Chapter 001: The Wedding of Company Personnel

Having consumed quite a bit of alcohol, he became rather impulsive, directly gesturing and pointing with his hands.

In recent years, I have not found any other suitable companies, but in fact, there is nothing wrong with that. Freelancing aligns quite well with my personality

Who would only focus on eating at a classmate's wedding? Your behavior hasn't changed at all

This small cup of wine contains a high concentration of magic that can sustain Hayden's daily work for three days, derived from the essence of the sun refined from morning dew. Only an exceptionally skilled alchemist can successfully distill this wine. It refracts different colors depending on the speed and direction of the movement of the cup, and it must be consumed at an extremely low temperature; if the temperature during consumption is even slightly higher, it will immediately evaporate and disappear.

However, when Karen Guang saw the bride's smile, a smile that was as polite as that of a doll, she felt a sudden surge of irritation in her heart and fiercely gulped down the drink that Hayden had just handed to her

What a beauty, indeed a great beauty. Her sea-blue hair cascades in abundant waves down to her waist, indicating that this bride is of the upper class, genetically enhanced before birth. The delicate areas are slender, the prominent areas are pronounced, her porcelain-like skin and violet eyes emit a gem-like radiance, clearly not traits affordable to the poor. With a straight nose and beautifully shaped lips that are soft and full, she exudes a mature sensuality despite being just in her early twenties—what is this scent? The delicate areas are slender, the prominent areas are pronounced, her porcelain-like skin and violet eyes emit a gem-like radiance, clearly not traits affordable to the poor. With a straight nose and beautifully shaped lips that are soft and full, she exudes a mature sensuality despite being just in her early twenties—what is this scent? Is it a deliberately designed pheromone?

The difference between the two of them is something Hayden is well aware of himself

In a state of intoxication, he raised a finger high and declared loudly

One thousand fairies of ethereal light flicker in the banquet hall, signifying the presence of over a thousand living little fairies. They are all specially hired sprites for this occasion, fluttering their sparkling wings, dressed in splendid little dresses, and holding crystal cups filled with exquisite nectar, serving wine to the guests

This is quite a problem

What is wrong with being self-centered? Why should one be subservient to others? Rather than mindlessly caring about others' opinions and stifling my own self, drifting through each day in a daze—I might as well become the most self-centered man in the world!

Hayden could indeed understand her words

At this moment, Adam realized that he had probably said something wrong. It was only now that he remembered that Karen had seemed to be particularly intolerant of terms like DNA processing, genetic enhancement, and customized babies since their university days.

The melodious and pleasant music lingers all around

The Crazy Rich

Who would want to discuss marriage with someone who has an unstable job situation

This charming young lady, now dressed in a very simple white dress, walks gracefully through the hall. She radiates a strong brilliance. Within her gentle and elegant aura, it almost seems as if petals are dancing in the air

Quick decisions and swift resolutions are Hayden's creed. If he feels something is truly unsuitable for him, whether in work or otherwise, he will discard it without a moment's hesitation

Elves are inherently endowed with an ethereal beauty, and she stands out even more distinctly. Although the age of an elf is more difficult to gauge than that of a human who has consumed a rejuvenating potion, she appears to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. Her figure is slender, her skin is fair, and she wears a business suit that fits perfectly on her lithe body, moving with the grace of a fawn. In terms of beauty, elves have always been unmatched by other races.

Several guests, including Adam's in-laws, could not help but change their expressions at this moment

Standing next to him was the protagonist of the wedding, the groom, dressed in a heavier and more formal white suit, with large roses inserted into the buttonholes. However, he did not complain; upon hearing this, he simply smiled at the book with a relaxed expression: "Then I will definitely wear the best clothes. But you have been in college for ten years now, and I haven't seen you find a girlfriend."

