Saturday morning. The sun was shining brightly. Xiao Ming arrived at the city library half an hour earlier than agreed and found a quiet corner to sit. He opened his laptop, a faint smile on his lips.
"System, check current status."
The red translucent panel floated into view again:
...
...
...
"Not bad, keep up the momentum," Xiao Ming murmured to himself as he waved the system panel away. At the same time, the image of Lin Xiaoxiao's pure and lively face and her slender figure flashed through his mind. Although it was all for the mission, Xiao Ming had to admit—the heroine of this world was indeed quite attractive.
Suddenly, the system emitted an alert:
"Warning: Protagonist aura activity increasing. Intervention expected."
Xiao Ming's gaze sharpened. "Oh? So Zhang Tian is finally going to fight back?"
He thought for a moment, then sneered. "Good, I've been waiting for a chance to crush you completely."
Ten minutes later, Lin Xiaoxiao arrived at the library entrance. She was wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans, looking youthful and beautiful. She glanced around, seemingly looking for Xiao Ming.
Xiao Ming saw her from afar but didn't wave. Instead, he noticed Zhang Tian sneaking behind her—obviously tailing her.
"Heh, just as I thought." Xiao Ming smirked and quickly sent Lin Xiaoxiao a message: "I'm waiting for you in the innermost study area on the third floor."
Upon receiving the message, Lin Xiaoxiao went upstairs. Zhang Tian hesitated for a moment and followed.
A calculating look flashed in Xiao Ming's eyes. He made a call. "Fatty, proceed as planned."
Lin Xiaoxiao soon found Xiao Ming on the third floor.
"Sorry, there was a bit of traffic," she said apologetically.
Xiao Ming smiled and shook his head. "No worries, I just got here too."
They sat down, and Xiao Ming took out a stack of prepared materials. "I've compiled some speech techniques and resources. Take a look. Ask me anytime if you're confused."
As he handed over the materials, their fingers brushed. Lin Xiaoxiao trembled slightly, as if electrocuted, and quickly pulled her hand back, a faint blush on her cheeks. Xiao Ming pretended not to notice but was quite pleased.
She flipped through the materials in surprise. "Wow, so detailed! You really put in a lot of effort."
"It's nothing," Xiao Ming replied modestly. "By the way, have you decided on your speech topic?"
"I want to talk about Youth's Dreams and Responsibilities," she said earnestly.
"Great topic," he nodded. "Let's start by outlining your speech…"
Meanwhile, Zhang Tian was hiding behind a bookshelf, eyes locked on them, his expression fluctuating.
Suddenly, his phone rang, attracting attention. He panicked and silenced it, but it was too late—the librarian was already heading his way.
"Sir, please keep quiet in the library. Set your phone to silent," the librarian reminded him sternly.
Zhang Tian nodded in embarrassment, but when he looked back at Xiao Ming and Lin Xiaoxiao, he saw Xiao Ming smirking in his direction, silently mouthing "idiot."
Zhang Tian's face flushed red. Xiao Ming had clearly known he was there all along!
His phone rang again. He answered quickly and whispered, "Hello?"
"Zhang Tian? This is the class monitor. Where are you? There's an emergency class committee meeting—now!"
"What? But I…"
"No buts! You're on the committee. We've been waiting half an hour!"
Zhang Tian had no choice but to leave. That so-called class monitor? Just Fatty, following Xiao Ming's orders.
With Zhang Tian gone, Xiao Ming and Lin Xiaoxiao's "tutoring session" went smoothly. Not only did he help polish her speech, but also taught her how to control pacing and evoke emotion.
"Thank you so much, Xiao Ming," she said sincerely two hours later. "I never realized there's so much to public speaking."
"Don't mention it. Let's grab lunch? I know a great place nearby."
Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, but it's my treat—as thanks."
"No way, I'll treat this time. You can get the next one," Xiao Ming said, hinting there would be a next time.
They arrived at a well-known Western restaurant. Xiao Ming had already reserved a window seat. The sunlight made the atmosphere cozy and romantic.
As Lin Xiaoxiao followed the waiter, Xiao Ming's gaze lingered on her graceful figure.
"Do you come here often?" she asked, licking her lips unconsciously.
"Occasionally. The steak here's really good—try it," he replied.
