s electric net for the thrill. And the only ones qualified to force someone into an internet addiction treatment center, to restrict their personal freedom, are the parents—who else could it be?

　　The city management?

　　Grace Bennett sighed, “They’re pitiful too.”

　　Pitiful people always have their own foolishness.

　　Grace Bennett said, “Exactly. They lack the ability to properly educate their children, yet they don’t dare take responsibility or face their own failures… It’s laughable, insignificant, and sad. But it’s precisely these insignificant people who make up the rich tapestry of society. And these people are just lost in the simple illusion of ‘my child’s failure isn’t my fault.’”

　　That’s right—the ones who shout about addiction are actually the most addicted themselves.

　　But illusions will eventually shatter.

　　Grace Bennett smiled, “I don’t expect this business to last very long.”

　　That’s it—the young lady is just a businesswoman. Once she’s made enough, she’ll leave.

　　“Internet addiction treatment has happened several times even back in the Earth era. This is just another cycle. It’s nothing major. Game companies won’t lose a single cent because of Edward Young’s existence.”

　　“If anyone is being sacrificed, it’s just some kids. With parents like that, they’re unlucky no matter what. Whether they get shocked or not doesn’t really matter.”

　　“And for young people, playing a little less games is never a bad thing.”

　　When the young lady spoke, she sounded like an elder, but it didn’t feel out of place at all.

　　“Well said… and thank you, Miss, for your patient explanation.”

　　Miss Bennett was momentarily stunned, then immediately wiped the smile from her face, gave a cold snort, and turned to leave.

　　Such a bad temper.

　　But she really is beautiful.

Chapter 9: Successfully Obtained a Hot and Sexy Photo, Feeling Great

　　In the afternoon, a melodious piano tune echoed from the study on the east side of the second floor—this was The Bennett Family’s little sister’s daily practice. She’d started as a child, and now, after ten years, the way the girl played the keys already showed hints of a true virtuoso.

　　I could never quite appreciate the subtleties of the music, but Emily Bennett’s passionate dedication was undoubtedly beautiful.

　　Very beautiful.

　　Standing at the doorway, listening to Emily Bennett’s piano, my boredom gradually gave way to an unexpected sense of peace. Vaguely, it felt as if my perception was expanding again. Just as I was about to seize the moment and try to break through my current limits, the piano stopped.

　　In a flash, two hours had passed—the girl’s practice was over.

　　What a pity. Just five more minutes and I would have leveled up.

　　“…Little sister, you owe me one.”

　　Emily Bennett was startled.

　　Then the maid came in with black tea and snacks. After piano practice, it was time for Emily Bennett’s afternoon tea. The appropriately warm drink and light snacks could quickly replenish the energy spent on the keys.