[3:15 PM - Jianghai University Main Gate]
Chen Wei's Mercedes pulled up to the university entrance, immediately drawing attention. A crowd had gathered near the gate—at least fifty students, with more arriving every minute.
At the center stood Liu Meng, dressed in an expensive designer outfit that Zhang Hao had clearly bought her, her voice carrying across the plaza.
"I'm telling you, something's wrong!" Liu Meng was saying to the crowd. "I dated Chen Wei for two years! He was broke—completely broke! Now suddenly he has money? It doesn't make sense! He must have stolen it or scammed someone!"
Zhang Hao stood beside her, his arm around her waist possessively. "My father's company has been investigating him. There's definitely something suspicious about his sudden wealth. People don't go from nothing to driving luxury cars overnight."
Chen Wei parked deliberately in their line of sight and stepped out of his Mercedes. The crowd immediately noticed, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"That's Chen Wei!"
"Is that really his car?"
"Liu Meng just said he's a scammer!"
Wang Lei pushed through the crowd to reach him. "Bro, this is bad. They've been here for twenty minutes spreading rumors. Half the campus thinks you're a criminal now!"
Chen Wei's expression was cold, controlled. His new Intimidating Aura passive skill activated automatically, and several nearby students actually took a step back.
[Intimidating Aura Active: -20% to opponent's confidence]
[Executive Presence Active: +30% to your authority in public]
He walked toward Liu Meng and Zhang Hao with measured steps, the crowd parting before him like water.
Liu Meng saw him and her expression flickered—surprise, fear, and something else. Regret, maybe. But she quickly masked it with false concern.
"Chen Wei!" she called out loudly for the crowd's benefit. "I'm so glad you're here! We need to talk about where this money came from! I'm worried about you—what if you're involved in something illegal?"
"Worried about me?" Chen Wei's voice was quiet but carried perfectly in the sudden silence. "That's interesting, Liu Meng. Because two days ago, you weren't worried at all. You were too busy dumping me via text message."
Several students gasped. Liu Meng's face reddened.
"That's not—I mean—we had problems, but I still care about—"
"Show them the message, Liu Meng," Chen Wei interrupted, pulling out his phone. "Show everyone exactly what you said when you dumped me."
"Chen Wei, don't—"
But Chen Wei had already projected his phone screen onto the large display board at the university gate—a screen usually used for announcements. The WeChat conversation appeared for everyone to see.
Liu Meng: "We're done, Chen Wei. Don't contact me anymore."
Liu Meng: "I'm sorry, but Zhang Hao can give me the life I want. You're a good person, but being good doesn't pay for designer bags or luxury apartments. I hope you understand."
The crowd erupted in shocked murmurs. Several people were already recording with their phones.
Liu Meng's face went from red to white. "That's... that's private! You can't just—"
"Private?" Chen Wei's voice turned cold. "You're publicly calling me a criminal, destroying my reputation in front of the entire university. But I can't show people the truth about why you really left? About how you chose money over everything else?"
He turned to address the crowd directly, his Executive Presence making him seem larger, more authoritative.
"Let me make something very clear. My wealth is completely legitimate. I made several successful investments, acquired a company, and bought property. All legal, all documented, all traceable." He pulled out his Supreme VIP Black Card, letting it catch the light. "This is a legitimate bank card. The money in my accounts is real, earned through smart business decisions."
Zhang Hao stepped forward aggressively. "That's bullshit! My father's investigators said—"
"Your father's investigators are incompetent," Chen Wei interrupted smoothly. "Or perhaps your father is simply uncomfortable that someone his son's age has already surpassed him in certain business ventures."
Zhang Hao's face turned purple with rage. "How dare you insult my father! Do you know who he is? He could destroy you!"
"Could he?" Chen Wei asked calmly. He pulled out his phone again. "Let me make a call."
He dialed a number—Lin Yue's office line. She answered on the second ring.
"Lin Yue speaking."
"Miss Lin, it's Chen Wei. I'm at Jianghai University dealing with some false accusations about my business legitimacy. Would you mind confirming for the record that all my acquisitions and investments are completely legal?"
