Upon hearing this, Ji Qingyi slightly raised her delicate chin, her expression cold and aloof. There was a faint hint of pride in her gaze as she looked at Su Cheng, and she said coolly, "Having inhuman bursts of strength is indeed a powerful asset, but as for how to wield it—right now, you have no grasp of it at all."
Su Cheng was taken aback. Though he knew she was diverting the topic, he couldn’t help but ask curiously, "Wield it?"
Ji Qingyi looked at him and enunciated each word clearly, "Now that the experiment has shown results, what you should do next is thoroughly understand the limits and constraints of this power, rather than letting overconfidence plunge you into arrogance!"
Her tone was severe, carrying an authority that brooked no defiance. It even made Su Cheng feel as if he had committed some grave mistake, stirring a trace of unease in him.
Upon reflection, her words made perfect sense.
If he didn’t know his own limits, what would happen when he needed to use this power in the future? If he remained unaware of the potential dangers and the scope of its effects, an unexpected situation could prove fatal.
"Thank you for your guidance, President," Su Cheng said earnestly, his attitude sincere.
"No need."
Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod before continuing, "In my view, strength is not the most important thing. What matters most is the balance and growth of your inner self. I don’t want you to become complacent or inflated with pride just because you’ve gained this ability. Therefore, the most crucial thing is maintaining a connection with your heart. Only then will this power become a true aid to your growth."
Her words struck deep.
Though her face remained expressionless, the concern in her tone was unmistakable.
Hearing this, warmth rose in Su Cheng’s chest, and he couldn’t help but say, "I understand, President."
"Good. Go and explore your limits. I’ll be here to support you."
Ji Qingyi looked at him with encouragement in her eyes, much like a mentor guiding a disciple.
The encouragement in her gaze reminded Su Cheng of his days training in the Archery Club—her expression now was exactly the same as it had been back then, reigniting a surge of determination in him.
"Alright!"
Su Cheng gave a firm nod before turning back toward the yellow road roller.
He positioned himself directly in front of it, bending down and gripping the lower edge with both hands. Before exerting force, he glanced at Ji Qingyi, who stood nearby as his safety observer, his eyes resolute. "I’m ready!"
"Begin," Ji Qingyi replied with a slight nod, her gaze calm and steady.
Haaah—
Su Cheng took a deep breath, his legs tensing as his arms erupted with strength. In an instant, the familiar transformation surged through his body. He could feel his muscles rapidly expanding, alive with power, flooding every part of him.
At that moment, he sensed his strength multiplying several times over!
The feeling was indescribable—as if his body had shattered the world’s constraints, ascending to the level of a deity!
Especially when he recalled the encouraging look in Ji Qingyi’s eyes just moments ago, a fierce battle spirit surged within him. This time, he channeled power from his legs, arms, and waist simultaneously!
With a mighty heave, he lifted the enormous road roller high into the air—but the consequences this time were far more terrifying!
"Takizawa Rola—!!"
With that roar, the road roller nearly flipped over from the sheer force. Yet, just as quickly as the power came, it vanished.
This single burst had unleashed six tons of force!
For those unfamiliar with the scale—six tons was enough for Su Cheng’s punch to obliterate a C20 concrete wall.
The sheer velocity of his fist could heat and expand the surrounding air in an instant, generating shockwaves powerful enough to topple objects.
If he struck the ground, the impact would carve out a massive crater, altering the terrain itself.
And if that punch landed on a person? The targeted area would instantly deform, shatter, or even rupture completely.
He was practically a human cannonball!
But the drawbacks were just as glaring. The moment he threw that punch, his bones and joints were subjected to immense pressure and stress—not to mention the recoil energy upon impact.
This single lift left Ji Qingyi stunned for a full year!
Her pupils contracted sharply in shock, and she immediately reached out to yank Su Cheng back as he lost his grip.
She retreated swiftly, pulling him back two meters before steadying herself.
Then—BOOM!
The road roller crashed to the ground, carving a deep pit into the grass. The surrounding trees trembled violently, and dust billowed into the air.
Meanwhile, Su Cheng stood to the side, panting heavily. His face was pale, sweat dripping from his forehead as his lips trembled. His entire body shook from the excessive strain, his muscles screaming in protest.
He could clearly feel the ache permeating every inch of his body—even standing was a struggle. His knees wobbled dangerously, as if they might buckle at any moment.
Right now, he felt like a man who hadn’t eaten in three days. A gnawing hunger threatened to overwhelm him, nearly sending him into unconsciousness. He fought to stay awake, reaching out to his system space.
Ji Qingyi, deeply concerned, supported him carefully, helping him sit on the ground. She frowned slightly as she looked at his weakened state, her tone grave. "You pushed yourself too hard. You overloaded your body with that ability. Your condition is critical right now."
"I’m starving," Su Cheng muttered.
As he spoke, a few eggs and a glass of milk materialized in his hands—but his weakened grip sent them tumbling onto the grass.
