Love Game Author: ZZZ Pierre de Latour As he loaded the last suitcase onto the carriage, dawn had just begun casting a faint light on the cobblestone roads of Paris. He turned around and glanced at the familiar window on the fourth floor of the four story apartment building - Mirabel might still be asleep. Pierre gave a bitter smile and climbed onto the front seat of the carriage. Where are you going, sir? "The coachman asked lazily, obviously not welcoming such an early departure. Go to the train station, "Pierre answered simply. The wheels rolled, and the city gradually woke up behind him. Over the past seven years, Pierre has transformed from a young man from another province to one of the most popular salon owners in Paris, with no less than three mistresses and brief encounters with over a dozen noblewomen. And the starting point of all of this was seven years ago, on the same misty morning, a mysterious old woman appeared at the entrance of his rudimentary residence. Sir, do you want to play a game? "The old woman asked at the time." A love game. "The carriage crossed the Seine River in the morning mist, and Pierre's thoughts returned to the time that changed his fate.
Seven years ago, Pierre had just turned 22 years old and only had the last three hundred francs left to him by his father in his pocket, living in a rudimentary attic room in the Saint Germain district. He had a literary dream, but after being rejected by three publishing houses in a row, he began to realize that he might just be another out of province youth swallowed up by Paris. At such a desperate moment, the old woman knocked on his door. She was wearing a black long dress and a strange hat, with sharp gray eyes visible under the brim. Sir, my name is Madame Aurora, "she said straightforwardly." I know your situation and your dreams. I offer you an opportunity. "" What opportunity? "Pierre asked warily. He has heard too many stories about the Paris scam. A game. The rules of the game are simple: I will give you a start-up capital that is enough for you to live decently in Paris for six months. During this time, you need to win the favor of women as much as possible, especially those with social status or wealth. Every time you successfully establish an intimate relationship with a woman, you will receive corresponding points. After six months, the person with the highest points will win a considerable prize money. "Pierre frowned." What absurd game is this? Why should I believe you? "Madame Aurora took out an exquisite wooden box from her handbag and opened it, revealing a neatly arranged stack of banknotes:" This is five thousand francs, enough for you to follow. My request to start the game. If you agree, please accept it now. Five thousand francs! For Pierre, who only had three hundred francs left, this was simply an astronomical figure. He hesitated for a moment, but finally reached out his hand. Very good, "Mrs. Aurora smiled contentedly." Remember the first rule of the game: never show true feelings towards the women in the game. Once you show true feelings, the game is over and you must return all the funds. "Pierre nodded, but he didn't agree in his heart. How could he possibly show genuine affection towards the objects in the game? Six weeks later, Pierre had successfully invited his first "prey" - Madeline, the banker's daughter. He followed Mrs. Aurora's advice and rented a decent apartment, purchased several suitable outfits, and began to frequently appear in Madeline's theaters and salons. Madeline was quickly attracted to this handsome, witty, and seemingly artistic young man. Pierre discovered that the skills taught to him by the Olovs were exceptionally effective: how to flatter women perfectly in conversation, how to create "accidental" encounters, and how to express interest with subtle body language without appearing frivolous. Three months later, Madeline was already his lover. Pierre received the first note from Madame Aurora: "Congratulations on earning 100 points. Keep your distance and prepare to find the next target." Pierre followed the instructions and gradually distanced himself from Madeline, while turning his attention to Countess Elena, who had just become a widow. He was surprised to find that it was not difficult to switch from one woman to another, as long as he mastered the rhythm and excuses. At the end of six months, Pierre had already established intimate relationships with three women and had the other two clearly show a favorable impression of him. He has accumulated 450 points. Your performance is good, but not outstanding enough, "Mrs. Aurora commented during the final meeting," but you have proven your potential. Here is your prize, five thousand francs. Are you interested in continuing the next round of the game? The stakes are higher, the challenges are greater. "Pierre looked at the new ten thousand francs on the table and agreed without hesitation.
