The Son-in-Law of the Ji Family and the Contract

【Host: Su Cheng】

【Intelligence: 8】

【Charm: 8】

【Stamina: 7】

【System: A great vessel bears heavy burdens; a swift horse travels far.】

【Status: Archery Champion, Son-in-Law of the Ji Family.】

【Club: Social Practice Club】

【Wealth: 199,807.73】

【System Skills: Path of the Hungry Ghost, Time Stop, Path of the Asura】

【Charm Talent Skill: Abyssal Charisma】

【Intelligence Talent Skill: Adaptive: Sensory Enhancement】

【System Items: Mystical Cigarettes (Hard) 8/pack, Mystical Cigarettes (Soft) 15/Ring-Headed Knife, Red Potion, Mystical Glasses, Mystical Stockings.】

The moment Su Cheng opened the system’s character panel, his eyes immediately landed on the system items section, completely overlooking the inexplicable new status—"Son-in-Law of the Ji Family." After all, such things rarely changed, so he dismissed it without a second thought.

“What the… Mystical Stockings?” Su Cheng’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What kind of nonsense is this?”

He had expected an item to treat Li Guanqi’s condition or at least something to help him pass Friday’s challenge. But instead, he got… stockings?!

Sure, he had been troubled by this a few days ago. Li Guanqi had asked for his help, and he wanted to give her the best in the world. But he had already resolved the issue—though he’d forgotten to deliver the gift. There was no need for the system to reward him with this!

At this moment, Su Cheng was utterly baffled.

Just then, a cold gust of wind swept past, sending a shiver down his spine.

“Tsk—”

Su Cheng sucked in a sharp breath, realizing there was no point dwelling on it now.

Still, if it was a system item, it had to have unique properties.

【Mystical Stockings】

【Effect: Charm +0.5】

【Type: Black/Pantyhose】

【Wearing Effects】

【Effect 1: Automatically adjusts thickness based on weather changes.】

【Effect 2: Temperature-regulating and antibacterial functions.】

【Effect 3: Self-care—gradually repairs imperfections, making skin smoother and more refined.】

【Effect 4: Auto-shaping—tightens skin and sculpts legs into the perfect shape.】

【System: Thin as cicada wings, vibrant in color, ingenious in design, comfortable, and elegant. Enhances a woman’s grace, making her figure alluring and radiant. Even a woman who fades into the background will instantly become the center of attention when wearing these.】

After reading the system’s description, Su Cheng was stunned, his mouth forming a perfect "O."

Now he finally understood why the system had given him this reward!

A while back, he and Li Guanqi had taken the subway together, and he’d been frustrated because people around them barely noticed her, leading to accidental bumps and bruises.

He’d even entertained the worst-case scenario—what if Li Guanqi went shopping alone one day and got hit by a car, vanishing into another world?

But now, this item could actually increase her presence!

Su Cheng felt like he’d just plummeted to the bottom of a rollercoaster, only to shoot back up at breakneck speed.

“I’ll give this to her tomorrow.”

He took the item out and examined it—a sleek, high-tech metal gift box. After fiddling with it for a moment, he stored it away, planning to hand it to Li Guanqi the next day.

……………………………………………………

Nighttime

A Certain Compound

Li Guanqi was dropped off at home by Liu Qingyue.

At the moment, she was carefully soaking peonies in lightly salted water. Once done, she went downstairs and knocked on the door of the neighboring room, rousing the sleeping Li Zhaohao.

“Who is it~”

Li Zhaohao was clad in a thin nightgown, the loose fabric slipping off one shoulder, revealing flawless skin. Still half-asleep, she clutched a stuffed animal in one arm while rubbing her bleary eyes with the other, staring groggily at Li Guanqi outside the door.

“Sis, can I borrow a flowerpot?” Li Guanqi asked softly.

If left unattended, the peonies would likely wither.

Knowing her cousin was fond of succulents, Li Guanqi had come to ask for a pot.

“Hmm…”

Li Zhaohao’s almond-shaped eyes widened at the question. She blinked a few times before gasping, “You got flowers this early?!”

Li Guanqi nodded sheepishly. “Yeah. Could you grab a pot for me?”

