Morning sunlight spilled through the window of Li Cheng's new apartment — a sleek penthouse with marble floors, glass walls, and a view of the entire city.
He stretched, cracking his neck with a grin. "Not bad for a guy who almost died from heartbreak."
[System Reminder: Don't forget to sign in, or today's face-slapping quota will reset.]
Li Cheng chuckled. "Right. Let's see what Day Two has in store."
[Daily Sign-In Successful!][Reward: Advanced Martial Arts Memory (Heaven-Grade)][Additional Bonus: Charm +10%, Luck +10%.]
Instantly, a flood of combat knowledge poured into his mind — techniques, stances, and movements too fast for ordinary humans to follow.
He blinked, flexing his hands. "So this is what being a protagonist feels like."
[Correction: You are not just a protagonist. You are the face-slapping main character upgrade package.]
"...You really need a chill mode."
[Unavailable. Sarcasm protocol permanently active.]
After a quick shower and a breakfast fit for a celebrity (thanks to the fridge restocking itself overnight), Li Cheng grabbed his bag and headed to campus.
It was his first day back since his hospitalization — and rumor had already spread.
As soon as he stepped onto the university grounds, heads turned.
"Wait, is that Li Cheng?""No way… he looks totally different!""Wasn't he dumped by Lin Yue? Why does he look like he dumped her?"
Even the girls who once ignored him couldn't help staring.
[Public reaction: 80% awe, 15% disbelief, 5% thirst.]
Li Cheng smirked. "Guess I made an impression."
[Affirmative. Host's face-slapping aura has improved by 22%. Please maintain smug composure.]
As he walked toward the main lecture hall, laughter echoed from the courtyard. A familiar voice — loud, mocking — rang out.
"Hey, isn't that the guy whose girlfriend ran off with a sugar daddy?"
Li Cheng turned.
There stood Jin Hao, the self-proclaimed "Campus Prince." Expensive clothes, perfect hair, and an ego so large it probably needed its own student ID.
Behind him were a few lackeys laughing like trained parrots.
Li Cheng's lips curled faintly. "Morning, Jin Hao. Still practicing your clown routine?"
The laughter stopped.
Jin Hao's smile twitched. "Careful, Li Cheng. You might want to stay quiet before you embarrass yourself again. I heard you were crying at the hospital."
[System Alert: Target identified — "The Campus Prince Who Mocked You." Quest objective available.][Objective: Publicly humiliate Jin Hao using wit, skill, or dominance.][Reward: Sports Car + Popularity Boost + 'Campus Idol' Title.]
Li Cheng tilted his head. "Cry? Oh, you must be mistaking me for the old Li Cheng — the one who tolerated idiots for peace."
"Old or new, you're still trash without your girlfriend's charity," Jin Hao sneered.
Li Cheng smiled lazily. "Funny. You're still the same — loud, insecure, and compensating with your daddy's wallet."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
[Savage value +50%. Audience laughter +60%.]
Jin Hao's face darkened. "You—! I'll—"
"Hit me?" Li Cheng interrupted, smirking. "Careful. You might ruin your manicure."
Laughter exploded from the bystanders.
Even the girls covering their mouths couldn't hold back giggles.
[Public humiliation level: Moderate. Additional taunt recommended.]
Li Cheng stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough for everyone to hear. "Tell you what, Jin Hao — since you're the campus 'Prince,' how about we make it fair? Let's compete. Loser kneels and calls the winner 'Dad.'"
Jin Hao's eyes widened. "W-what?!"
"Scared?"
The crowd roared. "Oooh!"
[Taunt successful. Target pride compromised.]
Jin Hao clenched his fists. "Fine! What do you want to compete in?!"
Li Cheng's red eyes glinted mischievously. "How about… basketball? You do play, right? Or are those muscles just for selfies?"
[Mini-Quest Activated: Dunk of Destiny.][Win the match with style.][Reward: Campus Fame +5,000, Bonus Sign-In Card.]
[Later – Campus Court]
The entire sports complex was packed. News of "Li Cheng vs. Jin Hao" spread faster than free snacks during exams.
Jin Hao strutted in wearing a custom jersey. "You sure you want to do this? I've been captain for two years."
Li Cheng smiled. "Perfect. I've been awesome for one day."
The whistle blew.
Jin Hao lunged forward, spinning the ball — confident, graceful. He aimed for a showy dunk — but as he leapt, Li Cheng's figure blurred.
With a whoosh, Li Cheng appeared in front of him mid-air.
Jin Hao blinked. "What the—?!"
Li Cheng caught the ball effortlessly, flipped backward, and dunked it so hard the net shuddered.
BOOM.
The crowd went wild.
"Did he just—?""No way!""That jump! That's not human!"
[Quest Progress: 80%. Target ego collapsing.]
Jin Hao, panting, charged again — but no matter how fast he moved, Li Cheng was faster, sharper, untouchable.
By the end of the match, the scoreboard read: Li Cheng – 21, Jin Hao – 0.
Li Cheng spun the ball on one finger and smiled. "You were saying something about calling someone 'Dad'?"
The entire court burst into laughter. Phones recorded, flashes blinked. Jin Hao's face turned crimson.
[Quest Completed! Reward: Sports Car + 100,000 Popularity + Title: "Campus Idol."]
[Bonus Reward: Skill Unlocked – 'Public Charisma Aura.' Women nearby are now 20% more likely to swoon.]
"...What kind of skill is that?" Li Cheng muttered.
[A valuable one. Use responsibly.]
He turned to the crowd, grinning. "Well, I'd say that settles it. Don't forget to subscribe for more highlights!"
Students cheered his name.Girls squealed.Even the coach whispered, "Who is that kid?"
Later that night, Li Cheng sat on his apartment balcony, sipping tea while the System displayed his updated stats.
[Host: Li Cheng]Power: 72/100Charm: 85/100Wealth: 10 million + Assets (Penthouse, Car)]Fame: Campus Idol (Rising)]Current Quest: "Slap the Entertainment Club President Who Bullied You."
Li Cheng chuckled. "So the next one's entertainment club, huh? This is starting to get fun."
[Warning: Target has social influence. Recommend signing in tomorrow for an advantage.]
"Good idea. Wouldn't want to lose my face-slapping streak."
He leaned back, eyes glinting against the city lights.
"Lin Yue... You chose money over love. I hope you're watching. Because I'm just getting started."
[Dramatic monologue detected. Coolness level +15%. Background music simulated.]
"...You did not just add background music."
[Affirmative. You're welcome.]