After becoming the campus' new "idol," Li Cheng had planned a quiet morning. Maybe a smoothie, maybe a nap.
But the System, as usual, had other ideas.
[New Daily Quest Unlocked!]Task: Slap the Entertainment Club President's Reputation.]Reward: VIP Access to Elite Events + Skill – Stage Presence + Hidden Bonus (Unlocked if Task Completed Stylishly).]
Li Cheng sighed. "You just can't let me rest, huh?"
[Negative. Heroes don't nap before revenge arcs.]
He threw on a black hoodie and strolled toward the Student Arts Hall, where the Entertainment Club ruled like kings and queens. They handled talent shows, influencer deals, and—most importantly—campus gossip.
And its president, Zhao Lingyun, was a legend for all the wrong reasons: rich family, perfect face, and an ego so massive it probably had its own gravitational pull.
Rumor had it Zhao once banned a student from performing because he "didn't look photogenic enough."
Today's goal: ruin that smugness.
Inside the Club Hall
Music blared, lights flashed, and students rehearsed for the upcoming "Campus Talent Show."
Li Cheng slipped inside unnoticed—until Zhao Lingyun spotted him.
"Well, if it isn't the basketball clown who thinks he's famous now."
Laughter rippled through the room.
Li Cheng smiled faintly. "Good morning, President Zhao. Heard you're looking for fresh talent. I came to sign up."
Zhao's smile sharpened. "We already have too many amateurs."
"Then maybe it's time for an upgrade," Li Cheng said coolly.
[System Update: Taunt +1. Public Attention +12%. Target's Annoyance Level rising.]
Zhao leaned back in his chair. "Fine. Impress us. If you're as good as your mouth, we'll add you to the show. Fail, and you clean the club floor for a week."
"Deal."
The entire hall quieted as Li Cheng walked to the center stage. He picked up a mic, looked straight at Zhao, and smirked.
[Sub-Quest Activated: Perform Flawlessly with Style.][Bonus Reward: Skill – Vocal Charm (Intermediate).]
The Unexpected Performance
Students whispered.
"What's he gonna do?""He's probably bluffing.""Maybe he'll trip on the mic cable."
The music began—an upbeat track with a nostalgic melody.
And then, Li Cheng sang.
His voice—smooth, warm, confident—rolled through the hall. Every note struck deep, pulling at emotions no one expected. Even the sound tech accidentally dropped his headphones.
Girls stared, slack-jawed.
[Charm Effect Triggered. Audience attraction +35%. Heartbeats accelerating.]
By the chorus, half the audience had joined in, swaying to the rhythm.
Li Cheng ended with a grin and a casual mic flip that landed perfectly on its stand.
The hall erupted in cheers.
"Encore!""Marry me!""Li Cheng for president!"
Zhao's face twitched.
[Target Humiliation: 75%. Bonus Reward Pending.]
Li Cheng bowed. "Thanks for the audition. Should I mop the floors later, or will you be too busy cleaning up my applause?"
Gasps. Laughter. Cheers.
Zhao slammed his clipboard down. "This isn't over! You—"
A voice interrupted him.
"President Zhao, stop embarrassing yourself."
Everyone turned.
At the door stood Su Yue, the Vice-President of the Arts Council—and the most admired girl on campus.
Long black hair, cold expression, sharp intelligence. Her presence silenced the room instantly.
"Miss Su!" Zhao stammered. "I—I was just evaluating the performance—"
Su Yue crossed her arms. "By insulting participants before they start?" She turned to Li Cheng, eyes softening slightly. "Good job. You'll represent the university in the finals."
[Hidden Reward Unlocked! New Character Affinity – Su Yue (Interest: +25%).][Bonus Skill – Stage Presence Activated.]
Li Cheng blinked. "That's… generous."
[Flirting Opportunity Detected. Recommend a humorous response.]
"Guess I'll have to thank you properly," Li Cheng said with a smile. "Coffee after class?"
Su Yue's lips curved ever so slightly. "Impress me again first."
Then she turned and left, heels echoing like judgment.
Later That Evening
Back at his penthouse, Li Cheng leaned against the balcony, scrolling through his exploding message feed.
Campus Forum: "Who is Li Cheng and why does he sound like a celebrity?!"Trending Tag: #NewIdol #FaceSlapKing #SuYueSmiled
Li Cheng laughed softly. "I didn't even mean to trend."
[Correction: You were born to trend.]
He set down his phone as the System screen popped up again.
[Quest Completed: The Entertainment Club President's Downfall.][Rewards Received!]– Skill Unlocked: Stage Presence (Level 2)– Charm +20 pts– Wealth +100,000 (Campus Sponsorship)– Hidden Bonus: Signed Invitation to "Global Talent Summit."
Li Cheng frowned. "Global Talent Summit? That sounds… international."
[Affirmative. Estimated Face-Slapping Potential: Extreme.]
He grinned. "Good. I was getting bored of local idiots."