Mysterious gifts.

In the private gym of Star Entertainment Agency, the faint sound of sneakers brushing against the polished wooden floor echoed softly, accompanied by rhythmic breathing and the occasional metallic clink of equipment. The air was filled with the light fragrance of essential oils mixed with the subtle scent of sweat, yet the atmosphere remained elegant and professional.

Among the group of dazzling idols working out, Shen Yixue stood out the most. Dressed in a sleek black sports outfit that hugged her slender yet curvaceous figure, her cold and indifferent expression made her seem untouchable, like an ice-cold queen reigning over this world of glamour. Her long, jet-black hair was tied into a high ponytail, and even while wiping the sweat from her delicate face with a white towel, her every movement exuded elegance and grace.

"Yixue, I heard someone booked an entire luxury suite at the Imperial Pavilion last night, just to treat you to dinner. What's the deal with that?" A girl with short, dyed ash-gray hair and a playful personality, Li Yue, couldn't help but tease as she adjusted the straps of her sports bra. "Spending millions and not even showing up... Isn't that a bit too mysterious?"

Beside her, another idol, Xia Wan, a sweet-looking girl with soft brown hair and a gentle smile, chimed in with a hint of envy, "I heard the staff say he even left a handwritten note for you. A man like that... isn't he kind of romantic?"

Shen Yixue remained silent, her cold eyes reflecting no emotion as she took a sip of mineral water. However, in her heart, she couldn't help but recall the contents of the note left in the private room.

"No need to know who I am. This meal is simply my tribute to a beautiful soul."

Simple words, yet filled with inexplicable elegance and confidence.

Unlike those rich second-generation heirs who constantly tried to buy her attention with luxury gifts and pretentious words, this mysterious fan's actions were subtle, yet strangely... memorable.

As the other idols continued to buzz with excitement, a tall, well-built man standing not far away remained silent. Li Hao, the agency's top bodyguard, who had been assigned to protect Shen Yixue for years, furrowed his brows as he recalled the surveillance footage from the Imperial Pavilion.

The man who booked the suite looked completely ordinary. No luxury brand clothes, no flashy accessories, and not even an expensive car to show off his wealth. Yet, for some reason, when Li Hao looked at him, he couldn't shake off an indescribable feeling... as if that man was far more dangerous than he appeared.

"Miss Shen, do you want me to investigate him further?" Li Hao finally spoke in a low tone, his eyes filled with caution.

"No need." Shen Yixue shook her head lightly, her tone as cold as ever. "He's just a fan."

Yet, deep down, she couldn't deny the ripple of curiosity that had already been planted within her heart.

A man who could spend millions on her and disappear without seeking recognition... What exactly was he thinking?

Unbeknownst to her, miles away, inside a dimly lit dormitory room, Jiang Chen leaned lazily against his chair, scrolling through the Counterattack Money System interface.

[Current Cashback Balance: ¥44,444][Feeling Meter: 13/100]

"Only 13 points after spending a few million... Tsk, this cold goddess really isn't easy to crack," Jiang Chen muttered with a smirk, but there was no sign of disappointment on his face. In fact, he seemed more interested.

The slower the progress, the deeper the impact would be when she finally fell.

After all, he wasn't in a rush. With the Counterattack Money System in hand, patience was his greatest weapon. Moreover, Jiang Chen knew that curiosity was often the first step to breaking down a woman's heart. And right now, Shen Yixue had already unknowingly taken that step.

What Jiang Chen didn't realize, however, was that at this very moment, inside the agency, Shen Yixue had already instructed her assistant to subtly investigate the Imperial Pavilion's guest records. Not to expose him, but simply... to know who he was.

After all, this was the first time someone had managed to leave an impression on her.

"Yixue... is this the start of your legendary romance?" Li Yue teased with a sly smile as she stretched her body in front of the mirror.

Shen Yixue gave her a cold glance but chose not to respond. Her mind was already occupied with thoughts of the mysterious man who appeared out of nowhere... and left just as quietly.

Perhaps, this summer was destined to be different.

In the dimly lit dormitory, Jiang Chen leaned back in his chair, glancing at the Counterattack Money System interface.

[Current Cashback Balance: ¥9,888,888][Feeling Meter: 33/100]

He sighed softly.

For the past few days, he'd been anonymously sending luxurious meals and gifts to the girls from the bar, hoping to leave a subtle impression. However, instead of feeling grateful, those girls were now overwhelmed with fear and anxiety.

"...Did I go too far?" Jiang Chen muttered to himself with a helpless smile.

At that moment, his phone vibrated.

It was Liu Yue, the lively girl who approached him for a drink that night.

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Chen picked up the call.

"Hello?"

Liu Yue's voice sounded a little tense, "Jiang Chen... can we talk in a group call? Some... strange things have been happening to me and my friends recently."

Jiang Chen could already guess what was going on.

"Alright," he replied calmly.

A moment later, Liu Yue added her friends to the call — Qin Meng, the cold beauty, Zhao Xixi, the timid one, and Lin Ke'er, the cheerful one.

