Chapter 3: The Protagonist with X-ray Vision

"Apologize," Wang Haoran said in a flat tone.

Fan Jian, though not understanding why the boss wanted Xu Muyan to apologize, still tried to enforce it with a firm attitude.

However, as soon as Fan Jian finished speaking, he was smacked on the forehead.

"Boss, why did you hit me?" he asked, puzzled.

"I told you to apologize to Xu Muyan and to stop calling her 'big sister,'" Wang Haoran replied.

"Huh?"

"Huh what? Hurry up and apologize."

"Okay." Fan Jian bowed to Xu Muyan:

"I'm sorry, Xu Muyan. I was wrong. I won't call you that again."

Wang Haoran then addressed Xu Muyan, who was still in shock:

"The 'big sister' nickname was just a tease from them and has nothing to do with me. I won't let them call you that anymore. Anyone who dares to shout it will have their mouth broken.

As for the rumors that I like you and want to pursue you, that's false.

It's senior year, and academics are the priority. I'm not interested in dating at the moment, so don't think too much about it.

Alright, that's it."

With that, Wang Haoran turned and walked back to the classroom, leaving Xu Muyan standing there in a daze.

**[Ding! Changed Xu Muyan's impression of the host. Favorability increased by 20. Current favorability: 10 (Ordinary Acquaintance).]**

**[Ding! Host influenced the original plot, gaining 200 Villain Points.]**

As Wang Haoran reached the classroom door, he received the system's notification.

He wasn't particularly surprised.

Much of Xu Muyan's previous dislike for him stemmed from the "scandal" and the constant teasing from his subordinates calling her "big sister."

Imagine a young girl who's never been in a relationship—she'd certainly be embarrassed.

Wang Haoran hadn't done anything excessive towards Xu Muyan. By clarifying the situation and warning his subordinates to stop the teasing, her dislike was naturally mitigated.

The 10 favorability points now had him on equal footing with the protagonist.

Aside from the favorability boost, he had also earned Villain Points.

Wang Haoran checked his current panel attributes:

**[Host: Wang Haoran]**

**[Combat Power: 89]**

**[Charm: 198]**

**[Villain Aura: 99]**

**[Villain Points: 300]**

**[Skills: None]**

"Hmm, with 300 Villain Points, I just need 200 more to open the system store. I wonder what's available. If there's something to boost combat power, that would be great," Wang Haoran thought, eagerly anticipating the store's offerings.

Given the protagonist's combat power is well above average, Wang Haoran, with his current power below average, wouldn't stand a chance in a direct confrontation.

As Wang Haoran pondered this, he suddenly felt a pair of eyes scrutinizing him in the classroom.

That gaze was filled with a hint of hostility.

The owner of that gaze was the underdog protagonist, Chu Bai.

The name "Chu Bai" sounded impressive—one of the four major surnames for protagonists in web novels.

Chu Bai's hostile glare made Wang Haoran quickly surmise the reason behind it.

Fan Jian, Fan Tong, and Qin Shousheng had blocked Chu Bai's path the previous day, leading Chu Bai to assume Wang Haoran was behind it.

But in reality, it was those three acting on their own.

However, Wang Haoran had no intention of explaining. There was no need.

As a villain, he was naturally at odds with the protagonist.

"System, query Chu Bai's attributes," Wang Haoran instructed.

**[Query requires 100 Villain Points. Proceed?]**

"Yes!"

Although Wang Haoran had some understanding of the original plot, the details were vague and generalized.

After spending Villain Points, Chu Bai's attributes were revealed:

**[Protagonist: Chu Bai]**

**[Combat Power: 155]**

**[Charm: 100]**

**[Protagonist Aura: 357]**

**[Skills: X-ray Vision]**

"Oh, so he's a protagonist with X-ray vision," Wang Haoran noted, initially worried about spending 100 Villain Points but now feeling it was worth it.

Knowing Chu Bai's special ability made dealing with him somewhat easier.

Chu Bai's charm was only 100, average at best. It was surprising he managed to attract so many beautiful girls in the original plot.

Wang Haoran, with his explosive charm of 198, hadn't attracted even one girl. It seemed unfair!

Chu Bai's combat power of 155 was outstanding, surpassing the average by half.

In the original plot, Chu Bai used his superior combat power for numerous heroic rescue scenarios, winning the hearts of many beautiful girls.

However, Wang Haoran found this unrealistic.

In today's peaceful society, there weren't so many thugs for Chu Bai to fight, and saving a girl wasn't usually enough to win her affection.

Beauty and wealth were the true keys to success in modern society.

An average-looking person with fighting skills didn't deserve all the attention just for a heroic act.

Meanwhile, Wang Haoran, with his high charm and wealth, was disliked by the female lead. It was simply unreasonable!

"System, if I spend money to eliminate Chu Bai, what's the chance of success?" Wang Haoran asked, determined to take direct action.

**[Due to the high Protagonist Aura, with your current Villain Aura, the chance of success is nearly zero.]**

Damn, I knew it would be like this.

Wang Haoran was frustrated but not entirely disheartened. He asked:

"A nearly zero chance means there's still a small chance, right? It's worth a try."

**[Direct action against the protagonist is not recommended. The protagonist's aura can trigger opportunities that make him stronger, which is highly unfavorable to the host.]**

"The protagonist aura is too overpowered," Wang Haoran muttered in annoyance.

**[Please don't be discouraged. You can weaken the protagonist's aura by stealing his opportunities and capturing the female lead's heart and body. This will increase your Villain Aura points and improve your chances for such actions.]**

"I guess I'll have to take it step by step, stealing opportunities and women to undermine the protagonist's aura. If I don't, I'm heading for a dead end."

Wang Haoran solidified his determination.