Thus, Hayden also raised his glass, offering a distant salute to Adam, and then drank it all in one gulp. This was not the synthetic liquor he usually consumed, nor was it the kind that involved adding water and flavoring to alcohol before infusing it with carbon dioxide. For the wedding of his good friend, Hayden not only spent half a month's salary on a formal evening suit but also invested a considerable amount in preparing gifts. Even without considering the priceless nature of friendship, a purely cold and rational calculation would reveal that attending this wedding was, in fact, not a loss for him. For the wedding of his good friend, Hayden not only spent half a month's salary on a formal evening suit but also invested a considerable amount in preparing gifts. Even without considering the priceless nature of friendship, a purely cold and rational calculation would reveal that attending this wedding was, in fact, not a loss for him

However, before Karen could respond, the groom approached, arm in arm with his wife. He had just finished dancing and had likely overheard Hayden's drunken ramblings in the corner of the banquet hall, so he immediately began with a quip.

I resigned from the job I found before graduating from university after just one month. Although it was a position in low-level spell development that I wanted, I discovered that there were hardly any senior employees; everyone had a short tenure, and there were no holidays or overtime pay. During the interview, they promised a monthly salary of 6,000, but in reality, I was only given 4,000 each month, with the remainder to be determined by the company based on my actual work performance. However, it was obvious to anyone that the performance standards set by the company were unattainable. In the first month, I accumulated as much as 150 hours of overtime, so I immediately resigned and left.

As long as one has the money to purchase the rejuvenation potion, anyone can make themselves appear very young in this day and age; it is quite simple, just by drinking a couple of potions. However, the cost of just one dose of the rejuvenation potion is equivalent to fifty years' salary for an ordinary person

Adam is tall and handsome, charming and elegant, and excels in social interactions, making him truly praiseworthy in the eyes of others

Ladies and gentlemen," said the officiant, dressed in a golden robe, as he stood before the newlyweds, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two devoted souls...

The bride, who was linked arm in arm with Adam, also displayed a satisfied smile upon witnessing her husband's remarkable adaptability.

A true professional in a company must know how to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Thus, Adam had a sudden inspiration, devised a plan, smiled, and said:

The elf, dressed in a business suit, shook a pair of long ears and scanned the surroundings.

Adam said this partly to maintain social niceties and decorum, giving Hayden a way out. On the other hand, he naturally aimed to alleviate the awkwardness of the guests who heard these words. It is more accurate to say that Adam never truly expected Hayden to spend money on such a bioengineered wife, as it is indeed quite expensive. Hayden was merely an opportunity for him to advertise; it would be the wealthy and interested guests present who would truly become a reflection of Adam's performance and achievements.

Thus, Hayden suppressed his frustration and shrugged: "Currently a freelancer"

Adam smiled as he stepped forward. The two exchanged shy glances, gently taking each other's hands. The invited guests simultaneously offered warm applause. Under their watchful eyes, the couple walked towards the altar, ready to recite their wedding vows

Seeing his buddy about to marry such a beautiful woman, Hayden was certainly happy for his friend, but he couldn't help feeling a bit envious in his heart

The daughter of the company executive, who was holding Adam's arm as the bride, smiled at Karen, the representative from the company's human resources department. The professionalism of her smile was akin to that of a good wife, embodying the qualities expected of a supportive partner

He had never attended a wedding before, so he could not judge how the ceremonies of the wealthy differed from those of the poor. However, Hayden at least knew that a typical wedding would not feature one thousand radiant gems as lighting, nor would there be one thousand fairies invited to serve as waitstaff. Damn, just one sip of the drink here was worth several days of his hard work.

However, Adam had no time to argue technical issues with the two of them. Hayden was his invited guest, and at that moment, Adam's in-laws had also heard the commotion in the corner of the banquet hall and were turning to look. His newlywed wife, who was linked to his arm, was also casting him a somewhat subtle glance.

Yet Hayden was still dancing with exuberance

Keep your eyes wide open! I am going to show you what an ideal artificial wife truly is

Do not do anything

Why must everyone, upon leaving school and entering society, be shaped by the world into the small gears and screws it requires

You are quite troublesome—however, before Adam could voice his complaints, an unexpected situation occurred.

