Chapter 4: Favorability.

  Zheng Chu endured the immense energy for at least five minutes until a system tab appeared before him.

  "Host, conversion to Supreme Lord is complete."

  Seeing that his efforts had borne fruit, Zheng Chu nearly gave up resistance immediately and colpsed. This wasn’t as simple as falling asleep—his body and soul had endured the most stress they ever had in his life. It was almost a miracle that a human could achieve this without external help.

  The system loaded additional tabs, dispying the benefits Zheng Chu had unlocked:

  [

  System Functions:

  - Favorability Meter (Unlocked)

  - Counterattack Meter (Unlocked)

  - Darkness Meter (Locked)

  -(Unlock condition: Achieve 100% favorability with a target.)

  - Infinite Money (Unlocked)

  ]

  [Starter Bonus – Supreme Lord (Initial Level):**

  - Physical Strength: 50

  - Mental Strength:50

  - Constitution: 50

  - Favorability Points: 0

  - Counterattack Points: 0

  - Darkness Points: 0

  - Skills:-

  - Avaible Money: Infinite ]

  "The system has fully synchronized with this world."

  "The system now has access to all information in this world."

  What Zheng Chu didn’t yet know was that his mere transformation into a Supreme Lord sent massive ripples of change through heaven and earth.

  In the mortal world, many powerful figures in finance felt a brief surge of fear—though it sted only a moment. They felt threatened, as if someone was coming to take everything they had. Because of this, many institutional investors decided to buy even more financial products, triggering a global buying frenzy.

  For the first time in a long while, stock markets worldwide entered a massive upward trend. It was as if everyone had silently agreed to keep buying, even when retail sales caused a 10% dip. They bought relentlessly.

  Zheng Chu woke up—but it wasn’t a peaceful awakening. The moment he regained consciousness, he was hit by a foul stench emanating from his own body. The smell was so revolting he nearly vomited.

  He scrambled to his feet, rushed straight to the shower, stripped, and scrubbed himself clean. As soon as he finished, he wrapped himself in a towel and hurried to his room, quickly getting ready so he wouldn’t be te for university.

  While putting on his uniform, he hadn’t noticed his appearance before—but when he caught his reflection in the mirror, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

  Before, he hadn’t been particurly handsome or physically striking, but he wasn’t ugly either. His body had shown slight signs of exhaustion and malnutrition.

  Now, however, the dark circles under his eyes were gone. His skin had become so pale and smooth it resembled porcein. His once frail, malnourished frame no longer looked weak—in fact, he seemed slightly stronger.

  For a moment, Zheng Chu couldn’t believe the person in the mirror was him. Stunned, he soon snapped out of it and muttered:

  "Open status window."

  A status screen appeared before him. After reading it, a smile of pure happiness spread across his face.

  "I finally made it."

  To celebrate, he wanted to share this moment with the person he cherished most. But reality quickly set in—he still had to go to university.

  He sighed in resignation. Even as an "Initial Supreme Lord," he still had responsibilities. So, as if nothing had changed, Zheng Chu hurriedly tidied his room, tossed his dirty clothes into the undry, put the kettle on the electric stove, and grabbed some bread and cream cheese for breakfast.

  He didn’t realize it yet, but as he rushed around, he moved at nearly superhuman speed, finishing everything in record time. Back in the kitchen, he quickly prepared a simple breakfast—a cup of milk tea and a cream cheese sandwich. Ten minutes ter, he finished eating, grabbed his bag, and was about to leave when the doorbell rang.

  Confused, he hesitated for only a second before heading to the door. As he approached, he heard a familiar voice from the other side.

  "Brother Zheng Chu, I came to pick you up."

  Recognizing Li Hua’s voice, he opened the door without fear and greeted her with a warm smile.

  "Sister Li Hua, good morning. What brings you here?"

  "Brother Zheng, nothing special. I drove here to take you to the university—so you can travel more comfortably."

  "Sister Li, you didn’t have to go through the trouble. I could’ve gone alone."

  "I know. But what if I told you I just missed my little brother and wanted to take him to css myself? Would you believe me?"

  Li Hua’s cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke. She knew she was being overprotective, but she couldn’t help it. To her, it had been too long since they’d been separated due to family matters. She had longed to see him every day—especially after hearing what happened to the Zheng family. She would’ve visited more if not for her own obligations.

  "Uh…"Zheng Chu was stunned. He had always known Li Hua cared for him and was grateful to have someone like her in his life. But now, he wasn’t just surprised by her words—when he looked at her, a system window automatically popped up in his mind, dispying her favorability.

