Friday. 6:30 PM.
Tianyu International Hotel – Dressing Hall, VIP Suite
The chandeliers sparkled like constellations. Velvet curtains lined the walls, and rows of custom designer suits waited silently like armor before battle.
Bai Chen stood in front of a mirror, the holographic system screen glowing beside his reflection.
[Side Task: Arrive in Style – "Suit Up for the Gala"]
[Reward: Armani Custom Suit + +150 Reputation + VIP Lounge Access]
[Status: Ready]
DING!
[Reward Delivered. Open Gift Box?]
He tapped the screen, and a black velvet case appeared on a nearby chair—summoned into reality by the Shenhao System's materialization ability.
Inside:
A custom-tailored Armani three-piece suit, dark midnight blue with obsidian trim
Silver cufflinks shaped like the Shenhao insignia
A slim, luxurious black tie with platinum stitching
Omega Speedmaster watch (limited edition) — tucked inside the inner lining, just because the system flexes like that.
10 Minutes Later
The dressing assistant who had been helping elite guests gasped audibly as Bai Chen stepped out.
Even the hotel's staff paused.
Perfect posture. Cold confidence. The kind of presence that made you straighten your spine without realizing why.
A modern prince in the flesh.
[Public Charisma Boost Activated]
[Passive: Attention Aura – All eyes on host]
Outside, the Maybach purred as it rolled up to the Golden Circle Gala entrance. A red carpet stretched across the marble steps, lined with cameras, guests, and the city's elite young heirs.
Photographers murmured: "Who is that?"
Hotel staff whispered: "A new face? But he's radiating CEO energy…"
A few elite heiresses turned, their fans lowering to expose stunned expressions.
Inside the Gala – 7:00 PM
Crystal glasses clinked. Strings played in the background. Waiters moved like shadows.
Zhao Ming stood surrounded by a few rich heirs, arrogantly sipping wine.
"I heard this year's guest list was stricter," he boasted. "Only family names in the inner circle got access."
That's when the doors opened.
Heads turned.
And silence fell.
Bai Chen entered.
Sleek. Calm. Dangerous.
He didn't look around.
He didn't need to.
The energy shifted the moment he stepped in.
"Who… who is that?" a girl whispered near the refreshment table.
"Not on the usual registry," another muttered. "But look at his suit… is that custom Armani? And those cufflinks—!"
[System Notification:]
[Event Perk Activated: "All Eyes on Me"]
[Bonus Dialogue: Unlock one verbal strike to crush a rival socially]
[Target: Zhao Ming — Confidence Level: 83% → 39%]
Zhao Ming finally saw him… and nearly dropped his glass.
"W-What the hell is he doing here?" he whispered.
Bai Chen walked past him with a faint smile, pausing just long enough to speak without turning:
"Nice tie," he said coolly, "Shame they were on sale this week."
Zhao's ears turned crimson.
His friends choked back laughter.
First strike: landed.
Moments Later — VIP Section
As Bai Chen took his seat in the private lounge, a voice rang out beside him—soft, crisp, and laced with curiosity.
"I didn't expect you here."
He turned.
Ye Qingyue.
Wearing a silver evening gown, her hair elegantly tied up. Her usual icy expression now replaced with something softer… intrigued.
Bai Chen raised his glass slightly. "Didn't expect to see you outside the school gates either."
She smirked. "Touché."
[Harem Flag Update: Ye Qingyue – Interest Level 43% → 61%]
[Charm Bonus Applied: Elegant Engagement Unlocked]
Just then, another girl entered the VIP lounge.
And the entire room seemed to lean forward.
Wavy dark hair. Long legs. A confident, seductive smile. A velvet slit dress hugging every curve.
"She's here…" someone whispered.
[Alert: New Harem Candidate Detected]
[Name: Su Yiran – Heiress of the Su Conglomerate. Net Worth: ¥2.1B]
[Compatibility Scan: 82% – Danger Level: High. She plays the game better than most.]
She locked eyes with Bai Chen… and smiled.
"Oh? A fresh face?"
Bai Chen didn't flinch.
He smiled back.
"Bai Chen. Entrepreneur."
Su Yiran's smile widened. "Now that's interesting."
System Notification:
[Gala Progress: 12% Complete]
[Side Task: Dance with a Top-tier Heiress – Reward: +Charm, +Influence, +Hidden Trait Unlock]