Donghua High's Class 3-A had never been this quiet during homeroom.
All eyes were on Bai Chen.
The same boy they once ignored, mocked, or pitied… now looked like he stepped out of a luxury magazine ad.
Even his posture had changed—calm, upright, with the air of someone who knew he was better than you but didn't care to say it.
Whispers echoed across the room.
"Is that really him?"
"He's not wearing knock-offs… those are real."
"I heard he bought a stake in some electronics company!"
"No way… He was broke two days ago!"
Zhao Ming couldn't take it anymore.
He slammed his palm on the desk and stood.
"Tch. So you got lucky and flipped a phone. Now you think you're somebody?"
Everyone froze.
Bai Chen didn't even glance at him.
"I didn't think anything," he said coolly. "You're the one who seems scared."
Zhao Ming's face darkened. "Scared? Of you?"
Liu Yuxi turned toward Bai Chen, biting her lip. There was something in his voice—steady, sharp—that made her stomach flutter.
Why is he so different now?
System Prompt:
[Optional Bonus Objective Unlocked]
["Make everyone regret underestimating you."]
[Progress: 32%]
[Zhao Ming's hostility detected. Opportunity for public face-slapping.]
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed from the classroom door.
"Which one of you is Bai Chen?"
A man in a suit stepped in, followed by two assistants.
Everyone turned.
"I'm from Xinjing Electronics. Mr. Bai, the documents are ready for your signature. As per your instructions, we've wired the first ¥300,000 dividend into your account."
"¥300,000?!"
Gasps exploded across the room.
The suited man respectfully placed a leather folder on Bai Chen's desk and bowed slightly.
"We hope you're satisfied with our performance. Let us know if you want to acquire more shares."
Bai Chen nodded without even standing. "Thanks. You may leave the rest with my assistant later."
"Yes, sir."
The moment the man left, the classroom erupted.
"Bai Chen owns a company?!"
"¥300,000… that's more than my parents make in a year!"
"No way... he's seriously rich now?!"
Zhao Ming's face turned red.
Even Liu Yuxi couldn't hide the shock in her eyes.
She stood slowly.
"Bai Chen… c-can we talk?" she asked softly.
The class gasped again.
Just yesterday, she had humiliated him. Now she was begging for his attention.
He finally looked at her.
Straight in the eye.
"No."
Her face fell.
"I... I just thought maybe—"
"You chose your side already," Bai Chen interrupted coldly. "When I was poor, I gave you my all. You stepped on it. Now you want a share in my future?"
Liu Yuxi bit her lip so hard it nearly bled.
Zhao Ming growled, stepping forward. "Watch your mouth, Bai Chen! Don't think money makes you better than everyone!"
Bai Chen stood up slowly, rolling his sleeves back.
[New Skill Activated: Beginner Business Negotiation – Social Presence Boost x2]
[Passive Effect: Confidence Aura (Minor intimidation bonus)]
He took a single step forward, and Zhao Ming instinctively stepped back.
"I don't think I'm better," Bai Chen said, voice calm. "I am better."
System Notification:
[Bonus Objective Progress: 78%]
[Zhao Ming — emotionally destabilized]
[Liu Yuxi — regret level: Moderate]
[Public Reputation in School: +400%]
As Bai Chen sat back down, the entire class stared at him in awe, fear, and… admiration.
A new king had walked in.
And everyone knew it.