There was a brief pause, then Lin Yue's professional voice came through, slightly amused. "Mr. Chen, as your legal consultant, I can confirm that every transaction you've made has been thoroughly vetted and is completely legitimate. Anyone suggesting otherwise is engaging in defamation and could face legal consequences."
"Thank you, Miss Lin." Chen Wei hung up and looked at Zhang Hao. "That was Lin Yue, one of the top entertainment lawyers in the city and daughter of Lin Corporation's CEO. She's reviewing all my business dealings. Would you like to call your father and have him verify that?"
[Silver Tongue Effect: +40% persuasion]
[Intimidating Aura Effect: Zhang Hao's confidence -20%]
Zhang Hao faltered, his bravado cracking. The crowd was now firmly on Chen Wei's side, several people openly laughing at Zhang Hao's discomfort.
"I... that doesn't prove anything!" Zhang Hao sputtered. "You probably hired her to lie for you!"
"Hired Lin Yue to lie?" Someone in the crowd laughed. "Dude, do you know who she is? She doesn't need anyone's money badly enough to risk her reputation!"
Liu Meng grabbed Zhang Hao's arm, clearly wanting to leave, but Chen Wei wasn't done.
"Liu Meng, since you're so concerned about my welfare, let me share something with you." He opened his banking app, showing the balance on the large screen—¥918,000+. "This is just my personal spending account. Would you like to see the property deed for my ¥45 million villa in Jianghai Bay? Or perhaps the acquisition documents for Starlight Entertainment Agency?"
The crowd exploded with shocked exclamations.
"Forty-five million?!"
"He owns a company?!"
"Holy shit, Chen Wei is actually rich!"
Liu Meng was staring at the screen, her face a mixture of shock, regret, and devastation. Tears were forming in her eyes.
"Chen Wei..." she whispered. "How did you... when did you..."
"The day after you dumped me," Chen Wei said quietly, for her ears only. "The universe has a funny sense of timing, doesn't it? You left me because I was poor. And the very next day, I became wealthy. Some might call that karma."
A tear rolled down Liu Meng's cheek. "I... I made a mistake. I see that now. Chen Wei, please, can we—"
"No," Chen Wei said firmly but not unkindly. "You made your choice, Liu Meng. You chose money, status, designer bags. And you got exactly what you wanted." He gestured to Zhang Hao, who looked like he wanted to punch something. "I hope you're happy with your decision."
He turned to Zhang Hao. "And you—next time you want to destroy someone's reputation, make sure you actually have evidence. False accusations can lead to defamation lawsuits. My lawyer would be very interested in pursuing that if you continue."
[Intimidation Skill Unlocked!]
[Effect: Enemies are 50% more likely to back down from confrontation]
Zhang Hao opened his mouth, then closed it. For all his bluster, he wasn't stupid enough to challenge a legal threat.
Chen Wei turned to leave, then paused and looked back at Liu Meng one final time.
"For what it's worth, Liu Meng, I hope you find what you're looking for. But it won't be with me. That door is closed forever."
As he walked back toward his car, the crowd parted respectfully. Several students even started applauding—slowly at first, then building into genuine appreciation.
"Chen Wei, that was awesome!"
"You totally destroyed them!"
"Can I get a photo with you and your car?"
Wang Lei jogged beside him, grinning like a maniac. "BRO! That was the most savage thing I've ever witnessed! Did you see their faces?!"
Chen Wei allowed himself a small smile. "Justice feels good."
[Mission Complete: Defend Your Honor]
[Rewards: +10 Status Points, Public Reputation Boost (University), Intimidation Skill Unlocked]
[Bonus Reward: "Local Celebrity" status - People at Jianghai University now recognize and respect you]
[Liu Meng Favorability: 72/100 → 15/100 (Regretful but Rejected)]
[Zhang Hao Favorability: 5/100 → -30/100 (Enemy Status)]
[Warning: Zhang Hao may attempt retaliation. Be cautious.]
