The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with the scent of sizzling bacon, a comforting symphony that roused Jiang Li from his slumber. He stretched languidly, the memory of his cultivation session with Celina lingering pleasantly in his mind.
He glanced at the system panel, a habit he had developed since its activation.
[Villain Family System]
* Host: Jiang Li
* Level: 1
* Cultivation Talent: D
* System Points: 50 (Increased from 0 due to daily login bonus)
* Space: 10 cubic meters
* Store: Locked (Unlock Condition: 1000 System Points)
A daily login bonus? A small but welcome addition. He could use the extra system points.
He rose from the bed, feeling a surge of energy coursing through his veins. Cultivation, combined with the Rejuvenation Pill, had significantly improved his physical condition. He felt lighter, more agile, more alive.
He joined his father, Jiang Feng, at the breakfast table. Jiang Feng, as usual, was engrossed in a local news channel, his attention momentarily diverted by the sight of his son.
"You seem… different, boy," Jiang Feng observed, raising an eyebrow. "More… alive."
Jiang Li smiled. "I've been focusing on my cultivation, Father."
Jiang Feng snorted. "Cultivation? You? Don't make me laugh, boy. You're more interested in chasing butterflies than chasing Qi."
Jiang Li remained silent, choosing not to argue. He knew his father's dismissive attitude towards cultivation.
After breakfast, Celina, as per their agreement, joined him in the garden for their morning cultivation session. They practiced the Qi Gathering Technique, their movements synchronized, their breaths in perfect harmony.
Later that morning, Jiang Li prepared to leave for college. Today was a significant day – his first day as a freshman at Nanjing University, one of the most prestigious universities in the nation.
Education, while not as revered as cultivation, was still considered essential for every young master of a prominent family. It was a matter of face, a way to demonstrate not just strength but also intellect and refinement.
As his Maybach, a sleek black sedan, pulled up in front of the university gates, heads turned. Jiang Li, with his handsome features, his confident stride, and the aura of wealth that clung to him like a second skin, was an instant sensation.
The female students, in particular, were captivated. Whispers filled the air.
"Look, it's Jiang Li, the youngest son of the Second Elder."
"He's even more handsome in person."
"I heard he's quite the playboy."
Jiang Li ignored the admiring glances, his gaze fixed on the entrance. He was more interested in finding his assigned classroom than in basking in the attention.
As he walked through the bustling campus, he couldn't help but notice a group of young women whispering amongst themselves, their eyes constantly flitting towards him. He recognized one of them – Xu Qing, the daughter of the Xu family, one of the four prominent families in Nanjing, albeit slightly less influential than the Jiang family.
Xu Qing, with her elegant demeanor and captivating beauty, was the talk of the town. She was intelligent, talented, and, according to the rumors, a skilled cultivator.
Jiang Li had developed a crush on Xu Qing ever since he first saw her at a social gathering. He had tried to impress her, showering her with gifts and attention, but his efforts had been met with polite indifference.
Now, armed with the knowledge of the system, he understood why.
Xu Qing, with her ethereal beauty and refined aura, was likely the heroine of some grand cultivation romance novel, destined for greatness. And he, the arrogant young master, was destined to be the minor villain, the obstacle she would inevitably overcome on her path to glory.
A sigh escaped his lips. He had to accept the truth. Pursuing Xu Qing was a futile endeavor.
He entered the classroom, his gaze sweeping over the room. The students, a mix of young men and women, fell silent as he entered.
He spotted Xu Qing sitting near the window, her gaze fixed on the bustling campus outside. She seemed lost in thought, oblivious to the commotion caused by his arrival.
Taking a deep breath, he walked towards her.
"Xu Qing," he began, his voice steady, "I… I wanted to talk to you."
Xu Qing turned to face him, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and apprehension.
"I know… I know I've been… persistent," Jiang Li said, avoiding her gaze. "And I understand if you find it… annoying."
Xu Qing looked away, a faint blush creeping up her neck. "It's… it's not that," she stammered. "It's just…"
"I know," Jiang Li said, interrupting her. "You don't… you don't feel the same way."
Xu Qing's eyes widened. "How… how did you know?"
Jiang Li gave a wry smile. "Let's just say I've learned a few things about myself lately."
He paused, then continued, "I… I want to apologize for my past behavior. I shouldn't have… I shouldn't have pressured you.
Xu Qing looked at him, surprised by his sincerity. "I… I appreciate that, Jiang Li," she said softly.
"I hope we can… we can be friends," Jiang Li said, extending his hand.
Xu Qing hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his. "I… I would like that."
A sense of relief washed over Jiang Li. He had accepted the truth, accepted his place in this grand narrative. He would no longer be an obstacle in Xu Qing's path.
He turned to leave, a newfound sense of freedom washing over him. He was no longer bound by the shackles of unrequited love. He was free to focus on his cultivation, to rise above his limitations, to become the strongest villain he could be.
As he walked away, he glanced back at Xu Qing. She was watching him, a thoughtful expression on her face. He couldn't help but wonder if she would ever understand the true reason for his sudden change of heart.
