【Host: Su Cheng】
【Intelligence: 8】
【Charm: 8】
【Stamina: 7】
【System: A great vessel bears heavy loads; a swift horse travels far.】
【Status: Archery Champion, Son-in-law of the Ji Family.】
【Club: Social Practice Club】
【Wealth: ¥186,313.50】
【System Skills: Hungry Ghost Path, Time Stop, Asura Path】
【Charm Talent Skill: Abyssal Charisma】
【Intelligence Talent Skill: Adaptive - Sensory Enhancement】
【System Items: Mystic Cigarettes (Hard) 8/pack, Mystic Cigarettes (Soft) 15/Ring-headed Knife, Red Potion, Mystic Glasses.】
【Ding——】
【Judgment in progress——】
【Side Quest Completed】
【Congratulations, Host, for completing the side quest.】
【Rewards have been issued.】
【Free Attribute Point +1】
"Free attribute point?"
Su Cheng, who had just left the amusement park in the Ji Family's car, widened his eyes in surprise and sat bolt upright, unable to believe the notification he had just heard.
A free attribute point!?
Up until now, side quest rewards had always been monetary.
Had he misheard?
Even B-rank rewards only gave random attribute points before!
But this side quest actually granted a free choice!
He hurriedly checked the system's character panel and noticed a "+" symbol next to his Intelligence, Charm, and Stamina stats. A delighted expression spread across his face.
Anyone who had played games knew what this meant—he could allocate the point freely!
This reward was real!
He could now add one point to any of the three attributes—wherever he wanted!
Absolute freedom!
"Hmm, let me think..."
Su Cheng frowned as he stared at his stats—8 Intelligence, 8 Charm, and 7 Stamina—plunging into a dilemma.
Since adding a point to any attribute would unlock a new skill, which choice would be optimal?
He still had reservations. There was no guarantee that reaching 9 in a stat would even trigger a skill.
At this point, allocating it to Stamina seemed the safest bet.
Previously, raising Charm and Intelligence to 8 hadn’t caused any noticeable physical changes. He hadn’t become handsomer or smarter.
So, these attribute points seemed purely for skill unlocks.
Of course, as a transmigrator obsessed with "well-rounded development in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education," his first instinct was still Stamina.
8-8-8.
So auspicious, so balanced, so perfect.
Most importantly, he’d never lose an arm-wrestling match to them again—both Ji Qingyi and Gu Ruoxue had Stamina stats of 8.
If he allocated the point to Stamina, the unlocked skill would likely enhance physical traits like strength or endurance.
"Whew—"
He reclined in the luxury car seat, stretching his limbs before exhaling deeply.
He decided to let the three women in the group chat debate this first. Since Li Guanqi and Gu Ruoxue had participated in this quest, they could decide where his point went.
Besides, after being interrupted by the steward at the amusement park earlier, he hadn’t given the two girls a proper response—just an apologetic smile before following the steward away. Fortunately, neither pressed him, though they had watched him with probing, solemn gazes.
As if searching for answers in his expression.
But alas.
His plan was to gloss over it and move on.
Then head straight to his "tool," Liu Qingyue—to claim his A-rank reward from her.
If he erased all his social connections, then they wouldn't get hurt because of him, nor would they be disappointed in him.
The key point wasn’t just about them—it was about everyone who knew him. No one else would suffer any harm because of him.
No one would grieve or feel sorrow on his account.
If someone had to be hurt by the story’s inevitable ending, then that person should be him—someone who didn’t belong in this world to begin with.
So, until then, he couldn’t let anything slip.
………………
"Um… is there a charging port in the car?"
Su Cheng straightened up and glanced at the driver in the front seat.
"There’s a button in the middle compartment. Press it."
The chauffeur in front maintained his poker face, answering in an indifferent tone, devoid of any emotion.
"Thanks."
Su Cheng nodded, then reached out and pressed the button. The lid slid open automatically, revealing the charging slot.
"You’re welcome. It’s my duty to serve you."
The chauffeur remained completely unruffled, as if the thought of questioning anything had never crossed his mind—everything was simply a given.
As Su Cheng plugged in his phone and waited for it to power on, he voiced the question that had been nagging at him: "Why do you call me 'young master'?"
Being addressed as "sir" or something similar would’ve made sense, but the term "young master" left him utterly baffled. After all, he was just an orphan—hardly deserving of such a lofty title.
To his ears, the term carried an air of nobility and unattainable prestige, making him feel almost uncomfortably honored.
Without turning to look at him, the chauffeur kept his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road as he replied, "Because you are someone close to our master, we address you with the honorific 'young master.'"
