Morning sunlight spilled across the university quad once again, glinting off the sleek glass windows and polished stone pathways. The air was alive with the buzz of gossip.
"Did you see what happened yesterday?"
"Li Cheng humiliated Zhao Yong and made Lin Yue cry!"
"Bro, that clip hit one million views overnight! He's basically a campus legend now!"
Every corner of Tianhua University seemed to echo his name.
Posters in the student chat group had been changed to a meme of Li Cheng standing over Zhao Yong, captioned:
"From Doormat to Dominator: The Li Cheng Chronicles."
Li Cheng sighed as he walked toward class, his hands tucked in his pockets. His red eyes flickered with amusement. "The internet really moves fast."
[Ding!]
Daily Sign-In Complete!
Reward: +1 Luck, +5 Charisma, +1 System Fanbase Reputation
Note: Your fanbase has started calling you "Brother Slap."_
He froze."…Brother Slap?"
System:Congratulations, host. You've achieved viral recognition for your face-slapping skills.
Li Cheng: "That's… not exactly the heroic title I was hoping for."
System:Popularity is popularity. Embrace your destiny, Brother Slap.
Li Cheng groaned. "You're incorrigible."
System:Flattery detected. Awarding +1 Confidence.
As he entered the classroom, heads turned. Some girls whispered and giggled; even the guys looked at him with open admiration or envy.
But one seat — the one near the window — was occupied by someone unfamiliar.
She sat with calm poise, a faint smile on her lips as sunlight caught her long black hair and reflected in her silver eyes. Her uniform was immaculate, but her aura carried a quiet mystery — like a calm lake that hid something deep beneath.
Li Cheng blinked. "A new student?"
Professor Zhang cleared his throat. "Everyone, quiet down. We have a transfer student joining us today. Please welcome—"
Before he could finish, the girl stood, giving a graceful bow.
"Hello everyone. I'm Qin Ruo."
Her voice was soft, but clear enough to silence the room. Every boy in class sat straighter; even the girls exchanged quick glances of awe and caution.
Li Cheng leaned back in his seat, pretending to be disinterested — but his mind was already buzzing.
[Ding!]
Side Quest Activated!
"The Girl Who Knows Too Much – Investigate Qin Ruo"
Objective: Discover her true identity.
Reward: "Truth Insight" skill.
Penalty for Failure: Embarrassment of cosmic proportions._
Li Cheng muttered under his breath, "Thanks for the motivation, System."
System:You're welcome, Brother Slap.
During class, Qin Ruo's gaze flicked toward him several times. Subtle. Unreadable.
And each time, Li Cheng felt something odd — like she could see through him.
At one point, Professor Zhang asked a difficult economics question that left the class silent. Qin Ruo raised her hand, stood gracefully, and gave a flawless answer that left even the professor stunned.
Applause filled the room.
Then she turned slightly, smiling at Li Cheng. "Did you get that, Brother Slap?"
The entire classroom erupted in laughter.
Li Cheng choked. "She—she saw the memes!"
System:Host, your reputation precedes you.
Li Cheng: "I'm going to uninstall you."
System:Permission denied.
When class ended, Li Cheng gathered his books, intending to leave quietly — but Qin Ruo caught up to him by the door.
"You're quite famous," she said with a teasing lilt. "I thought the videos exaggerated, but seeing you in person… you're even more interesting."
He raised an eyebrow. "You sound like someone doing a character analysis."
Her lips curved. "Maybe I am."
They walked side by side down the hallway. The stares of curious classmates trailed after them like laser beams.
"Are they… together already?"
"Li Cheng really doesn't miss. One day after humiliating his ex, he's walking with the new transfer goddess?"
"Legend behavior."
Qin Ruo chuckled softly, clearly hearing the whispers. "You seem used to attention."
"Not really," Li Cheng said, glancing at her. "I just stopped caring about people who only notice me when I shine."
She tilted her head. "That's… a dangerous kind of confidence."
"Maybe. But it's better than living on my knees."
Her eyes gleamed, and for a moment, the teasing vanished — replaced by something deeper. A spark of recognition.Like she understood exactly what he meant.
They stepped outside, where a small crowd had gathered near the student board.
A group of arrogant young men in flashy clothes were showing off their cars — luxury models parked right in the school yard.
At the center stood Chen Hao, the spoiled son of a real estate tycoon and self-proclaimed "Campus Prince." He smirked when he saw Li Cheng.
"Well, well. If it isn't Brother Slap himself."
The crowd laughed.
"You went viral online, so you think you're big now? Let's see if your system can help you afford a car like mine." He patted his shiny red Ferrari.
Li Cheng stared at the car calmly. "Is that supposed to impress me?"
Chen Hao sneered. "Of course. Unless you can show me something better?"
[Ding!]
Face-Slapping Task Unlocked!
Objective: "Humiliate Chen Hao in front of his fan club."
Reward: "Car of Destiny (Lv.1)" + ¥30,000 + Charm Boost.
Bonus: +5 Popularity if Qin Ruo laughs during the event._
Li Cheng smirked. "Sure. Let's play."
He tapped his phone casually. Moments later, a loud engine roar echoed through the campus.
Everyone turned as a sleek black luxury sports car pulled up to the curb — a model so rare that even Chen Hao's Ferrari looked like a toy beside it.
The driver stepped out, bowed respectfully, and handed Li Cheng the keys. "Young Master Li, your new custom Emperor V9 is ready."
Gasps erupted.
"E-Emperor V9? That's… that's over 10 million yuan!"
"Is he secretly a billionaire's son?!"
"Even the dean doesn't have that car!"
Chen Hao's jaw dropped. "You—this can't be real!"
Li Cheng smiled lazily. "Would you like to test whose car gets more attention?"
He tapped his phone again. Instantly, the Emperor V9's AI voice activated:
"Hello, Master Li Cheng. Would you like to activate Public Display Mode?"
Li Cheng grinned. "Sure."
The car projected a holographic ad showing his stats:
Li Cheng – Charisma: 98, Strength: 90, Luck: 100, Handsomeness: MAX.
Qin Ruo burst out laughing.
[Ding!] Bonus Activated!+5 Popularity. Quest Complete. Reward Unlocked: "Car of Destiny (Lv.1)" + ¥30,000.
Chen Hao's face turned purple. "You think this makes you a big shot?!"
Li Cheng leaned in with a smirk. "No. I think this makes me your nightmare."
The crowd howled. Phones recorded every second. Within minutes, the clip hit the campus forums with the caption:
"Episode 2 of the Li Cheng Saga: The Car Slap."
Qin Ruo folded her arms, hiding a smile. "You enjoy this too much."
Li Cheng chuckled. "Just completing my daily quests."
Her eyes sparkled. "Then I can't wait to see what tomorrow's quest is."
He looked at her curiously. "You're awfully calm for someone who just met me."
She turned, her silver eyes glinting. "Who said we just met?"
Before he could reply, she walked off, leaving him speechless.
[Ding!]
Side Quest Updated: "Qin Ruo seems to know your past. Uncover the connection."
Reward: ???
Li Cheng stood there, the roar of his car behind him, the laughter of students echoing around him.
But his heart thumped with a strange unease.
She knows something… doesn't she?