The lunch bell rang.
Normally, Bai Chen would've slipped out the back to avoid attention, scarfing down a cheap bun in silence.
Today was different.
As he walked toward the cafeteria, his steps echoed. People moved out of the way. Whispers followed him like shadows.
"Look, it's Bai Chen…"
"Don't stare! What if he buys the school or something?"
"He's so different now. Like a drama CEO..."
For the first time, he wasn't invisible.
Then came the moment no one expected.
At the Cafeteria Entrance
A clear voice rang out. Cold, clean, and precise.
"Wait."
Bai Chen looked up.
Standing before him was the school's untouchable queen: Ye Qingyue.
The real deal.
Top student. Ice-cold beauty. Daughter of the city's deputy mayor.
She had never spoken more than five words to a boy that wasn't her tutor.
But now, she stood in front of him—with hundreds of eyes watching.
"You're Bai Chen," she said.
He raised an eyebrow. "And you're Ye Qingyue."
A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. He hadn't stammered. Didn't blush. Didn't chase or bow like the others.
She glanced at the Rolex on his wrist, then back to his eyes.
"I heard you acquired shares in Xinjing Electronics," she said.
Bai Chen nodded. "That's correct."
A few nearby students nearly fainted from shock.
"She's actually… talking to him??"
"She's never acknowledged anyone before…"
Qingyue's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then she said, "My cousin works in market analysis. He said your investment timing was flawless. Did someone advise you?"
[System Prompt: Reputation Target Detected — Ye Qingyue]
[Potential Love Interest Identified. Compatibility: 78%]
[Passive Aura: Calm Confidence Activated]
Bai Chen smiled slightly. "I advised myself."
Ye Qingyue tilted her head, studying him again.
Then, without another word, she walked past him—but not before pausing beside his ear.
"Impressive."
The words sent shockwaves through the hallway.
Meanwhile, at the back of the hall…
Liu Yuxi was frozen in place, her lunch tray trembling in her hands.
Ye Qingyue had never even glanced at Zhao Ming.
But she had just complimented Bai Chen.
She complimented him.
That should have been me standing beside him…
Liu Yuxi bit her lip until she tasted blood.
She had thrown him away like garbage…
And now even the queen was looking at her trash.
System Notification:
[Reputation in School: +1200%]
[New Harem Flag Unlocked: Ye Qingyue – Interested]
[Bonus Objective Progress: 91%]
[Next Task Available — "Seize the School's Elite Circle. Reward: High-End Vehicle + Skill Bonus"]
Bai Chen walked into the cafeteria, casual and unbothered, as students cleared a path for him.
He picked a seat at the center table.
Alone.
Not because he was ignored.
Because no one dared sit beside him.
Yet.