The next morning, the entire campus felt different.It wasn't just the weather—the air itself buzzed with excitement, gossip, and the faint scent of drama.
[System Notification: Fame Level 2 Reached!][Global Exposure Threshold Unlocked.]
Li Cheng blinked at the golden screen floating above his toast."Global exposure? Don't tell me the world's about to meet my pretty face."
[Affirmative. Congratulations, Host. You are now trending in three countries and one foreign fan forum titled 'Red-Eyed Prince'.]
He nearly choked on his coffee. "Wait—what kind of name is that?"
[Flattering. Possibly obsessive.]
Before he could protest, his phone exploded with notifications.
#LiChengViral was trending.Clips of his performance, the café fiasco, and Su Yue's rare smile had been edited into a short montage with dramatic music. Someone even added slow-motion sparkles.
Li Cheng rubbed his temples. "So this is how idols are born—by accident."
The Invitation
At that exact moment, his email chimed.Subject line: "Global Talent Summit – Official Invitation."
He opened it cautiously.
"Dear Mr. Li Cheng,You have been selected as one of the top 100 youth talents worldwide to participate in the Global Talent Summit, held in Seoul this summer.Kindly confirm attendance. All expenses covered. Regards, G.T.S Committee."
Li Cheng froze mid-bite. "System… this isn't fake, right?"
[Verified. Legitimacy 100 %. Reward Opportunity – Legendary Class Mission Available.]
[New Main Quest: Rise to Global Rank #1.]Reward: Ultimate Face-Slapping Privilege – 'Universal Reversal.']
"Universal reversal?" he asked.
[Allows you to humiliate someone on a planetary scale. Handle with style.]
He smirked. "Now that's my kind of upgrade."
Campus Reaction
By noon, half the university had heard the news.Some cheered; others plotted.
In the cafeteria, whispers flew like paper planes.
"Li Cheng got invited to Seoul!""He's representing the country? No way!""Didn't he just start singing last week?"
Zhao Lingyun slammed his tray. "He's just lucky! A one-hit wonder!"
[System Alert: Jealous Rival Detected. Target – Zhao Lingyun. Optional Quest Available: 'Crush Campus Scandal.' Reward – Skill Media Manipulation.]
Li Cheng grinned. "Guess we'll handle that later."
Su Yue's Proposal
After class, Su Yue cornered him by the courtyard fountain."Congratulations. You're representing our university now."
"Yeah," he said, scratching his head. "Still trying to process it."
She handed him a tablet full of documents."These are interview questions and contracts from sponsors. I suggest you read them before you accidentally sell your soul for a free plane ticket."
Li Cheng laughed. "You really don't trust me?"
"Trust you? No. Admire your chaos? Maybe."
[Affinity + 8. Interest Level 43 %.]
Before she could walk away, he said, "Hey, Su Yue. You're coming with me as manager, right?"
She paused, turning slowly. "Who said I agreed to that?"
"C'mon. You keep me out of trouble, and I'll make you famous by accident."
Su Yue sighed and looked up at the sky. "If you get into one scandal before then, I'm leaving you in customs."
"Deal."
The Summit Challenge
That night, Li Cheng opened the System panel.
[Welcome to the Global Ranking Feature.][Current Rank: #99 (out of 10,000).][Daily Sign-In Reward: + Skill – Language Comprehension.]
Suddenly, he could read Korean, Japanese, and French captions on his videos.
He whistled. "Now that's a cheat code."
[Reminder: Competitors include celebrities, influencers, and a Russian rapper who fights bears.]
"Perfect," Li Cheng said. "I was getting bored of ordinary humans."
[Optional Sub-Quest: Defeat the Top 5 Global Rankers in Public Events.]
"Accepted."
Meanwhile in the Shadows
Across campus, Zhao Lingyun was furious.He sat in his car, scrolling through social media.Every post praised Li Cheng. Every comment mocked him.
"Face-slapping, huh?" he muttered. "We'll see who gets slapped next."
He dialed a number. "Dad, remember that media company we own? Yeah… I need a favor."
[System Warning: Incoming Plot Threat – Scandal Trap Predicted within 48 hours.]
Li Cheng read the notification and smiled. "Bring it on."
Epilogue of the Day
At midnight, he stood on his balcony again. Below, the city lights glimmered like jewels, and the System screen hovered quietly above him.
[Daily Summary:]Face-Slaps Today: 3 (successful)Fame Increase: + 40 %Global Followers: 1.3 MillionHidden Quest Unlocked: 'Prepare for Seoul.'
He smiled to himself. "Five days ago, I was heartbroken and broke. Now I'm the guy with a passport to destiny."
[Affirmative. Revenge is the best travel souvenir.]