The whispers didn't stop during lunch. If anything, they grew louder with each bite Bai Chen took.
He ate calmly, alone at the center table.
But the atmosphere around him?
Tense. Electric. Untouchable.
Everyone watched him, yet no one dared approach.
Except one.
"Yo! Bai Chen, right?"
A loud, cheerful voice broke through the air.
A tall boy in a clean jacket walked over and sat down without hesitation.
"Name's Lin Fan. Class 3-C. I've seen you around, but you really made a splash today, huh?"
Bai Chen looked at him with quiet amusement. "You're not afraid of being seen with me?"
"Pfft. Afraid?" Lin Fan grinned. "The way I see it, either I sit with the school's new legend, or I fight the crowd trying to be your friend tomorrow."
Smart guy.
Bai Chen offered a nod of approval.
[New Contact Established: Lin Fan — Loyal Type]
[Relationship Level: Friendly (Stable Ally Potential)]
Meanwhile, across the cafeteria…
Zhao Ming slammed his tray down onto the table, eyes fixed on Bai Chen.
"He's acting like he owns the place now," he muttered.
Liu Yuxi didn't respond.
Her eyes were locked on Bai Chen, her emotions stormy and confused.
Zhao clenched his fists. "That brat thinks he's better than me?"
One of his lackeys leaned in. "Boss, I heard his mom still works at the textile factory. Poor thing's probably still crawling to survive."
Zhao smirked. "Let's see how rich he feels after this."
5 Minutes Later — Cafeteria Chaos
Suddenly, the lights flickered. The speakers crackled.
The cafeteria manager's voice blared out from the PA system.
"ATTENTION! Effective immediately, the cafeteria is under new sponsorship."
Students froze. Spoons dropped. Even Lin Fan turned.
"Daily lunch will be free for all students starting today… courtesy of our newest benefactor — Mr. Bai Chen."
BOOM.
The room exploded into gasps.
"WHAT?!"
"He bought the cafeteria?!"
"This has to be a dream!"
Zhao Ming's expression turned to stone.
Liu Yuxi dropped her chopsticks.
Bai Chen stood up slowly, patting his clean tray.
"I thought the food here was awful," he said, casually loud enough for all to hear. "Now that it's mine, I'll make sure it's worth eating."
[System Notification: Task Complete — Seize Influence Over School's Elite Circle]
[Reward Unlocked: High-End Vehicle — "Black Phantom" Mercedes Maybach]
[Skill Bonus Gained: Public Influence +10]
Outside, Moments Later…
As students rushed to the windows, they saw it.
A glossy black Maybach pulled up outside the school gates.
A uniformed chauffeur stepped out and opened the rear door.
Students swarmed to see.
Bai Chen didn't speak. He adjusted his sleeves, slung his backpack over one shoulder, and walked straight toward the car.
Ye Qingyue stood near the school gate, watching in silence.
He paused beside her.
"You'll be seeing more of me," he said with a faint smirk.
She didn't answer—just gave a slow, thoughtful nod.
As Bai Chen stepped into the car, the schoolyard exploded in excitement.
Zhao Ming could only stand there… teeth grinding.
System Message:
[Next Objective Available — "Enter the Rich Club"]
[Requirement: Attend Invitation-Only Gala in 48 Hours]
[Bonus: Reputation Domination + New Harem Candidate Opportunity]
The tires of the Maybach rolled smoothly over the pavement.
Inside, Bai Chen leaned back in the leather seat.
It was only his second day with the Shenhao System.
And this?
This was just the warm-up.