The next morning, whispers trailed Ji Yunxi from the moment she stepped through the school gates.
"Did you hear? Lin Xi tried to set her up, but Mo Liancheng showed up…""Lin Xi looked like she wanted to dig a hole and crawl in.""Who exactly is Ji Yunxi? How is she not afraid of anyone?"
Ji Yunxi's lips curved faintly. Reputation was a fragile thing. Yesterday, she had been a "country bumpkin." Today, she was a mystery none of them dared to provoke.
[System Notification: Host's influence level in this world – rising steadily.]
She adjusted her bag on her shoulder. Good. The higher her influence, the more tasks would unlock.
But her calm stride faltered ever so slightly when she spotted the figure leaning lazily against the classroom door.
Mo Liancheng.
Handsome, untouchable, with an aura that seemed to devour the air around him. His eyes locked onto hers instantly, as though no one else existed.
The crowd quieted in an instant.
Ji Yunxi arched a brow. "Blocking my way, Young Master Mo?"
The corner of his lips curved. "You're clever. Last night, you didn't fall into the trap."
"So you were watching." Ji Yunxi's voice was cool, but her heart gave a faint thump.
He straightened, his presence suddenly overwhelming. "I'm curious about you."
She tilted her head. "Curiosity can be dangerous."
His eyes darkened, the hint of a smile playing at his mouth. "I like danger."
The words rippled through the air, silencing every eavesdropping student.
Before Ji Yunxi could retort, Mo Liancheng pulled a sleek black invitation card from his pocket and held it out to her.
"Come with me tonight," he said, his voice low, edged with command. "A banquet. You'll see things you've never seen before."
Her fingers hovered over the card, her mind racing.
[System Alert: Hidden Task Triggered – Attend the banquet with Mo Liancheng. Discover the truth behind his identity. Reward: 500 points. Warning: Danger level – High.]
Ji Yunxi's lips curved into a slow smile. "And if I refuse?"
Mo Liancheng leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Then I'll simply make sure you have no choice."
Gasps rippled through the watching crowd, but Ji Yunxi merely slipped the card from his hand, her expression calm and unreadable.
"Fine," she said softly. "But remember—just because I step into your world doesn't mean you can control me."
Mo Liancheng's gaze burned with amusement—and something deeper, more possessive.
"On the contrary," he murmured, "I'd say you've already stepped into my world the moment you caught my eye."