Extra Story: Su Cheng Becomes Eager to Show Off

Suburbs.

The flow of people and vehicles around was sparse, making the conversation between the four particularly clear, so much so that Su Cheng and Cornelia, standing in the distance, could vaguely overhear their whispers.

After Liu Qingyue finished her honest report, an awkward atmosphere hung in the air.

Especially under the sunlight, Su Cheng's shadow, combined with the nearby streetlight, created a stunningly beautiful scene on the ground.

Viewed solely as a silhouette, it eerily resembled someone hanging from the streetlight.

Though slightly annoyed at being played by her own family's business, Ji Qingyi maintained her cold and elegant demeanor. She furrowed her delicate brows in thought for a moment. Then, she moved her jade-like legs clad in black stockings beneath her long black dress, walking towards Su Cheng and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him on his left, her beautiful eyes gently opening to gaze at him.

Liu Qingyue also followed closely, standing on Su Cheng's other side. The two flanked him as if putting him on trial for his crimes. Cornelia, curious about how things would unfold, didn't know how to intervene and could only watch quietly from the sidelines.

"My patience has its limits," came Ji Qingyi's icy, haughty voice. She glanced at Su Cheng from the corner of her eye and continued, "I hope you understand propriety. Even if you don't give a response, you shouldn't push your luck and become a nuisance."

"The young mistress's indulgence towards you is plain for all to see, but you should also know when to stop," Liu Qingyue chimed in, her tone gentle yet carrying a warning. "In the past, you were open and honest with us, so we were also willing to give our all for you."

Master and servant, speaking in turn, surrounded Su Cheng. Their words carried a strong sense of probing, as if trying to uncover the secrets he was hiding and see his true intentions.

Just as the three were locked in a stalemate, a familiar-looking luxury car slowly approached. The window rolled down, revealing two familiar and beautiful faces.

—It was Li Guanqi and Gu Ruoxue.

It wasn't strange for the two to arrive at the banquet in the same car, as they lived in the same area. What was striking, however, were their gowns.

Li Guanqi, sitting by the window, wore a fully black modified qipao. The central knotted buttons and embroidery complemented each other, while the lower part was an elegant long skirt, perfectly embodying the simple elegance of Yan-style attire, untouched by a speck of dust.

Beside her, Gu Ruoxue was also dressed in a Yan-style patchwork qipao, though primarily in white. The embroidery featured bamboo motifs, adding an extra layer of refined and ethereal beauty, like a lady from a classical painting, serene and picturesque.

Their sartorial taste was in no way inferior to that of the Ji master-servant pair, drawing sighs of admiration. It seemed Su Cheng had underestimated the richness of a woman's wardrobe.

The car window was down.

The two silently observed Su Cheng, flanked by Ji Qingyi and Liu Qingyue, their eyes filled with inquiry. The made-up appearances of the Ji pair naturally didn't escape their notice.

Under everyone's intense gaze, Su Cheng finally relented. "I have indeed been hiding something."

He sighed and shook his head helplessly. "But you're not ready to accept the truth yet."

"Enough with the cryptic talk!" Ji Qingyi coldly snapped. "Spit it out."

"Are you being deliberately mysterious again?" Liu Qingyue also showed displeasure.

Li Guanqi, from inside the car, added fuel to the fire: "Senior sister, you could grab his shoulders and shake him hard until he talks."

Although Li Guanqi was usually understanding and considerate, at her core, she held grudges. Su Cheng had once treated her this way, and now she finally had her wish fulfilled, seeing him in a tight spot.

Understanding the hint, Liu Qingyue stepped forward, firmly gripping Su Cheng's shoulders, ready to shake him.

"Hey, hey! I'll talk, okay?!" Su Cheng hastily stopped her.

"That's more like it," Liu Qingyue then let go.

"Ah," Su Cheng sighed, and strolled to the overgrown weeds by the roadside, plucking a dandelion.

He gave it a gentle blow, and the dandelion seeds detached from their mother plant, drifting with the wind towards the free sky...

With his back to everyone, he gazed at the horizon, his tone soft and measured: "I once measured the height of the heavens, and gauged the depth of the earth. In the end, my soul returned to the upper realm, while my flesh fell to the mortal dust..."

