When they heard that it was Xu Lin's turn, everyone in the banquet hall turned to look at him.
The boys began muttering among themselves, some even whispering and laughing quietly, waiting to see him embarrass himself in front of everyone. Meanwhile, many of the girls were cheering and looking at him with bright, expectant eyes, clearly looking forward to his performance.
Under everyone's gaze, Xu Lin slowly stood up and took a step forward.
At that moment, a transparent interface window that only he could see suddenly popped up in front of him.
___
[SYSTEM TASK INTERFACE]
[Mission Name: Subtle Slap – Indirect Domination]
[Objective: Deliver an indirect "slap" to Han Bo. Let him show off or boast—through skills, talent, or social posturing—and turn the moment around to subtly highlight his flaws or inferiority. Ensure the impact is felt without engaging in direct confrontation.]
[Description: Han Bo will naturally try to demonstrate his superiority—flaunting his grades, or displaying charm. Use the environment, timing, and your abilities to turn the situation to your advantage. The goal is to leave him visibly frustrated while maintaining your own composure.]
[Required Skills / Resources:
Any skills necessary to complete the mission will be granted by the System temporarily.]
Temporary boosts in charm, intelligence, or influence may appear if needed.
Resources such as wealth, social leverage, or knowledge of the future may be applied strategically.]
[Reward: The Host may choose one Skill, Trait, Item, or Special Assistance provided by the System. The selected reward will be granted permanently and can be used by the host anytime.]
[Mission duration: Before the banquet end.]
[Failure penalty : None]
[ACCEPT] <> [REJECT]
___
Xu Lin didn't hesitate. He clicked Accept without a second thought, radiating natural confidence. After all, with the System on his side, completing this mission—and teaching that arrogant man a lesson—was only a matter of time.
[Task Accepted]
[Analyzing mission...]
[Target Skill Detected: Advanced Piano]
[Issuing Temporary Skill...]
[Temporary Skill Granted: Master-Level Piano]
[Duration: Until the mission is completed]
[The Host may now perform at Master Level.]
Xu Lin paused mid-step.
Suddenly, a flood of memories poured into his mind—countless hours of practice, music theory, finger techniques, stage experience, and an understanding of rhythm and emotion.
It felt as if he had practiced the piano for more than ten years.
His fingers twitched slightly, feeling both unfamiliar and strangely natural at the same time.
Xu Lin looked at the piano on the stage again.
This time, his eyes were completely different.
He proceeded to walk forward, each step steady and confident, as if being stared at by so many people was completely natural.
On the stage, Xu Lin moved closer, his eyes briefly meeting Han Bo, who was wearing that familiar smug, mocking smile.
Xu Lin didn't bother acknowledging him. He simply passed by, focused on the piano, ignoring the man entirely.
Han Bo's composure wavered. Flustered and furious, he realized that no one had ever treated him like this—not even his parents. Except for Li Yue, who had rejected and ignored him, everyone else had always followed his lead, eager to please.
Now, faced with Xu Lin's calm indifference, Han Bo dared not act recklessly. With so many people watching, any misstep or loss of composure could ruin the image he had carefully cultivated.
He realized he couldn't be bothered with this pretentious fool who liked to show off piano skills he didn't have, and he silently encouraged himself.
Still wearing that smug smile, he didn't believe Xu Lin could actually play a note.
The System didn't appear again—there was no need. Xu Lin was effortlessly stunning; with a natural charm rating of 99.4 out of 100, not even famous internet celebrities could rival him. He didn't need a temporary charm boost—the effect was already built into him.
As Xu Lin sat down, his hand glided over the piano keys. It felt familiar, as if he had touched this instrument countless times before—like an old friend guiding him effortlessly.
Han Bo watched him, eyes narrowing. Xu Lin lingered on the keys for a full minute, and naturally, Han Bo snorted. Stalling for time, he thought.
Well, no matter how long you stall, nothing will change. Sooner or later, you'll have to play. Even if you give up, it will only show that you're afraid. You'll still be forced to perform, and the entire banquet will laugh at you. This is your dead end, Xu Lin. Blame yourself for daring to challenge me!
Han Bo still felt smug and disgusted as Xu Lin approached the piano. But the moment the first note sounded, the entire banquet fell silent.
Then came the second, third, fourth, fifth notes… and with each one, Han Bo's eyes widened in pure shock and terror. He couldn't believe what he was hearing—Xu Lin was actually playing, and flawlessly.
Xu Lin's presence seemed almost unreal. He was like a living angel, his movements elegant and precise, so stunningly beautiful that everyone else in the room suddenly felt inferior.
Every heartbeat raced as the masterpiece unfolded under his fingers. The sound, the rhythm, the emotion—this was Master-Level Piano, and it captivated everyone.
Even Han Bo, with his Advanced-Level Piano skills, felt the gap between them was too vast to measure. Every note reminded him of his own limitations, and his carefully constructed confidence began to crumble.
When Xu Lin finished playing, the banquet hall was deathly silent. Nobody knew what to say or how to describe the music they had just heard.
Everyone was shocked. Xu Lin was already famous throughout the school for his absurdly handsome face, and they all assumed he only knew how to play games in the café. Now, what they had just witnessed seemed impossible. It was like a dream.
Li Yue, the school goddess, was captivated. The music held her completely, leaving her mind blank, as if the rest of the world had vanished.
Xu Lin noticed their stunned expressions but said nothing. Calmly, he picked up the microphone from the dumbfounded Han Bo and delivered a brief farewell, thanking everyone for listening.
Only after he finished speaking did the audience slowly return to themselves, blinking, murmuring, and looking at him in disbelief.
Han Bo, still frozen from his shock, looked like he was seeing a ghost. His face flushed, his hands trembling slightly.
"How… How… You…" he stammered, his voice filled with pure disbelief.