[Flame of Godhood System (FGS)]
[Host: Chen Yansen]
[Physique: 1.16] (Earthling average 1, peak 3; includes strength, agility, endurance)
[Spirit: 1.32] (Earthling average 1, peak 3; includes intelligence, memory, comprehension) [Skills: Car Driving (Two-Star Proficient Level 37/100), Guitar Playing (One-Star Beginner Level 83/100), Eight Vajra Skills (One-Star Beginner Level 41/100)]
[Talent: None]
[Humanity's Flame: 0]
[New User Manual: Please click to view]
Chen Yansen studied the system carefully. In his previous life, after more than thirty years, he had mastered only three pitiful skills.
"Holy crap! My time management and driving skills were clearly at a master level!"
Unable to communicate with the system at first, he turned to the user manual.
"Salary: Represents compensation paid to employees.""Flame: Symbolizes humanity's energy.""The host can establish employment relationships to gain the flame of humanity by paying salaries.""1 wisp of flame = 10,000 Chinese Yuan. Each wisp can increase Spirit or Physique by 0.01 points, or grant 1 point of skill experience."
Chen Yansen couldn't help muttering, "This system must have been designed by Jack Ma… a literal pay-to-win cultivation system!"
The logic was simple: more employees, higher salaries, faster accumulation of the flame, stronger abilities. Tens of millions of employees in the future could make even the most powerful Earthlings bow in awe.
"Handsome, let me check the length, okay?"
The barber's voice snapped Chen Yansen out of his thoughts.
In the mirror, his previous non-mainstream look had vanished. Sharp features, a high nose bridge, and a casually mischievous smile now dominated his face. A few stray hairs partially concealed a roguish gaze.
"How much?" Chen Yansen asked, reaching for payment.
He pulled out his Nokia N78 and froze. Damn, QR codes didn't exist in 2010!
"Ten yuan," the barber replied with a smile. Chen Yansen paid without a word and turned outside. Wang Zihao squatted by the door, making a call.
Chen Yansen gave him a light kick on the rear.
"Holy…holy crap! You're Chen Yansen?" Wang Zihao gawked, phone in hand, unable to process his friend's dramatic transformation.
"Just a new hairstyle, don't overreact," Chen Yansen replied with an eyebrow raise.
"Hehe, I'll get the same haircut tomorrow. Eldest sister said they've finished eating and want us to go straight to KTV."
Wang Zihao dusted himself off. "They're full, but I haven't eaten yet. Let's find some beef soup first."
Chen Yansen patted his stomach, unconcerned. This post-college entrance exam reunion would be the last time many of them saw each other.
When they arrived at the KTV, it was 9:30. Teens sprawled across sofas, their faces still showing youthful innocence.
"Chen Yansen, Wang Zihao, coming late?"
"Sit down! Three drinks first!"
"Yuanyuan saved a seat for you, Chen Yansen."
Scanning the room, Chen Yansen barely recognized anyone—except Zhou Keyuan. Quietly in the corner, she resembled a pure white flower: delicate eyebrows, almond eyes, slightly flushed cheeks, lips glossy with pink. Her floral dress reached her ankles, highlighting fair skin.
"No wonder I was so infatuated back then," he thought. Now, such looks were no longer impressive compared to his company's receptionists. He casually walked past her, leaving a three- to four-meter distance.
The room froze. All eyes turned to Zhou Keyuan.
"He can sit wherever he wants, why should I care?" she murmured, frowning slightly.
"Come on, let's cherish this last time together and drink!" the group leader urged.
The tension slowly eased as everyone relaxed, though Zhou Keyuan's gaze remained sharp. In Class 8 of their senior year, Chen Yansen and Zhou Keyuan's relationship had been common knowledge—everyone expected them to end up together. In his previous life, he had believed the same—until discovering her betrayal during his junior year.
"Cheers! To a bright future!"
The young crowd's emotions ebbed and flowed with the music.
"Are you having a fight with Yuanyuan?"
The eldest sister, Meng Jie, crept over, gossipy.
"Nothing ever happened. Probably a misunderstanding," Chen Yansen said casually, sipping his drink.
Meng Jie, with her neat, short hair and androgynous style, was the most successful in the class after him. Her appearance and sharp personality gave her a commanding presence.
"Tsk, I never knew you could be such a scumbag," she teased, smiling.
"Want me to tell your fortune? If I'm wrong, you finish this whole bottle in one gulp," Chen Yansen whispered playfully.
She handed him her hand. Chen Yansen analyzed it meticulously:
"Life line: long and strong, abundant vitality. Love line: deep, few branches, devoted in relationships; your future husband is likely your first love. Career line: upward, with minor ups and downs, destined for great wealth and status, likely in finance."
He paused deliberately, then teased, "Academic line: subtle fork indicates recent setbacks. Your first choice may fail, settling for the second."
"Nonsense!" Meng Jie pulled her hand away, her cheeks pink.
"We'll see in a month. If you lose, I want to see you in stockings."
Chen Yansen's grin widened wickedly.
"You've become more handsome but a bigger jerk too!" she muttered, flustered.
Wang Zihao looked on, bewildered.
"Not chasing Zhou Keyuan? Going after Meng Jie instead?"
Chen Yansen patted his shoulder. "When did you go blind?"