Harem Streamer System: Every Crime I Broadcast Wins Me a Superheroine - Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Love Therapy, Sheep in Fox’s Clothing
Emma adjusted the rearview mirror with one hand as her Cadillac Escalade glided smoothly down the bustling streets of Metro City. The chrome of her SUV reflected the vibrant cityscape—neon billboards, towering skyscrapers, and the lively waves of people going back and forth.

『Tch…』

Her fingers tapped idly against the steering wheel as her thoughts wandered back to Scott.

She huffed as her chest climbed in frustration.

“God, this sucks…”

She muttered in the spacious interior.

Her head fell back against the headrest, and she groaned as she dragged her hands down her face dramatically.

“Why does he have to be so… perfect? Muscles carved out of stone, abs that make Greek statues look bad, and that… wood—ugh, don’t even get me started on that.”

She bit her lip as a flush crept up her cheeks.

『I swear… I felt every vein of that monster in his pants…』

She shook her head, trying to banish the vivid memory of their pool escapade.

Instead, insecurity crept in, a familiar unwelcome guest.

“What if I’m not enough for him? What if I’m just… old news? I don’t deserve him…”

She gripped the wheel tighter, then closed her eyes.

“I really don’t…”

As she opened her eyes and looked out the window, something—or rather, someone—caught her attention. A young lady walking along the sidewalk, familiar in a way that poked at her memory. Emma squinted and slowed the Escalade to get a better look.

“Wait a minute… she looks familiar…”

Emma murmured, grabbing her phone from the console.

With one hand on the wheel, she quickly navigated the MegaCorp database. Her eyes scanned the screen until she found what she was looking for.

“Maya Rivera…”

She read aloud as a smile formed on her tender lips.

“So that’s her real name.”

MegaCorp had a policy—heroes could access each other’s identities in the database for collaboration purposes.

Emma grinned, leaning on the horn with rapid presses.

… honk────HONK!!

The blaring sound startled Maya, who turned around with a confused expression.

Emma waved enthusiastically as her white off-shoulder T-shirt slipped slightly down her shoulder.

“Hey!”

Her voice was muffled through the glass.

Maya hesitated and even took the time to look around before pointing to herself.

“Yeah, you!”

Emma laughed softly at Maya’s confusion.

Maya gently walked over with her cute, little brows pressed slightly together.

“Uh… do I know you?”

She asked while tilting her head.

Emma rolled her eyes playfully.

“It’s me, Miss Mercury! We talked a few days ago about… you know, your super problematic ex?”

She flashed a bright smile.

Recognition dawned on Maya’s face as her small lips parted in surprise.

“No way! Miss Mercury? Really?”

“The one and only!”

Emma said with a smirk.

“Wanna hop in? I’ll give you a ride.”

Maya didn’t need to be asked twice.

She nodded eagerly and circled the SUV, sliding into the passenger seat. As she settled in, she tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled shyly at Emma.

“So… what are you doing out here? Is it anything well… superhero-y?”

Emma’s smile faltered as her cheeks tinted pink.

She forced a laugh and waved a dismissive hand.

“Oh, no, nothing like that. Just, uh… on my way to see a friend. Totally boring stuff.”

Maya raised an eyebrow but shrugged.

“Well, that’s… nice, I guess.”

The car fell into a brief silence.

Emma kept her slender hands on the steering wheel as she carefully navigated the city streets.

Finally, she cleared her throat to break the quiet.

“So, uh… how’s it going with that ex of yours?”

Maya groaned as she slumped in her seat.

“Oh, don’t even get me started.”

Emma side-eyed her, both curious and slightly concerned.

“What happened? Spill.”

Maya sighed dramatically as she brushed a hand through her short black hair.

“I… called him.”

Emma almost slammed on the brakes.

“You called him? That’s… bold.”

“I know, I know!”

Maya said as she threw her hands up.

“But I didn’t think he’d listen if I tried anything else. And guess what? He actually picked up.”

Emma’s grip on the wheel tightened.

“And? What did he say?”

“He agreed to meet…”

Maya spoke with a half-smile.

In fact, she sounded very bittersweet.

“That’s great!”

Emma said as her enthusiasm bubbled up before faltering when she noticed Maya’s expression darken.

“Wait… what happened?”

Maya exhaled heavily as she stared out the window.

“He… he stood me up.”

Emma’s heart sank. “Oh… I-, I’m so sorry.”

Maya shook her head.

She tried to force out a casual laughter, but she just sounded bitter and hurt.

“I spent hours searching the city, hoping I’d find him. I even checked all our old spots. Nothing.”

Emma’s chest tightened with anger and sympathy.

“What a jerk! You deserve better than that.”

Maya gave her a small, grateful smile.

“Thanks, Emma… I mean, Miss Mercury. I guess I just needed to hear that.”

“Emma’s fine…”

Emma gave her a wink.

“And trust me, any guy who treats you like that isn’t worth your time.”