The rules of the second round of the game are more complex. Pierre needs to maintain relationships with at least three women simultaneously, and they must come from different social classes. As the difficulty increases, the prize money becomes even more tempting - the ultimate winner will receive 50000 francs and a chance to enter the inner circle of high society. In this round of the game, Pierre met Emily, a well-known female painter in Paris. She is different from other women, independent, intelligent, and insightful. Pierre realized that he had to work harder to win her attention. Their first formal meeting was in Emily's studio. The wall is covered with her works, mostly Parisian street scenes and portraits of people, with bold colors and powerful brushstrokes. Mr. Latour, I heard you have a great insight into art, "Emily said straightforwardly, without the usual reserved and circuitous demeanor of women. Pierre became nervous and realized that he couldn't rely on those common compliments and tricks. He carefully examined the paintings on the wall and finally stopped in front of a painting depicting an old bookstore on the banks of the Seine River. The lighting treatment in this painting is very special, "he said sincerely." You captured the fleeting warmth of dusk while not avoiding the melancholy brought by shadows. "Emily looked at him in surprise and said," Are you serious? Most people only praise my bold color choices. "" While bold color choices are commendable, what truly sets this painting apart is the authenticity of emotions, "Pierre replied. He found himself not completely pretending, but truly moved by this painting. That afternoon, they talked about art, literature, and life for a whole three hours. Pierre forgot about the game and the points, but was immersed in Emily's keen observation and unique insights. I want to paint a portrait of you, "Emily suddenly said as she bid farewell." Your face has a complex quality, both sunny and melancholic, sincere and mysterious. "Pierre agreed, but a hint of unease surged in his heart. Mrs. Aurora's warning echoed in her ears: 'Never show genuine affection towards women in the game.' But he quickly convinced himself that this was just a strategy of the game, in order to better win Emily's favor. However, as the portrait painting process progressed, Pierre found himself increasingly looking forward to meeting Emily. He likes watching her focus on painting, listening to her discuss her creative ideas, and even liking her occasional stubbornness and bad temper. He began to be absent-minded when dating other women, his mind full of Emily. One afternoon, while painting the background of her portrait, Emily suddenly stopped and asked, "Pierre, do you really have so many different female friends?" Pierre was surprised and asked, "Why do you ask?" "I saw you with a young lady in the Tuileries Garden yesterday." Emily calmly said, continuing to adjust the paint, "She looks very dependent on you." Pierre tried to explain, but Emily interrupted him, "You don't have to explain. I know a man like you can't have only one female friend. I'm just curious, have you told the truth to any of them?" This question kept Pierre up all night. The next day, he decided to apply to Mrs. Aurora for early withdrawal from the game. But when he found Mrs. Aurora, she just smiled. The game has already started, you can't quit halfway, "she said," but you can give up the bonus. But I have to remind you that if you quit now, all your previous efforts will be in vain. And how can you be sure Emily is sincere to you? Maybe she's also playing her own game. "This sentence shook Pierre's determination. He began to observe Emily, searching for evidence of her insincerity. He noticed her close interactions with other male artists and noticed that she occasionally received letters from unfamiliar men. These discoveries brought him both pain and peace of mind - the pain was due to jealousy, and the peace of mind was because it proved the correctness of his lack of genuine emotions. In the end, Pierre completed the second round of the game, maintained relationships with five women, and earned an astonishing 800 points, becoming the champion of that round of the game. When he received the award, he felt an unprecedented emptiness. Emily went to Italy the month she won the award, saying she was looking for new creative inspiration. She completed his portrait before leaving, in which he had complex eyes and a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. The name of this painting is' The Mask, '"Emily wrote in the letter." I painted your face, but I have never been able to touch your true heart
