After the test papers were handed out, Xiao Mu’s heart leaped with joy at the questions—this was way too easy!

Li Yan had been worried at first, but seeing Xiao Mu writing calmly with such confidence, he relaxed.

In under half an hour, Xiao Mu finished every question—intentionally missing four points’ worth. That should lock in first place, right?

His mindset was rock-solid. After all, he had the cheat skill *Super Scholar* on his side.

Soon came fourth-period PE. Everyone changed and gathered on the sports field—except Xu Judong’s crew, who were still absent.

After a light jog, the PE teacher organized boys into basketball teams. With the class tournament in two days, practice was urgent.

Xiao Mu skipped it—he wasn’t interested.

Xu Judong would’ve joined to impress Lin Hanyun, but since he was absent, a substitute took his spot.

Xiao Mu sat nearby, pretending to watch the game while actually browsing skills and items in the system store.

"Boss, look at Lin Hanyun—so gorgeous!" Li Yan whispered, nudging him and pointing.

Xiao Mu followed his gaze. Lin Hanyun sat alone on the grass, a book cradled in her hands.

Her ponytail swayed above her PE uniform, radiating youthfulness. Xiao Mu found himself momentarily spellbound.

*Ding! New quest: Raise Lin Hanyun’s fondness for you by at least 4 points within 10 minutes. Reward: 50 points.*

*Raise fondness? Four points? How?*

Xiao Mu turned to Li Yan. "What does Lin Hanyun like? Hobbies? Favorites?"

"Hmm…" Li Yan tapped his head, racking his brain. "Got it! She’s obsessed with music—especially Lu Lingbai, that pop sensation. Xu Judong tried gifting her Lu Lingbai merch before, but she refused everything."

"Confirmed?"

"Absolutely!" Li Yan thumped his chest. "But why ask, Boss?"

"You’ll see." Xiao Mu smirked, already plotting.

Curious but respectful, Li Yan pressed no further.

Xiao Mu slipped away to a secluded spot.

Certain no one was around, he opened the system interface. "System, purchase *King of Songs Voice* and the *Heartstring Guitar*."

*Ding! Acquired skill: King of Songs Voice. Acquired item: Heartstring Guitar.*

*King of Songs Voice* would grant him a mesmerizing singing voice and mastery of all musical knowledge—for 40 points. The *Heartstring Guitar* would amplify emotional resonance in his music—for 30 points.

His points balance now read zero. But completing this quest would refill it.

He pulled out his phone and downloaded Lu Lingbai’s breakout hit, *A Little Like*.

Though a former shut-in, Xiao Mu knew of Lu Lingbai—the singer who’d skyrocketed to fame with her angelic voice and looks, crowned "Goddess of Youth" for her anthems about young love.

He listened to *A Little Like* once, memorizing every note. One playthrough was enough—he’d mastered it.

With a thought, a pure white guitar materialized in his hands. He strummed lightly; a crystalline melody filled the air.

"This’ll do…" A confident curve touched his lips.

Guitar in hand, he headed back to the field.