"Ding dong, congratulations on completing the system task: attending the business summit. You've been rewarded: Investment Opportunity Tip Card ×1, and your wealth increased by ¥10,000,000,000." However, he didn't take the system notification seriously, as the sound of "defeat" from his phone annoyed him even more. "Argh, lost again?" With a sigh, Yang Ling threw his phone onto the desk.
"Why haven't the Chosen One and the Favored Child of Destiny appeared yet?" Yang Ling complained to the system. He had been waiting for eighteen years.
The system explained, "Perhaps the world's will hasn't awakened yet, causing the plot to delay."
Yang Ling, dissatisfied, said, "I've waited so long, working tirelessly every day to the point of losing direction. Only recently have I started to enjoy the world's pleasures—anime, movies, games. I haven't even dated anyone yet." It was hard to imagine that beneath Yang Ling's cold exterior lay such a side.
"Host, isn't it normal for a villain to have their own career? Have you ever seen a villain who's dirt poor? And do I need to remind you that you haven't had a girlfriend? I always advise you that villains should have their own harem. At the very least, a girlfriend would do. But you, you spend every day in the company, wearing that ice-cold face. Moreover, isn't your secretary quite obedient? According to my data, she likes you a thousand percent." The system, hearing Yang Ling's complaints, switched to its chatterbox mode. Unlike other cold systems, its sarcastic tone and indirect jabs even made Yang Ling admire it.
"System, are you sure the world's will is going to awaken?" Yang Ling asked after a moment of silence.
The system, seemingly snapping out of its smug state, responded, "Based on projections, the world's will is bound to awaken. Please be patient."
"That's good. I'll save your birthday gift for tonight's party. Thanks for that, system. Let's focus on today's birthday party. It's my first time hosting one here after all these years, and I'm quite excited."
The system, hearing the praise, was flattered and quickly said, "Not at all, Second Young Master, you're too kind."
"I still prefer your earlier arrogant tone. System, I'm not used to this."
"..."
Time quickly flew by, and soon it was evening. Yang Ling's birthday party was to be held at the most luxurious hotel in the city—Emperor Hotel. Located in the city center, its geographical position was unparalleled. The hotel boasted a magnificent and grand exterior, with towering structures that spoke of luxury and prestige.
The interior of the Emperor Hotel was lavishly decorated, with every detail showcasing top-notch design. The marble floors were smooth as mirrors, and the crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly. The hotel's lobby was spacious and bright, adorned with valuable artworks and antiques, making it feel like a modern art palace.
The hotel's banquet hall was even more impressive, spacious enough to accommodate over a thousand guests. The ceiling was inlaid with gold leaf and crystals, and the walls were covered with world-renowned paintings, exuding an aura of luxury in every corner.
Yang Ling donned a noble white suit, perfectly highlighting his handsome appearance. The golden pocket watch on his chest gleamed, symbolizing his status and wealth. Holding a glass of champagne, he smiled as he conversed with the family heads and celebrities who came to celebrate.
"Mr. Yang, happy birthday! Wishing you greater success in the coming year," a middle-aged man said respectfully.
"Thank you for your wishes, Uncle Liu. Your company has been doing quite well lately," Yang Ling replied with a smile.
"Mr. Yang, you're truly talented and capable at such a young age. We all admire your abilities," another business tycoon raised his glass, expressing his admiration for Yang Ling.
"You're too kind, Mr. Zhang. It's all about working together and developing collectively," Yang Ling said, raising his glass and clinking it lightly with Mr. Zhang's.
At this moment, Liu Wan entered the banquet hall with Chen Fan and He Qingran. He Qingran, awed by the luxurious scene before her, couldn't help but whisper, "This place is so beautiful, like a palace."
Liu Wan nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Yang Ling's taste remains as exquisite as ever."
Chen Fan, although outwardly composed, was filled with disdain for Yang Ling. He scanned the opulent decor with a cold eye, silently scoffing, "Hmph, this guy is just showing off, relying on his family's background and wealth to put on a show. I, Chen Fan, can achieve this level and even surpass him. Yang Ling is nothing but a pretty face with no substance."
Noticing Liu Wan and her entourage's arrival, Yang Ling smiled and approached them, "Miss Liu, welcome. It's an honor to have you here today."
Liu Wan responded politely with a slight smile, "Mr. Yang, happy birthday. Thank you for the invitation."
Yang Ling's gaze then fell on Chen Fan, his eyes carrying a hint of curiosity, "And this is?"
Liu Wan introduced, "This is my assistant, He Qingran, and this... is my friend, Chen Fan."
Yang Ling nodded in acknowledgment, "Nice to meet you both. Please, enjoy the party."
Chen Fan nodded lightly, maintaining a polite facade while his disdain for Yang Ling grew, "Yang Ling, you may put on a good show, but we'll see who comes out on top." Yet, he felt a bit uneasy as Yang Ling's gaze had lingered on him briefly before shifting back to Liu Wan. It made him feel uneasy, "This guy, how dare he stand so close to Wan'er, doesn't he know she belongs to me?" Chen Fan quickly brushed off his unease, focusing on his resentment towards Yang Ling for drawing a smile from Liu Wan that she never showed him. His hostility towards Yang Ling soared.
Chen Fan didn't know that as Yang Ling looked at him, a notification sounded in his ear, "Ding! The presence of the Favored Child of Destiny detected. System upgrading (1%...100%). Congratulations to the host on successfully upgrading. Would you like to open the new system panel?"
Yang Ling's smile grew even more charming, thinking, "The plot is finally beginning."