Thus, Hayden handed her a glass of wine. A commoner like him would only know an elf because they were classmates. He and this elf—Kallen Starflower—were once members of the Potion Society at the Arcane College of Evergreen State University, and they had some interactions. ... Even so, their relationship was merely one of casual conversation, light banter, and jokes during their time at university ... . ... That was all there was to it. Even so, their relationship was merely one of casual conversation, light banter, and jokes during their time at university ... . ... That was all there was to it.

Hayden ate a piece of cheese from the cold platter, looking completely composed

If it is said that Hayden was merely drunk and rambling at the wedding, essentially not ruining the atmosphere of the entire banquet, then Karen's words completely deny the essence of marriage itself. Moreover, she is a representative sent by the company's Human Resources Department to attend the wedding; what does it mean for her to say such things now

It goes without saying that such pretentiousness generally fails to impress anyone, yet Karen was still taken aback by Hayden's words. For a brief moment, she truly realized that although she was an immortal elf, this human before her was the one who had remained unchanged since graduating from university.

Of course not. It is merely the company's task

I declare you to be lifelong partners

What about Hayden? Aside from him, most of the guests at this wedding are relatives and friends of the bride's side. In other words, Hayden does not know them at all, and naturally, he cannot go looking for someone to dance with. Moreover, he does not know how to dance—what respectable person would engage in social dancing? Only those wealthy and idle upper-class individuals, as well as those who are constantly seeking to elevate their social status, would bother to learn such things

If we cannot create sufficiently good AI, then why not directly use the consciousness of living people

However, the friendship between people is truly remarkable. Two such individuals met in university and became close friends.

Nonsense! What is wrong with wanting to get married?

Robots are not the only direction for customized companions. Our company's new Yatu division is currently collaborating with Smoke Mirror Life Construction Company to develop personality chips. These chips are made using a combination of a range of skill software and simulated emotions, and will simultaneously install memory programs necessary for forming various specific behavioral patterns

He was just busy eating, so he didn't notice. However, at some point, a familiar green-haired elven woman had already stood beside Hayden, slightly furrowing her willow-like brows

Adam may not have been wrong in his words. However, Hayden, perhaps due to having had too much to drink at the wedding, unexpectedly uttered a shocking statement:

How have you been? It has been a few years since we last contacted each other. How has your work situation been since graduation

The elf was immediately taken aback: "Huh?"

The mockery of the socially successful is truly vicious, and Hayden can hardly refute it. He, along with his classmate and close friend Adam Smith, whom he met when he first entered university, are both now twenty-nine years old. Adam has already found his ideal partner and is getting married today. However, Hayden's period of being single is as long as his own age.

Many guests in the banquet hall were secretly watching this elf. This was not only because of the suit from the company's human resources department that she wore, but also because she was an elf, which implied that she came from a prestigious background. Elves are always considered high-class. They are often seen hosting programs, delivering news, working for public relations firms, serving as spokespersons for advertising campaigns, and conducting orchestras, engaging in many charming, elegant, and graceful activities. Most elves are wealthy, capable of living for several hundred years, and hold significant social status. They are frequently involved in hosting programs, delivering news, working for public relations firms, serving as spokespersons for advertising campaigns, and conducting orchestras, engaging in many charming, elegant, and graceful activities. Most elves are wealthy, capable of living for several hundred years, and hold significant social status.

This is a magnificent auditorium

Because the nearby Karen suddenly exploded

As Hayden pondered, he picked up a peach sent by a little fairy. The peach was as red as the face of a pure maiden, its hues reminiscent of a splendid landscape painting, who knows how much it cost.

We are indeed degree-holding sorcerers! We possess the power to bend the universe with our will! From the foundational era of Alice Newton, modern magical knowledge has developed over four hundred years! Is not magic the power to fulfill wishes?

Seeing other university classmates at a wedding is not particularly surprising; however, Hayden was still taken aback: "Karen? What are you doing here? Did Adam invite you?"

His words, of course, were not directed solely at Hayden

Aren't you being a bit extreme

Not every graduate can find the job they desire; I am merely one of them. Moreover, I cannot completely disregard my parents' expectations, as the house I live in still belongs to them. It is already quite remarkable that I have managed to withstand their pressure without being married off for office politics.