As they drove on, Emma found herself feeling oddly protective of Maya. Maybe it was the shared struggles—or maybe it was just nice to have someone to talk to. Either way, she was eager to know more about her.

…

Some minutes later…

The Cadillac Escalade hummed softly as Emma followed Maya’s directions. The city’s busyness faded into a quieter residential area, where tree-lined streets and modern homes replaced the towering skyscrapers of Metro City.

“Take the next turn here…”

Maya pointed to a corner up ahead.

Emma nodded as her yellow eyes shifted to the GPS on the multifunction display.

“Hmm…”

Emma muttered as she made the turn.

“We’re heading in the same direction.”

“Oh, really?”

Maya raised an eyebrow in surprise and glanced at Emma.

“Well, that’s even better!”

The young lady chuckled very gently.

“Now I don’t have to feel bad about dragging you all over the place. Phew~”

Emma shook her head and waved her hand dismissively.

“Don’t even worry about it. I don’t mind at all.”

She switched gears smoothly, spinning the steering wheel with ease to make another quick turn. After straightening out, she slowed down a bit and glanced sideways at Maya.

“But hey, why don’t you have a car yet?”

Emma asked casually.

“I mean, with all the commercials, talk show appearances, and streaming deals you’ve done lately, I’m sure you could afford something nice—even a sedan or a cute little coupe to cruise around in.”

The question made Maya’s cheerful demeanor falter.

Her smile faded as she looked out the window while her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

“Well…”

She started softly while she interlocked her fingers and lowered her head.

“I… I haven’t really spent any of that money yet.”

Emma blinked, clearly surprised.

“What? Why not?”

Maya hesitated.

More and more she could feel the sound of her voice sinking down her throat.

“Because… I don’t feel comfortable spending it. Not until I’m with him again.”

Emma let out a long sigh, understanding immediately who “him” referred to.

“That guy again…”

Maya nodded slowly.

Her usually cute and pretty expression was now clouded with a painful blend of longing and sadness.

“Yeah…”

She pitifully admitted.

“As much as I love the media side of being a superhero, my heart keeps telling me I’m not the kind of hero he’d want me to be. I feel like I’m trying my best, but… it’s not enough. Not for him. And no amount of money or fame can ever replace the memories we shared or how precious he was to me… and I… to him.”

Emma could barely look at her without feeling her heart twist little by little at each word that left Maya’s tired lips. She just couldn’t bear to hear the unendurable vulnerability in her soft, angelic voice.

『Isn’t she too young to be suffering this much loss from a break-up? Was her relationship with him that serious? Is this how I’ll be if Scott changes his opinions of me? Or… or if things just don’t seem to work out…』

The twists in her heart grew tighter.

Then, with a small smile, she decided to respond.

“You know… your ex reminds me of a certain guy I really, really like.”

Maya tilted her head, looking deeply curious.

“Really? Wow, that much? Who is he?”

Emma giggled, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I don’t like talking about my handsome heroic prince to other women. They might try to steal him. Y’know?”

Maya laughed softly as her mood cushioned slightly.

“Wow, you like him that much?”

Emma’s eyes stayed on the road, but her lips curled into a tender smile.

“You have no idea.”

The conversation went on.

Soon, the large modern building Maya had been guiding them toward came into view.

“Oh, it’s there!”

She pointed excitedly at the sleek structure.

Emma’s brows furrowed as recognition struck her.

“Wait… you’re here to see Dr. Goode?”

Maya smiled sheepishly and nodded.

“Yeah! He’s one of the best couples counselor in the U.S. I’ve seen reviews from other celebrities on WeTube, and I thought… maybe he could help me fix things between me and Sc—uh, my ex.”

Emma found herself at a loss for words.

On one hand, she was relieved that Maya had at least thought about trying therapy before considering something as final as suicide. On the other hand, she couldn’t shake the awkwardness about what she was about to say next.

As if sensing her hesitation, Maya turned to Emma with a curious look.

“But wait… how do you know Dr. Goode? Are you… also here for love therapy?”

Emma drummed her fingers on the steering wheel.

“Well, you see… hrmm… how do I put it…”

Her soft cheeks heated up while she searched for the right words.

“Well… yeah, kind of…”

Emma laughed nervously.

“I wanted to talk to him about… my boyfriend. Something about… uh, a harem.”

Maya’s eyes widened before she burst into laughter.

“A harem──?!”

“…”

“Oh, wait… you’re serious?”

Maya swallowed the laugh she was once eager to spit out.

Emma waved her hands quickly.

“It’s really not what you’re thinking! I don’t even know how to explain it.”

Maya chuckled as her laughter turned into a soft smile.

“Hey, don’t worry. Let’s just head inside. Maybe we can have our therapy sessions together? I don’t mind you hearing about my relationship troubles—we’re pretty much friends now, right?”

Emma raised her eyebrows.

“Wait… friends?”

Maya nodded confidently.

“Of course! Friends brought together by their boyfriends, who may or may not be terrible people.”

Both women giggled as the car came to a stop in front of the building.

