"Dinglingling~"
Suddenly—
The phone in Hoshino Mirai's bag rang.
She lowered her head to rummage through her bag, took out her phone, checked the caller ID, and then answered the call: "Brother, what's the matter?"
Su Cheng next to her couldn't quite make out the words coming from the phone, only noticing that Hoshino Mirai's expression changed slightly.
She suddenly seemed upset, and her voice slightly raised as she said into the phone: "I didn't get selected, so what? It’s clearly because of my own lack of ability!"
"I did this just to express respect, gratitude, and nostalgia, not to make a wish. I beg you, Brother, can you stop treating it like a wishing machine?"
After speaking, Hoshino Mirai hung up the phone, looking visibly annoyed.
Seeing this, Su Cheng's heart skipped a beat.
He remembered that Hoshino Mirai's brother had wished for her to become the Disciplinary Committee Chairman before, but judging from this situation, it seemed she hadn't been selected. A disagreement had arisen between the siblings.
A few minutes later,
"Pat pat pat~"
Urgent footsteps echoed from the steps leading to the rooftop.
Seeing this, Hoshino Mirai quickly extinguished the incense stick, placed the censer and incense back into her bag, and finally stood up to adjust her attire.
"I haven't even finished burning the incense yet, I’m not full…"
Seeing Hoshino Mirai so tense, Su Cheng, hiding in the corner, couldn't help but mutter to himself.
"Little sis, I knew you'd be here. I haven’t finished what I wanted to say!"
A figure appeared at the door, it was Hoshino Yikui, who was breathing heavily as he addressed his sister.
"Brother, what is it?"
Hoshino Mirai looked at her older brother, her tone calm.
"The newly appointed Disciplinary Committee Chairman has decided to seal off all the rooftops. If you want to come up to the roof in the future, you’ll have to apply for permission with the duty officer on that day."
Hoshino Yikui reluctantly revealed this news, knowing that his sister came to the rooftop every day to visit the penguin.
However, this semi-enclosed rooftop was indeed quite dangerous, and if an accident were to happen, it would be troublesome.
He then took out a key from his pocket, indicating that this task had been assigned to him today.
"Is that so? I understand."
However, Hoshino Mirai's expression darkened, and she turned to leave towards the door.
"Hey! Little sis!"
Seeing Hoshino Mirai ignore him, Hoshino Yikui immediately stood up and chased after her: "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Aren't you supposed to lock the door?"
Hoshino Mirai looked up at her brother, her voice slightly disheartened: "I naturally need to leave here."
"What about it? Aren't you going to take it with you?"
Hoshino Yikui pointed to the penguin statue in the corner, continuing: "You won’t be able to come up here freely anymore. The Disciplinary Committee will make unannounced inspections, and it might be removed."
"It…"
Hoshino Mirai turned to look at the penguin statue in the corner, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Although I really want to take it with me, the rooftop is its rightful place."
"But if the other Disciplinary Committee members find it, they might remove it and treat it as junk!"
Hoshino Yikui couldn't help but grow anxious. This wasn’t like his usual sister at all. Normally, she would cherish it deeply and never allow anyone to remove it.
But today was completely different!
"Have you stopped liking the penguin?"
Hoshino Yikui tentatively asked.
"Who said I don’t like it anymore!"
Hoshino Mirai's eyes suddenly reddened, but she still clenched her teeth and continued: "I’ll file an application stating that the penguin is mine. If it’s not approved, I’ll remove it myself. If it is approved, I’ll apply for the key once a week to come up."
"I see."
Hearing Hoshino Mirai's response, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
He nodded and continued: "Alright, then let’s do it your way. I’ll also apply for the key every week for you, so you can come up more often. Let’s go to the Disciplinary Committee now to explain the situation."
"Thank you, Brother."
Hoshino Mirai finally revealed a bright smile and followed Hoshino Yikui downstairs.
"By the way, do you like Brother more or the penguin?"
"Why would you ask such a strange question?"
"I just want to know."
"This is not fair; you can’t compare these two!"
"So, you like Brother more, huh?"
"You’re such a siscon, hmph. I like both. Although Brother is the best brother in the world, the Penguin Prince is also very important to me. I really like it."
As she spoke, she couldn't help but glance back at the rooftop, her gaze coincidentally meeting Su Cheng's direction, who was still invisible.
Hoshino Yikui then locked the rooftop door and left with his sister.
……………………
Meanwhile, Su Cheng stood frozen in place, his mind blank as he listened to the system's prompt.
[Ding—]
[Confession success]
[Evaluating—]
[Confession successful]
[Congratulations, you have received a B-level confession.]
[Random reward: 1 attribute point—]
[Your attribute points have changed.]
