[Han Bo hostility towards you +1.]
[Han Bo hostility towards you +1.]
[Han Bo hostility towards you +1.]
Xu Lin almost smiled. So the System tracked relationship metrics too. As expected of something that defied natural law.
No more guessing who wore masks. No more discovering the blade only after it slid between his ribs. The world was full of performers—kindness on their faces, malice in their hearts. Now he could read the subtitles.
Looking at the mission again, Xu Lin was happy to see that
The system would aid him to completing his mission, the system would bestow him any skills or anything he need base on the situation.
Reviewing the mission details, Xu Lin felt a surge of satisfaction. The System wasn't just a passive tool—it actively adapted to his needs. Skills, resources, whatever the situation demanded. It would provide.
At that moment, Han Bo smiled mockingly as his eyes fell on Li Yue. He noticed a slight shift in her posture, a hint of discomfort in the chair, and his eyes lit up—he thought he had found the perfect opportunity.
Hurrying to speak, he said, "Li Yue, why don't you sit at the front? You seem uncomfortable in that chair."
Li Yue saw right through him and felt a wave of disgust.
She shook her head gracefully and replied, "It's fine, really. It's not that bad—I can handle it."
When he heard her reply, Han Bo's eyes flickered with dissatisfaction. It wasn't the reaction he had expected, but he didn't dare press further—afraid that pushing too hard might annoy her and make him seem even worse.
Then, a thought struck him. His eyes immediately lit up as he turned his gaze toward Xu Lin.
"Xu Lin, it's our Teacher Appreciation Banquet—why don't we both showcase our skills and liven up the atmosphere to celebrate? What do you think?"
Clearly, it was a trap—a carefully laid scheme for Han Bo to brag and try to capture Li Yue's attention.
Xu Lin, however, wasn't a fool. He could tell at once that Han Bo was up to something. But what was there to fear? He was no longer the Xu Lin who had once been a failure in society. Reborn twenty years into the past, his mental age was that of an adult—and this time, he would face the world on his own terms.
When Han Bo finished speaking, Sun Tao quickly jumped in. "Xu Lin isn't really a fan of piano," he said. "We've been friends since elementary school, and I've never once seen him play."
Xu Lin immediately saw through Sun Tao's nervous excuse. His friend was trying to avoid trouble and didn't want to embarrass himself in front of their classmates—or the other guests at the banquet.
When Han Bo heard that, he couldn't help but laugh—a loud, mocking laugh that carried across the entire banquet hall.
"Xu Lin," he said, feigning a polite smile, "I'm so sorry. I forgot that you don't even know how to play the piano. And since we can't do anything else, I'm afraid you'll just use the same excuse again. Why don't you go back to playing the games you like so much in that café?"
His expression seemed apologetic, but the tone dripping from his words told a completely different story.
Xu Lin felt a surge of fury building inside. This guy is so arrogant… he thought. Since he wants to show off, then fine. Let's see if he can still laugh at the very end.
Based on the System's introduction, Xu Lin knew he wouldn't be facing this challenge alone. Any skills necessary to complete the task—piano included—would be temporarily granted by the System. He wasn't afraid; in fact, he looked forward to seeing what the System would provide.
Xu Lin snorted lightly. "Fine. I'll agree. Since this banquet is a rare occasion and might not happen again, I'll make an exception and play the piano for everyone."
When everyone at the banquet heard Xu Lin's words, the room erupted into uproar. No one had expected this usually quiet boy—handsome to an absurd degree, rivaling even internet celebrities, and perhaps surpassing them—to take center stage. Many in the class admired him, and the entire school already recognized him as the most strikingly attractive student. His beauty was androgynous and flawless; it was impossible to tell male from female at a glance, and even some women might feel a pang of jealousy.
The girls in the banquet cheered loudly, their voices full of excitement and support for Xu Lin. The boys, however, were livid. Watching their crushes and girlfriends openly celebrate him made their blood boil—they felt as if the world itself were collapsing around them.
Not all the boys felt jealous, of course—some were transgender, some gay, and many cheered for Xu Lin as well.
When he heard Xu Lin's response, fury slowly crept across his face, his cheeks reddening. But he restrained himself, unwilling to let his carefully maintained gentlemanly image crumble.
Instead, he let out a sharp laugh. "Xu Lin, stop deceiving yourself. We all know you can't even play a single piece. You probably don't even know how to touch the piano keys properly."
Han Bo was certain this absurdly handsome boy was bluffing.
"Since you insist on playing, don't blame me if I have to… teach you a lesson." With that, he mockingly strode toward the stage.
His anger wasn't just about Li Yue sitting beside Xu Lin. It was also jealousy—jealous of that perfect face, that effortless allure. How could someone be so flawless? Why him, and not me?
Though Han Bo was handsome, academically talented, and from a wealthy family, standing next to Xu Lin made him feel inferior in ways he had never expected.
When Han Bo stepped onto the stage, the surrounding chatter immediately died down. He approached the piano, adjusted his black suit carefully, straightened his tie, and took a deep, steadying breath.
He pressed the first key, then the second, then the third. The room fell completely silent as everyone became absorbed in the music.
Han Bo's piano skills were undeniably impressive. Even the cold, unflappable Li Yue was slightly stunned. As expected of a villain with the potential to rise to second-rate—or even first-rate—status.
But that was all there was to it. Soon, Li Yue's attention drifted away from him, turning instead to Xu Lin. Relaxed, calm, and confident—could he really play?
Li Yue couldn't help but doubt him. She had never seen Xu Lin play the piano before. He didn't seem interested in musical instruments—how could it be possible? Even Sun Tao had never once seen Xu Lin touch a piano.
When Han Bo pressed the final key, the last note lingered in the air before slowly fading away. He stood up, walked to the center of the stage, and his gaze immediately searched for Li Yue.
He had given his best performance—he had been preparing for this day for a long time. But when he finally found her in the crowd, what he saw made his expression stiffen.
Li Yue wasn't looking at him.
She was looking at Xu Lin.
Han Bo didn't care about the applause from the others or the cheers filling the hall. In his eyes, none of them mattered. The only person he wanted to impress was Li Yue.
A surge of anger and humiliation rose in his chest. For the first time, he began to doubt himself.
Do I really have a chance to win her heart? Or am I just dreaming… just indulging in wishful thinking?
No! That must be it… My piano performance just wasn't good enough. That must be the reason!
Han Bo quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart and regained his usual smug, refined composure. Then he turned his head and looked at Xu Lin, who was sitting calmly as if everything had nothing to do with him.
Han Bo picked up the microphone and began to give his closing remarks.
"Once again, thank you everyone for listening," he said with a polite smile. Then he looked directly at Xu Lin.
"And now, let's welcome our next performer… Xu Lin."
He deliberately said Xu Lin's name loudly, making sure everyone heard it clearly. He wanted everyone to remember that name—so that when Xu Lin embarrassed himself in front of everyone later, the humiliation would be unforgettable.
Thinking about that scene, Han Bo couldn't help but smile. In his imagination, Xu Lin would fail miserably, and Li Yue would finally see the difference between them… and admire him instead.