Lin Feng never thought he would stand before the glittering gates of the Grand Phoenix Hotel.
The revolving glass doors reflected his figure: a young man in a tailored suit, his posture calm, his hair neat, his eyes sharper than he had ever seen them. For a second, he hardly recognized himself.
Just last week, he had been mocked as a pauper, a scholarship student scraping by with meal vouchers. Yet tonight, he was about to step into a banquet where only Jiangnan's most powerful families gathered.
It had started just hours earlier, with the Supreme Life System's sudden chime.
> [Special Mission: First Encounter with Su Wanqing]
Objective: Appear at the Su Family banquet and interact meaningfully with Su Wanqing.
Reward: 50,000 yuan. Favorability Progress unlocked.
Lin Feng had frowned at the glowing panel. "A Su Family banquet? Are you joking? That's one of the most powerful clans in Jiangnan. They wouldn't even let me sweep the floor outside."
But the System's cold, mechanical tone had no room for argument.
> [Invitation Generated.]
[Identity: Lin Feng – Registered Guest under Business Observer.]
[Explanation: Host's destiny must not be hindered by mortal gates.]
When he opened his phone, a digital invitation had appeared, embossed with the Su Family's crest. Even his name was printed in gold script, as if it had always belonged there.
Now, standing before the glowing entrance of the Grand Phoenix, Lin Feng clenched his fists once, loosening them slowly. So this is what it means… doors will open when fate demands it.
He stepped inside.
---
The lobby sparkled with marble and gold leaf, the air scented faintly with jasmine. Staff in crisp uniforms bowed as he approached.
"Good evening, sir. May I see your invitation?"
Lin Feng handed his phone over, heart steady despite the doubt nagging in the back of his mind. The attendant scanned it once, then immediately bent at the waist.
"Welcome, Mr. Lin Feng. Your presence is expected. Please allow me to guide you to the hall."
No hesitation. No suspicion. Only respect.
Lin Feng's lips curved faintly. The System truly leaves no cracks.
---
The banquet hall itself was a world apart. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen constellations, bathing the room in soft golden light. Round tables draped in silk spread across the hall, each surrounded by men and women dressed in their finest gowns and suits. Waiters wove between them, trays balanced with wine and delicacies.
It was a gathering of Jiangnan's elite: tycoons of real estate, heirs of old aristocratic families, politicians who could move cities with a word. Their conversations hummed with power.
Yet amid all the glitter, one figure shone brighter than the rest.
At the top of the grand staircase, descending slowly like a moonlit goddess, was Su Wanqing.
Her gown shimmered with silver threads, flowing with every step. Her hair cascaded like ink, framing a face so exquisite it silenced the hall. But it wasn't her beauty alone that set her apart — it was the aura. Cold, refined, untouchable, like an orchid blooming in frost.
The Su Family's jewel. The ice goddess of Huaxia University. The girl countless heirs dreamed of, but none had reached.
Lin Feng's breath caught for an instant. Not from infatuation, but from the undeniable weight of destiny pressing against him. So this is the woman…
The System's chime echoed in his mind.
> [Target Detected: Su Wanqing. Mission Objective Engaged.]
---
The banquet flowed with laughter and clinking glasses. Chen Hao, dressed in a custom suit and wearing a smug grin, was in his element. He had bragged to his circle of fellow heirs about how tonight he would finally have a chance to stand closer to Su Wanqing.
But his confidence cracked the moment he spotted Lin Feng entering the hall.
"You…" Chen Hao's smile stiffened, his wine glass trembling slightly. How did this beggar get in here? This is the Su Family banquet — even some minor tycoons can't step inside. What trick did he use?
Before Chen Hao could demand answers, the hall erupted in soft gasps. All eyes turned to the staircase.
Su Wanqing, radiant as moonlight, had stepped forward.
And in that same instant, fate moved.
Her heel caught on the hem of her gown.
Time seemed to slow. The silver fabric tangled around her, pulling her forward. The crowd gasped — the ice goddess was about to stumble, about to fall in front of Jiangnan's elite.
Dozens of young men lurched forward, but they were too far.
Only one was close enough.
Lin Feng moved.
His body reacted before thought. In a single step, he was at her side, steadying her slender waist with one hand, anchoring her against his chest before gravity could claim her.
The scent of her perfume — cool, faintly floral — brushed past him.
For a heartbeat, the world stilled.
Su Wanqing's eyes widened, her usually composed expression flickering with shock. Dark, steady eyes looked into hers — not filled with lust or fear, but calm strength, as if holding her was the most natural thing in the world.
Lin Feng released her gently, his hand retreating as if he had only fulfilled a simple duty.
"Careful," he said quietly, voice even, carrying neither flattery nor presumption. "The ground doesn't forgive mistakes."
The words were plain, but the way he said them… Su Wanqing blinked, a faint warmth stirring in her chest. She had been surrounded by suitors her entire life — heirs who flattered her, bodyguards who rushed to protect her. Yet none had ever steadied her like this, without hesitation, without arrogance, without desire.
For a moment, she forgot the hall, forgot the whispers, forgot her family watching.
"…Thank you."
Her voice, usually cool as snow, carried a softness so rare it silenced the crowd.
And then, in a tone that made jaws drop around the room, she asked:
"What's your name?"
Lin Feng's lips curved faintly, his eyes never wavering.
"Lin Feng."
Su Wanqing held his gaze for a heartbeat longer, then nodded lightly.
"…I'll remember it."
---
The hall erupted.
"Did Su Wanqing just… speak to him?"
"She even asked his name! She's never done that before!"
"Who is this Lin Feng? I've never heard of him!"
Murmurs spread like wildfire, disbelief and jealousy burning through the air.
Chen Hao's face turned ashen, then flushed crimson. Rage roared inside him. Lin Feng. Again! First Zhao Xue, now even Su Wanqing!? How dare you steal her gaze in front of me!
His hand trembled around his wine glass until it shattered, red liquid spilling like blood.
But Su Wanqing ignored the storm. She turned away gracefully, her composure returning, though her heartbeat was not as calm as her face. She walked toward her family, but a faint flush still lingered on her cheeks.
---
In Lin Feng's mind, the System chimed.
> [Mission Progress: 10% – Su Wanqing's Favorability increased.]
[Reward Acquired: 50,000 yuan transferred to Host's account.]
Lin Feng adjusted his collar, expression calm. Around him, stares burned with envy, curiosity, and hostility, but he didn't waver. So this is the first step. Supreme Life System… I'll play this game your way.
As for Su Wanqing, though she hid it well, she found her thoughts drifting as she sipped her wine.