Just as Chen Wei reached his car, a familiar voice called out.
"Chen Wei!"
He turned to see Xiao Yue running toward him, her class materials clutched to her chest. She must have heard the commotion and come to investigate.
She reached him, slightly breathless, and immediately scanned him with worried eyes. "Are you okay? I heard there was some kind of confrontation—"
"I'm fine," Chen Wei assured her, his expression softening immediately. "Just dealing with some lingering drama from my past."
Xiao Yue looked past him at Liu Meng, who was crying openly now while Zhang Hao tried to comfort her, and understanding dawned in her eyes.
"That's her, isn't it? Your ex-girlfriend."
"Yes," Chen Wei admitted. "She was spreading rumors about me. I had to set the record straight."
Xiao Yue looked at Liu Meng for a long moment, then back at Chen Wei. Instead of jealousy or insecurity, her expression was one of sympathy—for him.
"She must be regretting it now," Xiao Yue said softly. "Seeing what she gave up."
"Probably," Chen Wei agreed. "But I don't care about her regrets anymore. I only care about moving forward."
Xiao Yue smiled—warm, genuine, full of affection. "Good. Because you have dinner to cook for me tonight, remember?"
Chen Wei laughed, the tension from the confrontation dissolving. "How could I forget? Still coming at 7?"
"Wild horses couldn't stop me," Xiao Yue said, then glanced at the crowd still watching them. "Though I should probably get going. This is... a lot of attention."
"Wait," Chen Wei said, making a decision. He gently took her hand in his, right there in front of everyone. "Let them see. I'm not hiding anything about us."
[Romantic Gesture Detected!]
[Xiao Yue Favorability: Already Maxed at 100/100]
[Effect: Public Declaration strengthens relationship bond]
[New Passive Buff: "Power Couple" - When together in public, both receive +5 Confidence and +3 Charisma]
Xiao Yue's eyes widened, then she smiled brilliantly and squeezed his hand. "Okay then. I'll see you at 7, boyfriend."
She said the word 'boyfriend' loudly enough for nearby students to hear. Several girls in the crowd sighed enviously, and Chen Wei heard more than one guy mutter about him being lucky.
As Xiao Yue walked away—glancing back once with a playful smile—Wang Lei elbowed Chen Wei.
"Bro, you have a GIRLFRIEND? When did this happen?!"
"Two days ago," Chen Wei said with a grin. "Keep up, Lei."
"Two days?! You move fast! She's gorgeous, by the way. Way better than Liu Meng."
"I know," Chen Wei said, watching Xiao Yue disappear into the campus. "She's perfect."
His phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
Unknown: "Mr. Chen, this is Sun Wei, director of Star Capital Investment Group. I was very impressed by how you handled that situation just now. I happened to be on campus visiting my daughter and witnessed everything. I'd like to discuss a potential investment opportunity in your company. Are you available tomorrow? -SW"
Chen Wei's Business Genius skill immediately recognized the name. Sun Wei was a major player in Jianghai's investment circles—connections to dozens of successful companies, known for spotting promising ventures early.
[System Alert: Major Business Opportunity Detected!]
[Sun Wei's investment could accelerate your company's growth by 300%]
[Recommendation: Accept meeting]
Chen Wei typed back quickly.
Chen Wei: "Mr. Sun, I'd be honored to meet with you. Tomorrow at 10:00 AM at my office? Starlight Entertainment, 15th floor."
Sun Wei: "Perfect. Looking forward to it. By the way, that girl—Xiao Yue—she's my daughter's roommate. I'm glad you found someone genuine. See you tomorrow."
Chen Wei stared at his phone in surprise. What were the odds?
[System Note: Sometimes luck and fate align in mysterious ways. Use this opportunity wisely.]
Another message came in, this time from Tang Xin.
Tang Xin: "Chen Wei, I just heard about what happened at the university! Are you okay? If you need anything, I'm here. You've been so kind to me, I want to support you too. -TX"
Chen Wei felt warmth spread through his chest. Tang Xin's concern was genuine, not seeking anything in return.