After winning 50000 francs, Pierre rose to fame in the Parisian social circle. He rented a spacious apartment on the left bank of the Seine River and began hosting his own salon. With the resources and connections provided by Mrs. Aurora, his salon quickly attracted celebrities from various fields such as artists, writers, and politicians. At the beginning of the third round of the game, Pierre was already thirty-two years old and an experienced 'player'. The rules of this round are the most cruel: the player needs to destroy a marriage that is about to be formed, so that the bride can instead fall into the player's arms. After success, players will receive 100000 francs and a mysterious treasure that is said to "forever attract love". Pierre's goal is Mirabel, a young woman who is about to become engaged to the son of a wealthy industrialist. Unlike her previous partner, Mirabel seems to have no interest in romantic relationships. She is rational, pragmatic, and very satisfied with her fianc é's wealth and social status. Pierre studied Mirabel for a long time and found that her only weakness was her brother. My younger brother suffers from chronic illness and requires expensive medical expenses, which is the main reason why she chose a wealthy fianc é. To win Mirabel, one cannot rely on romance, but on practicality, "Pierre concluded. He began to appear as a philanthropist, providing financial support for Mirabel's brother's disease research. Through careful arrangement, he became a trusted advisor and friend of Mirabell. One evening, after Pierre's salon ended, Mirabel stayed behind. Pierre, I need your advice, "she hesitated." My fianc é proposed today that he wants me to stop participating in his brother's medical affairs after marriage, saying that he will have dedicated nurses and doctors to take care of him. "" Are you worried that this will lose control over his brother's treatment? "Pierre asked sharply. Mirabel nodded and said, "My brother's situation is very special and requires continuous, personalized attention. I don't trust strangers to provide such care." "So you have two choices: negotiate with your fianc é and insist on continuing to participate, or reconsider this marriage," Pierre said calmly. Rethinking? "Mirabel smiled wryly." Pierre, you know the financial situation of my family. Without this marriage, I wouldn't even be able to afford next month's treatment. "Pierre fell silent for a moment before saying," What if I could offer you another choice? A choice that ensures your brother receives the best care without sacrificing your autonomy. "Mirabel looked at him with confusion." What kind of choice? "Pierre took a deep breath and realized he was about to cross a line:" Marry me. I have enough financial resources to support your brother's treatment, and I won't interfere with your life. We can maintain a nominal marriage, but in reality, we are each free. "This proposal shocked him. Mirabel also shocked Pierre himself. This completely exceeds the requirements of the game and also violates the iron rule of Mrs. Aurora's' not to show true feelings'. But Pierre realized that his suggestion was not entirely based on game strategy. He respected Mirabel, appreciated her strength and sense of responsibility, and even - he had to admit - began to develop genuine feelings for her. Mirabel spent two weeks considering this proposal. During this period, Pierre found himself anxious and uneasy about a woman's decision for the first time. When Mirabel finally agreed, Pierre felt not only the joy of victory, but also an unprecedented calmness. The game is over, he won, but he also lost - he broke the rule of staying true to himself. The cost of the game and Mirabel's marriage life were initially peaceful and harmonious. Pierre fulfilled his promise and provided the best medical conditions for Mirabel's brother. Mirabel managed the family affairs, allowing Pierre to continue his social activities and games - although deep down, he began to feel tired of these games. The change began one year later. Pierre received a letter from Madame Aurora requesting a meeting. In the familiar caf é, the old woman looked even more haggard than seven years ago, but her eyes remained sharp. Congratulations, Pierre, "she said." Not only have you completed the third round of the game, but you have done it in the most exciting way possible. According to the rules, you will receive the final prize. "" I no longer need a prize, "Pierre said calmly." The game is over, "Mrs. Aurora smiled, with something elusive in her smile:" The game never ends, dear Pierre. You have only completed the tutorial part. Now, the real game begins. "She pushed over a delicate velvet box. Pierre opened it and inside was an ancient ring with complex symbols engraved on its surface. What is this? "" This is the ring of the inheritors of the 'Love Game,' "Mrs. Aurora explained." Wearing it, you will become the next host of the game. Your task is to find new players, set rules, observe their progress, and provide 'help' at the appropriate time. "Pierre looked at her in shock." Are you saying this game has been going on for a long time? "" At least a century, "Mrs. Aurora nodded." Every host is the winner of the previous round of the game. We observe human behavior in love, study the struggle between emotion and reason. This is not just a game, Pierre, this is a game. A social experiment, a study of human nature, "Pierre felt a wave of disgust." So all of this was