6:00 AM – The Start of a New Day
The sharp chime of the morning alarm echoed through the dormitory. Zhao Yifen's eyes fluttered open, his sharp gaze flickering with a hint of annoyance before settling into his usual indifferent expression.
His reflection in the mirror showed a young man with short black hair, piercing eyes, and a calm yet unreadable expression.
He got up, stretching his sore muscles from yesterday's brutal training, and reached for his outfit—a sleek black hoodie with a futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic, paired with fitted dark jeans and matching sneakers. The attire gave off an air of mystery, enhancing his already sharp presence.
By the time he stepped outside, the campus was just beginning to wake.
> Yifen (thoughts): Might as well grab something to eat.
Instead of heading straight to class, he made a detour to the mall. He bought a black coffee and a fruit cake, taking a moment to enjoy the quiet before the storm of the day began.
---
6:50 AM – A Seat of Contention
Yifen entered the classroom just before the session started. His sharp gaze quickly scanned the room before he sat down near the window—completely unaware of the shock it sent through the class.
Because sitting next to him was none other than Xu Qingya, the class beauty.
The murmurs began instantly.
> Classmate 1: "Did he just sit beside her?"
Classmate 2: "Is he crazy?"
Classmate 3: "Either brave or clueless..."
Yifen, however, didn't even glance at her. He simply placed his coffee on the desk, focusing on his own space.
Xu Qingya, on the other hand, sneaked a quick peek at him, curiosity flickering in her clear eyes.
Who is this guy?
Before she could dwell on it, the door slammed open, and in walked Liu Feng—one of the wealthiest and most arrogant students in class. His presence alone commanded attention.
His gaze locked onto Yifen, irritation flashing in his eyes.
Striding toward him, Liu Feng snapped his fingers and pointed at the seat.
> Liu Feng: "You. Get up. You're in my seat."
Yifen didn't even bother looking at him. He simply took another sip of his coffee, then glanced at the desk.
> Yifen: "Hmm. Didn't see your name on it."
Xu Qingya chuckled softly, covering her mouth as the tension in the room thickened.
Liu Feng's expression darkened, but he forced a smirk.
> Liu Feng: "I think you're new here. Since you don't know who I am, I'll let this slide just this once."
> Yifen: "Didn't realize there was an introduction ceremony."
Liu Feng's eyes flickered toward Yifen's coffee cup—and that's when he noticed the brand.
It was from his father's company.
> Liu Feng: "You know whose coffee you're drinking?"
Yifen raised an eyebrow.
> Yifen: "Let me guess… yours? Should I be honored?"
Before the situation could escalate, the teacher entered the room, his commanding presence silencing the whispers.
> Teacher: "Everyone, take your seats."
Liu Feng hesitated for a moment before letting out a sharp exhale, his eyes still locked on Yifen.
A dangerous glint appeared in Liu Feng's eyes.
> Liu Feng: "Careful where you drink from. Some things come with a price."
From the side, Zhang Wei whispered to a classmate.
> Zhang Wei: "He's dead."
The class gossiped among themselves, already sensing conflict brewing.
Yifen, however, remained completely unfazed.
He turned to Xu Qingya, casually raising his coffee.
> Yifen: "Want a sip?"
Xu Qingya blinked in surprise before smiling.
> Xu Qingya: "No, no thanks."
Yifen extended a hand toward her.
> Yifen: "Yifen. Zhao Yifen."
She hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand.
> Xu Qingya: "Xu Qingya."
Liu Feng watched the exchange, his expression turning even colder.
---
An Unexpected Gesture
As Yifen leaned back, he suddenly realized something.
He didn't bring a book.
Exhaling lightly, he remained unfazed—until he caught a small movement beside him.
Xu Qingya, hesitant but quick, tilted her book slightly toward him.
She didn't say a word.
But the message was clear.
Yifen smirked.
> Yifen: "Guess I owe you one."
Xu Qingya stiffened, quickly whispering:
> Xu Qingya: "Just don't make a big deal out of it."
A quiet chuckle escaped Yifen's lips.
> Yifen: "No promises."
She bit her lip, turning her attention back to the teacher, pretending to focus.
But Yifen noticed the small details—the slight tension in her shoulders when their arms brushed, the faint pink dusting her cheeks when she turned a page.
Leaning slightly closer, he murmured just loud enough for her to hear:
> Yifen: "You're not regretting this already, are you?"
Xu Qingya didn't respond immediately. Instead, she simply turned another page.
Their hands brushed.
She pulled back quickly.
> Xu Qingya: "Read."
Yifen grinned. Shy, huh? This was going to be interesting.
---
A Small Gain
As he finished his coffee, a sudden notification flashed in his mind.
> [Ding! Your level has increased: Level 1 (4/100)]
His eyes flickered.
> Yifen: "Hey, System, what just happened?"
> System: Your level can increase by eating too. If you consume healthy, high-nutrition foods, you gain small experience points.
Yifen smirked slightly, nodding to himself.
> Yifen: So even food can boost my progress? Interesting.
He remained calm, his mind already processing this new information.
With a system like this…
There were many ways to grow stronger.