Ji Qingyi swiftly bent down to retrieve them. With an almost uncanny speed, she peeled the eggs effortlessly before pressing one to his lips.
He opened his mouth and swallowed it whole. Without pause, she inserted a straw into the milk and handed it to him to drink.
After a sip, she set the milk aside, peeled another egg, and fed it to him, then offered the milk again.
This cycle repeated three times before his body regained some strength, the debilitating exhaustion fading. A faint smile touched his lips as he said, "Thanks."
Ji Qingyi, as if accustomed to this routine, handed him another egg and held the milk to his lips before speaking calmly, "Any other physical discomfort?"
"Just the side effects of exhausting my strength and the fatigue from energy depletion. Nothing else," Su Cheng replied between bites.
One after another, he consumed ten eggs and three glasses of milk before his body gradually stabilized.
"It seems you’ve recognized the drawbacks and limitations. After this test, I believe you’ll be able to wield and control this power more effectively."
Ji Qingyi looked at him, her voice carrying a trace of approval, anticipation, and a hint of pride. "However, this strength must be used with caution. I trust you understand that better than I do."
Su Cheng nodded at Ji Qingyi's words, having regained some composure. He suddenly realized how intimately close the two of them were.
Ji Qingyi was crouched beside him, one hand resting on his shoulder for support while the other fed him. The familiar scent of her—a faint, delicate fragrance—lingered around him, making his heart flutter uncontrollably.
"Enough."
Noticing Su Cheng's complexion had mostly returned to normal, Ji Qingyi stood up and dusted her hands off.
Su Cheng’s gaze remained fixed on her, sweeping from head to toe. She wore white flats and a simple, fitted white dress that cinched at her slender waist. The blouse-like collar and buttons gave her an ethereal, almost fairy-like elegance.
Her face was exquisitely beautiful, almost enchantingly so, framed by cascading dark hair that flowed like a waterfall. She looked like a celestial being who had descended to earth.
Yet, the words that left her lips next were anything but divine—they were downright devilish.
Su Cheng’s face paled in horror as she stood over him, her voice icy and detached:
"Now that you’ve fully mastered this power, I can grant your request."
"What request? I don’t remember asking for anything!"
Su Cheng’s throat tightened as he gulped, panic flashing across his face.
"Of course, it’s..." Ji Qingyi’s lips curled into a pleased smile as she enunciated each word: "Arm wrestling."
Su Cheng nearly fainted on the spot. Damn that cunning Ji Qingyi!
She was clearly taking advantage of his weakened state—his skills were still on cooldown!
Even now, though he had recovered somewhat, his body was still drained of strength. At this rate, even Cornelia could easily overpower him, let alone this muscle-bound queen!
"No way. At least let me finish eating first!"
Su Cheng refused outright, his eyes brimming with resentment, like a scorned lover.
But Ji Qingyi wasn’t having it. Ignoring his protests, she summoned a steward with a wave. After a brief exchange, the steward left, and Ji Qingyi turned back to Su Cheng, grabbing his arm mid-bite to stop him from eating.
Her grip was rough, devoid of any gentleness—this was pure, unadulterated revenge.
What a petty, vindictive woman!
Just like her servant, she had no shame.
"I won’t do it!" Su Cheng yelled, struggling, but Ji Qingyi paid him no mind. She dragged him toward the table and chairs the steward had brought over.
Su Cheng: "..."
He was on the verge of tears!
But resistance was futile. In his current state, he was no match for Ji Qingyi’s overwhelming strength.
Forced into a chair, Su Cheng watched as Ji Qingyi sat across from him, resting her slender, porcelain-white arm on the table, elbow planted firmly in the center. She spread her fingers expectantly.
"Begin."
"I’m still recovering!"
Su Cheng’s face twisted in misery.
"You look perfectly fine to me—rosy cheeks and all."
Ji Qingyi remained unbothered. "Besides, wasn’t this your idea? You’ve been begging for an arm-wrestling match since last night. Now that I’m obliging, why the hesitation?"
Su Cheng: "..."
He felt utterly wronged, as if he might cough up blood from sheer frustration.
Who would’ve thought Ji Qingyi would stoop so low as to ambush him in his weakened state?
"How much longer must I hold this ridiculous pose?"
Ji Qingyi frowned impatiently, clearly annoyed by his stalling.
With no other choice, Su Cheng reluctantly raised his hand, their palms meeting mid-air.
Ji Qingyi’s fingers were long and elegant, her knuckles well-defined—beautiful, yet they clamped around his hand like a vice, leaving him no room to escape.
Just then, the steward reappeared, adjusting their wrists to ensure a fair angle.
"On your marks... begin!"
The moment the steward gave the signal, Su Cheng instinctively strained—but his weakened muscles barely responded.
Ji Qingyi, however, didn’t budge an inch. Her arm remained as steady as a rock, her expression unreadable.
Su Cheng poured every ounce of strength he had left into the match, yet her hand didn’t even tremble. When he met her gaze, her eyes held nothing but cold arrogance, as if mocking him:
"Is that all you’ve got?"