Thus, in a low murmur, it was as if he were narrating the trajectory of his life.

"Speak plainly!" Ji Qingyi and Liu Qingyue, seeing him about to start his mystical act again, directly shattered the atmosphere he was trying to create.

The several female leads were also astonished by his words.

This was a brand new "Philosophical Cheng"!

A rare sight indeed!

"I haven't hidden anything from you," Su Cheng turned and said calmly. "But you seem not to believe me, and there's nothing I can do about that."

"Contradictory," Gu Ruoxue wrinkled her cute nose, pinpointing the flaw in his statement with sharp accuracy.

"You have ulterior motives towards us," Ji Qingyi said with her arms crossed, smiling elegantly, but the smile carried a chilling sense of pressure.

When Qingyi smiles, life and death are uncertain?

Though silent, Li Guanqi's gaze also revealed suspicion towards Su Cheng's words and actions.

"Alright, since you insist so much, I'll tell you the truth," Su Cheng sighed and confessed everything.

It turned out that since this morning, he had realized that after becoming student council president, he would inevitably grow distant from everyone.

And now, having lost his system and special abilities, he was like an item seen through—utterly ordinary. In comparison, a beautifully wrapped gift piques people's curiosity more.

Therefore, he decided to create an aura of mystery around himself, to attract everyone to speculate and guess, to maintain his appeal and value, and also to facilitate inviting them to join the student council later.

"Now it's all ruined, all exposed by you," Su Cheng shrugged helplessly, his face full of disappointment, looking as aggrieved as a hundred-pound baby: "The sense of mystery I wanted to create is completely gone. I just hope it can still serve some purpose."

For a moment, the air fell into an eerie silence.

Li Guanqi and Gu Ruoxue left first.

However, Li Guanqi left behind a message: "I told my older sister about you. She's very grateful you cured me and wants to meet you alone. Find some time."

The remaining three looked at each other. Liu Qingyue took the initiative to break the awkwardness, saying nonchalantly, "The banquet venue is still a bit away. Let's walk there."

"Mm," Ji Qingyi nodded, surveying the surrounding scenery. "The nearby environment is quiet and elegant. Tomorrow, have someone build a courtyard here. We can come for short stays occasionally."

"As you wish, young mistress," Liu Qingyue responded. The three of them walked while appreciating the scenery, seemingly having left behind Su Cheng, who had just confessed everything.

This was understandable, as the matter was somewhat awkward. Firstly, they had indeed been overly wary of Su Cheng. Secondly, they also knew that this feeling of being exposed must be quite embarrassing for him.

But this incident wasn't all bad. Instead, everyone felt a sense of relief and a chance to understand each other anew.

Perhaps their relationships would progress a step further because of this, though of course, that would require time to settle and comprehend.

In short, although Su Cheng's little trick didn't go exactly as planned, the effect was still quite good.

Plan successful!

...

In the evening, the four arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall, the setting sun dyeing the entire villa estate red.

Surprisingly, there were so many guests!

Just looking at the outside—the lawns, leisure areas, sports fields—everywhere was densely packed with people, numbering at least in the hundreds.

Wait, wasn't this supposed to be a class reunion?

(The birthday banquet is at midnight.)

Where did all these people come from?

Most of the guests were dressed in splendid formal attire. The ladies had exquisite and elegant makeup, and the gentlemen were impeccably dressed and dignified.

Everyone looked like celebrities from high society, yet they all radiated a youthful, vibrant energy.

Without a doubt, most of them were students, though many were unfamiliar faces.

When Su Cheng and his group entered, many eyes focused on them. People began whispering, seeming very interested in them, especially in Su Cheng.

Being in the banquet hall, it wasn't appropriate to make loud noises, so they could only express their excitement with fervent gazes.

"Su Cheng is here."

"Look at him in a suit, so handsome."

"You have new material now, right?"

"Go on, what are you talking about?"

A few younger girls chatted excitedly in hushed tones, their cheeks slightly flushed as they stole shy glances at Su Cheng.

"Who are the two people with her? They look unfamiliar."

"Although they look unfamiliar, I feel like I've seen them somewhere before."