He smiled. It was a secret he would cherish, a secret that only he and the Villain Family System knew.
The game had just begun.
Chapter 4: The College of Shadows
The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with the scent of sizzling bacon, filling the air of the elegant dining room. Jiang Li, clad in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the steaming plate of pancakes in front of him. Beside him, Celina, her face serene, poured him a cup of tea.
"Enjoy your breakfast, Young Master," she said softly, her voice a gentle melody.
Jiang Li nodded, taking a bite of the pancake. It was light and fluffy, cooked to perfection. He glanced at Celina, who was already seated, her breakfast untouched.
"You should eat, Celina," he said, his gaze lingering on her. "You need your strength."
Celina smiled faintly. "I'm not very hungry, Young Master."
Jiang Li frowned slightly. He had noticed that Celina had been unusually quiet lately. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.
Celina hesitated, then said, "I'm fine, Young Master. Just a little… nervous."
"Nervous?" Jiang Li raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Celina looked down at her plate, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Today… today is the first day of college."
Jiang Li chuckled. "Don't worry, Celina. You'll do fine. Just remember to be yourself."
Celina smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Young Master. For everything."
Jiang Li smiled back. He knew that Celina was nervous not just about starting college, but also about their cultivation sessions. He was determined to make it a positive experience for her, to help her unlock her true potential.
After breakfast, Jiang Li prepared to leave for college. He slipped a small, intricately crafted jade pendant into his pocket. It was a gift from his father, a symbol of the Jiang family's wealth and influence.
As he stepped out of the mansion, a sleek Maybach pulled up to the entrance. He climbed into the backseat, the luxurious leather cushioning his frame.
The drive to Nanjing University was short, but eventful. As the Maybach glided through the city streets, heads turned. Jiang Li, with his handsome features, his impeccable attire, and the aura of wealth that clung to him like a second skin, was a sight to behold. He was the epitome of the "golden youth," the envy of every young man and the object of every young woman's fantasies.
As the Maybach pulled up in front of the university gates, a hush fell over the crowd of students. Whispers erupted, their eyes glued to the young man emerging from the vehicle. Jiang Li, with a confident stride, walked towards the entrance, a trail of admiring glances following him.
He was the talk of the campus. The "Male God of Nanjing University," as he was soon to be dubbed.
He entered the lecture hall, his presence causing a minor stir. The students, already seated, turned to look at him, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and envy.
Jiang Li, unfazed by the attention, scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on her.
She was sitting near the window, a book open in her lap. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her delicate features. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face like a silken curtain.
She was even more beautiful than he remembered.
Her name was Lin Yue.
Lin Yue, the youngest daughter of the Lin family, one of the four prominent families in Nanjing.
Lin Yue, the object of his affection, his unattainable dream.
He had been pursuing her for months, showering her with gifts, composing poems for her, even attempting to impress her with his cultivation skills (though his efforts in that department were, to put it mildly, underwhelming).
But his efforts had been met with polite indifference. Lin Yue always treated him with courtesy, but there was a distinct lack of warmth in her demeanor, a subtle distance that he couldn't seem to breach.
He knew now why.
The Villain Family System, with its uncanny ability to analyze individuals, had revealed the truth: Lin Yue was not just any ordinary young lady. She was, in a word, special.
[Lin Yue]
* Loyalty: Neutral (slightly leaning towards Lin Xuan)
* Luck: Heavenly
* Cultivation Talent: S
* Physique: Celestial
Celestial Physique.
The mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine.
Lin Yue, with her Celestial Physique and Heavenly Luck, was destined for greatness. She was likely the heroine of some grand epic, a chosen one destined to achieve unparalleled heights.
And he, Jiang Li, the minor villain, was destined to be an obstacle in her path, a minor antagonist in her grand narrative.
He knew he had to change his approach. He couldn't afford to antagonize her. He needed to find a way to earn her respect, to become an ally, if possible.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Li walked towards her.
Lin Yue looked up, her eyes meeting his. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Good morning, Lin Yue," he said, his voice calm and confident.
"Good morning, Jiang Li," she replied, her voice a soft melody.
He hesitated, then blurted out, "I… I wanted to apologize for my past behavior."
Lin Yue looked surprised. "Apologize?"
"Yes," Jiang Li said, "I… I've been acting rather… foolishly lately. I understand if you're not interested in me, and I won't pursue you any further."
Lin Yue's eyes widened. She hadn't expected this.
"I… I appreciate that, Jiang Li," she said softly, a tinge of sadness in her voice.
Jiang Li smiled, a genuine smile. "I hope we can still be friends," he said, extending a hand.
Lin Yue hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his. "I… I would like that," she admitted.
As they shook hands, Jiang Li felt a strange sense of relief. He had taken the first step.
He had a long way to go, but he was determined to make amends, to earn Lin Yue's respect, and perhaps, just perhaps, to become an unexpected ally in her journey.
He turned to face the front of the lecture hall, a newfound sense of purpose filling him.
The game had just begun.