To spite my mortal enemy, I commissioned a custom android that looked exactly like him.
Every day I made it kneel while changing my shoes, dressed it in a maid outfit, and subjected it to every humiliation I could imagine.
But lately, this android seemed less obedient. Its gaze grew increasingly unsettling when it looked at me.
I called the robotics company to ask about warranty service.
The customer service rep replied: "Sorry sir, I've checked and we have no record of your order. Creating androids using someone's photos without permission is illegal. Please be careful of scams."
1
I unlocked the door and stepped into pitch darkness.
I yanked off my tie with force, my mood absolutely foul.
Half an hour ago, the Reed family had successfully completed another project, sending their stock soaring.
Grandfather Wilson called me over and tore me apart from head to toe.
The usual: "Look at Jason Reed—excellent grades since childhood, outstanding character, and now brilliant business sense. The project he just landed has unlimited potential."
"And you! Lazy, worthless, twenty-six years old and can't manage the company properly, can't even find a girlfriend. You're going to be the death of me!"
Blah, blah, blah. Jason Reed's name might as well be tattooed on my body—I've heard it so much since childhood.
"Jason, that cursed bastard!" I muttered under my breath.
Suddenly, the lights blazed on.
A tall figure stood beside the sofa, staring straight at me.
"Fuck!"
My heart jumped to my throat, and I swore out loud.
Taking a closer look, I finally relaxed.
I'd almost forgotten—there was now an android in my house.
2
Looking at that familiar face that made me want to punch it.
I gritted my teeth, suppressing the urge to strike, and beckoned with my finger: "Little Jason, come here and change my shoes!"
The android that looked exactly like Jason Reed lifted its eyes slightly and walked over.
That's right—I'd bought a service android that was identical to Jason.
Just two days ago.
No particular reason.
Just the thought of that arrogant face serving me every day made everything feel right with the world.
Like right now.
Little Jason, dressed in a suit, walked up to me and slowly knelt down.
I directly lifted my foot and placed it on his shoulder.
The black suit immediately showed a footprint.
Little Jason looked up, revealing those same deep eyes as Jason's.
I shuddered and pulled my foot back.
Damn it. All because of the old man constantly going on about Jason, I was actually afraid of this face.
Even though it was just an android.
Leaning down to brush the dust off his shoulder, I commanded through gritted teeth: "What are you looking at? Take off my shoes!"
Fortunately, the android was obedient. Its well-defined hands gripped my ankle and gently placed my foot on its half-kneeling knee.
3
The android had arrived two days ago, but Grandfather Wilson immediately called me away on business, so I hadn't had a chance to study it properly.
But I had to admit, this service android was different—so attentive.
Even its hands were warm.
Worth every penny I'd paid for the premium version.
Thinking this, I reached out and grabbed Little Jason's hair, lifting slightly with some force.
Little Jason was forced to tilt his head back.
Such a pitiful look.
This angle was perfect.
I leaned down to examine the face closely.
Quite exquisite.
The hair felt realistic to the touch.
Those eyes and mouth were like copy and paste.
And this skin—the texture was incredible, it even generated heat!
With technology this advanced, why were they still handing out flyers in parking garages?
My fingers traced from Little Jason's eyebrows to his mouth.
I was so focused on touching that I only noticed Little Jason's dark brown eyes growing increasingly intense when it was too late.
Embarrassed, I quickly withdrew the two fingers I'd just stuck in his mouth.
Naturally, I didn't notice his Adam's apple bobbing.
4
Because of Jason's success, Grandfather Wilson wanted to save face.
He dumped several projects on me at once.
If I didn't complete them properly, he'd freeze my bank cards.
I was furious but helpless. For my car's gas money and the apartment's maintenance fees, I resigned myself to working regular hours every day.
Exhausted as a dog, I had no energy to fiddle with this android.
I just had it take off my shoes and sent it away.
I went into the bathroom for a bath.
After a comfortable sleep, I got ready for work the next day.
