S-grade item

【Ding—】

As Gu Ruoxue's sudden words fell, the system notification sounds also kept ringing in his mind. After confirming that it wasn't a punishment, he didn't pay much attention to the system alerts.

Because her words were still buzzing in his ears, lingering for a long time.

At this moment, his mind was filled with countless questions. He couldn't understand why Gu Ruoxue's words weren't a punishment but a reward instead.

After all, she knew about the system's existence!

Could it be that this woman had perfectly mastered the system's rules?

And... the cost of having liked her?

From her words, it seemed that the two of them had indeed shared a deep connection in the past.

But soon, he forced himself to calm down. He took a deep breath, looked at her calmly, and slowly asked, "How did you do it?"

His question was simple: How did you bypass the system's detection?

When she was about to answer him, she suddenly said something that sounded like a 'confession.' Could it be that she wanted to use this method to 'confess' and give him a reward, using this new tool to help him solve his problem?

But if she could really do that, wouldn't it mean that this woman could provide him with S-level rewards every single day?!

What kind of godly manipulation skill was this? It made him want to bow down and learn from her, and then tell Ji Qingyi, Liu Qingyue, Li Guanqi, and the others...

Su Cheng grew more and more excited, but he maintained a calm exterior, waiting for Gu Ruoxue's answer.

However, after waiting for a long time, he still didn't hear a response. He raised his head again and saw that Gu Ruoxue was still sitting in her seat, pouring tea from a teapot into a mug without even looking up.

Soon, another steaming cup of tea was placed in front of Su Cheng. She set the cup on the table and said softly, "Both you and I need time to digest and process this. Once this matter is over, you can come back."

She looked at Su Cheng indifferently, her expression devoid of any emotion.

"So, this is your help?"

Su Cheng looked at the steaming tea on the table, then at Gu Ruoxue's calm face.

This sentence also carried a lot of information. Did she also need time?

Could it be that bypassing the system's detection came with a cost?

"Yes, so you don't need to thank me. I just hope you can keep your promise and not forget my words. Otherwise, we won't have a basis for cooperation anymore."

As she spoke, Gu Ruoxue tidied up the documents on the table, put them in her bag, and stood up. "It's getting late. I have things to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Remember to lock the door when you leave."

Su Cheng didn't move, his eyes fixed on Gu Ruoxue.

She didn't linger after speaking. Carrying her bag, she walked straight to the door, her slender figure gradually disappearing from Su Cheng's sight.

Only when her figure was completely out of view did Su Cheng snap out of it and quickly check the system's information interface.

【Ding—】

【Confession to the host successful】

【Judging in progress—】

【Confession successful】

【Character information loading】

【Target: Gu Ruoxue】

【Intelligence: 9】

【Charm: 9】

【Stamina: 8】

【Status: Daughter of the Mayor of Flame City】

【System Description: An all-around talented beauty, born into a political family. Possesses both beauty and intellect, along with talent and grace. Cold and strict towards others and herself, she speaks bluntly but with honesty and correctness. Only shows her gentle side to those who are important to her.】

【Character Rank: S】

【Ding—】

【Confession to the host successful】

【Reward successfully issued】

【Ding—】

【Congratulations to the host for receiving the system reward】：

【Reverse Truth and Lies】

【One-time skill】

【Effect: Cause and Effect / Word Magic】

【System: When the host uses this skill, within ten seconds, they can propose a lie to others through speech. As long as the content of the lie is within the host's cognitive range and the host does not doubt it, and if the person being questioned internally denies it and verbally questions it, then the lie will become reality.】

【System: The lie of a lie, this can instantly reverse truth and falsehood.】

Seeing this ability, Su Cheng wasn't overly surprised or delighted, as he already had an idea of what S-level rewards were like.

Whether it was the previous "Deus Ex Machina" or the miraculous cigarettes, they were all concepts of causality that defied logic.

Don't underestimate the cigarettes, which only controlled people for three minutes in this world. If the target were gods or demons from a mythical world, it would be a completely different story.

Su Cheng's mind raced, and in the blink of an eye, he analyzed the pros and cons of this ability.