Chen Wei: "I'm fine, thank you for checking on me. How about lunch tomorrow after my morning meeting? I want to discuss your first big role."
Tang Xin: "Really?! You already found something?! Yes! Absolutely yes! Thank you! 😊"
[Tang Xin Favorability: 62/100 → 73/100]
[Status: Personally Interested → Emotionally Invested]
As Chen Wei drove away from the university, his phone rang one more time. Lin Yue.
"That was quite the performance," she said, amusement clear in her voice. "I have a Google alert for my name, so I saw the videos people are already posting online. Very impressive."
"Just defending my reputation," Chen Wei said. "But thank you for backing me up on the call."
"I only stated facts," Lin Yue said. "Though I admit, I enjoyed being part of your dramatic moment. You handled that girl—Liu Meng?—with remarkable restraint. Most men would have been crueler."
"Cruelty isn't my style," Chen Wei said. "Besides, living well is the best revenge."
Lin Yue was quiet for a moment, then her voice became softer, more personal. "Chen Wei, about Thursday... about us..."
"Yes?"
"I've made a decision. I'm done fighting this. Whatever this is between us, I want to explore it. Properly. No more professional excuses or age concerns. When I come to your villa Thursday, it won't just be for interior design consultation."
Chen Wei's heart rate increased. "What will it be for?"
"You'll find out Thursday," Lin Yue said, her voice carrying a promise. "But for now, know that you've thoroughly captured my interest, Chen Wei. And I don't give my interest easily."
[Lin Yue Favorability: 82/100 → 91/100]
[Status: Romantically Conflicted → Romantically Committed (Pending)]
[System Note: She's ready to take the next step. Thursday will be crucial.]
"I'll see you Thursday then," Chen Wei said, his voice lower. "I promise to make it memorable."
"I'm counting on it," Lin Yue said. "Goodbye, Chen Wei."
After hanging up, Chen Wei sat in his car for a moment, processing everything.
In one afternoon, he'd:
Publicly humiliated his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend
Declared his relationship with Xiao Yue publicly
Attracted a major investor's attention
Deepened his connection with Tang Xin
Secured Lin Yue's commitment to pursuing their relationship
His life had become a whirlwind of opportunities, challenges, and romantic connections.
[System Update: Overall Progress]
[Level: 2 → 3]
[Wealth: ¥918,000 + ¥45M property + Company value]
[Status: Rising Star → Local Celebrity]
[Relationships:]
Xiao Yue: 100/100 (Girlfriend - Deeply In Love)
Lin Yue: 91/100 (Romantic Interest - Almost Won Over)
Tang Xin: 73/100 (Romantic Interest - Emotionally Invested)
[Current Mission: Build Your Empire - 65% Complete]
[New Skills Unlocked: Intimidation, Romantic Insight]
[Warning: Your rising profile is attracting both opportunities and enemies. Zhang Hao will likely retaliate. Stay vigilant.]
Chen Wei started his car and headed home to prepare for dinner with Xiao Yue.
Tonight would be simple—just him and his girlfriend, enjoying each other's company.
Tomorrow would bring business meetings and new challenges.
Thursday would bring Lin Yue and whatever that evening promised.
But for now, Chen Wei allowed himself to just be happy.
He'd gone from broke and heartbroken to wealthy and desired in just three days.
And somehow, he knew this was only the beginning of his transformation.
[Meanwhile - Across the City]
In a luxury apartment, Zhang Hao threw his phone against the wall in rage.
"That bastard! Who does he think he is?! Humiliating me in front of everyone!"
Liu Meng sat on the couch, still crying, makeup ruined. "He's changed so much... that's not the Chen Wei I knew..."
"I don't care!" Zhang Hao snarled. "My father has connections. I'll destroy him. I'll destroy his company, his reputation, everything!"
He pulled out his backup phone and made a call.
"Father, I need your help. There's someone who needs to be taught a lesson..."
[Warning: Enemy Retaliation Incoming]
[Prepare yourself for Zhang Hao's counterattack]