She frowned at the prices. "Seems a bit expensive…"
"Don't worry, it's my treat. Let's celebrate your soon-to-be-successful speech."
During lunch, they chatted happily. Xiao Ming avoided school topics and talked about movies, music, and travel. With experience from his past life and his system's "Mind Control" skill, he easily found topics she liked.
"I've always wanted to go to Yunnan," she said dreamily. "The scenery looks amazing."
"Really? I went last summer," he lied, showing her some photos he'd downloaded online.
"Wow, beautiful!" she exclaimed. "You're so lucky."
"If there's a chance, we can go together," he said naturally. Her cheeks flushed again.
Just then, his phone buzzed. A message from Fatty: "Boss, Zhang Tian's furious. He's heading your way."
Xiao Ming smiled faintly. He expected this.
Minutes later, the restaurant door slammed open. Zhang Tian burst in, panting, scanning the room—then spotted them.
"Lin Xiaoxiao!" he yelled, drawing everyone's attention. "You've been tricked! He's no good!"
"Zhang Tian? What are you doing here?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked, shocked.
Xiao Ming feigned surprise. "Zhang? Something wrong?"
"You planned everything! You tricked me into leaving the library!"
The manager came over. "Sir, please lower your voice."
Zhang ignored him and turned to Lin Xiaoxiao. "He's full of schemes. He's getting close to you for a reason! Remember how he bullied classmates before?"
Lin Xiaoxiao frowned. "He's been helping me with my speech. We're just friends. But you—why are you following us?"
Xiao Ming stood, acting calm. "If I made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry. But please don't make a scene."
Zhang Tian was speechless with rage.
"If you continue to disturb others, we'll have to ask you to leave," the manager warned.
Humiliated, Zhang Tian left, casting Xiao Ming one last hateful glare.
"Sorry about that," Xiao Ming said.
"Not your fault. Zhang Tian's been acting weird lately."
"Probably a misunderstanding." He smiled and handed her a dessert. "Try this—highly recommended."
They resumed their lunch as if nothing had happened.
That afternoon, Xiao Ming offered to walk her home. Along the quiet tree-lined path, their shoulders occasionally brushed. Each touch made her cheeks redden.
At one point, she tripped on a stone. Xiao Ming caught her by the waist, pulling her into his arms.
"Careful," he whispered near her ear.
"Th-thank you…" she said, flustered, but didn't move away.
The air between them thickened. Her long lashes trembled, her gaze full of nervous expectation. Xiao Ming didn't release her right away—his fingers brushed her waist as he let go, making her shiver.
At her building, they said goodbye.
"Thanks again. I'll do my best in the speech contest," she said, eyes avoiding his.
"I'm sure you'll be great. I'll print your speech tomorrow and bring it Monday."
"Thank you. Oh, next Saturday we're going on a class outing. Want to come?"
"I'll think about it," he replied casually.
After she left, Xiao Ming's smile vanished, replaced by smug satisfaction.
Back home.
"Hahaha!" he laughed aloud. "Zhang Tian, the more emotional and reckless you get, the more points I score!"
He closed his eyes, recalling Lin Xiaoxiao in his arms—the soft warmth, the faint fragrance still lingering. He licked his lips. "What a fun little girl. If not for the mission, I'd really want a taste."
Then he sneered again. "But the heroine of this world? Just that? Took no effort at all."
In the original plot, this weekend was supposed to be when Zhang Tian helped Lin Xiaoxiao with her speech, a key bonding moment. But now, Xiao Ming had stolen that opportunity, and Zhang Tian, through his own missteps, had worsened his image in her eyes.
"System, what happens during the class outing next week?"
System: According to the original plot, Lin Xiaoxiao accidentally falls into the water, and Zhang Tian heroically saves her—an emotional turning point.
"I see." Xiao Ming smirked. "So cliché. But let's see how things change when I'm the hero."
"Let's find out—who's the real hunter, and who's the prey."
Meanwhile, Zhang Tian was in his room, furiously punching his pillow.
"Damn you, Xiao Ming! You're just pretending! I'll expose your true face!"
He looked through some secret photos—evidence of Xiao Ming bullying classmates in the past.
"Next week's outing is the perfect time to strike back!" Zhang Tian growled. "Just you wait!"