On the surface, it seemed like an all-powerful wish-granting ability, but he realized it had a fatal flaw: he had to complete the lie within ten seconds, firmly believe in the lie himself, have a clear understanding of its effects, and the other party had to internally deny it and verbally refute it.

If the other party didn't question or refute his words, the skill would likely be wasted. On the other hand, if they did refute him, then whatever he said would become reality—lies turning into truth. For example...

If he told someone he was the richest person in the world...

Or...

That he had countless anime wives who would come to find him...

If the other person firmly refused to believe it and denied his words...

Gulp~

At this thought, he swallowed hard.

"Would they really cross dimensions to find me?"

Su Cheng couldn't help but fall into deep thought, though his heart was suddenly filled with wild joy, and a strange smile spread across his handsome face.

"No, that's not the point!"

Su Cheng shook his head, pushing away the images that any normal person would have, and began seriously considering the ability again.

The thing was, if a normal person told an outrageous lie, the other party would most likely just think he was crazy. They would internally deny it, but they wouldn't waste time discussing whether it was true or not because it obviously sounded fake.

But what if he used it on someone he was familiar with?

At this moment, figures like Ji Qingyi and the others flashed through his mind... If he immediately made an outrageous claim, people like them would definitely frown and start thinking about his motives...

In fact, since they were aware of the system's existence, they might even guess that he had obtained some strange new ability, which was why he was saying such unbelievable things.

However, he could try it with Cornelia and her group, or Wang Guancong and the others...

Su Cheng thought about the feasibility, but even with them, it might fail. After all, there was only one chance, and if he missed it, the ability would be wasted.

"The trigger conditions seem simple, but the risks are equally high."

Su Cheng stared at the 'new teacup' on the table, lost in thought. Finally, he picked up the cup and took a sip of tea, thinking to himself, "No, this is the help she mentioned. That means this ability is the only way to solve this matter."

Su Cheng carefully considered Gu Ruoxue's earlier words and concluded that this skill would be used on Ji Qingyi and her subordinates, rather than on himself.

"Does this woman truly possess the ability to foresee the future?" Su Cheng took another sip of tea, savoring the lingering aroma on his lips. Though astonished, he realized her foresight likely only extended to major events.

For instance, her sudden appearance when he was on the brink of death, or the bulletproof vest she’d sent in advance before his visit to the Ji family.

But today, his four awkward comings and goings? She hadn’t predicted those.

"So today, I managed to surprise her?"

Su Cheng couldn’t help but smile, recalling how Gu Ruoxue had rubbed her temples in frustration when he’d deviated from the expected course.

"A new cup?"

Frowning, Su Cheng noticed the trace he’d deliberately left earlier was gone. Defiant, he pulled out a needle and carved the letter 'C' into the bottom of the cup.

…………………………

Meanwhile.

At the entrance of the club building, a girl with long, straight black hair sat on a nearby stone bench. A book rested in one hand while the other tucked a loose strand behind her ear. Her gaze fixed on Gu Ruoxue as she stepped out of the building.

Seeing her emerge first, Li Guanqi’s eyes flickered with disappointment. She quickly lowered her lashes to mask the dimming light in them and asked softly, "Senior, is he still inside?"

If the club president had left, yet Su Cheng remained—what did that imply?

Gu Ruoxue glanced up at the voice, meeting the girl’s eyes. After a pause, she nodded.

"I see." Li Guanqi murmured, then returned to her book, motionless.

Gu Ruoxue’s eyes briefly lingered on the book before she walked away without another word.

Li Guanqi’s mind swirled with uneasy premonitions, a gnawing sense that the things she’d long feared were about to unfold. What those were, she’d know for certain once Su Cheng appeared.

She’d been sitting here all along, after all—witnessing Su Cheng’s earlier back-and-forth hesitation.

Though they were close, with no secrets between them, their relationship remained stubbornly defined as 'friends.'

She’d searched endlessly for a way to bridge the gap, to no avail.

And somehow, she’d always felt Gu Ruoxue had the answer.

What was it?

A proper confession.

Romance demanded it. Love required that ritual, that affirmation. Without it, a relationship would forever feel incomplete.

It didn’t need grand gestures or lavish displays—just sincerity. A clear declaration to define their roles, to establish rights, responsibilities, and commitments.

