After finishing breakfast, Mu Wanqing finally felt as though she had returned to the world of the living.
Only after the last trace of hunger disappeared did she finally put down her chopsticks.
The butler silently cleared the table while Mu Wanqing went to freshen up.
After taking a long, warm bath, she wrapped herself in the hotel’s soft bathrobe and stepped out of the marble bathroom with damp hair falling loosely over her shoulders.
She had barely stepped into the bedroom when she noticed the butler waiting respectfully nearby.
Several carefully arranged boxes and garment bags had been placed on the bed.
The butler bowed, “Miss Mu, the items you requested have arrived.”
Mu Wanqing walked closer and looked through them.
There were several complete outfits, neatly arranged according to color and style.
Beside them were matching shoes, handbags, accessories, and several carefully selected sets of undergarments.
Everything had been prepared with remarkable attention to detail.
The butler continued respectfully, “Miss Mu, I have prepared five sets of clothing from Uniqlo and five from Zara, according to your instructions.
I have also arranged the necessary undergarments, shoes, and accessories to match each outfit.”
He gestured toward the clothing laid out on the bed, “For today, I selected this particular set for you.
The remaining outfits have already been arranged in the walk-in wardrobe.
If there is anything you dislike, or if you would prefer a different style, size, or color, you only need to inform me.”
Mu Wanqing nodded slowly, “You are quite thoughtful.”
A faint smile appeared on her lips as she ran her fingers across the fabric.
It was soft, smooth, comfortable and, most importantly, it belonged to her.
For a brief moment, Mu Wanqing simply stood there.
In both her lives, she had rarely possessed anything truly beautiful.
In her previous life, almost every piece of clothing she owned had either been purchased cheaply, passed down from someone else, or worn until the fabric had faded and the seams had begun to loosen.
She had always watched Shen Ruoxi wear beautiful clothes, quietly admiring them while knowing that such things had nothing to do with her.
But now, these clothes were hers.
No one could take them from her.
No one could tell her that she did not deserve them.
A strange warmth quietly rose in her chest.
Without saying anything more, Mu Wanqing carried the outfit into the walk-in wardrobe.
A few minutes later, she stood before the enormous mirror and froze.
The reflection staring back at her looked unfamiliar.
She wore a carefully tailored Zara two-piece suit in a muted sage-teal shade.
The blazer had a slightly structured silhouette with soft puffed shoulders, while the open, collarless design gave it a clean and elegant appearance.
Beneath it was a delicately textured camisole, paired with high-waisted, wide-legged trousers that made her already slender figure appear even taller.
The colors complemented her fair complexion perfectly.
Her long black hair fell naturally around her shoulders, framing a face that had previously been hidden behind heavy bangs and neglected clothing.
“Is this…
really me?”
For the first time in her life, Mu Wanqing understood something she had often heard but never truly experienced.
Clothes really make the man.
Mu Wanqing raised her hand and lightly touched her cheek.
She could hardly look away from her reflection.
Inside her mind, System 888 finally spoke.
[Child, you do know that you can wear something considerably more luxurious than this, don’t you?]
Mu Wanqing smiled at her reflection, “But isn’t this already very nice?”
[It is nice.]
“Then what is the problem?”
System 888 fell silent.
Mu Wanqing continued, “I don’t understand those luxury brands.
I don’t know what makes one bag worth ten thousand yuan and another worth a hundred thousand.
If I suddenly walk into some luxury boutique and start pretending that I understand everything, wouldn’t I only make a fool of myself?” She tilted her head slightly, “Everything should be done step by step.
There is no need to rush.”
Her eyes remained fixed on the mirror.
The system had originally intended to lecture her about the standards expected of a future supreme heiress.
But when it sensed how genuinely happy she was…
It decided to remain silent.
After a brief pause, System 888 changed its approach.
[It does look good.
It is a Zara tailored two-piece suit in a muted sage-teal tone.]
Mu Wanqing asked incredulously, “You understand fashion?”
System 888 immediately became proud.
[Child, your daddy understands many things.
You will gradually discover just how capable your daddy truly is.]
A laugh escaped her lips, “You really haven’t forgotten about that?”
[Of course not.]
The system sounded completely serious.
[A father-daughter relationship is sacred.
