At the gate of Shengming High School, Lin Waner watched Chuyun panting behind her after chasing her. She covered her mouth, barely suppressing a giggle. "Xiao Yun, you're so weak! Can't even catch up to a girl like me."

"Huff... hah... Sis Waner, you know I've been frail since childhood," Chuyun replied. He never understood why his body stayed weak no matter how much he exercised or took supplements. Eventually, he just gave up.

"You know that? Then why don't you work out more instead of lazing at home all day?" Lin Waner had never met anyone so lazy. Weak health was one thing—but if other parts were weak too, that wouldn't do. He'd need stamina later... for many things.

"I'll start next time, promise! Gotta head to the auditorium now, Sis Waner. Need to prep my speech. See you at the cafeteria at noon!" Chuyun said once his breath returned.

"Okay, Xiao Yun, do your best! I'm heading back to class too. See you later!" Lin Waner called, glancing back at him a few times before reluctantly turning away.

Chuyun watched her graceful figure fade into the distance, then walked toward the school auditorium himself.

Shengming High School was Tianhai City's top private academy, famed across Mingzhu City for its deep pockets and stellar resources. But its admission bar was sky-high.

Today was the opening ceremony. Backstage in the auditorium, Chuyun prepared for his role as student representative. Originally, Tianhai's top scorer Luo Bing'er should have given this speech. But she hated public events and refused. The board then chose Chuyun as her replacement.

Luo Bing'er was a local legend—perfect scores from elementary through middle school, plus countless national and international competition wins. Sadly, she rarely left home. School attendance? Maybe a handful of times a year.

Chuyun felt nervous. Shengming's auditorium held nearly a thousand people. He'd never spoken to such a crowd, let alone as Luo Bing'er's stand-in. The pressure was crushing.

*Ding! Master can exchange points for Basic Public Speaking Skills in the store.*

"Huh... really?" Chuyun was stunned. The system could do this? If it offered skills like this, what else was possible? Was he really this overpowered?

Then he remembered—he hadn't earned any points yet. This was useless.

*Ding! Master, your first skill exchange is free. No points needed for any Basic skill.*

Chuyun silently opened the system store. His eyes widened at the endless list:

Basic Knowledge Skills...

Basic Conversation Skills...

Basic Piano Skills...

Basic Public Speaking Skills...

...

Basic Kissing Skills...

Basic Bedroom Skills...

...

Flipping further made him flush crimson. Who would ever exchange for *those*? His future self must be a pervert—packing the store with such lewd options. Chuyun vowed never to become that man. In any sense.

He selected Basic Public Speaking Skills and closed the store. Instantly, his stage fright vanished.

*Ding! System detected Master's first rescue target approaching. Prepare yourself.*

"A rescue target? Already? Is she in the auditorium?" It couldn't be his sister or Sis Waner. Probably a stranger. His future self truly was a sinner. Chuyun swore not to repeat those mistakes.

As he pondered this, a staff member appeared backstage. "Time to go on, Chuyun."

"Now, please welcome the 77th student representative, Chuyun!" the announcer boomed.

Chuyun took a deep breath and stepped onstage. He scanned the crowd but saw no likely rescue target—only Xia Shiqi's icy glare from below. He began his speech.

"Respected teachers, parents, and fellow students, good morning. I'm honored to stand here as this year's representative..."

...

After the ceremony, students and parents dispersed. Chuyun spotted his sister in the crowd and rushed over.

"Xiao Qi~"

"Xiao Qi, still mad about this morning? I'm sorry. Please don't be angry," Chuyun pleaded, gazing at her pure, delicate face.

"You... go away! Don't talk to me at school!" Xia Shiqi's cherry lips trembled. She wanted to snap but couldn't. Annoying guy! She shoved him with her pale little hands and sprinted out of the auditorium.

Chuyun scratched his head helplessly, watching her retreating figure. Why did she always pretend not to know him here? Was she ashamed of having him as a brother?

*Sigh.* Winning Xiao Qi over would be a long road. Better head to class first. He'd brainstorm ways to boost her affection tonight.

Just outside the auditorium, the system chimed again.

*Ding! Detected heroine. Initiating main quest!*

*Guided Quest Phase One: The Lost Girl.*

*Objective: Resolve her predicament and earn her trust.*

*Reward: 2 points.*

*Target location: 50 meters ahead, at the corner.*