arranged? My success, my marriage, are all part of the game? ”Your choices are all real, "Mrs. Aurora corrected." We just created situations and opportunities. Your feelings for Mirabel, your kindness in helping her brother, are all real. That's why you were chosen - you proved that even in games, human nature can still shine. "Pierre stood up angrily." I won't accept it. I won't be a part of this cold game, "Mrs. Aurora sighed." You must accept it, Pierre. Because if you don't accept it, the game will end. "" Isn't that good? "" If the game ends, all relationships established through the game will be 'reset'. Madame Er said calmly, "Including your marriage." Pierre was stunned and asked, "What does this mean The meaning is that if you refuse to become the host, your relationship with Mirabel will return to the state before the game started. She will forget everything about you and return to her fianc é, thinking that you are just an ordinary acquaintance. "Pierre felt a chill and said," You cannot do it. "Mrs. Aurora took out a thick document from her handbag and said," This is a record of all game participants over the past seven years. You can see that some players lost everything they gained in the game after refusing to become the host. Some even lost their memories. "Pierre looked through the document and saw familiar names and photos. One of them was a painter he knew who suddenly stopped creating two years ago and returned to his hometown town, reportedly due to a 'mental breakdown'. There is also a viscount who was once a star in the Parisian society and suddenly announced her retirement into a monastery. Are these people all players of the game? "Pierre asked tremblingly. Madame Aurora nodded and said, 'They refused to continue the game, so they paid the price.' Pierre remained silent for a long time. Finally, he asked, "What would happen to Mirabel if I accepted?" "She will continue to be your wife, unaware of the existence of the game. You will maintain the apparent marriage while continuing to host the game. Of course, you can also choose to tell her the truth, but I do not recommend doing so - few marriages can bear such a secret." Pierre picked up the ring, feeling it unusually heavy. I need time to think about it. "" You have a week, "Mrs. Aurora said.
That week was the longest week of Pierre's life. He looked at Mirabel and imagined what it would be like if she had forgotten everything. He recalled the time they spent together: late night discussions about art and philosophy, the tenderness she showed when taking care of her younger brother, and her elegance and composure in social situations. He realized that although this marriage started with games, his feelings for Mirabell had become real and profound. At the same time, he is also contemplating the essence of the game. If, as Mrs. Aurora said, this is a social experiment that has lasted for a century, then what is its purpose? Who is behind all this manipulation? Are those threats to 'reset' relationships real or just intimidation? On the fifth evening, Mirabel found Pierre staring at the ring in his study. What is this? "She asked curiously. Pierre hesitated for a moment and decided to partially confess: 'This is a symbol, about a game that I have been involved in for many years.' Mirabel sat down and patiently waited for an explanation. Pierre recounted the beginning of the game, how he went from a poor young man to a salon owner, but omitted the part of maintaining relationships with multiple women at the same time, as well as the impact of the game on his marriage. So this ring means the end of the game? "Mirabell asked. No, it means the second phase of the game has begun, "Pierre said bitterly." I have become the host of the game, "Mirabel fell silent for a long time. Then she said, "Pierre, do you know what I admire most about you? It's not your wealth, it's not your social skills, it's your kindness to my brother. That decision wasn't part of the game, was it?" Pierre shook his head and said, "That's my own choice." "So now, make your own choice." Mirabel held his hand and said, "Don't be bound by past promises or threats. Choose the path you truly believe in." At that moment, Pierre made up his mind. End the game
A week later, Pierre met with Madame Aurora as scheduled. He was wearing a ring, but there was no expression of surrender on his face. I accepted, "he said. Madame Aurora smiled contentedly and said, "A wise choice. Now, I will teach you all the rules and secrets of the game -" "But on one condition." Pierre interrupted her, "I want to see the true creator of the game." Madame Aurora's smile froze and she said, "I don't understand what you mean. I am the creator of the game. I have left some information about the game to reliable people. If any 'accidents' happen to me or Mirabell, this information will be made public. ”Madame Aurora's face turned pale: 'You don't know what you're doing.' 'I know very well,' Pierre stood up. 'The game is over. It's not my part, but the whole game. I want to see the person in charge, now.' After a long silence, Madame Aurora sighed, as if she had aged a lot in an instant. Come with me
