The lights of Jingzhou's tallest skyscraper glittered like a galaxy reflected on glass.
Shen Moze adjusted his tie in the elevator mirror, smirking. He didn't need to announce himself. The world would notice anyway.
[System Notification: Host detected. Recommended action: attend high-profile gala. Expected outcome: social influence + charm expansion. Points +70.]
He ignored the ping and stepped into the grand lobby. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen fire, and well-dressed guests moved with practiced elegance. Cameras clicked, murmurs rippled.
A few classmates from his past were at the entrance, chatting casually… until they saw him.
"Is… is that Moze?"
"The taxi driver?"
Their whispers trailed off as he passed. He gave them a faint nod — no smirk, no arrogance, just existence.
Inside, the gala buzzed with investors, entrepreneurs, and socialites. Shen Moze approached a small group discussing a luxury real estate project.
"Morning," he said casually, leaning slightly against a pillar.
Heads turned. Conversations paused.
One young investor blinked. "You… you're Moze?"
"Yes," he replied, calm, casual. Charm points ticking up silently.
The investor hesitated. "You… manage multiple properties now?"
"Something like that," Moze said lightly. "I like to keep things moving."
He didn't need to brag. The aura of confidence spoke for itself.
Meanwhile, social media exploded. Photos of him arriving in the GT, casually smiling at investors, circulated instantly.
Comments from classmates and acquaintances:
"That's insane… he looks untouchable."
"Villa, GT, now high-profile gala?!"
"I always thought he'd never make it…"
Tang Yuxin's phone buzzed nearby. She scrolled. Her brow furrowed. She didn't see him thinking about her. She just saw: success. Confidence. Power. And the sting of jealousy hit sharp and silent.
Shen Moze navigated the gala effortlessly. He offered advice to a young entrepreneur, smiled politely at a businesswoman, and accepted a drink from a server without hesitation. Every interaction calculated yet natural, humorous without effort.
[System Note: Social engagement complete. Reputation +50. Charm +30.]
He didn't gloat. He didn't flaunt. He simply existed as someone others noticed.
Later, a small group of classmates cornered him near the balcony.
"So… you really made it," one said, voice tight with disbelief.
Shen Moze raised an eyebrow. "Looks like it. But hey, life's funny, isn't it?"
They stared, words failing.
Exactly the reaction I like, he thought.
He stepped onto the balcony, overlooking the city skyline. The lights reflected in the river below like scattered stars.
A young woman from the gala accidentally dropped her clutch. Shen Moze picked it up and handed it back with a faint grin.
"Thanks," she said, flustered.
"No problem," he replied, perfectly casual. Charm points +10.
By nightfall, he reviewed the day:
Gala attendance: smooth, high visibility, classmates shocked
Social interactions: points and reputation gained effortlessly
Trades and investments: progressing in background
Tang Yuxin: jealousy building, but MC unaffected