The Formula of an Unremarkable Heroine

Sunday

Su Cheng's Home

5:00 AM

Su Cheng executed a perfect kip-up, preempting his alarm clock. He then pulled out a voice recorder from his system space, holding it high above his head as if summoning Ultraman, and pressed play.

"Su Cheng, I like you!"

[Ding—]

[Character information loading...]

[Target: William Henry Cornelia]

[Confession to host successful.]

[Identified as the target's voice, but not a face-to-face confession. Reward downgraded. Future rewards of this type will continue to diminish.]

[Congratulations to the host for receiving a C-level confession.]

[100,000 yuan has been deposited.]

[Total wealth: 103,639 yuan.]

"Tch."

Su Cheng curled his lips in disdain. He had expected a B- level reward but got downgraded to a C. Still, he wasn't too upset—who would complain about free money?

Following this pattern, he could listen to it one last time tomorrow, which would be a D-level reward worth 10,000 yuan.

After quickly getting dressed, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Today, he had plans to go to the hospital for a check-up with Li Guanqi, and since it was early in the morning, he needed to hurry.

As he was brushing his teeth, his phone buzzed. He checked it and saw a message from Li Guanqi saying she was on her way and would be at his place soon.

Seeing this, he sped up his routine, took a final glance in the mirror to ensure his charm was at its peak, and then stepped out of the bathroom.

After briefly feeding Yaya on the balcony, he put on a mask and left the house.

He hadn't eaten anything because Li Guanqi had been fasting since last night, and he decided to wait until after the check-up to eat with her.

A while later...

Su Cheng stood at the entrance of his apartment complex, waiting. Soon, a sleek black luxury car pulled up and stopped at the gate.

The moment the car appeared, Su Cheng saw Li Guanqi step out. Her entrance was as usual—a black dress paired with a light-colored jacket, black stockings, and black leather shoes. The only difference was that her handbag had been replaced with a small black backpack, and she wore a limited-edition black beret.

"Good morning," Li Guanqi greeted as she approached, brushing her wind-blown hair aside and nodding at Su Cheng.

Her expression was as calm and composed as ever.

However, Su Cheng couldn't help but feel that her gaze held something more, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Perhaps it was a hint of nervousness about the upcoming check-up.

Su Cheng had previously told her that if everything went well, she could increase her intake of sweets, but if not, she'd have to cut back.

"Are you hungry?" Su Cheng glanced at his phone and noticed they still had nearly an hour before the check-up.

Li Guanqi walked up to him. "I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon."

Though she didn't outright say she was hungry, her voice sounded weaker than usual. It was clear she was famished.

But there was nothing to be done—this was the proper way to prepare for a check-up.

Catching a familiar, subtle fragrance from her, Su Cheng met Li Guanqi's clear, dark eyes and said, "Let's head over now. We'll eat a proper meal after the check-up."

"I asked the driver to leave."

"We can take the bus instead."

"Alright."

Li Guanqi nodded, and the two walked side by side to the bus stop. While waiting, she tilted her head and asked, "Did you eat breakfast?"

"I'm not hungry."

Li Guanqi frowned, displeased. "That's not good. You're not the one getting checked."

With that, she took off her backpack, pulled out a sandwich and a carton of milk, and handed them to Su Cheng, adding, "I thought this might happen, so I prepared breakfast in advance. Have this to fill your stomach for now."

"Got it, thanks."

Su Cheng didn't refuse and took the sandwich and milk. As he opened the packaging, he glanced at Li Guanqi and noticed her eyes lingering on the sandwich.

Li Guanqi seemed to notice his gaze and looked up.

Their eyes met.

Su Cheng felt that her expression was one of longing, as if she wanted to eat but couldn't because of the check-up. It was a look of internal conflict.

This put Su Cheng in an awkward position.

Should he share half with her? Or not?

Out of a sense of decency, Su Cheng decided to eat it quickly behind her back!

Li Guanqi also noticed the awkwardness and looked straight ahead, pretending not to notice.

Su Cheng devoured the sandwich in three bites and downed the milk in one gulp, tossing the trash into a nearby bin.

After wiping his mouth, he returned to her side. Li Guanqi, as composed as ever, asked nonchalantly, "Finished?"