━ ━ ━ ━

Meanwhile…

Across Metro City at the convention center for the SMPE, Scott suddenly sneezed.

────ACHOOOO!!

Marcus patted him on the back.

“Big bro, you good?”

Scott rubbed his nose with a sniffle.

“Yeah… probably someone talking behind my back.”

Marcus smirked.

“How can you believe in that crap?”

Scott rolled his eyes and muttered,

“You don’t have a harem-instigating system and not end up being talked about.”

“Eh?” Marcus tilted his head.

“Uh, uhhh, nevermind…”

… 5 minutes later

Marcus tapped his foot impatiently, then looked toward the closed door of Brigid’s changing room. His expression shifted from annoyance to mild concern as he turned to Scott.

“Dude, it’s been, like, ten minutes. How long does it take to put on a super suit?”

Scott leaned against the booth, arms crossed, looking far less amused.

He let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temple.

“Normally, I’d say not to rush her. Brigid’s not exactly a quick-change artist, and she likes everything perfect. I bought her some attention with the whole camel toe nonsense, but who knows how long that’ll stay effective…”

He glanced at the convention timer on his phone and frowned deeply.

“We don’t exactly have the luxury of time. Miss Infinity’s VIP hall is opening in fifteen minutes, and when that happens…”

“…we’re gonna get screwed harder. Sigh~”

Marcus finished for him.

Both of them paused and exchanged a look.

“Pause…”

They said in unison.

Scott pushed himself off the booth and gestured to the scene unfolding at the grand booth beside theirs.

“But honestly, we’re already in trouble. Look at that.”

The two turned to face Vixen’s booth, where the crowd had only grown denser. Fans were swarming her like bees to honey, clamoring for her attention. The sound of excited chatter and the occasional wolf whistle was everywhere as Vixen leaned over her booth and flashed her signature erotic smile.

“Here you go, boys~ ❤️”

She purred as she held out small drives loaded with her Hero Portfolio Disc (HPD).

“These are for free. You’ll see everything you need to know about my powers, my accomplishments, and exactly how I plan to dominate the hero world.”

Two fans at the front of the booth leaned closer as their eyes glued to the drives.

One of them raised a hand and asked sheepishly.

“Uh… can I just buy one of the erotic drives instead? Not really interested in the hero stuff.”

Vixen’s smile faltered for a split second as a quick wave of sadness crossed her face before she forced her cheerful smile back into place.

“Oh, but my HPDs are free! Don’t you at least want to see what I have to offer as a hero?”

The fan scratched his head.

He looked thoroughly unimpressed.

“Yeah, no. Not really. Just gimme the other drive, and I’ll be on my way. Busy schedule and all.”

Her mask of confidence cracked again.

And Scott could see the growing insecurity and vulnerability on her usually confident face.

“Damn…” he muttered under his breath.

Vixen’s voice came out sharper this time as her frustration slipped through.

“Piss off.”

The fan blinked, stunned. “What did you just say?”

“I said piss off!” Vixen’s tone was louder now.

It drew the attention of nearby fans.

A hush fell over the area as people turned to see what was happening.

The fan scowled, tossing her HPD to the ground with a loud crack. The pieces scattered, and he sneered at her.

“Fuck you. Foxgirl probably has something better to stream tonight anyway. Maybe instead of pretending you’ll ever make it as a hero with those lame-ass fox powers, you can just flash us the goods already. That’s all anyone really cares about.”

Vixen froze as her fuzzy fox ears dropped when, she stared at the shattered HPD.

The crowd watched in silence… waiting to see how she would react.

Slowly, she bent down and gathered the broken pieces in her hands. Her fingers trembled, but when she stood, her expression was heartbreakingly calm. She looked up at the fan as her teary eyes glistened under the harsh convention lights.

“Haha…”

Her laugh was soft, shaky.

“It’s fine. I’ll still keep trying to be a hero. My dad did it, so I believe I can too.”

The crowd murmured, some looking uncomfortable, others simply watching in stunned silence.

Scott, who had been ready to make a snide remark, felt something twist in his chest instead. Her voice had carried a raw vulnerability that he hadn’t expected.

[Ding! Form an intimate relationship with Vixen before the end of the week.]

The message flashed in Scott’s vision like a neon sign.

“Of course…” he muttered.

Marcus leaned closer, frowning. “What’s up?”

Scott didn’t answer.

His eyes couldn’t leave Vixen as she clutched the broken HPD pieces to her full chest as her forced smile crumbled bit by bit.

“Damn it,” he said softly. “She’s really trying.”

Marcus raised an eyebrow.

“You… you okay, big bro? You’re looking at her like you’re about to write a love song.”

“Shut up…”

Scott straightened and ran a hand through his hair.

He didn’t know how he was going to pull it off, but one thing was clear: Vixen wasn’t just some vapid attention-seeker. Beneath the bravado, she had dreams, insecurities, and more fight in her than most people would give her credit for.

And if the System wanted him to form a bond with her?

Well, he’d just have to find a way to do it.