To ensure Su Cheng would never again utter those hollow words about 'rewards' to anyone else.

And so, they were stuck. One unable to speak, the other too afraid to.

Even if Su Cheng someday took the initiative, who knew what new twists the system might throw at them?

No one could say.

Li Guanqi forced her thoughts back to the present, focusing on the book in her hands, suppressing the uneasy feeling creeping into her heart.

Soon, Su Cheng emerged from the club entrance. Spotting him, Li Guanqi immediately set the book aside on the bench—the rustle drawing his attention.

"Oh, you’re here?" Su Cheng blinked in surprise. "Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting all this time?"

Li Guanqi nodded impassively. "Mm."

She placed the book on her lap and lightly patted the space beside her.

"Alright." Su Cheng sat down. "Have you eaten?"

"...Not yet."

After a beat, she shook her head.

"Here."

Su Cheng glanced around, then pulled out a steaming meat bun and handed it to her. "Eat it while it’s hot."

Li Guanqi accepted it, cradling it against her chest without taking a bite. Instead, she lifted her eyes to his. "Did you learn something surprising from Senior Gu just now?"

Su Cheng stiffened.

Her sharp intuition never failed to amaze him.

"I got a 'reward' from her," he admitted frankly.

"I... see."

Li Guanqi lowered her gaze to the bun, her expression blank—but her fingers tightened imperceptibly, crumpling the wrapper.

Su Cheng then summarized the earlier events, even mentioning his upcoming visit to the Ji family. Why? Because hiding it was pointless.

Better to lay it all out now than weave lies she’d inevitably see through.

Finished, he waited for her response.

Hearing this, Li Guanqi exhaled silently, though her face paled slightly—a sign of the blow she’d taken. Still, her composure held.

"It’s... unbelievable," she murmured, as much about Gu Ruoxue’s foresight as her ability to bypass the system’s detection.

"So, you’re going to the Ji family tonight?" she asked after a moment.

"Yeah."

"If Senior Gu said her ability applies here..." Li Guanqi trailed off, mentally mapping out scenarios where such a power would be necessary.

"Don’t worry about me. I’ll handle it alone. It’ll be fine," Su Cheng assured her.

Li Guanqi’s gaze sharpened. "Stop hiding things just because you’re afraid I’ll be in danger. I’m not some naive novel character!"

With that, she took an aggrieved bite of the bun, cheeks puffing adorably. A glossy sheen of oil clung to her lips, adding to the charm.

"I just didn’t want you to worry—"

Su Cheng bit back a laugh at her display.

Li Guanqi eyed the bun, then him, licking her lips before retorting, "You really think I wouldn’t notice something was off?"

Another defiant bite followed.

"Got it. Won’t happen again."

………………

Afternoon P.E. class.

The entire class sweated it out on the track.

Among the boys, Su Cheng’s attention was fixed on Li Guanqi in the girls’ group.

Thanks to her... unique circumstances,

she could slip away unnoticed.

So he kept watch—making sure she actually exercised.

Thankfully, today, she was running properly.

"Why are you always staring at the girls?"

A curious voice piped up beside him.

Su Cheng snapped out of his thoughts, glanced at Gao Ye running beside him, then quickly averted his gaze and forced a smile. "It's nothing."

"What's the big deal? We all get it!"

Wang Guancong caught up to them just then, sandwiching Su Cheng between him and Gao Ye, flashing a knowing smirk that men often share.

After all, some exceptionally gifted girls tend to exhibit rather... noticeable movements when running.

"Gotta admit, some sights are just hard to unsee."

Gao Ye tilted his head slightly, then dramatically covered his eyes with one hand, feigning embarrassment.

He realized that the usually bright and energetic girls from their class completely shattered the image of grace he'd imagined against the morning glow once they started jogging.

"Ugh."

Beside him, Wang Guancong suddenly let out a pained sigh, pounding his chest as if he fully understood Gao Ye’s sentiment.

Hearing this, Su Cheng’s face darkened with exasperation.

Ahem. "Well... I’m gonna pick up the pace." Su Cheng decided to cut the conversation short, speeding up to reach the finish line.