"Yeah."

"Full?"

"Full."

The two fell silent again, standing shoulder to shoulder at the bus stop. Since it was the weekend and still early, there were only a few passersby.

At this moment, their relationship, from any angle, was the ideal "friendship."

After a while, Su Cheng decided to break the silence with a question. "Do you really like black?"

He had noticed that every time she went out, she was dressed entirely in black, standing out starkly against her surroundings, like a character straight out of a manga.

Of course, this was only noticeable if one paid attention.

After all, when the bus arrived, he would have to hold her hand to guide her on, or else it might lead to an awkward "ghost sighting" situation.

"I prefer pure black, but today's outfit isn't entirely black," Li Guanqi replied seriously.

"Huh?"

Su Cheng almost couldn't hold back a laugh, as her response carried more meaning than he expected.

So what color was it, then?

Su Cheng glanced at Li Guanqi and began to let his imagination run wild.

"This jacket is light gray!"

Li Guanqi seemed to sense something and quickly tugged at her jacket with her right hand.

Su Cheng: "..."

At that moment, he suddenly felt ashamed of himself for letting his thoughts wander and even giving her a suggestive look. How embarrassing! But seriously, what color was it?

Ugh!

I'm such a pervert!

"Ahem."

He quickly composed himself, his cheeks slightly red as he looked away. "Ahem, of course I know that. I was just thinking your jacket looks a bit thin."

With that, he took off his own jacket, revealing a white shirt underneath, and draped it over Li Guanqi's shoulders.

"I'm not cold. Don't catch a chill," Li Guanqi said, looking at his jacket and then at her own shoulders, her eyes filled with concern.

"No, I'm actually feeling hot."

As he spoke, he undid a button on his shirt to prove his point. However, when Li Guanqi saw this, she suddenly fell silent, quietly observing him.

A second later, as if noticing Su Cheng's gaze, she turned her head away, tightened his jacket around her, and nodded. "Thank you."

"Actually, there's something I've been curious about."

Su Cheng turned to her, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"What is it?"

"If you wore more eye-catching colors, would it make you more noticeable?"

"I tried that when I was younger," Li Guanqi shook her head. "It didn't work."

Her voice was soft as she continued, "Do you mind that I always wear the same outfit when I go out?"

"Of course not!"

Su Cheng quickly waved his hands in denial.

"Really?"

A mischievous glint flashed in Li Guanqi's eyes as she turned her head, seemingly teasing him to see his flustered reaction.

"Ah, you've definitely been influenced by senior sister Liu!"

Su Cheng immediately realized he'd been tricked and turned away, pretending to be upset.

Li Guanqi gently tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft and soothing. "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore."

Su Cheng turned back, smiling. "Actually, I really like your outfit. It feels familiar and comforting to me."

"Really?"

A hint of joy appeared in Li Guanqi's eyes. "I actually have several sets of the same outfit in my wardrobe."

“Exactly the same?”

Su Cheng was somewhat surprised. After all, a girl’s wardrobe is usually a colorful and chaotic mix of all sorts of hues.

“According to the books I’ve read, if an ACG character’s outfit changes colors too often, it dilutes their identity. Keeping it consistent helps players and readers remember the character more easily and not forget them.”

Li Guanqi explained gently, her tone calm and unhurried: “That’s why you feel this sense of familiarity and warmth.”

“Is this from that book The Basic Laws of Web Novel Male Leads? How does it cover everything?!”

Su Cheng was momentarily stunned, then couldn’t help but roll her eyes and complain. But soon after, she nodded: “Still, it does make some sense.”

Suddenly, she thought of something: “If we’re going by that book, does that mean I’m the legendary web novel male lead?”

However, Li Guanqi shook her head: “You’re more like an ACG male lead.”

“What? No way!”

Hearing this, Su Cheng widened her eyes in disbelief: “An ACG male lead? I’m so domineering, love to show off, and I’m thoughtful and caring. Plus, I’m great at cooking and make a lot of money (like the 100,000 I earned today). At the very least, shouldn’t I be an idol drama male lead?”

Li Guanqi didn’t respond. Instead, her eyes sparkled with delight. This was the first time Su Cheng had willingly discussed such a topic with her. In the past, Su Cheng would have avoided it at all costs!

