The night air was cool and crisp as Li Xun lay in bed, his mind racing with the events of the day. The thrill of standing up to the bully had ignited something within him, a flicker of confidence he hadn't known before. But as he stared at the ceiling, the weight of his ordinary life settled back in. What could he really change?
With a sigh, he turned over and glanced at the talisman resting on his bedside table. The intricate carvings glinted in the dim light, and an inexplicable urge compelled him to reach for it. As he picked it up, he felt a strange warmth emanating from the object, as if it held a pulse of its own.
"Maybe you're just a pretty piece of metal," he muttered, rolling it between his fingers. Yet something told him there was more to it, something waiting to be unlocked.
As sleep overtook him, Li Xun found himself drifting into an unusual dream. He stood in a vast expanse of darkness, surrounded by shimmering lights that resembled stars. A soft voice called to him, guiding him deeper into the abyss.
"Welcome, Li Xun," it whispered. "You have awakened the power within."
Before he could respond, a digital interface materialized before him, filled with colorful icons and cryptic text. A bright banner flashed at the top: Heaven's Favor Activated. Beneath it, several options pulsed with light, beckoning him to choose.
Li Xun's heart raced as he realized this was no ordinary dream. He reached out, his finger hovering over a flashing icon labeled Daily Reward. With a deep breath, he pressed it.
The screen exploded in a burst of colors, and he was enveloped in a whirlwind of energy. When the chaos subsided, a message appeared: Congratulations! You have received: Skill in Persuasion Level 1.
"What does that even mean?" he murmured, but the words echoed back in the silence.
Suddenly, he was jolted awake, the morning sun streaming through his window. Heart pounding, Li Xun sat up, adrenaline coursing through him. The dream felt real, and the skill he had received lingered in his mind. Could it truly be possible?
Shaking off the remnants of sleep, he grabbed his phone and pulled up the university schedule. Classes started in an hour. He quickly dressed, his thoughts racing with excitement and disbelief. What if he could put this new skill to the test?
At the university, the atmosphere buzzed with energy as students filed into classrooms. Li Xun spotted Mei Ling by the entrance of the lecture hall, chatting animatedly with her friends. She was every bit the embodiment of confidence, and as he approached, he felt a mix of admiration and nervousness.
"Hey, Li Xun!" she greeted, her eyes lighting up. "I heard about what you did at the café yesterday. That was pretty brave."
"Thanks," he replied, surprised by her acknowledgment. "It was nothing, really. Just didn't want to see those guys picking on anyone."
"I wish more people would stand up like that," she said, her gaze softening. "Sometimes it feels like everyone just looks the other way."
They shared a moment of connection before heading into the lecture hall. Li Xun found a seat near the front, trying to focus on the professor's lecture. But his mind kept wandering to the dream and the skill he had received.
After class, he decided to test his newfound skill. He approached a small group discussing a project for their upcoming business competition. "Hey, do you mind if I join in?" he asked, his voice steady and confident, surprising even himself.
"Sure! We could use another perspective," one of them replied, a girl with glasses. Her name was Zhang Wei, known for being thorough and detail-oriented.
As they discussed their ideas, Li Xun felt an uncanny ease in communicating. He offered suggestions that flowed naturally, building on each other's thoughts. The more he spoke, the more engaged the group became, nodding along and actively seeking his input.
"Wow, Li Xun, you really have a knack for this," Zhang Wei said, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. "You should consider leading our presentation!"
The words struck a chord deep within him. For the first time, he felt seen—not just as a quiet observer but as someone with valuable insights.
As the conversation progressed, Li Xun felt the old doubts creep in. Was it really him, or was it the skill? But he pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the moment. The project came together more cohesively than he could have imagined.
After the meeting, Li Xun felt buoyed by a newfound sense of belonging. He decided to seek out Old Man Zhang, hoping for guidance regarding the mysterious system that had awakened within him. The old man often sat in a secluded part of campus, beneath a sprawling ginkgo tree.
When Li Xun found him, the old man was reading a weathered book. He looked up, his eyes crinkling with wisdom. "Good morning, young one. How is the day treating you?"
Li Xun paused, remembering the dream. "Actually, I had a strange dream last night. I think I… received a skill?"
Old Man Zhang chuckled softly, the sound rich with understanding. "The universe has its ways of granting us what we need. Skills can be powerful allies, but how you wield them is what truly matters."
Li Xun nodded, taking in the old man's words. "What should I do next?"
"Embrace it. Test your limits. But remember, power without purpose can lead to ruin," he replied cryptically, returning to his book.
As Li Xun walked away, he felt a new determination welling up inside him. He was ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead. The next few days would be crucial, and he couldn't afford to waste any time.
That evening, he returned home and pulled out the talisman, contemplating his next move. What other skills might he receive? What rewards lay ahead? He felt the weight of possibility resting in his hands.
As he drifted off to sleep, he knew that this was just the beginning. A new chapter awaited him, and he was ready to seize it.