Madame Aurora led Pierre through the streets of Paris and finally arrived at an inconspicuous building. It looks like an ordinary private library, but the interior decoration is extremely luxurious. In a room filled with books and manuscripts, Pierre met the true owner of the game - a man who looked no older than forty years old, dressed elegantly and with sharp eyes. I am Lucian de Montecristo, "the man introduced himself," the current manager of the "Love Game." Pierre looked at him in shock and said, "You look too young -" "My family has been managing this game for four generations." Lucian calmly said, "Appearance may be deceptive, Mr. Pierre. Please sit down." Pierre sat down and asked directly, "What is the real purpose of this game?" Lucian smiled and said, "What do you think it is?" "Control? Manipulation? Some kind of pathological entertainment?" "Neither." Lucian took a thick leather covered book from the bookshelf and said, "This is a research project that began with my great grandfather. He is a... Philosophers and psychologists believe that love is the most complex and unpredictable emotion of humanity. He wants to know what would happen if rules, bets, and competition were added to love. ”He opened the book, which was filled with dense records and charts: "For a hundred years, we have observed the behavior of hundreds of participants in love games. We have discovered some interesting patterns: regardless of gender, they exhibit different behaviors when they know they are competing; social status and wealth are important factors in the early stages of the game, but as the game progresses, personality and sincerity become increasingly important; the most successful players are often not the richest or most charming, but those who can balance strategy and sincerity." Pierre frowned and said, "So all of this is just to collect data?" "Not only that." Lucian closed the book, "We also provide a service for those who are in real life. Games provide opportunities for people who find it difficult to establish intimate relationships to learn. Take a look at yourself, Mr. Pierre. Seven years ago, you were a shy and insecure young man from another province. Now, you are one of the most popular salon owners in Paris, with a sincere marriage. ”But what is the cost? "Pierre questioned." What about those who have been 'reset' in their relationships? What about those who have suffered mental breakdowns? "Lucien's expression became serious:" Regarding 'reset', that's Mrs. O'Roull's exaggerated statement. We cannot truly erase memories or change the past. Those who collapse after leaving the game often do so because they cannot face the self truth exposed by the game. "He stood up and walked to the window:" The game is a mirror, Mr. Pierre. It reflects the true nature of the participants under pressure. Some people like themselves in the mirror, some don't. But the mirror itself is not at fault. "Pierre fell silent. He recalled his actions in the game, including lies, strategies, and dishonesty in maintaining relationships with multiple women. The self in the mirror is not always radiant. So now? "He finally asked," What are you planning to do with me? "Lucian turned to face him and said," The game needs an ending, Mr. Pierre. You have discovered the core secret, which is part of the game itself - the final test. Only those who seek the truth are qualified to end the game. "He took out a document from the drawer and said," This is the complete record of the game, including your part. You have two choices: take this record and make it public, completely ending the game; or become a new manager, continuing this research. "Pierre didn't hesitate and said," I want to take the record. "Lucian nodded, as if he had anticipated," Then please sign this confidentiality agreement. You can make it public. Record, but do not mention the names of specific participants to protect privacy. As an exchange, you and Mirabell can keep everything you gained during the game, including marriage. ”Pierre carefully read the agreement and signed it. As he left with thick documents, Lucian finally said one sentence: "Remember, Mr. Pierre, the game may end, but the game of love will never. Everyone is playing their own version, with their own set of rules, their own bets. The only difference is that most people don't know they're playing the game
