Caleb took a step back , pulling away from her grasp . " Andrea , I've been thinking . What we had was a childhood friendship . We're adults now . We have our own lives , our own circles . I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression . " He looked her straight in the eye . " From now on , I think it's best if we just act like strangers . " She stared at him , aghast . " You're cutting me off ? " " Even though you deleted the post , the data was still leaked . I have to report this to the lab immediately , " he said coldly . " There will be an investigation , and possibly fines . It will be better for you if we have no connection . " Andrea was trapped . She was terrified of having to pay , but she couldn't bear to lose her last remaining prospect . I seized the opportunity . " I share some of the blame in this . If there are any fines , I'll help pay my share . " Andrea opened and closed her mouth , but couldn't bring herself to make the same offer . [ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION : CALEB'S AFFECTION FOR ANDREA HAS DROPPED TO 0.1 [ CONGRATULATIONS , HOST . MISSION PROGRESS : 66 % . ] I raised an eyebrow . That went smoother than expected . Alright . Just Victor left . I thought it would take more effort , but Andrea , it turned out , was getting impatient . I started noticing Victor coming 2 to the dorms with a shadow . If his affection meter wasn't still steadily dropping , I would've thought she'd managed to win him back . Then one day , as I was strolling back for the cafeteria , I saw them . Victor looked utterly fed up with her . When he saw me , his eyes lit up with a desperate idea . Just stop following me , okay ? I'm already in love with someone else ! " Andrea froze , her shock turning to rage . " Who ? " The Dorm Mom ! " he declared , pointing dramatically at me . " She's my type ! Mature , responsible ... she can keep me in line . " While I stood there , stunned , he rushed over and grabbed both my hands . ' I'm tired of struggling , ma'am ! Take care of me ! " With his back to Andrea , he gave me a frantic wink . Andrea's eyes were as wide as saucers , as if she was witnessing the most absurd thing in the universe . " You'd make up a lie like that just to get away from me ? " " It's not a lie ! It's the gospel truth ! " Victor insisted , his face a mask of sincerity . Andrea's voice turned shrill . " You'd rather be with some old hag than me ? " I shot Victor a look that could freeze fire . Oh , so now I'm his human shield ? Not on my watch . I still had a mission to complete , and I wasn't about to get fired . " First of all , " I said , my voice dangerously calm , " let me reiterate : I am a Gen Z. I'm only a few years older than you . " I held up my index finger , then my middle finger . " Secondly , making up such a transparently ridiculous lie to avoid a problem is immature and irresponsible . " Victor had the decency to look embarrassed , refusing to meet my eyes . Chapter 2 " And finally , " I said , turning my gaze to Andrea for the kill shot . " He would rather invent an insane fantasy about liking me than be with you . Do you still not get the message ? " " Have some self - respect . " Andrea trembled with rage . She shot us both a venomous glare before storming off . [ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION : VICTOR'S AFFECTION FOR ANDREA HAS DROPPED TO 10 % . ] What I didn't expect was that Ethan would soon have the same idea . While Andrea was harassing Victor in the real world , she hadn't given up on Ethan online . After her failed attempt to poach him , she hired a mob of trolls to flood his livestream chat . They spouted rumors that he had a sugar mama , that the whole " hard - worki- ng student " act was just a ploy for attention . The chat was a waterfall of hate .. " Probably has some rich old lady paying his bills . Who would watch this otherwise ? " " Theard the Dorm Mom is his sugar mama . Gross . " " He'll do anything to get famous . What a fake . " The filth scrolling across the screen was endless . I had tuned in to check on Ethan's egg count and walked right into the ambush . At first , Ethan tried to respond patiently . " Thanks for your concern . I'm just working to support myself . " But the trolls multiplied , their comments growing more vicious , devolving into personal attacks . I decided it was time for an in - person visit . The moment I appeared on camera , the trolls went into a frenzy . " The sugar mama is here ! " " Caught them in the act ! " " My eyes ! They burn ! " But some of the regular viewers started pushing back , questioning the narrative . I looked way too young to be a "sugar mama . " Maybe there was a misunderstanding . Ethan shot me an apologetic look before facing the camera with a sincere expression . " Thank you all for your interest in my perso- nal life . I do not have a sugar mama . But ... if you're asking what my type is ... " He paused for effect . " I think the Dorm Mom is great . She gave me this incredible job opportunity , If Tever do get a girlfriend , I hope she's someone like her . " The chat froze for a second before the trolls redoubled their efforts . Just then , a user named ' AndreaNotCharming ' dropped a bombshell . " That ' Dorm Mom ' is famous at our school for hitting on male students . She Dean , that's why she's so boid . The guys she targets are too scared to say no , so her position to do it . I heard she's related to the ey just have to play along . " The implication was clear . I was threatening Ethan , forcing him to say those things . The trolls latched onto it immediately . Ethan saw it too and was about to defend me , but I held up a hand . " What ? You guys figured it out ? " I said , feigning astonishment . " It's true . I'm the ancient ancestor of the Ethan clan , awakened from a thousand - year slumber . " Chapter 2 " He was collecting duck eggs a while back and happened to step on