"That boy in the black suit is so delicate-looking."

"That lady's presence is also quite remarkable."

"Feels like she's on par with Minister Gu who just arrived."

"Speaking of which, I still can't figure out why Minister Gu would come to an ordinary class reunion?"

Su Cheng wasn't surprised that Ji Qingyi and Liu Qingyue were attracting attention. After all, even though they had used disguises to alter their appearances, their unique aura was impossible to completely conceal.

"Su Cheng!!" At the entrance, Xuan Ying, Zhao Yan, and Sister Qin walked gracefully over, wearing bright evening gowns. "You're finally here, we've been waiting for you forever!"

Xuan Ying called out while waving.

As they approached, Xuan Ying and Zhao Yan's eyes were involuntarily drawn to Su Cheng, sparkling with excitement. Fortunately, the quick-witted Sister Qin beside them coughed twice and nudged the other two, who then snapped back to reality and reined in their infatuated expressions.

"Sister Wang, you're here." Zhao Yan smiled apologetically, then looked at Liu Qingyue and asked kindly, "And this gentleman is?"

Su Cheng quickly introduced, "His name is Liu Batian, my brother-in-law."

Liu... Batian?

The name caused a moment of silence for everyone.

Because that name, well, it's a bit... something.

Liu Qingyue's temple throbbed visibly. Clearly, this was Su Cheng's revenge, making her appear before everyone with this embarrassing name.

"Pfft..." Cornelia beside her couldn't hold back a laugh, thinking: Serves you right, you wicked woman!

Her laugh drew everyone's attention to her.

"Nothing, I just thought of something happy." Cornelia shook her head, struggling to suppress her smile. "Sorry... I lost my composure."

This reaction made Sister Qin look back and forth between them, then fall into a thoughtful state.

"It's fine." Xuan Ying chuckled lightly. "So it's brother-in-law. Brother-in-law and Sister Wang really are a perfect match."

After a few more pleasantries, the three of them led Su Cheng's group inside. Xuan Ying even affectionately linked arms with Ji Qingyi and asked, "By the way, why didn't Senior Liu come?"

Su Cheng answered first, "She's feeling a bit under the weather and couldn't make it." Then he turned to look at Liu Batian. "Brother Batian, you were the one who took her back. What was her illness again?"

"Just a common cold and fever."

Liu Batian (Qingyue) answered casually.

Then, chatting and laughing, everyone arrived at the front door of the villa.

"The dinner starts at eight. Until then, everyone is free to mingle, but please be mindful of safety."

A staff member approached with a smile. "I hope you all enjoy yourselves."

With that, the staff member turned and left.

"By the way, why are there so many unfamiliar faces?"

Su Cheng looked around curiously and asked, "Are they your friends?"

After all, theoretically, this was Xuan Ying's birthday party.

"Not all of them."

Zhao Yan smiled, glancing at the students around them. "Some were notified by us to come to the birthday party, but some were brought by classmates, some just came on their own, and of course, some came specifically for you."

"Do tell?"

Su Cheng was intrigued.

"Look." Zhao Yan pointed not far away. "Those standing over there are all underclassmen. There are members of the Archery Club and also some of your little fans. They knew you would be here, so they pulled some strings to get in, hoping for a chance to meet you privately and maybe get some pointers on archery."

"I see." Su Cheng smiled. "That's actually a bit flattering."

But as soon as he looked over, those underclassmen started walking towards them. The girl leading them he actually recognized, named Weiyang.

But because her role had been too minor, he really couldn't remember her full name.

"Looks like you'll be busy."

Zhao Yan shook her head, somewhat helplessly.

"You all go in first." Su Cheng said to the group, then turned to Cornelia beside him. "Go inside and find Li Guanqi. I'll deal with them first."

Everyone nodded. However, Liu Qingyue leaned in and whispered to him, "You dare to tease me now?"

"Wouldn't dream of it. The name just feels perfect for you."

"Circumstances are special. I'll settle this with you later."

Liu Qingyue continued, "But remember, others are just for fun. Your real wife is still my young lady. Today, I'll test the goods for you first."

Having said that, she took Ji Qingyi's delicate hand, preparing to fulfill her boyfriend duties and lead her into the villa.

