Morning sunlight spilled through the blinds of Li Cheng's apartment, slicing across his face like golden daggers of judgment.
He groaned. "System, why does success feel like a hangover?"
[Because you achieved fame faster than your liver could adapt.]
"Touché."He rolled off the couch and stretched. His phone buzzed with a new message.
Su Yue:10 a.m. — Café Luna. Don't be late. I despise lateness.
Li Cheng blinked. "Wait, she actually agreed to coffee?"
[Affirmative. Romantic probability = 23 % and rising.]
"Twenty-three? That's it?"
[Would you like to activate the Charm Booster Pack™? Only 5 face-slaps per use.]
He laughed. "Pass. I'll use natural charisma."
Café Luna
Café Luna was the kind of place influencers took pictures in and never finished their coffee. Soft jazz, marble tables, and croissants that cost more than textbooks.
Su Yue sat by the window, sipping an iced latte. Even in casual clothes she radiated a calm authority that made the barista pour milk in slow motion.
Li Cheng approached, confident smile locked in place.
"Morning. You look like the calm before an academic storm."
She arched an eyebrow. "And you look like the storm that forgot its umbrella."
Touché again.
They ordered pastries and sat opposite each other. For a moment, neither spoke—the silence thick but oddly comfortable.
Su Yue finally broke it. "Your performance yesterday surprised me. You don't fit the profile of someone who needs validation."
Li Cheng stirred his coffee. "Maybe I just enjoy proving people wrong."
[Flirt Level +1. Confidence Aura stable.]
She studied him. "You're different. Most students chase approval. You chase something else."
He smiled faintly. "Revenge, maybe. Growth definitely. And… free pastries."
That earned him the smallest, rarest thing—a genuine laugh.
The Rumor
As they chatted, whispers spread around the café.
"Isn't that Li Cheng?""He's with Su Yue! Are they dating?""Maybe it's an influencer collab!"
Phones came out; camera shutters clicked.
[Publicity +12 %. Reputation expanding.]
Li Cheng leaned forward. "Congratulations, we're trending again."
Su Yue sighed. "Wonderful. Now the student council will hold an emergency meeting about café etiquette."
Before he could reply, his system chimed again.
[New Quest: Hidden Enemy Detected.]Target: Unknown. Location: Café Luna vicinity.]Reward: Skill – Threat Detection + 1 Random Loot Box.]
Li Cheng scanned the café discreetly. That's when he spotted him—Liu Zhen, the vice-president of the Entertainment Club and Zhao Lingyun's closest ally, lurking behind a plant too small to hide his ego.
Liu Zhen was recording them.
System Intervention
[Recommended Action: Counter-Humiliation.]
"Roger that," Li Cheng muttered. He whispered to Su Yue, "Mind helping me film a little reversal clip?"
She blinked. "What kind of clip?"
"The kind that teaches snakes not to eavesdrop."
Operation Café Drama
Li Cheng pretended to drop his wallet. As he bent down, he intentionally bumped the table leg, sending a splash of coffee straight toward Liu Zhen's hiding spot.
"AHH!" Liu Zhen jumped out, drenched.
Li Cheng widened his eyes theatrically. "Vice-President Liu? Filming a documentary on latte culture?"
The café burst into laughter. Cameras turned—this time on Liu Zhen.
[Face-Slap Count +1. Public Humiliation +60 %.]
Liu Zhen sputtered. "Y-you—!"
Su Yue stood. "Mr. Liu, spying on students is against university privacy codes. Should I file a report?"
Liu Zhen paled. "N-no need! Misunderstanding!" He bolted out, dripping caramel macchiato all the way.
Li Cheng waved. "Don't forget to tag me next time!"
[Quest Complete! Reward Received: Skill – Threat Detection (Lv 1), Loot Box acquired.]
He opened the loot box mentally.
[Item Unlocked: Designer Watch (Stat Boost: +15 Charm, +10 Wealth Perception).]
"Sweet," he whispered.
Aftermath
Su Yue shook her head, amused. "You're trouble."
"Only the premium kind," he said. "Comes with complimentary face-slaps."
She smiled again—that same rare, fleeting smile that made time hesitate.
"Next time," she said, standing up, "bring fewer enemies."
[Affinity +10. Current Interest: 35 %.]
As she left, Li Cheng's phone buzzed again.
[Special Event Unlocked: Elite Invitation – Global Talent Summit Pre-Show.]
He exhaled slowly. "Looks like we're going global sooner than planned."
[Prepare, host. Fame attracts foes—and fans.]
Li Cheng grinned. "Then let the world line up. I've got plenty of slaps left."