the magic seal that imprisoned me . That's how I was freed . I may look young , but you all saw through my disguise . " I sighed dramatically and patted Ethan's shoulder . " Go on , my child , collect those eggs . I'm too old for this modern world . I'm counting on you to provide for me now . " The entire livestream was stunned into silence . Even Ethan didn't know how to react to my deadpan nonsense . Then , the chat exploded . " LMAO I'M DYING , THIS IS HILARIOUS . " " She's not a sugar mama , she's his great - great - great - grandma ! " " I want an ancient ancestor to support me ! Is it too late to start collecting duck eggs ? " " Dude just transfer to their school , better odds . " The mood completely shifted . The trolls were still trying to spew hate , but they were drowned out by a wave of memes and jokes . Ethan straightened up , his voice firm . " She gave me a job and taught me the value of hard work . That makes her a million times better than certain people who just hide behind their keyboards and cause trouble . " " That's all the eggs for today . See you all tomorrow ." He ended the stream . I looked at him , a wry smile on my face . " That'll be a hundred - dollar deduction from your pay for spouting nonsense . Do it again , and you're fired . " Ethan snapped back to reality . " Ma'am , I'm sorry ! " I told him to finish cleaning up and headed straight for the university's IT department . Andrea had crossed a line . I wasn't just going to sit there and take it . I provided the IT department with the livestream recording , and they quickly traced the troll accounts back to her . Simultaneously , I filed a police report for defamation , accusing Andrea of severely damaging the reputation of a university employ- ee and one of its students . With the digital evidence , the case was open - and - shut . The police got involved . Andrea was issued a formal , public reprimand by the school and a mark on her permanent record . After that , she saw me as her mortal enemy . The petty annoyances began . A broken faucet in her dorm . A faulty window latch . was constantly filling out maintenance requests . Then she started telling the campus counselor she thought she was developing depression . The counselor told me to " show her more care and concern " and submit daily reports on her well - being . So every day , I'd go to her room , and she would pointedly ignore me while playing on her phone . I knew she was doing it just to was- te my time . But I'm the villain in this story . I don't just roll over . Every time I visited her dorm , i conducted a thorough search for contraband electronics . I was a student once ; I know all the hiding spots for hair straighteners and electric kettles . Her roommates , who were already angry at her for selling them out before , were furious that my constant , diligent inspections were happening because of her . They started taking their frustrations out on Andrea in subtle ways . Andrea's hatred for me grew even more intense . Finally , she told the counselor she was " cured " and didn't need my visits anymore . But how could I stop ? As a dedicated Dorm Mom , it was my duty to be diligent . I began conducting my nightly rounds more freque- Chapter 2 ntly than ever , telling any student who asked that it was a precaution because a student in room 307 had reported some mental health struggles . I needed to show them extra care . The System quietly informed me that Andrea's " resentment value " was skyrocketing . Then , one day , one of her roommates secretly reported to me that Andrea was keeping cat in their room . I walked down the third - floor hallway and heard the faint sound of meowing . The door to her room was slightly ajar . I pushed it open . There she was , cradling a scruffy - looking stray cat . On the floor was a small saucer of milk and some sliced - up hot dogs . " Andrea . University regulations strictly forbid keeping pets in the dorms . You are knowingly breaking the rules . " Andrea held the cat tighter , her face a mask of calm . " But ma'am , it's so helpless . It would starve out there . " I crossed my arms . " The dorm is a communal living space , not an animal shelter . Let's not even talk about hygiene and noise . What if it scratches or bites someone ? Who's responsible ? What about its waste ? What if it spreads diseases ? " Andrea ignored me and continued stroking the cat . Then she saw someone behind me , and her eyes lit up . " How can you be so heartless ? " she cried , her voice cracking as her eyes instantly welled up with tears . " Heartless ? " I scoffed . " Compassion is a fine quality , but not when it's used as an excuse to break rules and inconvenience others . This is a flagrant violation . That's a five - point deduction from your student conduct score . " Her face went pale , then red . Her fingers tightened around the cat . " What's going on here ? " Victor's voice came from the doorway . Andrea looked at him like he was her savior , running over with the cat in her arms . " Victor , I was just trying to help this poor little kitten . Please , can you help me ? " I knew exactly what she was doing . Saving the cat was just an act for Victor's benefit . " What are you doing here ? " I asked him . The male and female dorms were on the same floor , but crossing the line was forbidden . He explained he was a student representative , collecting feedback for the end - of - semester report . Andrea saw her chance and started sobbing . " Victor , my depression came back after ... after I had to leave the dance team . This little cat saved me . It was with me through that whole dark time . I can't lose it . " At the mention of the dance team , Victor looked uncomfortable . " I thought you said you were all better , " I interjected . " Are you lying to the counselor ? " Andrea froze , her eyes darting away . " I ... I had a relapse , okay ? " " A relapse like that sounds serious , " I said , my voice full of fake concern . " I think I need to call your faculty advisor and have him notify your parents . " " No ! " she yelped . Victor , failing to see the manipulation , chimed in earnestly . " Andrea , if you're really not feeling well , you should see a doctor . " " No , that's not it ! " She hadn't expected Victor to side with me , and now she was trapped . " Are you trying to push me over the edge ? " Victor frowned . " You can't keep a cat in the dorms . And you seem very agitated . Maybe we should call your advisor . " Just then , the stray cat decided it had had enough . It struggled free from her arms and darted out of the room . Chapter 2 Her living prop was gone . The performance was over . An awkward silence filled the room . Victor cleared his throat . " Well , I guess the cat doesn't like being cooped up . " Seeing Andrea sputtering with rage but with nowhere to direct it , I delivered the final verdict . " Clean this room from top to bottom . Disinfect every surface the cat touched . I'll be back tonight for an inspection . If it's not spotless , you'll lose more points . " [ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION : VICTOR'S AFFECTION FOR ANDREA HAS DROPPED TO 0. 】 [ MISSION COMPLETE . HOST MAY CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN THIS WORLD . ] I clicked " CONFIRM " without a second's hesitation . I mean , duh . If I hadn't died in my original world , I wouldn't be here in the first place [ CONGRATULATIONS , HOST . YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR LIFE AS THE DORM MOM . ENJOY THE WONDERFUL DAYS AHEAD . ] I finally let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding . As I left , Andrea's glare could have curdled steel . It was the kind of look that promised murder . And on the day of the university - wide fire drill , she decided to make good on that promise . Smoke bombs were set off , and students began their orderly evacuation , heads low , hands over their mouths . As the Dorm Mom , my protocol was to do a final sweep of every floor to ensure no one was left behind . When I reached the third floor , where Andrea lived , I smelled something wrong - a sharp , acrid stench of burning plastic that was definitely not from the smoke bombs . My blood ran cold . I sprinted towards room 307 . The door was unlocked . I pushed it open to find the room choked with thick , black smoke and the flickering glow of real flames . " Anyone in here ? " I shouted , covering my mouth and nose as I plunged inside . Through the haze , I saw Andrea collapsed by her desk , seemingly unconscious . The source of the fire was a power strip under her desk . Plugged into it was a high - wattage already ignited a stack of books and the curtains . The fire was spreading fast . electric kettle , a clear violation of dorm rules . The plastic casing was melting , and it had ! didn't have time to think . I radioed in a real fire , requested backup and fire extinguishers , and then rushed forward , grabbing Andr- ea and dragging her away from the flames . She was heavier than she looked , and it took all my strength to pull her out into the relative safety of the hallway . The smoke was making my eyes stream . The moment I let go of her to go back for an extinguisher , her eyes snapped open . They gleamed with a crazed , triumphant malice . With all her might , she kicked me squarely in the side . Caught completely off guard , I staggered backward , tumbling back into the fiery , smoke - filled room . SLAM ! Andrea slammed the door shut , from the outside . I heard the lock click . Her maniacal laughter echoed from the other side . " Have a nice time in there ! The heroic Dorm Mom , dying in a fire to save a stud- ent ! How noble ! HAHAHAHA ! " " ANDREA ! " I screamed , a mix of fury and disbelief . yanked on the handle , but the door wouldn't budge . She must have rigged the lock beforehand . This psycho ! Chaster 2 The fire was growing . I forced myself to stay calm , retreating to the bathroom where the smoke was thinner . I soaked towels in water and jammed them into the cracks around the door . Thank God I had already called for help . Just as the smoke was about to overwhelm me , I heard shouting from the hallway . " Breach the door ! Now ! " My consciousness faded , but I knew I was safe . When I came to , I was lying on the grass outside . " How did you get out ? It's impossible ! " Andrea shoved her way through the crowd , her face a mask of horror , like she'd seen a ghost . I ignored her and handed the small device I was clutching to one of the university officials . " This fire was not an accident . This is my personal safety recorder . It has a full confession from Andrea of arson and attempted murder . " The evidence was undeniable . A wave of shock went through the crowd . Victor , Ethan , and Caleb rushed to my side . Seeing that I was disheveled but unharmed , they all let out sighs of relief . When they looked at Andrea , their expressions were no longer just disappointed , but filled with absolute revulsion and fear . Andrea collapsed onto the ground , her face ashen . Her actions had gone far beyond a simple school disciplinary issue . She was handed over to the police . The law would deal with her now . I , on the other hand , received a commendation from the university for my heroic actions during the " drill . " Thanks to helping Ethan become a minor internet celebrity , students started calling me the " Hardcore Dorm Mom . " They came to me with all sorts of probl- ems , and my reputation grew . Victor , Ethan , and Caleb looked at me with a newfound respect . The System , in its final act , had cleansed any lingering romantic feelings they might have had , transforming them into a solid , unshakable friendship . Its mission complete , the System vanished without a trace . And I ? I finally began my hew , wonderfully peaceful life as the Dorm Mom .