The color drained from Jessica's face. She couldn't comprehend how I could give away something worth $10,000 so easily. In her eyes, it was the same as throwing my own life away. I had no intention of explaining it to her. [Ding! Novice Mission complete. Reward of $10,000 has been deposited into the system account.] [New Mission Issued: Spend $20,000 within 24 hours. Mission success: receive a $20,000 rebate. Mission failure: instant death.] I opened my system interface, my balance a perfect $10,000. Meanwhile, Jessica's system chimed as well. [Ding! Novice Mission complete. Reward of two dollars has been deposited.] I saw the muscles in her jaw twitch. Two dollars. After all her fussing-turning off lights, unplugging appliances, denying herself water just to save a few more cents-her grand reward was two dollars. I had earned ten thousand with a few taps on my phone. Her eyes bored into me, the jealousy so palpable it was practically a physical force. "Don't get cocky, Carol! This is just the beginning!" she hissed through gritted teeth. "The more you spend, the faster you'll die!" I shrugged, picking up my phone and starting to browse online. This time, I didn't order food. I found a local, no-kill animal shelter on a charity app. They were on the verge of closing down. Their page listed hundreds of cats and dogs, along with a long, heartbreaking list of outstanding debts. Rent for their facility, food costs, veterinary bills... the total came to just over $20,000. I contacted the director, verified the information, and transferred the full amount. The woman on the other end of the line broke down, sobbing with relief. She kept asking for my name, wanting to put up a plaque in my honor. "There's no need," I told her. In my last life, I had used the saving system to build a fortune, compounding my earnings until I was a millionaire. She thought that was the easy path. But she'd forgotten what that path entailed. She'd forgotten how I walked three miles under a blazing sun to save two dollars on bus fare; how I lived on plain instant ramen to shave a few dollars off my food budget; how I lowered my standard of living again and again, pushing myself into misery just to get the system's doubled rewards. That path was its own kind of hell. And Jessica? A spoiled princess, coddled since birth. Could she really endure it? In the latest episode titled "ReelTalk EP24-Surviving Bullying & Navigating Mental Health" by CrushReel, a poignant narrative unfolds between Autumn Noel and her confidante Amanda Liguori as they delve into the depths of mental health struggles. Autumn bravely shares her journey of overcoming bullying, shedding light on the impact of online harassment and the resilience needed to navigate such challenges. This raw and authentic conversation not only resonates with those facing similar adversities but also highlights the importance of seeking support during vulnerable times. As the story unfolds in this ongoing romance series, the bond between Autumn and Amanda deepens, showcasing the power of friendship in confronting personal battles. Through their candid exchange, themes of courage, empathy, and self-discovery resonate strongly, adding layers of depth to this heartwarming narrative. The unique blend of vulnerability and strength portrayed by the characters sets this episode apart, offering a refreshing take on mental health awareness within the romance genre. What sets this episode apart is its genuine portrayal of complex emotions and its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Available to read at CrushReel, this compelling exploration of resilience and friendship serves as a beacon of hope for readers navigating their own struggles.