Once established, how can it be casually abandoned?]
Mu Wanqing shook her head helplessly.
“System 888, I only called you Daddy as a joke.”
[That was before.]
“And now?”
[Now it has been officially recognized.]
Mu Wanqing stared blankly ahead for several seconds.
Then she decided that arguing with an artificial intelligence that had apparently developed an emotional obsession with fatherhood was a complete waste of time.
She gave one final satisfied glance at herself before leaving the walk-in wardrobe.
The butler immediately bowed when he saw her, “Miss Mu.”
Mu Wanqing nodded.
The butler continued, “I have adjusted the room temperature according to your earlier preference.
I have also arranged a quiet study area for you and placed several scented candles in the suite to create a more comfortable atmosphere.” He paused briefly, “The curtains facing the eastern side can also be adjusted automatically to reduce glare during the day.
Your meals may be delivered directly to the suite whenever you wish.
If you require tea, coffee, stationery, printing services, transportation, or anything else, you may contact me at any time.
Until than I will ensure that no one disturbs you while you are studying.”
Mu Wanqing nodded with satisfaction, “Thank you.”
“It is my duty, Miss Mu.”
After receiving permission to leave, the butler gave another respectful bow and quietly exited the suite.
The moment the door closed behind him, Mu Wanqing walked toward the enormous study table.
Her textbooks had already been arranged neatly there.
She sat down and her expression became serious, “System, after studying for eighteen consecutive hours in the Virtual Mastery Room, did I complete any milestones?”
[Child, didn’t I tell you not to be impatient?
Then why are you already thinking about rewards after studying only five topics?]
Mu Wanqing’s lips twitched.
System 888 sounded completely unimpressed.
[The college entrance examination syllabus covers an enormous amount of material.
You have only completed five mathematical topics.
Do you really believe that eighteen hours of study can give you a ten-percent milestone for the entire college entrance examination preparation?]
Mu Wanqing immediately realized how unreasonable her expectations had been.
She sighed, “Fine.
Then how much progress have I made?”
[2.8 percent.]
Mu Wanqing froze, “…What?” She stared blankly at the books in front of her, “How much progress do I need for the first milestone?” she asked slowly.
[You will need to complete the entire mathematics curriculum.
The entire mathematics curriculum should bring your overall mission progress close to ten percent.]
Mu Wanqing’s body slowly went limp against the chair, “An entire subject…
only counts as ten percent?”
[Yes.]
She suddenly sat upright, “But there are still Chinese, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology!”
[Exactly.]
Mu Wanqing stared at the ceiling.
For several long seconds, she said nothing.
Then she covered her face with both hands, “With so much to study, how am I supposed to finish everything within ten days?” her voice carried genuine despair.
System 888 immediately panicked.
It had only intended to give her a realistic understanding of the mission.
It had not intended to crush her fighting spirit.
[Child, don’t lose heart!
You are not an ordinary student anymore.
You have the Virtual Mastery Room.
You have the best teachers and resources available.
Most importantly, you have time compression.]
Still no response.
System 888 became even more anxious.
[And…
think about the rewards!]
Mu Wanqing slowly lowered her hands.
System 888 immediately sensed an opportunity.
[Do you know what happens when a learning mission reaches the Grandmaster level?]
[You receive something extraordinary.]
Mu Wanqing immediately sat upright.
“Something extraordinary?”
[Yes.
Something of exceptional value.]
Mu Wanqing’s imagination immediately began running wild, “Is it mystical?
Like a spiritual weapon?
A divine beast?
A mythical space?
Maybe a storage ring?”
System 888 finally exploded.
[Child!
How many times do I have to tell you?
This is not some cultivation novel!
You will not receive a phoenix, a dragon, a spiritual sword, or some immortal cultivation technique!
What you get is the practical rewards.]
Mu Wanqing finally laughed, “Fine, fine.
I was just kidding.
Then tell me, what will I receive?”
System 888 became quiet.
[I don’t know.
The rewards are usually determined by the Main System.]
System 888 immediately added.
[I may sometimes submit an application for a specific reward when I believe the host requires it.
Just like i did today.]
Mu Wanqing’s eyes widened, “You submitted application for a reward?”
[Exactly.]
