I'm a senior in high school, and the Emperor Development System has arrived!

Chapter 124 Chen Zhou's handsomeness should rank him 43rd globally.

"What to talk about?"

Chen Zhou spoke, his voice as calm as if he were asking about today's class schedule.

Yu Xinyan pursed her lips and asked:

"That recent incident...did you do it?"

Her eyes were bright, revealing an urgent desire for answers.

Chen Zhou chuckled and asked in return:

"How am I supposed to know which matter it is if you don't explain it clearly?"

Yu Xinyan's eyelashes trembled slightly as she added:
"There have been some rumors lately..."

Chen Zhou understood, he grasped her meaning, and he smiled slightly:
"I think I know what you're talking about, but as far as I know—it doesn't seem to be a rumor, does it?"

Yu Xinyan's face paled slightly. She felt more than ever before that her dignity seemed insignificant and worthless in front of Chen Zhou.

She took a deep breath, stared directly at Chen Zhou, and said:
"I just want to know if this has anything to do with you..."

Chen Zhou's expression remained calm. His gaze lingered on Yu Xinyan's delicate face for a moment before he nodded and said:
"Yes, but no."

Yu Xinyan looked up and asked:

"What does it mean?"

Chen Zhou let out a short, cold laugh, which was unusually jarring in the quiet corridor.

He slowly took a few steps forward, completely enveloping the petite woman in his shadow.

Chen Zhou lowered his head slightly, looking down at the face that had once made him stop countless times. His gaze was as deep as a cold pool, and his tone was calm, yet every word was like a knife:

"What do you mean? It's very simple."

He spoke clearly:

"I was once one of those people, just like those foolish boys you played for, who would be overjoyed for a long time over a small, condescending glance, a casual thank you, or even an unintentional smile from you..."

Chen Zhou paused, his sharp gaze fixed deep into Yu Xinyan's eyes:

“Seeing you in such a difficult situation, I even feel a little gleeful. This is certainly ‘related’ to me; it’s an emotion that belongs to ‘us’ people. We’re watching.”

"but--"

He emphasized this transition word heavily, as if he wanted to draw a clear line between them.

"You want to know who first revealed these messages, these details, these 'truths' that you carefully concealed in the past? And who let them spread like wildfire in the place you care about most?"

Chen Zhou shook his head, his face showing no change in expression:
"I'm sorry, although I know some clues, I have nothing to say."

He stepped back slightly, maintaining a somewhat oppressive distance, and put his hands in his school uniform pockets, his posture casual yet exuding aloofness.

His voice returned to its usual soft tone, as if he were narrating a proverb unrelated to himself:

"However, I'd like to share some observations. Yu Xinyan, most things in this world are about balance. Water overflows when it's full, and the moon wanes when it's full."

"The fame and adulation you gained through those... less-than-honorable tricks are like a castle built on quicksand. It looks dazzling, but its foundation is weak. When the tide goes out, it will peel away and collapse layer by layer."

"Your disregard for genuine sincerity will always come at the cost of reality's reckoning. The neglect and disappointment you're feeling right now..."

Chen Zhou pointed out her current state of mind in a completely flat tone:
"It's just that those spotlights you received too easily in the past, and that didn't even belong to you, are being taken back little by little, in another form, doubly and with interest. This is the taste you have to taste now."

"..."

"Clap."

It was as if a soft sound exploded in Yu Xinyan's heart.

Those words were cold and precise, like a scalpel dissecting the truth and weakness she least wanted to face.

The stark contrast between her former status as the center of attention wherever she went and her current state of being ignored and even hearing whispers from classmates behind her back is like two tearing forces colliding fiercely in her mind.

Chen Zhou's calm narration cruelly tore away the last veil of pretense she used to comfort herself—

She wasn't misunderstood; rather, the people she had deceived in the past saw through her true nature.

She, Yu Xinyan—

She is a thoroughly bad woman.

Hearing Chen Zhou's emotionless yet piercing words, a wave of immense shame washed over her like a tsunami, instantly shattering her carefully constructed facade.

Yu Xinyan suddenly lowered her head, like a swan whose feathers were soaked by the wind and rain and had nowhere to escape, revealing the most vulnerable back of her neck.

Her shoulders trembled slightly, trying to hide the burning embarrassment.