Little Jason came over without any command to tie my necktie.
I tilted my head back.
My gaze fell on Little Jason's black suit.
Ugh.
Even the android company bought the brand that Jason preferred.
Ugly as hell. Next time I'd get him a maid outfit.
5
Maybe because I'd been cursing Jason in my head so much these past two days.
I actually ran into him.
During a project dinner that evening.
Just stepped out to use the restroom and ran right into Jason Reed.
Black custom suit, pretentious as always.
Wearing silver-framed glasses, wiping his hands with slow, elegant movements.
A bald middle-aged man stood beside him, speaking to him obsequiously.
Looked like he was at a business dinner too.
I lowered my head, pretending not to see him, trying to brush past.
The moment I looked down, Jason looked up at me.
6
Jason and I were about the same age.
We'd attended the same private academy through elementary, middle, and high school.
Jason had always been the golden child in parents' and teachers' eyes.
Tall, handsome, brilliant.
Just a bit cold in personality.
After Grandfather Wilson used him to lecture me yet again, I complained to friends in anger and jealousy, calling Jason a pretentious fake.
Unfortunately, he overheard.
Just as I was struggling with whether to apologize to him, he recommended a tutor to Grandfather Wilson.
That night, the old man gave me a beating with his cane, saying I'd embarrassed our family in front of the Reeds.
From then on, our feud was set.
Though it never came to physical fights.
Later he went abroad for university, only returning a year ago.
So this whole "mortal enemies" thing was really one-sided on my part.
After all, Jason barely acknowledged my existence.
But I never expected Jason to actually approach me first, his voice even somewhat gentle.
"Sam, long time no see."
8
That sudden "Sam" gave me goosebumps.
While Jason and I were born in the same year—one at the beginning, one at the end—I was indeed eleven months older.
But this familiarity...
Ugh—
I glanced around, making sure there was no ambush.
So he was just trying to disgust me.
Jason's move was really strong.
In a public place, I couldn't make a scene.
I could only smile: "Long time no see, President Reed."
The darkness in Jason's eyes flashed and disappeared, returning to that gentle expression.
No time for small talk—I urgently needed to use the restroom.
Because I needed to escape.
Those old guys at the dinner table, high-ranking and heavy drinkers, had forced three glasses of whiskey down my throat in less than half an hour.
Now my stomach was burning.
Having finally found an excuse to step out, I needed to finish quickly and make my getaway.
This damned drinking culture—I'd flip the table someday.
9
After taking care of business, I came out to find Jason still standing there.
From his posture, it looked like he was waiting for me.
I was completely puzzled.
Seeing me emerge, Jason stepped forward: "Sam."
I tensed up: "What is it?"
Jason seemed to want to say something but then closed his mouth.
What was this about?
I was running out of time—I needed to escape before they came looking for me in the restroom.
Not wanting to hear his nonsense, I started to leave.
Halfway out, my wrist was grabbed.
Jason was very pale—so pale you could see the faint veins beneath his skin.
But I felt like I'd seen this somewhere before.
My head was fuzzy, and I couldn't remember.
I also had no idea what Jason was hesitating about.
Just as I was about to ask, a voice came from behind:
"Little Sam, taking quite a while in the restroom—not trying to run, are you?"
10
Jason, the walking bad luck charm.
I knew nothing good would come of running into him.
Yanking my hand free, I turned around awkwardly and smiled at the newcomer: "Mr. Liu."
Mr. Liu threw an arm around my shoulder: "Your grandfather specifically asked me to keep an eye on you. You can't run away today."
I said miserably: "Come on, Mr. Liu, I have someone waiting for me at home. I really need to go back."
Mr. Liu made an "oh" sound.
"Got a girlfriend? Keeping her at home, huh?"
To escape, I'd say anything: "Yeah, she's quite demanding. If I'm late getting home, she'll nag me."
Jason, who'd been standing quietly to the side, suddenly began blushing inexplicably.