As a decent guy, how could he entertain such a topic?

After five kilometers, the trio slowed to a walk at the finish line to avoid post-exercise shock.

While the other two gasped for breath, Su Cheng looked completely unfazed, as if he hadn’t exerted himself at all.

"Whew... No wonder you’re in the sports club."

Gao Ye wheezed, throwing a weak jab at Su Cheng.

"Something weird’s going on," Wang Guancong suddenly remarked, his eyes fixed on a group of girls resting after their run.

"What’s weird?"

Su Cheng turned to him, puzzled.

"Xuan Ying and Zhao Yan from our class seem to be at odds today."

Wang Guancong scratched his head, nodding toward the two girls standing in separate clusters.

He’d spent enough time with Zhao Yan and her usual duo to consider them friends.

Back then, the two were practically inseparable—so much that he’d wondered if there was something more between them.

Now, though, they weren’t even talking. Of course he’d notice.

"Now that you mention it..."

Gao Ye nodded. "At lunch today, they kept an awkward distance, arriving at the cafeteria separately and sitting apart. I thought that was strange."

Hearing this, Su Cheng’s chest tightened. He had a sinking feeling his own blunder might be the cause.

"Any idea what happened?"

Gao Ye turned to Su Cheng curiously.

He knew Xuan Ying had a thing for Su Cheng, so maybe he had some insight.

"Not really."

Su Cheng—also known as the Hair Tie Courier—quickly shook his head, though his mind raced for ways to mend the rift.

"You don’t know either?"

Gao Ye sighed in disappointment.

"Nope." Su Cheng nodded.

"Well, since we’ve noticed, maybe we should mediate..."

Gao Ye looked at Su Cheng suggestively, but before he could finish, Wang Guancong suddenly puffed out his chest.

"No need for Su Cheng. I can handle this."

With that, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and strode toward Xuan Ying.

"Huh?"

Gao Ye had intended for Su Cheng to step in, but Wang Guancong’s sudden confidence left him speechless. He thought about stopping him, but the guy seemed so sure of himself, so he let it slide.

As soon as Wang Guancong approached Xuan Ying, he asked to speak privately. Once they were alone, he broached the subject:

"What’s going on between you two?"

Xuan Ying’s face instantly darkened.

"Mind your own business," she snapped, cutting him off with an air of finality before turning on her heel.

Wang Guancong stood there, momentarily crushed, but quickly regrouped and marched over to Zhao Yan, repeating the same approach.

Zhao Yan’s response was gentler, but the message was clear: Stay out of it.

Defeated, he trudged back to Su Cheng and Gao Ye under the shade of a tree.

Seeing his dejected expression, Gao Ye sighed and turned to Su Cheng.

"Looks like you’re the only one who can fix this."

"I wonder if they’ll give you the same cold shoulder." Wang Guancong eyed Su Cheng.

Truthfully, he’d volunteered to see how differently the girls treated Su Cheng compared to him.

"Fine." Su Cheng reluctantly agreed, steeling himself before standing up and heading straight for Xuan Ying.

"You’re in for another shock."

Gao Ye shook his head at Wang Guancong.

"No way."

Wang Guancong blinked in disbelief. "That whole Eddie thing was ages ago. Everyone’s moved on. Why would they play favorites now?"

"Zhao Yan? Maybe not. But Xuan Ying? Absolutely."

Gao Ye smirked. "You still haven’t figured out Xuan Ying likes Su Cheng?"

"WHAT?! Impossible!"

Wang Guancong’s jaw nearly hit the ground.

The difference in status was glaring—Xuan Ying was the sole heiress to an international shipbuilding empire.

If her family found out she had feelings for an ordinary guy, they’d probably ship her off to study abroad immediately.

That’s why he’d never even considered it, assuming she’d just been extra nice to Su Cheng out of guilt.

But then—his disbelief turned to utter shock.

Because when Su Cheng pulled Xuan Ying aside, she immediately ducked her head, twirling a foot shyly against the ground, her fingers fiddling behind her back.

All traces of her earlier fierceness vanished, replaced by the flustered demeanor of a smitten girl—too nervous to even meet his eyes.

Where’d all that bravado go?!