“Then what type do you think I am?”

Li Guanqi looked at her with anticipation in her gaze.

“Ah…”

Su Cheng fell silent for a moment, then sank into deep thought. After a while, she nodded and looked at Li Guanqi seriously: “I think, if we’re talking about ACG-style works, someone like you would definitely score super high. Whether it’s players, readers, or even creators, they’d all give you top marks. You’re undoubtedly the leading heroine!”

She couldn’t deny Li Guanqi’s charm. In fact, she suspected that if she didn’t compliment her, it would come off as disrespectful.

If she had to describe Li Guanqi’s popularity, it would be like this: if they were in the 2D world, there might even be fools shouting things like, “I’m Li Guanqi’s dog!” as part of some cringe-worthy meme culture.

As for such behavior, Su Cheng would only maintain a high level of criticism and disdain for anyone trying to compete with her.

“Thank you.”

Unexpectedly, Li Guanqi raised her hand to her mouth, curling it slightly into a stiff but happy smile.

Her smile made Su Cheng feel a little dizzy.

It was clear that Li Guanqi was very pleased with the praise, and surprisingly, Su Cheng’s mood also brightened.

Just as the bus was about to arrive, Su Cheng reached out and grabbed Li Guanqi’s small hand. Li Guanqi adjusted her grip, and the two interlocked their fingers. They glanced at each other, hand in hand, and boarded the bus together.

“What do you want to eat after the check-up?”

Su Cheng asked suddenly, turning her head as she watched the scenery outside slowly pass by.

Li Guanqi didn’t respond immediately. Instead, her eyes were fixed on a child in the front seat who was eating a cream cake. She swallowed hard, then turned to Su Cheng and asked: “Can I have cake?”

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, sending out little stars of hope.

Unable to resist such an adorable look, Su Cheng instinctively nodded. But the moment she did, she regretted it—she had fallen into another trap.

Hurriedly, she shook her head and was about to say, “After the check-up, if everything’s fine, then you can have some.”

But Li Guanqi, as if anticipating this, turned her head away and muttered to herself: “Once you promise something, you can’t go back on it. Absolutely no take-backs. A real man keeps his word. A gentleman’s promise is as good as gold.”

“…”

Su Cheng’s eye twitched, but she couldn’t argue. She could only mutter, “Impressive.”

It wasn’t a big deal, though. She had a foolproof way to get Li Guanqi to say no herself—and even beg her for it.

Suddenly, Su Cheng looked around, slipped her hand into her pocket, and connected to her system space. In no time, she pulled out a small tangerine.

As she took out the tangerine, Li Guanqi’s eyes lit up, her gaze locked onto the fruit.

“Want some?”

Su Cheng’s lips curled into a devilish smile.

“No.”

Li Guanqi shook her head firmly. She knew that if she ate it, she wouldn’t be able to have cake later.

“Really? It’s super sweet.”

Her voice was like a demon’s whisper, and she even held the peeled tangerine up to Li Guanqi’s mouth.

“No.”

Li Guanqi refused without hesitation.

There was no way she’d fall for such a childish trick.

As expected, Su Cheng would probably eat it in front of her, subjecting her to immoral torture.

“Alright then, I’ll eat it myself. Hmm, but it feels like something’s missing.”

Hearing Su Cheng’s words, and catching a strange smell, Li Guanqi couldn’t help but turn her head. What she saw made her pupils shrink, her eyes widening in horror, as if she were witnessing some cultist performing a dark ritual.

Su Cheng, in her left hand, was holding a jar of chili sauce, and in her right, the tangerine. She was trying to drip the chili sauce onto the tangerine…

!!!!!!

Next, the chili-sauce-covered tangerine was popped into Su Cheng’s mouth, and she began chewing it slowly.

“No…”

Li Guanqi’s mouth fell open slightly, and her body trembled as if she had seen something too horrifying to look at directly.

This was the reaction of someone subjected to intense psychological torment…

But just as Su Cheng finished eating, she pulled out a lollipop…

And started stirring it vigorously into the chili sauce…

!!!

“Enough! I won’t eat it, stop this!”