Upon returning home, Pierre told Mirabel everything. He displayed game records and confessed all of his actions as a player, including the period when he maintained relationships with multiple women simultaneously. Mirabel listened quietly, her expression elusive. When Pierre finished speaking, she asked, "Do you have true feelings for Emily, the female painter?" Pierre honestly replied, "I thought so at the time. But looking back now, it may have been more of an appreciation for her artistic talent and the excitement of her challenging my game strategy." "So what about me?" Mirabel looked straight into his eyes. "Am I the last goal of the game or the real choice?" Pierre held her hand and said, "It was a game at the beginning. But when I proposed marriage, it was already beyond the requirements of the game. When I was worried that you would refuse, it was already beyond the game strategy. Mirabel, I don't know what love feels like because the game taught me to see emotions as the ultimate goal. Chips. But I know that when I imagine losing you, what I feel is not only the fear of failure, but also true heartache. ”Mirabel remained silent for a long time. Finally, she gently withdrew her hand and walked to the window. I need time, Pierre. I need time to digest everything. The next few weeks will be the most agonizing period of Pierre's life. Mirabel moved into the guest room, and although they lived under the same roof, they looked like strangers. Pierre canceled all social activities and focused on reflecting on his life over the past seven years. One afternoon, while he was organizing his game records in the study, Mirabel walked in. I read a part of the record, "she said," about Emily. "Pierre's heart sank. I was thinking, "Mirabel continued," if Emily knew about the existence of the game, how would she paint your portrait? Maybe she would paint something completely different. "She took out a painting from behind. Pierre was surprised to find that this was the portrait "Mask" that Emily had painted for him, but it had already been modified. Mirabel added a crack on the mask, from which a faint but genuine light shone. I went to Emily's studio, "Mirabel explained." She just came back from Italy. We talked for a long time. "Pierre felt a wave of panic." Did you tell her about the game? "" Part of it. "Mirabel said," I asked her if she ever doubted your sincerity. Do you know how she answered? She said, "I've always known Pierre was playing some kind of game, but I chose to participate because even in his game, there are real moments." Pierre was stunned. Emily said that during the days when she painted your portrait, she saw two Pierre's: one was a gamer, skilled and cautious; the other was a real man, with a genuine passion for art and sincere confusion about life. She said she painted the tension between two Pierre's. Mirabel walked up to Pierre and said, "I also saw two Pierre's. One was a man transformed through games, elegant, worldly wise, always knowing what to say; the other was a man who offered to help my brother, sincere, kind, and willing to take risks." She paused for a moment and said, "I need to know which one is the real you?" Pierre pondered for a long time. The sentence is:. Finally, he said, "It's all about it. Games shaped me, but didn't create me. Those skills and strategies were learned, but the appreciation of art, the desire to help others, these are my own. Games are a school, and I learned a lot, but also lost a lot. But in the end, I am still the young man who came to Paris seven years ago, eager to be loved, afraid of failure, stumbling on the path of finding myself." Mirabel's eyes moistened: "So let's start a new game, Pierre. A game without rules, no points, no bets. There are only two imperfect people trying to establish a real relationship. The heavy burden has finally been lifted from the shoulders. He embraced Mirabel in his arms, feeling completely honest, completely fragile, and completely free for the first time.
Three years later, Pierre and Mirabell's salon remained one of the most popular gathering places in Paris, but its nature had changed. It is no longer a stage for social strategies, but a true space for exchanging ideas. Pierre utilizes the social skills gained from games to provide a platform for young artists and writers to showcase themselves; Mirabell established a foundation to help chronic disease patients receive medical support. The game records were safely kept by Pierre and not made public. He decided not to completely destroy the game because Lucien was right - love games never really end. Everyone is playing their own version, it's important to be aware of the existence of the game and choose their own rules. One evening, after the salon was over, a young poet stayed behind to talk to Pierre. Mr. Latour, I have recently encountered a dilemma, "the poet said hesitantly." I am attracted to two excellent women at the same time, and I don't know how to choose. "Pierre smiled and said," Let me tell you a story about a love game that has lasted for a century, and how I finally understood that the most important thing is not to win the game, but to find someone worth quitting for. "Outside the window, the lights of Paris twinkled on the Seine River, like countless broken stars pieced together again. In the city, countless love games are being played, some with rules and some without; Some are competitions, some are dances. But in this room, a man who was once proficient in gaming is telling the truth beyond gaming. After all, love itself is the most complex game, and the only way to win is to occasionally drop the scoreboard and make sincerity the only rule. [To be continued]