[Intelligence: 8]
[Ding—]
[Attribute talent skills have been derived.]
[Intelligence has reached 8.]
[Talent skill 1: Memory enhancement]
[Talent skill 2: Observation enhancement]
[Talent skill 3: Imagination enhancement]
[Talent skill 4: Thinking enhancement]
[Talent skill 5: Judgment enhancement]
[Talent skill 6: Adaptability enhancement]
[Do you want to randomly draw one talent skill?]
"Gulp~"
Su Cheng swallowed hard.
It was quite sudden…
This time, the skill options were much more powerful than last time.
Last time, the charm skills were basically useless/a rip-off, and in the end, the talent skills didn't really come in handy, or rather, they were completely useless. But this time, it's different—each skill seems very useful!
He took a deep breath. Since these skills don’t have any side effects like last time and seem equally useful, he decided to just draw randomly.
"Randomly draw one talent skill."
[Ding—]
[Congratulations, you have obtained the passive talent skill: Adaptability (Enhanced).]
"Check the skill!"
[Intelligence talent skill]
[Adaptability: Danger sense enhancement]
[Passive skill]
[Effect 1: You can sense the "subtle" air currents around you, thereby predicting changes in the environment, predicting, or avoiding danger.]
[Effect 2: Your body will respond defensively when any threat approaches.]
[User: Su Cheng]
[Intelligence: 8]
[Charm: 8]
[Stamina: 6]
[System: "The largest ship carries heavy loads, and the swiftest horse rides far."]
[Status: Archery champion.]
[Club: Archery Club]
[Wealth: 1,939 yuan]
[System skill: Devildom.]
[Charm talent skill: Deep Abyss Hormones]
[Intelligence talent skill: Adaptability: Sensing enhancement]
[System items: Magic Cigarettes (Hard) 10/pack, Magic Cigarettes (Soft) 15/pack, Sword of Chaos, Red Potion, Magic Glasses.]
"Alright!"
Seeing the skill description, Su Cheng finally revealed a gratified expression. Yes, this danger-warning skill was like a timely delivery of coal in winter.
Su Cheng stored the sword into the system space, excitedly closed his eyes to feel his body and the surrounding changes.
Honestly, getting this skill made him very happy.
This is what they call a sixth sense.
And judging from the system description, he wouldn’t have to run from every female he meets at school anymore. As long as there’s any threat approaching him, his body would instinctively respond.
Because he could block their mouths first.
"Don’t you say I can feel the air currents?"
Su Cheng opened his eyes, puzzled, and waved his fist in the air, but there was only a gust of wind with no special feeling.
He found that there was no difference from before. There was no special sensation.
He tried to sense the surroundings again, closing his eyes, but the result was the same, no special feeling.
"Could it be that it only triggers when there’s danger/threat?"
Su Cheng thought deeply. If that’s the case, it’s actually quite good.
But he still decided to find some danger to test it out.
It’s like learning a new game skill and can’t wait to try it out; he was no exception.
So, he prepared to leave the rooftop to find some danger.
However, when he pulled the door, he found that it wouldn’t budge…
"Huh?"
Su Cheng pulled the door a few more times, only then remembering that Hoshino Yikui had locked it earlier, so he couldn’t get out now.
"Ah…"
Su Cheng rubbed his temples in frustration, feeling a wave of distress wash over him.
In the end, he decided to activate his third innate skill.
…………………………
Twenty minutes later, a black-haired girl with long, straight hair opened the door with a key and glanced at the rooftop. Upon spotting Su Cheng, she walked over to him with a light step and sat down beside him.
She wore a calm expression, as serene as still water, and didn't ask any questions. She simply sat next to Su Cheng and waited quietly for him to speak.
This was Su Cheng's third power: the ability to "Watch the Chessboard."
"Thank you, otherwise today would have been a big trouble," Su Cheng turned his head and thanked Li Guanqi beside him.
But instead of responding, Li Guanqi unexpectedly noticed a penguin statue in the corner and asked, "May I take a closer look at it?"
Because Su Cheng had mentioned that he had once turned into a penguin.
And this penguin even held a knife in its mouth.
So, she believed this penguin was likely Su Cheng.
"Sure, but it's not mine," Su Cheng nodded.
"I see."
Li Guanqi walked over, crouched down, and carefully examined the statue. Finally, unable to resist, she extended her right hand and gently touched the penguin's head, saying, "It's you."
"It's me."
Li Guanqi stood up and turned to look at Su Cheng, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity and desire. She softly asked, "Can you tell me the story behind this?"
"Of course."
Su Cheng agreed without hesitation.
Seeing this, Li Guanqi's eyes sparkled with delight.
She sat beside Su Cheng and listened quietly as he recounted.
She knew that Su Cheng turning into a penguin was her fault.