Indeed, upon hearing Adam's eloquent words, several elegantly dressed guests displayed expressions of interest. This world has never lacked individuals who wish to create their ideal counterparts, whether of the opposite sex or the same sex.

Even Karen, who is considered an old friend of Hayden, was startled by his words: "I know you had this personality in college, but aren't you afraid of starving one day? Humans can only live for a hundred years without the rejuvenation magic. Do you plan to be a freelancer for your entire life? What will you do when you grow old?"

Upon hearing these words, Karen's gaze naturally turned very cold, leaving even Adam momentarily stunned

Have you never returned to a desolate home, feeling that a house without others is merely a cold "nest"? Have you never been sick with a fever, lying alone in bed, wishing someone could help? Have you never experienced the terrifying silence of a house devoid of any voices? In such moments, just having someone to talk to makes all the difference

This may very well be the main reason why Hayden, at the age of twenty-nine, has yet to find a girlfriend

It is not uncommon to speak drunkenly at a wedding banquet, but to do so so loudly and to make such grandiose claims makes it difficult for other guests not to hear. Some guests noticed Hayden speaking in a corner of the banquet hall and couldn't help but cover their mouths and laugh.

There is no wall that does not let the wind through. Before long, today's farcical wedding banquet will appear in the entertainment news. However, as company employees, they cannot easily intervene to directly stop Karen, the representative from the Human Resources Department

As long as one purchases a suitable fertilized egg for genetic manipulation, anyone can customize any biological body they desire. Next, it is only necessary to use standard acceleration magic to hasten maturation, and finally install a customized personality chip on a blank brain. In this way, everyone can design their ideal partner—no, it should be said that they can fulfill any of your needs, not just as an ideal partner

It is not to say that Hayden is truly impoverished. After graduating and working for a few years, he does have some savings. However, no matter how hard ordinary people work and save, their wealth will never catch up to that of the upper class

Karen took the wine that Hayden handed her, casting a disdainful glance at everything in the banquet hall, and let out a small hum as she looked at the bride of the wedding.

The daughter of a senior executive in the business department is getting married, and the human resources department always sends someone to attend. Coincidentally, I am a classmate of the groom, so I was dispatched to run errands.

Expensive, rare, and troublesome. However, when high-status individuals get married, they still bring out this premium liquor, even if it is merely to showcase their wealth

Do you think that having slept with others makes you more mature? Don't you have more realistic concepts in your mind, such as future planning and retirement savings? I don't need to get married! As long as I prepare well for my old age and earn enough money, I won't need to get married even if I live to be four hundred years old

Thus, Adam spoke eloquently

After all, elves mostly befriend and work with other elves. An approachable elf girl who prefers humans? That is a creature that only appears in television series. Most elves look down on humans, just as most humans look down on orcs and goblins.

At this moment, only the intoxicated Hayden could fiercely retaliate against Karen's words

For the sip of wine he is currently drinking is, in fact, equivalent to the value of half a formal evening gown. As the emerald nectar flows down his throat, Hayden feels a surge of fiery energy rushing into his chest, awakening every weary cell in his body, from the scalp to the toes, in an instant

However, when it comes to the elf before him, Hayden found it particularly strange. He still remembered the past interactions he had with her during university. He recalled how this female elf used to be so unkempt at school, sporting a wild mane of green hair that resembled a bush while tinkering in the alchemy lab. Even when explosions left her covered in soot, she never seemed to care, and she had a tongue that could scorch like a flamethrower. She was impervious to anyone's anger, including that of the professors. Many times, just for a slight offense or rudeness that other students would hardly notice, she would unleash a revenge so sharp it could scorch the earth.

However, Hayden was already somewhat intoxicated and instead scoffed at it

In this era, if one is not wealthy enough and still wishes to find a desirable partner, one can basically only rely on dreaming

"What is truly abnormal is your mindset! Whether it is you or Hayden, is there nothing in your heads besides women since university!? Why must one necessarily be in a romantic relationship? Why must one necessarily get married!? Do you really think that being married makes you more impressive?"