"Oh…"
Hearing this, Su Cheng nodded as if enlightened, then adopted a thoughtful expression, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Then should I start adding a prefix when I speak? Like, 'this young master'?"
"As you wish."
The chauffeur’s response was as detached as ever.
"Then from now on, don’t call me 'young master' anymore!"
Su Cheng’s sudden declaration made the chauffeur’s grip on the wheel twitch, but he still nodded earnestly. "Understood, young master."
Watching the chauffeur’s reaction, Su Cheng couldn’t help but smirk, continuing his playful act with feigned seriousness. "I just told you not to call me 'young master,' and yet you’re doubling down? No, no—you’ve got to drop it!"
The chauffeur’s expression remained unreadable. After a brief pause, he replied, "Yes, I’ll remember."
It seemed he had taken the instruction to heart and would refrain from using the term—hence the neutral "Yes, I’ll remember" instead.
Su Cheng was pleased, a faint smile curling at his lips. He doubted he’d be called "young master" again—good riddance, since it had always felt so awkward.
Just then, his phone finished charging and booted up. He quickly grabbed it and opened the messaging app, relieved to see the group chat’s member count unchanged.
He’d been afraid Gu Ruoxue and Li Guanqi might have left.
The chat history was exactly as he’d left it.
He tagged both girls and typed out a message: "@Gu Ruoxue, @Li Guanqi. Are you two still at the amusement park?"
……………………………………
Meanwhile
A luxury car sped down the street, its interior tense. Li Guanqi’s lips were pressed into a thin line, while Gu Ruoxue sat with furrowed brows, her expression grave.
Since the two girls lived in the same neighborhood and had crucial matters to discuss, they decided to share a ride home.
The dire outcome they had anticipated had finally come to pass.
Under the glow of fireworks, Su Cheng’s resolute yet serene expression had given them an inkling of what she intended to do.
Fortunately, they had prepared in advance.
Yet, the heartbreaking truth was that they couldn’t stop her.
All they could do was brace for the aftermath.
"What if… we seek Senior Ji Qingyi’s cooperation?"
Suddenly, Li Guanqi’s voice shattered the silence.
"Our current situation is far from ideal."
Her eyes dull and her voice hoarse, Li Guanqi spoke up, "He wants a final, irreversible reward…"
She paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "No matter what, I believe our top priority is to stop him from obtaining that reward and doing something foolish!"
Even with thorough preparations, she couldn’t bear the thought. The damage this would inflict on Su Cheng herself was immeasurable.
They had forgotten Su Cheng—but what about Su Cheng herself?
Gu Ruoxue remained silent for a long moment before shaking her head with a sigh. "The real challenge is him. Even if we stop him this time, will he really give up?"
She trailed off, clearly having considered every possible scenario.
"What we need now is to stack the odds against him, so this path becomes impossible!"
As she spoke, Gu Ruoxue lifted her gaze to the window, retrieving a camera from her bag and handing it to Li Guanqi—a silent request for her to document more.
Li Guanqi took the camera, her head bowed in thought. After a while, she returned it to Gu Ruoxue. "You should keep this safe."
"Also… there are some things at my place I’d like you to hold onto."
Her eyes pleading, Li Guanqi looked at Gu Ruoxue.
"Fine. Just remember to label them."
Gu Ruoxue didn’t refuse, nodding lightly.
"Thank you!"
Li Guanqi’s voice was thick with gratitude.
"No need."
Gu Ruoxue waved it off casually.
But her nonchalance made Li Guanqi lower her head again, her expression darkening.
"There’s… something I don’t understand," Li Guanqi murmured, her voice trembling.
Gu Ruoxue could have refused to help. She could have kept this matter to herself. Yet she chose to assist.
Noticing this, Gu Ruoxue let out a deep sigh. Moonlight streamed through the car window, casting a glow on her porcelain-like face as she spoke with solemn gravity, "It goes against my principles."
"Is that so?"
Li Guanqi lifted her head, her voice raspy. The moonlight illuminated her expressionless face, lending her an almost ethereal purity—but her dark eyes burned with profound confusion.
"Besides, this is partly our doing."
Gu Ruoxue didn’t mince words. "So, we share the responsibility."
"But—"
"No buts."
"…Thank you."
Silence fell over the car again. Neither spoke, but the air grew thick with tension.
Until their phones buzzed simultaneously.
Snapping back to reality, they checked the message, exchanged a glance—
And then.
Su Cheng sent another message, which immediately caught the full attention of the two girls and plunged them into deep thought. The content of his message was about completing a system task and being rewarded with free attribute points.
Gu Ruoxue suddenly spoke up, "Let him decide."
Li Guanqi nodded in agreement. After all, if they didn't interfere, Su Cheng would likely choose to boost his stamina based on his usual tendencies.
