The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Qinghe University's prestigious courtyard, but the air buzzed with whispers. News of Zhao Feng's outrageous bet with Luo Shao had spread like wildfire. Everyone was talking about it — the broke campus simp had returned as a mysterious millionaire.
And now, Zhao Feng was walking straight toward Bai Xinyue.
She stood by the fountain, surrounded by her usual group of friends. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, the sunlight catching the soft sheen. She wore an elegant white blouse and a matching skirt, effortlessly maintaining her image as the perfect campus goddess. But today, something was different.
Zhao Feng's polished leather shoes clicked against the stone pavement as he approached, each step slow and deliberate. Every eye was on him. Even Bai Xinyue, who had always looked at him with disdain, now found herself unable to tear her gaze away.
"Zhao Feng?" She finally broke the silence, disbelief laced in her voice. "Is that… really you?"
He smiled. "Who else would it be?"
Bai Xinyue's eyes flickered to his suit — impeccably tailored, undoubtedly expensive. The silver watch on his wrist gleamed, and even the faint scent of his cologne spoke of wealth. This wasn't the same man who once followed her like a lovesick puppy.
"I heard what happened with Luo Shao…" Her voice softened, the air of superiority she once held wavering. "That wasn't like you. Challenging him like that."
"Maybe," Zhao Feng replied coolly. "But people change."
She bit her lip, clearly struggling to maintain her composure. "Where did you get all that money? Don't tell me you're mixed up in something dangerous."
A few girls around her giggled, but their laughter lacked the usual mockery. They were watching him with curiosity now. Some even with admiration.
Zhao Feng stepped closer, his gaze locked on Bai Xinyue. "Why? Are you worried about me now?"
"I—" She faltered. "It's just… you've changed so much."
He chuckled, the sound low and confident. "You're right. I have. But isn't this what you wanted, Xinyue? Status. Power. Someone who's 'good enough' for you?"
Her face paled. "That's not fair. I never said—"
"You didn't have to." Zhao Feng's voice remained steady, but there was no mistaking the edge beneath it. "When I had nothing, you treated me like I didn't exist. And now that I'm standing here like this, you suddenly care?"
Ding!
[System Notification: Emotional Impact Detected. +50 Influence.]
Bai Xinyue's fingers tightened around her handbag. The usual self-assurance she carried was gone. For the first time, she seemed… uncertain.
"I-I just…" She struggled for words. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Zhao Feng."
He nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering. "And I didn't mean to waste three years chasing after someone who never saw my worth."
The crowd gasped. Bai Xinyue's cheeks flushed crimson. Zhao Feng didn't wait for a response. With a final glance, he turned away, the sound of his footsteps fading into the murmurs around him.
Ding!
[Mission Complete: Confront the Goddess Bai Xinyue]
[Reward Claimed: 2 Million Simp Coins, +100 Confidence, +70 Influence]
But just as Zhao Feng passed the fountain, a new notification popped up.
[New Mission: Attend the Campus Gala and Dominate the Night.]
[Bonus Objective: Arrive with a Goddess of Your Own.]
He smirked. "A goddess of my own, huh?"
The system never failed to keep things interesting.