  "Li Hua’s Favorability: 75%"

  "Host, Li Hua’s favorability has crossed a critical threshold. If it reaches 80%, you will receive 80 favorability points and, as a bonus, a copy of all the target’s skills."

  In his mind, he couldn’t believe it. He knew Li Hua cared for him, but this was beyond his expectations. For a moment, he felt ashamed—he had always feared that if he confessed and she didn’t feel the same, his heart would break. Not just from rejection, but from losing someone so important to him.

  So Zheng Chu hesitated no longer. He took action—he hugged her tightly and spoke with sincerity.

  "Sister Li, thank you for always being so kind to me. I’ll never forget it."

  Li Hua didn’t waste the opportunity either, returning the embrace.

  "You don’t have to thank me. I promised I’d help you, and I’m just keeping my word."

  Zheng Chu said nothing more. He grabbed his university bag, locked his apartment door, and got into Li Hua’s car.

  During the ride, they chatted to pass the time—reminiscing about their childhood, ughing over old memories, and making pns to hang out over the weekend. When they were a block away from the university, Zheng Chu unbuckled his seatbelt and got out.

  "Wait a second."

  At the same time, Li Hua stepped out of the car and, as if it were nothing, kissed him on the cheek.

  "Have a good day."

  With a smile, she drove off before he could respond. Zheng Chu stood there, momentarily dazed—but then, a fme ignited in his heart.

  He wanted Li Hua to be his girlfriend.

  For the first time in his life, he wasn’t running from his feelings. Now that he was a Supreme Lord, he would hide no longer.

  With newfound determination burning in his eyes, he decided Li Hua had better be prepared—because he was going to show her his true feelings. After making that silent vow, he strode confidently toward the university.

  ---

  But unbeknownst to him, on the other side of the street, inside a parked limousine, was the st person he wanted to run into today—An Mu.

  An Mu always arrived at the university early. By 6 a.m., the institution’s gates were already open for students. Security wasn’t a concern—after all, the An family had invested heavily in the university through donations. Even the security agencies hired by universities nationwide were provided by the An family.

  An Mu looked as beautiful as ever. It didn’t matter when or how you saw her—she was always stunning, no matter what she wore. But today, dark circles lingered under her eyes. She hadn’t slept well st night, still processing what had happened the day before.

  As she finished her student duties and prepared for bed, the head maid knocked on her door and led her to her mother’s office. There, her mother was still working te into the night. When An Xue noticed her daughter’s presence, she turned on the office TV without a word and said:

  "You need to see this. It’s an anomaly."

  The news dispyed reports from various countries—most notably, explosive surges in stock market values. Both An Mu and the head maid showed slight surprise.

  "Zhao Yu, listen. Contact the other colteral branches of the An family. Mobilize as much liquidity as possible. Buying back shares of our companies and industries is the top priority—hold as many as you can."

  "Yes, Mistress."

  With that simple order, Zhao Yu left to carry it out.

  "An Mu, I have a simple task for you. Investigate all major movements of international investment funds, especially in emerging and developing countries."

  "If I’m right, this is their move to seize control of key industries and technologies for the next technological revolution. If we don’t counterattack, we’ll be left behind."

  Seeing the seriousness in her mother’s tone, An Mu accepted without protest.

  "I know this may be difficult for you, but remember—you are my daughter and the future heir of the An family. Step by step, you’ll take on more responsibilities to prepare for what’s to come."

  An Mu said nothing more and retreated to her room to begin her research. That was why she now had dark circles under her eyes—though, as part of the An family, no one would dare comment, even if she fell asleep during a student council meeting.

  Just as she was about to step out of the limousine, she spotted Zheng Chu across the street. Instinctively, she sighed.

  For an entire month, Zheng Chu had constantly tried to get close to her—waiting for her at the university entrance, lingering near her path. At first, she tolerated it out of politeness, but she never imagined he’d mistake that courtesy for romantic interest.

  She didn’t hate him, but she didn’t particurly like him either. To her, he was just another cssmate.

  She was about to tell the driver to wait a little longer when—before she could speak—she saw Zheng Chu being kissed on the cheek by a girl. The girl didn’t seem to be a student at the university, but it was clear they were close.

  An Mu watched as Zheng Chu walked into the university with a slightly foolish grin on his face. She sighed, relieved that she’d finally be free of his pestering.

  Yet, for some reason, seeing him so happy with another woman stirred a strange, unfam

  iliar emotion in her chest.

  At that moment, a system window materialized above An Mu’s head.

  "An Mu’s Favorability: 0%"

  "An Mu’s Favorability: 1%"