Her interest immediately returned, “So what reward did you apply for this time?”
[You will find out after completing your first milestone.]
Mu Wanqing immediately became suspicious, “You’re hiding something.”
[It is called building anticipation.]
“Tell me.”
[No.]
“Just give me a hint.”
[No.]
“Daddy.”
System 888 immediately froze.
Mu Wanqing’s lips curved upward.
She had discovered its weakness, “Daddy, tell me.
Please”
The system’s emotional circuits almost overloaded.
[Child…
do not casually use such tactics.]
Mu Wanqing smiled sweetly, “Then tell me.”
System 888 immediately regained its composure.
[Complete your first milestone, and you will discover the reward yourself.
I can only tell you one thing.
You will love it.
And perhaps after receiving it, you might willingly call me Daddy again.]
Mu Wanqing snorted, “Don’t dream too much.”
[We shall see.]
Although she was slightly disappointed that she could not discover the reward immediately, Mu Wanqing’s motivation had returned completely.
She immediately stood up, “Fine.”
System 888 immediately became alert.
“Today, I will complete the entire mathematics curriculum.”
A brief silence followed.
[…Child.]
“Yes?”
[You do understand that mathematics covers three years of high school education?]
“I know.”
[And that some of the topics are extremely difficult?]
“I know.”
[And that Teacher Xu may keep you inside the Virtual Mastery Room for an unreasonable amount of time?]
Mu Wanqing’s lips twitched, “I know that too.”
[Then why are you smiling like that?]
Mu Wanqing looked toward the vast windows overlooking Shanghai.
The city stretched endlessly before her.
Somewhere outside, countless people were beginning their ordinary mornings.
Countless students were burning their nights to study for upcoming college entrance exams.
And here she was.
Standing in the Presidential Suite of one of Shanghai’s most luxurious hotels.
With ten million yuan in her bank account, a cheat like system and a second chance at life.
She smiled, “Because this time, I don’t have anything holding me back.”
There was a long silence.
Then System 888 spoke softly.
[That’s right.
My child has nothing to fear anymore.]
Mu Wanqing’s expression softened for a brief moment.
Then she immediately said, “Send me back to the Virtual Mastery Room.”
The next moment, her consciousness disappeared and her body went limp on the nearby sofa.
When she opened her eyes again, she was standing inside the familiar old classroom.
A sharp voice immediately rang out, “So you have returned.”
Mu Wanqing turned around.
Teacher Xu stood beside the blackboard in her traditional qipao, her expression as stern as ever.
Mu Wanqing immediately walked to her desk, have a polite nod and sat down, “Teacher Xu.”
The woman raised an eyebrow, “You seem unusually energetic.”
Mu Wanqing nodded, “I want to complete the mathematics curriculum today.”
Teacher Xu stared at her.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she slowly adjusted her glasses, “Ambitious.”
Mu Wanqing straightened her back, “I will work hard.”
Teacher Xu studied her expression carefully.
There was no hesitation in the girl’s eyes.
At last, the strict teacher gave the faintest hint of approval, “Very well.” She picked up a piece of chalk, “If that is your decision, then do not complain later.”
Teacher Xu turned toward the blackboard.
The chalk moved sharply across its surface and a new topic appeared.
Mu Wanqing immediately focused her attention.
Outside, only seconds passed.
But inside the Virtual Mastery Room, another long and relentless battle had begun.
On the other side of Shanghai, Zhang Jianjun was doing precisely the opposite of what he had told Chen Gang he was going home to do.
The young man lounged comfortably on the sofa in the Zhang family’s spacious villa, one leg casually crossed over the other as he scrolled through his phone.
His expression was relaxed, almost lazy, as though the rapidly approaching college entrance examination had absolutely nothing to do with him.
Behind him stood Butler Zhang.
The elderly butler had maintained the same dignified posture for several minutes, patiently waiting for his young master to put down his phone.
Unfortunately, Zhang Jianjun showed no intention of doing so.
“Young Master,” Butler Zhang finally said, his tone carrying the patience of someone who had repeated the same words countless times, “perhaps it is time for you to begin studying.”
Zhang Jianjun did not even raise his head, “Uncle Zhang, you are becoming more and more naggy.”