“Oh~ Got it,” Li Zhaohao replied vaguely, nodding. “Wait here, I’ll get one for you…”

With that, she hurried back inside and returned with a clean pot filled with fresh soil. Handing it to Li Guanqi, she mumbled, “Here. I’m so tired—I’ll check on your flowers tomorrow. Hope they don’t die.”

After thanking her, Li Guanqi left, gently closing the door behind her. The moment she turned around, she collapsed onto her bed and fell fast asleep.

Back in the bedroom, she noticed that the originally black peony had turned pure white. She took it out, gently wiped it, and detected a faint, lingering fragrance.

This is a sign of vigorous vitality. It seems Su Cheng had used a system item on it, which is why it’s so full of life.

Next, she filled the flowerpot with soil, leaving a small hollow, and carefully transplanted the peony into it. She then filled the gaps around it with more soil, patting it down gently.

"Phew~"

Seeing the new addition to her home come back to life, she finally felt at ease. Just as she was about to rest, her phone chimed with a notification.

Su Cheng: "The breeze outside is very gentle tonight. Get some rest early—I have a gift for you tomorrow."

Reading this, Li Guanqi’s cheeks warmed slightly. She raised her right index finger and lightly traced a few words on the screen: "Got it. You should rest early too. It’ll get colder tonight, so stay warm."

With that, she stood up, opened the window to feel the cool breeze, and then headed to the bathroom for a shower.

………………………………

Ji Family Mansion

Ji Qingyi carried a pot of white peonies into her bedroom and placed it on the desk. She then sat in her chair, quietly admiring the flowers.

A long while passed...

Knock, knock, knock—

A soft, rhythmic tapping came from the door.

"Come in."

Ji Qingyi’s voice was calm, carrying a hint of languidness as she reclined in her chair, her posture exuding effortless grace.

The door creaked open, and a short-haired maid in a black-and-white uniform stepped inside. She bowed respectfully and said, "Young Mistress, I’ve escorted the eldest daughter of the Li Family back to the Li residence as you requested."

"Mm, good work." Ji Qingyi waved a hand, signaling for the maid to leave.

Yet the maid showed no intention of departing. Still bowing, she continued, "Young Mistress, it’s so late—are you troubled by something?"

This was Liu Qingyue, Ji Qingyi’s personal attendant.

She had been away from the mansion recently due to other matters, but the two had grown up together. Though their relationship was that of superior and subordinate, it was closer to that of confidantes.

"What do you think they were doing at the school so late at night?" Ji Qingyi suddenly asked, as if she already knew the answer but deliberately avoided saying it.

"Young Mistress, there’s no need for you to feign ignorance."

Liu Qingyue countered expressionlessly.

Ji Qingyi replied nonchalantly, "Oh, but I enjoy it."

"Well, I interrupted them at a critical moment."

Liu Qingyue’s words caused a subtle shift in Ji Qingyi’s expression.

"You always did have a knack for stirring up trouble."

Ji Qingyi pursed her lips slightly, her gaze lowering.

"Look at you—after all I’ve done for you, and this is the thanks I get? Fine, I won’t bother next time."

Liu Qingyue’s retort made Ji Qingyi shake her head with a faint smile. "So, you’re saying this was all for my sake?"

"Exactly."

Liu Qingyue lifted her head, meeting Ji Qingyi’s gaze without hesitation. "No matter how much you act in front of me, you’ll always slip up. Besides..."

Ji Qingyi turned her attention back to the white peony and said airily, "I merely hold his character in high regard. He shares the same qualities as me, and we both appreciate that about each other."

"It seems the Young Mistress hasn’t lost several IQ points like in those cliché TV dramas."

With that, Liu Qingyue deliberately performed an exaggerated bow and added, "This time, I admit defeat. My sincerest apologies, Young Mistress."

"Still not tired of this game? Honestly." Ji Qingyi sighed softly before continuing, "Let’s be serious now."

"Understood." Liu Qingyue nodded, then explained further, "Regardless, it seems our relationship with him is quite challenging, wouldn’t you say?"

As she spoke, she pulled a repaired piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to Ji Qingyi.