But then Su Cheng wasn't having it. He immediately put his arm around her head in a buddy-buddy, shoulder-hugging manner and whispered in her ear, "Bro, you smell so good~"

To Xuan Ying and the others, this scene looked like the brother-in-law and his cousin having an affectionate, whispered conversation. But in the eyes of Cornelia and Ji Qingyi, their faces immediately darkened.

Ji Qingyi immediately let go of Liu Qingyue's hand and followed the other three into the villa. Cornelia hurriedly followed, leaving behind the scene of the two "brothers" with their arms around each other's shoulders, looking like best buddies...

"Brother Batian, I didn't expect your body to be so soft and fragrant too."

"Hmph." Liu Qingyue snorted with displeasure, tossed her head, and walked inside.

Guests, a corner of a sofa.

Gu Ruoxue and Li Guanqi sat sipping tea and chatting, though Li Guanqi kept glancing towards the entrance, clearly waiting for someone.

Soon, the familiar group came in.

But Su Cheng was conspicuously absent.

Li Guanqi couldn't help but frown.

The Ji family master and servant were chatting happily with Xuan Ying and the others, while Cornelia walked over to their side.

"Where's Su Cheng?" Li Guanqi asked urgently.

Gu Ruoxue also stopped and looked at Cornelia.

"Uh, he got held up by some underclassmen outside. Can't get away for the moment." Cornelia explained.

Hearing this, the two of them understood immediately.

"I saw Senior Ling Ning and Senior Si Jing earlier. I'm worried something might happen. I think I should go check." Li Guanqi's expression showed some concern.

"Is there some grudge between Si Jing and Su Cheng?"

Cornelia knew about Ling Ning, but wasn't familiar with Si Jing, so she asked curiously.

At that moment, Ji Qingyi, her attendant, and Xuan Ying's trio also walked over. Xuan Ying said with a smile, "I remember, there's an unfinished chess game between the two of you."

As soon as the words fell, a voice came from the main entrance—

"Su Cheng is here and didn't even say hello."

"Where is he?"

"Outside at the archery range. I heard he's planning to teach the juniors the state of 'No-Mind' in Kyudo."

"What!?"

"I must go and learn."

"Right, right, we must broaden our knowledge."

"Yes, such a rare opportunity!"

Hearing the loud announcement from the trio of Wang Guancong, all the guests in the hall stopped their conversations. Then, driven by a desire to see the spectacle or out of curiosity, they also stepped outside.

Among them were many familiar faces. Besides classmates, there were also Hoshino Mirai, Hoshino Yikui, and others. Even Ling Ning and Si Jing followed the crowd flowing towards the archery range.

"Shall we go take a look too?"

Xuan Ying tentatively asked.

No one objected.

Only Cornelia seemed slightly hesitant, but finally asked curiously, "Su Cheng clearly isn't someone who likes to show off. Why would he suddenly do something so attention-grabbing?"

This question was exactly what Xuan Ying's trio was curious about too.

It completely went against Su Cheng's low-key and reserved character.

Gu Ruoxue analyzed in her characteristically cool voice, "If he really intends to run for student council president, this matter might win him a lot of support. Judging by his actions now, he's already working towards that goal."

Although just a few simple sentences, they made everything click for Cornelia.

Xuan Ying's trio, however, was shocked by this news, even repeatedly verifying its truth with Gu Ruoxue.

For them, this was undoubtedly a bombshell.

It's practically leading the younger generation astray.

Ji Qingyi shook her head gently. Su Cheng simply didn't understand the art of teaching. Charging in so recklessly, what could he possibly teach properly?

He'd better not end up bringing shame upon the entire Kyudo club instead.

But on second thought, she felt somewhat displeased.

As his master, if her disciple was going to teach others, he should at least have informed her first, right?

That's basic courtesy.

Truly disrespectful to his elders.

A rebellious disciple!

…………

It seems he's determined to join the student council.

Li Guanqi muttered to herself.

………………

Should I stir up a little trouble for him?

Liu Qingyue was also calculating how to play a trick on Su Cheng.

Cornelia was thinking she must record Su Cheng's impressive demeanor with her phone later.