Next, Su Cheng began to recount the continuation of Hoshino Mirai's story, which filled Li Guanqi with guilt.
After Su Cheng finished, he looked at Li Guanqi, who remained silent, and also lowered his head to ponder.
He didn't know how to handle this situation.
Should he confess that this penguin was him?
Or should he let the matter develop on its own?
At this moment, Li Guanqi suddenly raised her head and said, "I guess you're caught in a dilemma, aren't you?"
Su Cheng nodded silently.
"Some things don't need to be forced, because according to the plot's development, she will eventually find out it's you."
Li Guanqi said slowly, her tone carrying a hint of certainty.
"Hmm?"
Su Cheng looked at Li Guanqi in astonishment, shocked, "Did you read some strange book again?"
"I didn't read any strange books."
Li Guanqi shook her head: "It's a very ordinary inference."
"So, are you reading horoscope books these days?"
Su Cheng was stunned and continued to be shocked.
"I already said I didn't."
Li Guanqi gave Su Cheng an annoyed glance. "What if you meet Hoshino Mirai again and she's in trouble, will you help her?"
Suddenly, Li Guanqi posed a soul-searching question.
Su Cheng froze for a moment, then nodded.
"Your story with her isn't over yet."
Li Guanqi turned to look at Su Cheng again and continued, "Since it has already happened, there's no need to deliberately avoid it. Explain, make amends, and let nature take its course."
"I understand, but just now she gave me another attribute point."
Su Cheng came back to his senses and said.
Li Guanqi's eyes revealed a hint of surprise.
Previously, when Su Cheng recounted their story, he had mentioned rewards.
"What attribute?"
Li Guanqi looked at Su Cheng, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.
"Intelligence."
"What special abilities does it provide?"
Li Guanqi continued to ask.
Su Cheng smiled and answered, "Two effects: it can predict danger and my body will react instinctively. But right now, I don't feel any changes myself, I guess it only activates when I'm in danger."
"Sounds like a good skill."
Li Guanqi nodded and then fell into thought, seemingly pondering something.
Su Cheng watched her in silence, waiting for Li Guanqi to figure it out.
"So, are you planning to test this ability next?"
After a while, Li Guanqi suddenly pulled a newspaper from her bag, rolled it into a stick shape, and asked while speaking.
"Yes."
Su Cheng nodded, puzzled by her actions, so he asked doubtfully, "What are you…?"
Before he could finish, Li Guanqi swung the rolled-up newspaper stick at his head.
"Thwack～"
Caught off guard, Su Cheng was hit but understood that Li Guanqi's actions were meant to test his ability.
He frowned at Li Guanqi, who was deep in thought, and explained, "Maybe it wasn't dangerous enough?"
"No."
Li Guanqi shook her head and told Su Cheng her thoughts, "I think it's because of our relationship. Your subconscious trusts me, so the 'perception' didn't sense any threat from me."
"Ah?"
Su Cheng exclaimed, thinking it over and realizing it made sense.
After all, their relationship was indeed 'just friends.'
Subconsciously, there was no reason to be wary.
"However, you don't necessarily need to use such dangerous methods to test its effects," Li Guanqi looked at Su Cheng and continued, "I have a simpler method that can allow you to experience genuine threat."
"So…"
Su Cheng was stunned, but before he could continue asking, he suddenly felt a huge change in his body.
Adrenocortical hormones increased, blood sugar and blood pressure spiked, heart rate soared, and breathing accelerated.
These were the body's self-defense and reaction mechanisms being activated!
Immediately, he covered Li Guanqi's mouth and signaled for her to be quiet.
Li Guanqi blinked cutely, indicating she understood.
"So, were you preparing to confess just now?"
Su Cheng widened his eyes, utterly stunned.
"I just had the thought in my mind."
Li Guanqi shook her head. She paused and continued, "But you moved first. So, this skill is very suitable for you, capable of solving your current predicament."
"Hmm, it seems the Effect 2 skill has been tested."
Su Cheng nodded thoughtfully.
"Do you still want to try Effect 1?"
Li Guanqi asked.
"No need."
Su Cheng stood up: "Let's head back to class?"
"Okay."
Li Guanqi agreed and stood up.
As the two exited the rooftop, Li Guanqi locked the door.
Just as they descended the club stairs, Su Cheng swiftly predicted and shut off the music player.
Li Guanqi noticed this, her eyes showing a trace of confusion.
"I'll go to the bathroom first."
Su Cheng didn't explain further and headed straight for the men's restroom.
Li Guanqi watched Su Cheng's retreating figure, then turned to glance at the music player in the corner. She couldn't resist picking it up and turning it on.