One hundred small tables adorned with lanterns are scattered throughout the banquet hall. There are no waiters by the tables, yet beneath the small lanterns hang platters of cold dishes for guests to freely take, emanating a charming glow. Regardless of how the guests partake, the food seems inexhaustible, as these small lanterns are directly connected to the kitchen space.

Ah? Did you wet the flying cup?

Karen, however, did not notice what Hayden was thinking. She turned her head and asked with some curiosity.

After seven years apart, she seems almost unrecognizable as the same sprite now that she has entered society

Since I want a wife, of course I can use my own magic to create an ideal one! There is nothing wrong with personally designing the wife I desire

However, at that moment, a fresh voice, reminiscent of a chant, reached Hayden's ears, prompting him to turn his head in surprise.

If Hayden makes a scene at Adam's wedding, it will be Adam who ends up embarrassed

The music played from the crystal ball suddenly changed its tune, and the guests in the banquet hall fell silent. However, when the bride of today's wedding, Adam's bride from hetushucom.com, walked down the carpet, the guests in the hall collectively sighed.

It is unclear whether it is due to looks or his usual demeanor, but ever since Hayden met him, he has noticed that there are always girls surrounding Adam. So, why is it that his friend has been promoted, received a raise, become a manager, married a wealthy and beautiful woman, and is about to reach the pinnacle of life—while Hayden has zero experience in dating? Why is it that two individuals of the same university, the same age, and similar intelligence have such vastly different fortunes? The reason, of course, is not solely because Adam spends at least half an hour each day grooming his appearance

The dome of the hall is adorned with a dazzling night sky filled with stars, supported by columns entwined with vines that bloom with flowers. The melodious music flows forth from these flowers

Upon hearing these words, Hayden naturally fell silent and curiously turned to look at Adam

If it were not his best friend from university getting married today, Hayden would certainly not have come to such an occasion. Although he is dressed in formal evening attire, he still feels quite uncomfortable being in this place

As for Haydn, the evaluations he receives are often: cynical, world-weary, arrogant in his talent, and free-spirited—terms that cannot be considered compliments. This stands in stark contrast to Adam, this fine young man.

The host was still speaking, but Hayden was not really paying attention, as these matters were not particularly important. He sipped his drink while gazing towards the front of the guest area. Most of those seated there were well-dressed members of the upper class. A couple in splendid attire smiled as they watched their daughter get married. They themselves appeared quite young, with hair still dark and skin free of wrinkles.

"Whether it is finding a job or resigning, it is all my own decision. To put it plainly, do you not want to take control of your own life?"

The master of ceremonies raised the scepter high above Adam and his wife, causing a cascade of silver stars to fall upon them, swirling around their tightly embraced bodies at that moment. A pool of molten gold spread out from the center of the banquet hall, forming a sparkling dance floor. The band, dressed in golden jackets, marched towards the stage and began to play even more cheerful music. The newlyweds were the first to step onto the dance floor, earning enthusiastic applause from the guests.

"It's just that I want to find a wife; who can't find one? Even if I don't have a stable job, do you think I can't find a female beastman or a female goblin in the lower district to marry? I just don't want to! Who the hell wants that!"

If you continue to be so self-centered, you will truly be unable to find a girlfriend

Although Karen had not drunk excessively, it was her turn to get drunk this time

"Adam Smith, do you take Alicia Clarice Kazmuk Apsara to be your lawfully wedded wife..."

Not everyone in this world can realize their dreams, and not everyone is even qualified to speak of dreams. After all, everyone has to make a living! That said, seeing an old classmate who has changed beyond recognition after seven years (to some extent, he can only use this term), Hayden couldn't help but feel disturbed.

Karen immediately retorted, "If you just want a talking robot to serve you drinks, there are already plenty available on the market. But if you want artificial intelligence that can truly think like a sentient being, I’m afraid that even the current magical technology cannot create true intelligence."

How did you end up in the Human Resources Department of the Mithra Group after graduation? I remember you mentioned during university that you wanted to work in the development of alchemical reagents in the future

This is not a difficult problem

"I have never attended a wedding before, but when I get married in the future," Hayden said while tugging at the collar of his suit, "I won't bother with all this nonsense. You can come if you want, and wear whatever you like."