The atmosphere felt awkward and heavy.

Liu Yue was the first to speak, her tone filled with unease.

"Jiang Chen... I know this might sound strange, but... for the past few days, we've been receiving luxurious meals and expensive gifts. At first, we thought it was from some rich admirer, but... this is starting to feel really creepy."

Zhao Xixi chimed in nervously, "W-We even thought... that maybe someone was secretly stalking us..."

Hearing their words, Jiang Chen couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"I understand how you feel... But don't worry, the one who sent all of that was me."

"...You?" The girls were stunned.

"Why... would you do that?" Qin Meng asked with a frown.

Jiang Chen's tone remained gentle, "I just thought... you girls looked a bit tired that night, so I wanted to treat you to something nice. No other intentions... I just didn't want to disturb your lives, so I did it anonymously."

The girls fell silent.

It turned out... the man who had been spoiling them with expensive gifts wasn't some creepy stalker, but... Jiang Chen, the quiet and polite guy they met that night.

Liu Yue felt a little guilty, "W-We misunderstood you..."

Jiang Chen smiled lightly, "It's understandable. If I were in your position, I would've been cautious too."

His calm and considerate words made the girls' hearts soften.

Lin Ke'er couldn't help but say, "But... why spend so much money on us? You barely know us..."

Jiang Chen leaned back and replied casually, "Money... is just a number to me. I simply enjoy making people around me happy."

The girls were stunned once again.

In this world filled with men who only chased after beauty with ulterior motives, someone like Jiang Chen felt too unreal.

"Jiang Chen, you're really different," Liu Yue whispered softly.

Zhao Xixi's tone also became more relaxed: "I... actually feel a bit touched now..."

Even the cold Qin Meng's voice softened: "I thought... men like you only existed in novels."

At that moment, the Counterattack Money System interface flickered.

[Ding! Current Feeling Meter: 35/100][You've unlocked the "Beginner Charm Aura."]

Jiang Chen smiled to himself.

The girls no longer felt fear toward him.

Instead... a strange warmth started to grow in their hearts.

And perhaps, from this moment on...

These girls would never forget the man who silently cared for them from behind the scenes.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow inside the dormitory. Jiang Chen stretched lazily and glanced at his phone. Several messages from Liu Yue, Zhao Xixi, and Lin Ke'er popped up on his screen.

[Liu Yue: Morning! Are you working today?][Zhao Xixi: Thanks again for yesterday... I slept really well after knowing it was you.][Lin Ke'er: You still haven't explained why you're so generous, you know?]

Jiang Chen chuckled. It seemed that after last night's conversation, the girls had become more comfortable with him.

Just as he was about to reply, his sister's voice called from outside.

"Jiang Chen! Get up already! I'm starving!"

Jiang Chen shook his head with a helpless smile. His little sister was as impatient as ever.

After a quick shower, he changed into a casual outfit and stepped out to find his sister waiting at the door, arms crossed.

"Let's go eat outside today," Jiang Chen said with a smile.

His sister raised an eyebrow. "You? Treating me to a meal? Did you win the lottery or something?"

Jiang Chen simply patted her head. "Let's just say... I feel like spoiling my sister today."

Though she acted indifferent, a small, pleased smile tugged at her lips as she followed him out.

They arrived at an upscale restaurant downtown. Jiang Chen had picked a high-end but not overly extravagant place, knowing his sister preferred a cozy atmosphere over flashy displays of wealth.

As they settled into their seats, his sister glanced around before leaning in slightly. "Alright, tell me honestly... Did you suddenly get rich or something?"

Jiang Chen smirked. "Why do you ask?"

"You've been acting weird. Treating me to expensive food, looking more confident than usual..." She narrowed her eyes. "And I saw you smiling at your phone just now. Who are you texting?"

Jiang Chen took a sip of tea, dodging the question smoothly. "Just some friends."

His sister didn't seem convinced, but before she could press further, their food arrived.

Throughout the meal, Jiang Chen and his sister chatted about everything—her studies, his supposed 'newfound confidence,' and random childhood memories.

Though he had been busy with his Counterattack Money System, he hadn't forgotten the importance of family. Watching his sister laugh and enjoy herself, Jiang Chen felt a sense of warmth.

At the same time, his phone buzzed with another message.

[Liu Yue: Hey, we're thinking of going golfing this weekend. Ever played before?]

Jiang Chen smiled slightly.

Golf, huh? It seemed like another good opportunity to leave an impression.

As his sister continued eating happily, Jiang Chen replied.

[Jiang Chen: Never played before, but I wouldn't mind trying. Let me book the place.]

Almost instantly, Liu Yue responded.

[Liu Yue: Hah? You're treating again?][Lin Ke'er: He spoils us more than our exes did, lol.][Zhao Xixi: …I kind of like this feeling.]

Jiang Chen shook his head with a quiet chuckle.

They didn't realize it yet, but little by little… they were already falling into his rhythm.