"Invisible girl with Akarin's power, our club is short of an assassin…"
".……"
Before the other person could finish, Li Guanqi closed it emotionlessly, placed it back in the corner, and returned to her original spot to wait for Su Cheng.
As if nothing had happened.
One minute later,
Su Cheng emerged, and the two walked side by side, leaving the club.
Heading towards the main teaching building, they strolled around the campus, with Su Cheng wearing a mask.
Now that he had this ability, headphones and earplugs seemed unnecessary.
As long as there was a body warning, he would cover his ears and bolt.
During this time, they passed by the basketball court, tennis court, and other locations.
They didn't encounter any unexpected flying objects, as portrayed in TV dramas or anime.
"Hmm, where is she?"
Suddenly, Su Cheng noticed that the Li Guanqi beside him was gone. Looking around, he saw her at the vending machine, buying two bottles of drinks.
"Here."
Li Guanqi handed one of the bottles to Su Cheng.
Su Cheng took it, drank a mouthful, and then the two sat on a nearby bench, watching the girls sweating on the tennis court in the distance. Su Cheng casually asked, "What's this afternoon's physical education class?"
"Horse riding."
"With which class?"
"Your club president's class."
……………………………………
Afternoon
Horse riding class
Ji Qingyi still hadn't come to class.
But Su Cheng already had his own understanding of horse riding. He had taken two classes, and his foundation was already very solid.
At first, dealing with horses was indeed quite a headache for him, as horses are known to be very spirited and proud creatures.
So, as a newcomer, the horses were very unruly.
But he enjoyed the challenge of the high difficulty. With just a glance, the horse would kneel down, showing complete obedience and never daring to disobey his commands.
However, the issue that arose was that this horse only obeyed Su Cheng.
In short, it had become a case of privatization of public transportation.
This left the instructor feeling quite frustrated.
Especially for students from other classes, who were on the verge of spitting blood. They had finally managed to tame and ride their beloved horses, only for them to now refuse to let anyone else ride them. This gave them a strange sense of NTR déjà vu...
………………
Afternoon
Archery Club
After finishing his equestrian class, Su Cheng arrived at the dojo. The dojo was as quiet as usual today.
Because everyone was at home resting.
They only come on Thursdays.
He knocked on the door of the practice hall, and the usual cold voice of Ji Qingyi echoed: "Come in."
Pushing the door open, he entered and saw the usual scene, except that his ice-cold club president was not quite as usual.
Instead, she seemed a bit out of place...
Today, Ji Qingyi wasn't reading, nor was she sipping tea or writing.
Instead, she was hunched over, holding a phone in her hands, seemingly fiddling with something.
Seeing this scene, he felt super out of place.
Normally, she would be wearing a white dobok/school uniform, with her black hair cascading like a waterfall, her tall figure exuding elegance, her demeanor otherworldly...
But now, she... had become a phone addict.
"President? President?"
Su Cheng tentatively called out twice, and she looked up at him, her face still expressionless: "Hmm."
"President, what are you doing?"
Curious, Su Cheng walked over and sat down at the table.
"I just discovered a convenient app."
Ji Qingyi casually replied. She put down her phone and picked up her teacup, taking a sip.
Su Cheng glanced at her unclosed screen and saw that it was displaying an e-book.
The title was: "Li Ji · Qu Li Shang"
Su Cheng asked curiously: "President, don't you have a physical copy of this book?"
"Yes, but I was just curious and took a look."
Ji Qingyi looked at him, then began to pour tea for Su Cheng.
"Hmm, reading apps are very convenient; you can search and view some famous books from all over the world."
Su Cheng nodded, then asked: "How did you find it, President?"
"I accidentally clicked into it; it was an unexpected find."
Ji Qingyi held her teacup, taking a light sip, her eyes flickering slightly: "For you, this is something very simple, but for me, it's complicated and overwhelming."
Su Cheng naturally understood her self-mockery. He remained silent for a few seconds, then said: "If you ever have any issues with your phone, you can come to me."
After saying that, he also took out his phone.
The same model, same color.
Although he didn't understand why Ji Qingyi didn't use her own product but instead used his type of discontinued affordable phone.
"I understand."
Ji Qingyi nodded, her tone still as unwavering as ever. But she picked up her phone again to continue studying its contents.
Seeing this, Su Cheng could only start drinking tea by himself.
The two remained silent for a while, and then Ji Qingyi suddenly looked up at Su Cheng and said: "This."
As she spoke, she handed her phone to Su Cheng. Su Cheng was slightly startled, then looked at the screen, his mouth twitching.
"What does 'only the subsequent content can be viewed by opening VIP' mean?"
Ji Qingyi tilted her head, puzzled, but this scene in Su Cheng's eyes exuded an unexpectedly sweet and unbearably cute aura.