They had considered the nature of past skills—what if boosting charm or intelligence led to a skill that affected the current situation?
For instance, what if Su Cheng became smarter and suddenly decided to take back the ring?!
Or worse, what if he noticed their unusual behavior?
Both possibilities were plausible.
So, they chose not to intervene.
However, what they didn’t anticipate was Ji Qingyi stepping in with a response—and even providing a well-reasoned argument for Su Cheng to choose intelligence!
Ji Qingyi: "Prioritize intelligence. Regardless of skills, it will broaden and deepen your thinking, allowing you to make better decisions."
Su Cheng: "Thank you for the suggestion, President. I was actually leaning toward stamina, but after hearing your reasoning, I’ll go with intelligence!"
Ji Qingyi: "Indeed, all forms of strength can only be fully utilized under the guidance of thought. You could say intelligence begets strength, but strength alone rarely leads to intelligence."
Su Cheng: "Hearing you put it that way really clears things up!"
Watching the group chat unfold, Gu Ruoxue and Li Guanqi exchanged subtle, uneasy glances.
Gu Ruoxue opened a private window and typed: "President Ji, I think it’s best not to interfere so deeply in his personal matters."
She continued, "While your perspective has merit, Su Cheng should make his own choices. He’s an independent person with his own judgment. Matters like these—ones that concern his own growth—should be left to him."
Li Guanqi chimed in as well: "Exactly. He needs to face life’s choices and challenges himself. We can offer advice and support, but the final decision should always be his."
Gu Ruoxue added, "Right now, what he needs isn’t just boosting intelligence, charm, or stamina—it’s the ability to think independently and make his own decisions."
This last remark also subtly criticized Su Cheng’s earlier evasion of making a choice that day.
Ji Qingyi countered, "I’m not denying his autonomy. It seems to me that you’re so afraid of overstepping that you’re withholding potentially helpful guidance."
……………………
Meanwhile
Su Cheng watched the three of them arguing endlessly in the group chat about his attribute points, his eyes flickering with a mix of helplessness and bitterness.
As the group admin, he had to put a stop to this conflict!
Not_A_Fan_of_Oranges: "Everyone, please stop arguing. I’ll think it over carefully tonight and make a decision."
His words instantly silenced the group.
No one dared to say another word.
But the problem of allocating points now fell back on Su Cheng’s shoulders.
After much deliberation, he decided to make his choice before bed and immediately draw a skill.
Truthfully, he was leaning toward stamina.
After all, he had no idea whether reaching a score of 9 would unlock a new skill. Previously, when his intelligence hit 8, he had gained several skills:
[1: Memory Enhancement]
[2: Observation Enhancement]
[3: Imagination Enhancement]
[4: Critical Thinking Enhancement]
[5: Judgment Enhancement]
【Six: Adaptive Reinforcement】
When he randomly drew the "Adaptive" trait initially, would the same six options still be available once his Intelligence reached 9?
If so, could he end up with a duplicate?
And if it did repeat, would it waste this free attribute point?
All these considerations weighed on his mind.
As for Charisma?
Not a chance!
The risk was far too great!
Su Cheng stared at the system's character panel, lost in thought.
It wasn’t his fault—this decision was far too critical.
He had to deliberate carefully!
Just then, the car came to an abrupt stop.
Su Cheng turned to the window in confusion, only to see an enormous, opulent villa standing before him, exuding grandeur and extravagance.
The car had parked right at the main entrance.
The villa’s gates were already open, flanked by two rows of neatly uniformed maids and butlers, standing respectfully in wait.
What’s more, a red carpet stretched hundreds of meters ahead, leading straight to the villa’s inner entrance.
"What in the world…"
The sheer extravagance of the scene left Su Cheng utterly bewildered.
He’d been here before, but never with such fanfare.
This was beyond excessive—the entrance was adorned with flowers and elegant lighting, radiating an air of refined nobility.
While Su Cheng was still dazed, the car door beside him opened. The driver, Mei, bowed slightly and gestured politely, saying, "Please, the young mistress is waiting for you."
"Gulp—"
Su Cheng swallowed hard, instinctively grabbing his backpack before cautiously placing one foot on the red carpet and stepping out.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the rows of maids and butlers simultaneously bowed in unison, startling him so much he nearly dropped his bag.
Before he could recover, a graceful figure emerged ahead—a woman in a soft, elegant dress that accentuated her dignified poise. Her breathtakingly beautiful face, paired with an aloof aura and eyes as still as stagnant water, made her seem like a celestial being who had descended from the moon, radiating an air of mystery and nobility, yet with a faint hint of detachment.