Meanwhile, Xuan Ying and Zhao Yan's hearts were already screaming internally: I must join the student council!

This was a fantastic opportunity to be with Su Cheng day and night! Moreover, Zhao Yan had originally planned to join the disciplinary committee; now it seemed like a heaven-sent chance. It was even a legitimate reason that wouldn't hurt sisterly bonds.

Sister Qin, looking at these scheming young ladies beside her, couldn't help but smile.

This good show was something she couldn't miss.

And so, everyone harboring their own little thoughts, the group slowly arrived at the archery range.

By now, a large crowd of students had already gathered outside the range.

The lowerclassmen sat properly to the side, gazing up at Su Cheng, who was about to impart his knowledge, as if on a pilgrimage. The other onlookers were also full of curiosity, wanting to catch a glimpse of the "God of Kyudo."

Su Cheng, however, seemed to ignore the surrounding spectators and even his girlfriends, as if he were the only person there.

He gently took off his jacket, revealing a pristine white shirt underneath. After loosening his tie, he even undid the top button. Instantly, his fair neck and alluring collarbone became faintly visible, causing many females present to swallow hard.

"What's there to swallow saliva over?" Cornelia frowned, looking at the infatuated Xuan Ying beside her, muttering disdainfully, then wiped the drool from the corner of her own mouth.

"Actually, I'm not very good at teaching."

Su Cheng spoke, his tone flat. "This is just my humble opinion. I'll try to combine my insights with theory, hoping it won't be too terrible."

As his words fell, they were met with enthusiastic applause.

Su Cheng placed his jacket aside and took the bow and arrow handed to him. After scanning the surroundings, his gaze settled on Ji Qingyi. He slowly raised the bow and announced loudly:

"Now, I will analyze the essence of shooting for everyone."

Although this sentence was ordinary and plain, coming from his mouth, it inexplicably carried an aura of "supremacy," instantly igniting the entire venue!

If someone else had said this, they probably would have been laughed at. But Su Cheng was completely qualified to utter such "bold words," instantly winning everyone's sincere admiration.

"Cool! So incredibly cool!"

"Domineering, so utterly domineering!"

"Darn it, he's showing off!"

Liu Qingyue frustratingly covered her eyes, but her body honestly peeked through her fingers at Su Cheng's heroic posture.

"When you assume the posture to shoot," Su Cheng said while demonstrating, "you must shed your distracting thoughts like taking off an outer garment. Because, when performing the action, there cannot be the slightest flaw, or you will be disturbed by the outside world."

By the time he said this, he had already arrived at the shooting position.

"But at the moment you release the arrow," he nocked the arrow, "you must focus your spirit as much as possible, otherwise you cannot enter the state of unity between mind and bow!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the aura around him transformed abruptly—man and arrow became one, sharp and formidable!

Whoosh—

Thud!

Bullseye!

And at this moment, the audience was still immersed in the astonishing charm he had just exuded, as if they had forgotten to breathe. All things in heaven and earth faded of color, leaving only that unique figure.

Whoa—

A wave of exclamations erupted from the crowd, followed by prolonged applause and cheers that almost lifted the roof.

Although they couldn't fully understand his words, everyone seemed to vaguely grasp something, a spark of inspiration flashing through their minds, yet indescribable. They could only excitedly take out notebooks or phones to record his words.

Cornelia secretly felt proud; she had directly recorded Su Cheng's charm with her phone.

Others really didn't have the nerve, as secretly filming someone in such a formal setting was quite improper behavior.

As the applause gradually subsided, Su Cheng prepared to leave.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

At that moment, crisp clapping sounded from the crowd again.

Everyone looked towards the source and saw a beautiful young lady in a white qipao walking gracefully forward, holding a folding fan and lightly clapping her palms.

Her qipao was embroidered with a large landscape painting, elegant and refined, making her already delicate and dignified features appear even more gentle, serene, and graceful, like an orchid in a secluded valley—noble and pure.

Vice President of the Go Club—Ling Ning!

She smiled gracefully and recited, "The clouds over the mountains are vast, the river waters surge boundlessly. The gentleman's demeanor is as lofty as the mountains, as enduring as the flowing waters."