Butler Zhang’s expression remained unchanged, “I’m merely concerned about Young Master’s studies.”
Zhang Jianjun finally looked up and snorted, “I only just returned home.
Back in the Capital, Grandmother tortured me from morning until night with those mountains of high school textbooks and endless study sessions.
Now that I’ve finally escaped and returned to Shanghai, can’t I relax for a few days?”
He tossed his phone onto the sofa beside him and stretched lazily.
“Besides, I’ve already finished studying.
I’m ready for the college entrance examination.”
Butler Zhang shook his head helplessly.
His young master was intelligent.
Exceptionally intelligent, in fact.
That was precisely why he was so difficult to manage.
“Young Master,” he said patiently, “studying a little more will not harm you.
As for what Old Madam Wang did, I completely agree with her.”
Zhang Jianjun immediately frowned, “Of course you agree with her.”
Butler Zhang ignored the complaint, “Everything Old Madam Wang has done was for your own benefit.
One day, Young Master will understand her intentions and thank her.”
Zhang Jianjun let out a long, miserable groan, “I don’t know whether I’ll thank her in the future, but I can tell you one thing, she has already made my past three years and present miserable.”
“I have absolutely no desire to return to the Capital,” Zhang Jianjun continued.
“From now on, I will stay here in Shanghai with my parents and with you.
The Capital can keep its textbooks, mock examinations, and terrifying old ladies.” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
“You little rascal!” A clear, commanding voice suddenly descended from the staircase, “Is that how you speak about your maternal grandmother?”
Zhang Jianjun immediately sat upright.
A middle-aged woman was walking gracefully down the curved staircase.
She wore an elegant traditional-style blouse paired with a long skirt, her hair neatly arranged behind her shoulders.
There was an air of refinement about her that could not be concealed, the quiet dignity of someone raised in an educated and distinguished family.
This was Wang Shihan, Zhang Jianjun’s mother.
The moment he saw her, Zhang Jianjun immediately stood from the sofa, “Mom.”
Wang Shihan descended the final few steps and looked at him sternly, “When did you become so brave?
If I had not come downstairs, would I have ever discovered what my precious son truly thinks about his grandmother?”
Zhang Jianjun immediately shook his head, “Mom, don’t misunderstand me.
I wasn’t trying to disrespect Grandmother.
I was simply telling the truth.”
Wang Shihan folded her arms, “Then go on.
Tell me your truth.”
Zhang Jianjun sighed heavily, “Mom, I know Grandmother cares about me.
I really do.
But I was exhausted in the Capital.
For the past three years, my life has been so repetitive that I sometimes felt like a machine.”
“Every morning, I woke up according to a schedule.
Breakfast was controlled.
Study time was controlled.
Sleep was controlled.
Exercise was controlled.
My online games were controlled.
My social life was controlled.
Even the amount of time I spent outdoors was controlled.”
He raised both hands helplessly, “Mom, tell me honestly.
How is a person supposed to survive in such an environment?”
Butler Zhang immediately replied from behind him, “That is because Old Madam Wang has extremely high expectations for Young Master.”
Zhang Jianjun turned around, “Uncle Zhang, whose side are you on?”
“The side of reason.”
“Traitor.”
Butler Zhang smiled faintly.
He had watched Zhang Jianjun grow up and was far too familiar with his young master’s temperament to be offended by such complaints, “Old Madam Wang has only one descendant of her direct family line.
At her age, she possesses reputation, achievements, and everything else that a person could desire.
What she does not possess is unlimited time.
Therefore, in the years she has left, she naturally wishes to see someone continue what she has spent her entire life building.”
“Your grandmother has been a prominent figure in the academic world for decades,” Butler Zhang continued.
“She has spent her entire life educating students and nurturing talented young people.
She has guided scholars who later became influential figures throughout the country and beyond.” He looked directly at Zhang Jianjun, “Of course she wishes to give the very best to her own grandson.”
Zhang Jianjun’s playful expression softened slightly.
Before he could respond, Wang Shihan spoke, “Do you know how frightened your grandmother was when you disappeared from the Capital?
Your grandfather searched for you throughout the city.
They contacted everyone they could think of.
For several hours, neither of them knew where you had gone.”