However, as she approached Su Cheng, an unexpected warmth and gentleness surfaced in her demeanor. She spoke softly, "You’re here."
To others, the words might have sounded simple and indifferent, but to Su Cheng, they carried a familiar warmth, as if greeting an old friend.
"Yeah, sorry to keep you waiting," he replied, a little awkwardly.
But the moment he finished speaking, two long-skirted maids stepped forward from behind Ji Qingyi—one reaching to take his backpack, while the other presented an exquisitely crafted box of unknown contents.
"What’s this?" Su Cheng asked, blinking in confusion before recalling the earlier mention of a gift. "Is this the present from the group chat?"
"No, this is merely a token of greeting," Ji Qingyi replied with a slight nod. "I hope you’ll like it."
"Wait!"
Instead of immediately accepting it, Su Cheng realized this was part of a gift exchange.
Hurriedly, he retrieved the cake and camera from his backpack and handed them to Ji Qingyi. "This is my gift for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, an attendant nearby stepped forward to take and inspect the items, but Ji Qingyi frowned and said, "Step back."
"Yes."
The attendant naturally dared not disobey Ji Qingyi and obediently retreated.
"Deliver them to my bedroom."
Ji Qingyi issued the order indifferently, and a maid promptly approached him, respectfully accepting the two gifts before turning to leave.
"The journey must have been tiring. Please follow me."
With graceful poise, Ji Qingyi turned and led the way toward the villa.
Su Cheng followed closely behind her, while the other attendants and maids were dismissed.
This made Su Cheng feel slightly more at ease, and he began observing the villa's furnishings and decorations.
He noticed that every detail was more meticulously arranged than before, with additional decor and furniture.
"President, there really was no need to go to such lengths," Su Cheng said, walking behind Ji Qingyi and inhaling her unique, delicate fragrance. He felt somewhat uneasy and added, "This is far too extravagant."
"You are a guest. It is only proper," Ji Qingyi replied coolly. "This is your first formal visit. Such arrangements are in accordance with etiquette."
"Alright then."
Su Cheng shrugged and continued following Ji Qingyi down the villa's corridor. Soon, they arrived at a room.
"This is where you'll be staying tonight. Let me know if you need anything."
Ji Qingyi pushed the door open as she spoke.
The room was spacious and lavishly furnished, with an oversized round table surrounded by plush armchairs. A tea set and pastries were arranged on the coffee table.
It was clearly a high-end guest room—everything appeared brand new.
However, the bedsheets, blankets, and pillows seemed oddly out of place. They were also new, but their colors and styles didn’t match the hospitality aesthetic, nor did they form a cohesive set.
It was as if a child had suddenly decided to buy bedding, choosing only what they personally liked.
Most notably, the room carried a familiar scent—one that belonged to a certain troublemaker.
Liu Qingyue.
"This isn’t actually a guest room, is it?" Su Cheng asked skeptically.
"No," Ji Qingyi replied plainly. "The guest rooms are too far from my bedroom. This one happened to be unused."
"I see."
Su Cheng nodded. Just then, a maid appeared behind him, silently holding his backpack, as if afraid to interrupt their conversation.
"It’s alright, I’ll take it."
Noticing this, Su Cheng took the backpack from the maid, who retreated under Ji Qingyi’s gaze.
"Rest for now. I’ll send someone to notify you when dinner is ready. I trust you won’t forget to attend."
With that, Ji Qingyi gave him a mysterious smile before walking away.
She was eager to examine the gift Su Cheng had brought her.
That enigmatic smile left Su Cheng baffled. Was the "surprise gift" she mentioned really about her playing the role of a little chef and preparing something delicious for him?
He shook his head, dismissing the thought.
Entering the room and closing the door, he placed his backpack on the sofa and retrieved the gift Ji Qingyi had mentioned earlier.
It was an exquisite box, surprisingly heavy. When he opened it, rows of black and white chess pieces greeted his eyes.
The chess pieces were in terrible condition—many were cracked, some even irregularly shaped, while others were small and thin. In short, they were downright ugly.
"These chess pieces are hideous," Su Cheng muttered with a frown. Still, since they were a gift from her, there must be some meaning behind them.
He pondered for a moment before deciding to look up the significance of the pieces, just in case he was asked about them later. Sitting down, he pulled out his phone and began searching.
Almost instantly, a flood of antique-related information filled his screen.
"Ding Kiln chess pieces… first-class protected cultural relics…"
"…Over a thousand years old?"
"Holy crap—used by an empress?!"
"No way, this is way too valuable!"
Knock knock—
Just as Su Cheng was engrossed in his research, a polite voice came from outside his door, accompanied by a gentle rap.
"Young Master Su Cheng, the evening banquet is ready. You may attend at your convenience."