Reborn As A Doomsday Villainess
Chapter 65: I think I hate you

Chapter 65: I think I hate you

Tang Haoyu grit his teeth, ignoring the condescending voice in his head. "Shut up, Lotus."

[No. If I shut up, who else will tell you how pathetic you are?]

His arms trembled as he forced out another rep. He barely made it to 20 before collapsing onto the cold balcony floor, gasping for breath.

[Lotus: You’re embarrassing yourself. Even an old man could do better.]

Haoyu rolled onto his back, glaring up at the sky. "You could at least pretend to be supportive."

[Lotus: I am supporting you. Through tough love.]

"Tch." He wiped the sweat off his forehead and sat up. He needed to pace himself or he’d die before even reaching the sit-ups. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his posture and started again.

The next 30 push-ups were hell. His arms burned, his chest ached, and his body felt like it was about to give out. By the time he hit 50, he collapsed again, his breath ragged.

[Lotus: You still have 50 left. Chop chop.]

Haoyu groaned. "Give me a second, damn it."

[Lotus: Fine. But your recovery time will be deducted from your survival points.]

His eye twitched. "You’re evil."

[Lotus: I prefer efficient.]

Haoyu dragged himself up, shaking out his arms. If he couldn’t even do a full set of push-ups, how was he supposed to survive the apocalypse?

He clenched his jaw. No. He wasn’t going to die like last time.

Dropping back down, he forced himself to finish the set. By the time he hit 100, his arms felt like jelly, and he flopped onto his stomach like a dead fish.

[Lotus: Disgusting form, but you finished. Barely.]

Haoyu gave the air a weak middle finger. "Screw you."

[Lotus: Flattered. Now get started on the sit-ups.]

He groaned but rolled over, pulling himself into position. This was going to be a long morning.

Haoyu planted his feet firmly on the balcony floor, arms crossed over his chest as he prepared for sit-ups. His stomach already ached in anticipation.

"Alright, let’s get this over with," he muttered.

[Lotus: That’s the spirit. Maybe by the end of this, you’ll be slightly less pathetic.]

Haoyu exhaled sharply and started. The first twenty weren’t too bad—his core still had some strength, even if it wasn’t what it used to be. But by thirty, his abs burned, and by fifty, his movements slowed considerably.

He clenched his teeth, forcing himself to keep going. He wasn’t about to let his system’s snarky commentary get the best of him.

At seventy, his pace had dropped to a crawl. Sweat dripped down his face, and every lift felt like he was dragging a dead weight.

[Lotus: You look like you’re dying. Should I start planning your funeral?]

Haoyu grunted, refusing to waste energy responding. He pushed through, his muscles screaming in protest, until finally—finally—he hit one hundred.

He collapsed onto his back, chest heaving.

[Lotus: Congratulations. You look like you need medical attention.]

Haoyu groaned, throwing an arm over his face. "Shut up, Lotus."

[Lotus: No. Now get up. You still have a three-kilometer run to do.]

His entire body screamed at the thought. He could barely move his arms and abs, and now Lotus expected him to run?

"I think I hate you."

[Lotus: Feelig is Mutual bro.]

With great effort, Haoyu rolled over and pushed himself up. He leaned against the balcony railing for support, gulping in air.

The city stretched out below, the streets slowly filling with people going about their day. None of them had any idea that in just a few months, everything would collapse.

Haoyu clenched his fists.

No matter what, he wouldn’t be weak this time.

Taking one last deep breath, he straightened up and stretched his legs.

"Alright," he muttered. "Let’s get this damn run over with."

Just as Haoyu was about to step outside, another chime echoed in his head. A translucent screen popped up.

⸻

[Survival Guide System—Lotus]

[Gift Unlocked: Beginner’s Training Set]

• Basic Gym Shirt (Black) - Sweat-wicking, breathable fabric. Won’t make you look cool, but at least you won’t stink.

• Basic Training Shorts (Black) - Slightly better than running in your boxers. Slightly.

• Basic Running Shoes - Because barefoot training is for monks and people with better endurance than you.

Haoyu blinked.

Then—

[Lotus: You’re broke, pathetic, and have zero fashion sense. Consider this an act of mercy.]

Haoyu twitched. "I can buy my own clothes."

[Lotus: With what money? Your good intentions?]

"...Shut up."

A small inventory window appeared, and Haoyu clicked on the items. Instantly, a neatly folded set of gym clothes materialized on the couch.

He walked over, picking up the shirt. The fabric was lightweight and cool to the touch.

He reluctantly admitted it was better than the too-small pajamas.

Not that he’d say it out loud.

Grumbling under his breath, he grabbed the clothes and pulled them on. The shirt fit snugly but was flexible enough to move in, and the shorts were just the right length. He slipped on the shoes last, bouncing on his heels to test the fit.

Surprisingly, they were comfortable.

[Lotus: Now you almost look like someone who works out. Almost.]

"Keep talking, and I’ll run myself off a bridge," Haoyu muttered.

[Lotus: Wouldn’t be the dumbest thing you’ve done.]

Haoyu inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly, and clenched his fists.

"Three kilometers," he reminded himself. "That’s all I have to do. Let’s get this fucking over with.."

The moment Haoyu took off, he regretted everything.

His body was not built for this. Not yet, anyway.

The first few meters were fine. The shoes were good, the morning air was crisp, and the streets weren’t too crowded. He almost thought, Hey, this isn’t so bad.

Then reality hit.

By the time he reached the first kilometer, his lungs were on fire, his legs felt like lead, and sweat dripped down his back. He had completely misjudged his stamina.

"Three kilometers isn’t that far," he had told himself. "I used to run way more than this."