Zhang Jianjun looked slightly guilty, “I didn’t disappear.”
“You ran away without informing anyone.”
“I sent a message.”
“After arriving in Shanghai.”
Zhang Jianjun immediately fell silent.
Wang Shihan shook her head helplessly, “Your grandmother can be controlling sometimes.
I know that better than anyone.
She raised me too.”
Zhang Jianjun looked at her with surprise, “You suffered like that as well?”
Wang Shihan gave him a meaningful look, “Much worse.”
Zhang Jianjun immediately looked sympathetic, “Mom, you’ve suffered.”
“Don’t pretend to be clever.”
He smiled.
Wang Shihan continued, her voice becoming gentler, “But no matter how strict she is, one thing has never changed.
She loves you,” Wang Shihan said.
“And she wants you to perform your best in the college entrance examination and gain admission to Capital University.
That is why she has spent the past three years putting so much effort into you.”
Zhang Jianjun remained silent for a moment.
Then he sighed, “Mom…
I know.
I know Grandmother loves me.
But I don’t want to attend university in the Capital.”
Wang Shihan’s expression changed, “What?”
Zhang Jianjun looked directly at her, “I want to stay in Shanghai.”
For several seconds, Wang Shihan simply stared at her son.
Butler Zhang also looked at him with surprise.
Zhang Jianjun continued calmly, “Shanghai has excellent universities as well.
I can study here.”
“But your grandmother…”
“I know what Grandmother wants.” His tone remained calm, “But this is what I want.
Mom, the Capital is too complicated.
People there are strange.
In the Capital, you have to be cautious wherever you go.
You never know who you might encounter.” He folded his arms, “A person could walk out of a roadside steamed-bun shop wearing cheap clothes, and the next moment you discover that he is someone powerful enough to make half the city nervous.
That is only one part of it.
The high society in the Capital is completely different from Shanghai.
In Shanghai, wealth is often displayed openly.
People attend galas, charity dinners, business events.
Everything is glamorous and visible.”
He paused, “But in the Capital…
The hierarchy is different.
Everything is layered.
Relationships are hidden beneath relationships.
Families have histories that ordinary people don’t understand.
Sometimes, you can sit beside someone at a dinner table and have absolutely no idea how much influence they truly possess.”
He looked toward his mother, “Every time I attended those dinners with Grandfather, I watched how people spoke to one another.
And the more I watched, the more I understood that when money and power come together, the storm is inevitable.”
Butler Zhang’s expression changed slightly.
The young master might appear carefree most of the time.
But he was not foolish.
Zhang Jianjun understood far more than he allowed others to believe.
He suddenly smiled again, returning to his usual relaxed self, “Besides, Mom, you don’t need to worry about my studies.
With my grades, getting into Capital University won’t be difficult.
Let alone getting into a university in Shanghai.”
“Zhang Jianjun!” Wang Shihan immediately called after him.
But before she could say anything else, he had already turned and sprinted toward the staircase.
“Mom, we’ll discuss it later!”
“Come back here!”
“I have to sleep, did you forget we have my birthday dinner later with granpa and grandma?”
Wang Shihan stared in disbelief.
Within seconds, Zhang Jianjun disappeared down the corridor.
Wang Shihan stood where she was for several moments before finally sighing.
“That child…” She rubbed her forehead, “He is exactly like his father.”
Butler Zhang nodded slowly, “Indeed.” Then his expression became serious, “But Young Master’s decision has come as a great surprise.”
“Old Madam Wang has placed tremendous expectations upon him.
If she learns that Young Master wishes to remain in Shanghai…” Butler Zhang did not finish the sentence.
There was no need to.
Both of them understood.
Old Madam Wang would not be pleased.
Wang Shihan slowly sat down on the sofa, “Jianjun has been spoiled by his father and paternal grandparents since childhood.”
Butler Zhang smiled faintly, “That is because he is the only young master of the Zhang family.”
Wang Shihan shook her head.
Then her gaze returned to the staircase.
Her expression slowly became thoughtful.
She understood her mother’s expectations better than anyone.
But she was also Zhang Jianjun’s mother.
And no matter how powerful Old Madam Wang’s wishes might be.
She could not force her son to live a life he did not want.
At last, Wang Shihan made her decision, “I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”