Jason Carter was aware of the chaos Ren Hale had caused — the reports, the retaliation, the collapse of Hale's factory circle — but he didn't care enough to act personally. People under him were already handling it. To him, Ren Hale was nothing more than background noise.
His attention was entirely focused on the carpet laid out in the courtyard.
The entire outer blanket had been removed. Inside, the old camel-hide backing now revealed:
• The map• The portrait • And most importantly — the treasure map
Jason studied the treasure map for a long while, but the markings were vague. Compared to modern GPS and satellite mapping, the naming system was ancient and inconsistent. Most place names had long changed. Tracking it by intuition alone was impossible.
He would need a professional — someone trustworthy — to interpret it later.
As for the treasure map? He would never sell it.
The map was also a key reference, so it was staying.The portrait — he would simply keep as part of his private collection.
That night, Jason stayed in Harborview Villa again. He and Megan indulged in a night of warmth and closeness.
The Next Morning
While eating breakfast, Jason glanced at his phone. A message from Ethan:
"The University District hometown get-together is today. You promised. Don't forget."
Jason replied:
"I've got plenty of cars here. Want to come pick one to drive over?"
Ethan:
"No need. The restaurant is in University District. It's close. Why would I drive across town just to borrow a car?"
Jason:
"Didn't you say someone always shows off there? I'll let you borrow something that out-shines everyone."
Ethan:
"Hahaha, I was joking. It was just the memory of your performance last time that left me traumatized.We're just going to hang out. If others want to show off, let them."
Jason smirked. That was more like Ethan.
Ethan had always been easygoing — he didn't actually care about competition. He was just going for the atmosphere, and probably the girls. Jason was no different — he was simply going to socialize, maybe earn some Favorability quietly.
If someone tried to show off — fine.If they tried to provoke him — well, that was another matter entirely.
With a relaxed expression, Jason drove over and parked outside the restaurant.
Inside the Restaurant
Most attendees were alumni from the same city — some familiar faces, some not. Old classmates, upperclassmen, mutual acquaintances.
The moment Jason walked in, heads turned.
Even without flashy jewelry or visible luxury brands, his clothes fit perfectly. His posture, physique, and calm confidence made him stand out instantly.
Both the men and women paused — involuntarily — and thought:
He looks incredible.
And just then — the familiar system tone:
Tanya Covell: Favorability +10
The benefits of privately consumingall the system stuff once again showed their effect. Jason didn't even need to speak — just appearing was enough to effortlessly raise favorability.
Name: Tanya Covell
Age: 21
Appearance: 8.3
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 101 lbs
Favorability: 0 → 10
Jason glanced briefly at Tanya. She was indeed beautiful — fair skin, soft features, clothes with a gentle, pure style. She gave off a quiet, bright, "white moonlight" feeling.
Back in high school, Jason had seen her a few times. At the time, his adolescent heart had been stirred a little — not true love, but enough to leave a faint impression.
But now, after meeting many extraordinary women, that feeling had long faded.
She was beautiful, yes. But only about on par with Megan and Holly Larson — clearly below Oliv, the acknowledged campus beauty.
And compared to Victoria, Shenna, all of whom ranked above 9… the gap was obvious.
The thing about a "white moonlight" was that she existed best only in memories — reality would always dilute the dream.
Still, gaining favorability without effort was never a loss.
And then — the familiar system prompt sounded again:
Ava Summers: Favorability +15
Name: Ava Summers
Age: 22
Appearance: 8.9
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 117 lbs
Favorability: 0 → 15
Jason paused.
Ava Summers — she was the campus beauty.
His gaze moved across the room, and soon he saw her.
Her hair, long and glossy, fell loosely past her waist, with part swept up at the crown. The soft shine of it alone drew the eye.
Her smile was warm and bright — the kind that melted coldness, like sunlight in early spring. Being near her felt warm, safe, and effortlessly gentle.
Her beauty was not seductive like Megan's. It was warm — like a quiet embrace.
The scholarly air about her was undeniable — refined, elegant, cultured.
Jason thought:
That must be Ava.
Didn't expect to meet her here.
Two favorability gains in one outing — that was already worthwhile.
"Jason, over here!" Ethan waved him over with a grin.
Noticing Jason briefly look at Tanya and Ava, Ethan gave him a subtle wink — Worth coming, right?
Ethan made introductions. Most people were easygoing and greeted Jason politely.
But a young man with slicked-back hair narrowed his eyes, clearly unhappy that Jason's presence overshadowed him.
He smiled with false friendliness:
"So you're Jason Carter? I've heard of you. Heard you chased a girl for three years and didn't get her. How's that going now?"
The tone sounded casual — but it was obviously meant to embarrass him.
In the past, Jason might have felt uncomfortable — but now, his mindset was far beyond such small provocations.
Jason replied calmly:
"I stopped that a long time ago. It's in the past — no need to mention it."
The slick-haired guy smiled again:
"You can't just rely on looks. What really attracts women is hormones, money, and capability."
Upon hearing this, Tanya's interest in Jason faded immediately.Tanya Covell: Favorability -5.
Around the room, whispers spread. Many had heard rumors — that Jason had once been a persistent but unsuccessful admirer. Hearing confirmation now only cemented that impression.
Jason glanced at Ethan — as if asking silently:
He's the show-off you meant, right?
Ethan nodded lightly.
At that moment, Ava spoke, her voice soft and gentle:
"Jason is handsome — many girls must like him. To pursue someone sincerely for three years shows he truly cherishes feelings. If the other person didn't respond, that doesn't mean something was wrong with him. Sometimes you just haven't met the person who understands you yet. When you meet the right one, you'll be treasured without needing to chase."
Her tone contained no romantic affection — just calm empathy.
She simply didn't want the situation to become awkward.
Jason looked at Ava, meeting her eyes — and returned a small, appreciative smile.
If the system displayed emotional changes on his end, his favorability toward her would have surely risen as well.
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