Humiliated and furious, Su Cheng took a deep breath, steadying himself.
He was ready to activate his explosive strength ability again, consequences be damned.
Today, he had to win.
This was a battle of pride!
Thud!
But Ji Qingyi saw right through him. Before he could trigger his skill, she slammed his hand onto the table with a sudden burst of force, sending his entire body crashing down with it.
A flawless, unexpected victory!
Click.
The sound of a camera shutter followed.
Still sprawled across the table in shock, Su Cheng turned to see the steward holding the disposable camera he’d once gifted Ji Qingyi, capturing the moment of his defeat.
No doubt the photo immortalized the exact second Ji Qingyi had overpowered him.
"The young mistress wins."
The steward pocketed the camera, his tone indifferent, as if he were merely executing orders.
Ji Qingyi released Su Cheng’s hand, satisfied.
"Hey! That’s cheating! And why the hell did you take a picture?!"
Su Cheng shot up from his seat, jabbing an accusing finger at the steward.
Ji Qingyi, however, merely took the camera without sparing him a glance.
"Using the camera you gave me to commemorate this moment feels rather poetic, don’t you think?"
"Fine, fine! But best of three is the standard rule!"
Su Cheng resorted to childish bargaining. "Let’s go again after I’ve rested!"
"The young mistress’s refined status does not permit repeated bouts of such vulgar displays."
The steward interjected flatly, as if to say: She’s already humored you once—be grateful.
"Dismissed."
Ji Qingyi waved the steward off, unfazed by Su Cheng’s tantrum. "Bring the Go board."
Watching the two of them play off each other, Su Cheng was seething. Who knew Ji Qingyi could be this underhanded?
"Now, back to business."
Ji Qingyi stowed the camera, her expression turning serious. "We’ve wasted enough time. Let’s begin."
The steward returned with a Go board and pieces, setting them on the table before retreating.
When she reappeared, it was only to fade into the background—operating a crane to right the overturned steamroller nearby.
"I’ll update the group chat about the experiment results first."
Seeing that it was time to learn Go, Su Cheng also composed himself. He took out his phone and explained the experimental results and side - effects of today in the group.
Beside him, Ji Qingyi was sitting upright on the chair, gently fiddling with the Go pieces with her slender and snow - white fingers.
And the Go pieces were unexpectedly the Ding kiln Go pieces that she had given to Su Cheng before.
It was just that Su Cheng had returned them last night.
Soon, after Su Cheng simply edited a few messages and sent them in the group, he put away his phone and began to prepare for the game.
Although he had eliminated his social relationships and wouldn't have to compete with others, since everyone wouldn't recognize him by then.
But if he showed any abnormalities now, it would surely arouse everyone's suspicion.
Just as the two were playing against each other, another attendant brought tea and snacks and then respectfully stepped back.
"Eat," Ji Qingyi said.
Ji Qingyi noticed that Su Cheng was looking at the snacks with eager eyes. So she placed the snacks on Su Cheng's left side and softly said, "It doesn't matter. You can eat while playing."
Hearing this, Su Cheng didn't decline. He directly grabbed a piece of pastry with his right hand and took a bite.
It melted in his mouth.
And his left hand wasn't idle either. He reached into the Go piece basket and picked up a black piece. But the moment he got it, he felt that something was wrong with the touch.
He picked up one and took a look. Immediately, he held it with both hands in a panic, afraid that the piece would drop and get chipped or broken.
Because the Go piece was unexpectedly a first - class cultural relic.
At this moment, he didn't care about eating anymore. He carefully held the piece in his palm and then looked at Ji Qingyi across from him.
However, she still had a calm expression, as if this Go piece was just a stone and not worth a thing.
Of course, he knew what the club president meant. Although this Go piece had historical, cultural, artistic, and cultural symbolic meanings.
But in Ji Qingyi's view, if this Go piece couldn't be used practically, it would be meaningless and valueless.
Only by using the Go piece to play a game could it be given value and meaning, not just for display.
Just like when they let the little umbrella fly last night. It was originally a very ridiculous and unruly thing, but in the end, he had given it important meaning and value.
So, he thought he should respect the club president's opinion.
So, he took a deep breath, kept a normal mind, picked up this Go piece as usual, slowly placed it on the chessboard, made his first move, and then looked up at Ji Qingyi.
As a result, when he looked up -
The expression on his face began to distort and show panic.
Because Ji Qingyi didn't respect him at all!
"Crunch~"
Ji Qingyi gracefully stretched out her jade - like finger, picked up a white piece from the Go piece basket, and was about to make a move. Suddenly -
The Go piece was pulled by some powerful force and suddenly shattered into pieces, disappearing into the air without leaving any trace.
Especially after this happened, Ji Qingyi showed no surprise at all. Instead, she stared at Su Cheng with her curious and expectant beautiful eyes, as if asking, "Why aren't you rolling on the ground?"