Because his skin was so pale, it was extremely obvious.
"Little Jason's here too." Mr. Liu finally noticed Jason and immediately extended a drinking invitation: "Why don't you join us for a couple drinks?"
Jason, face red, glanced at me first before shaking his head: "Thanks, Mr. Liu, but no. I need to head back too."
Since they weren't very familiar, Mr. Liu didn't insist, just pressed his hand on my shoulder and led me away.
Before leaving, I turned back to glare fiercely at Jason.
I vaguely saw his eyes seemed to be sparkling.
???
Must be an illusion, probably just a reflection.
11
Mr. Liu dragged me back to continue drinking for two more rounds.
While drinking, I wished the liquor in my glass was Jason's blood.
Damn him—he'd been my curse since childhood.
By the end, my head was spinning and I could barely walk straight.
The driver thoughtfully wanted to escort me to my door.
The elevator dinged open.
A tall figure stepped out and reached toward the driver.
"And you are?" the driver asked.
I looked up groggily and saw Jason's face.
I immediately swung my hand out.
Unfortunately, I had no strength, only managing to hit his chest.
I gave it a squeeze while I was at it. Nice texture.
Though drunk and confused, I still had some rationality left.
Jason couldn't possibly appear at my apartment building.
So it had to be Little Jason.
"Little Jason..." I called out hazily, struggling to transfer from the driver's support.
Little Jason immediately stepped forward to help.
I was successfully transferred to Little Jason's arms.
The driver still seemed concerned and asked: "Sir, do you know him?"
I waved my hand, my words slurring: "My house android, no problem, you can go."
Hearing this, the driver was reassured and turned to leave.
Halfway down the hall, he turned back, muttering to himself: "Android? Doesn't look like one. Is bionic technology really this advanced now?"
12
Little Jason was made to match Jason exactly.
Naturally, he was a few inches taller than me.
As he half-supported me, my dizzy head rested right against his collarbone.
I mumbled curses: "Jason, you bastard, screwing me over again."
But as I spoke, I thought I heard another person breathing?
I struggled to open my eyes and look up—it was definitely Little Jason.
I reached out to touch his nose and asked in confusion: "Little Jason, did you come alive?"
The next second, the breathing sound stopped.
Well, I probably heard wrong again.
What was wrong with me lately? Bad eyesight, bad hearing.
Probably just too tired from work.
I'd definitely ask Grandfather Wilson for two days off tomorrow.
13
I was too drunk and passed out the moment I got home.
When I woke up, I was in my own bed, clean and fresh.
I had vague memories of Little Jason bringing me home last night.
I rolled around comfortably on the bed.
Silently marveling: having a service android was really nice!
I'd been meaning to give the seller a good review.
Thinking of this, I opened my phone and clicked into WeChat.
I found the customer service contact from before.
But when I clicked in, the account had been deactivated.
How strange.
Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be.
14
Getting up to brush my teeth, my lower back felt a bit uncomfortable.
I lifted my shirt to look.
Both sides were somewhat red.
Had I bumped into something last night?
I puzzled over it for a while but couldn't figure it out.
When I left my room, I saw Little Jason busy in the kitchen.
Tsk, tsk. If only the real Jason were this obedient and well-behaved.
As I was thinking this, Little Jason came out with breakfast.
Upon seeing me, Little Jason paused.
His face suddenly flashed with something like shyness.
The next second it turned to hurt, and he stole a glance at me.
Rather cute.
After breakfast, Little Jason tied my necktie as usual.
Facing his well-developed chest, remembering last night's touch, I couldn't help but give it a squeeze.
Really nice to squeeze.
I wondered if the real thing would feel even better.
They looked about the same size.
When I looked up again, I saw Little Jason's face was pink.
Even his skin was made as delicate as Jason's.
At first, I didn't notice anything.
But after taking the elevator downstairs, I suddenly realized something.
Could an android actually blush?
But surely Jason wouldn't come to my house pretending to b