"Yes...I'm sorry..."

Her voice, barely audible and choked with sobs, came from above her lowered head, broken and hesitant, each word seemingly uttered with all her might:
"I...I didn't know before...I really didn't know...that doing that...would make you...so sad..."

She wasn't unaware; she simply never cared.

At this moment, this belated "recognition" brings not relief, but a deeper, more intense pain, as if the soul were being burned.

Chen Zhou looked at Yu Xinyan, who was standing with her head down and her body trembling slightly. The exquisite profile that had once made him toss and turn at night was now only a mess and a sorry sight.

His expression remained unchanged, devoid of the triumph of a victor or the pleasure of revenge, only a bottomless calm, or rather... utter indifference.

Chen Zhou scoffed lightly, brushed past Yu Xinyan's shoulder, and walked towards the teaching building.

His appreciation for women is actually quite profound.

He admired Jiangxia, a girl as resilient as a reed, who seemed carefree but never gave up no matter what she did.

I also admire Bai Qianqian's gentle and serene demeanor, as fragrant as a secluded orchid.

He even admired Lu Mi's pure scholarly air, his dedication and hard work towards his goals, and his relentless pursuit of them.

Even in He Lili, he could see that genuine light.

Every kind of genuine beauty, whether passionate or subtle, flamboyant or restrained, as long as that "truth" is there, can stir a ripple in his heart.

Only——

He didn't stop walking, his gaze sweeping over the treetops outside the corridor window, which were shining in the sunlight, and the image of Yu Xinyan's tear-streaked face flashed through his mind.

He just couldn't appreciate Yu Xinyan.

At this moment, Chen Zhou's heart remained completely undisturbed by her presence, and he was too lazy to even extend a lingering disgust to her.

Her exploitation of "admiration" turned the most sincere, clumsy, and even somewhat foolish affection of a young person into a source of pride and a bargaining chip for manipulation.

That cheap sense of vanity is built on countless hearts that have been scorched by kindness or vague goodwill.

She enjoys the feeling of being surrounded by admirers, yet she is stingy with giving even a shred of genuine affection. Beneath that sweet exterior lies an almost cold-blooded selfishness.

Even now, Yu Xinyan might feel guilty, but her guilt is nothing more than the fear of losing her spotlight.

Her so-called "I'm sorry" is more like an attempt to grab onto a piece of driftwood to save herself in this collapse.

This inherent coldness and selfishness, no matter how beautifully packaged, exudes a rotten stench that Chen Zhou instinctively rejects and even feels physiologically disgusted by.

beauty?

Yes, without a doubt, Yu Xinyan is beautiful.

But it was a hollow, even poisonous, beauty, like a dazzling poppy.

No matter how exquisite the exterior, it cannot conceal the emptiness, hypocrisy, and near-cruel indifference at its core.

As Chen Zhou walked to the front of the teaching building, the sunlight finally shone fully on him, dispelling the gloom in the corridor that was mixed with the smell of disinfectant and regret.

He didn't turn back, nor did he think about the collapsed "goddess" behind him.

I can't appreciate it.

Unable to resonate.

There is absolutely no way I could like it.

……

Jingle bell bell~
The bell rang for the third period as scheduled.

As Chen Zhou stepped into the classroom to the sound of the bell, he was immediately greeted with a chorus of praises: "Oh~", "Holy crap", and "That's awesome".

Clearly, the news of their earlier victory over Lin Feng, a member of the school team, had reached the class.

Chen Zhou quickly lowered his voice, said "Basic operation, don't be silly" and gestured towards the door.

Everyone immediately understood, fell silent, and watched him walk back to his seat.

Chen Zhou had barely sat down when Shen Enxi walked in with a serious expression, her gaze sweeping across the classroom for a moment before she said:

"The school bell has rung! What kind of behavior is this, making all this noise?" Shen Enxi said sternly, her voice booming and drowning out the last vestiges of sound, her gaze sweeping over the silent crowd.
"Tell me, what's going on?"

Immediately, students who couldn't contain their excitement rushed to answer:

"Teacher Shen! It happened during the long break! Chen Zhou had a one-on-one match with Lin Feng from the school basketball team, and Chen Zhou won!"

He Lili's eyes sparkled:
"Yeah, yeah! That was awesome! A step-back jumper followed by a fadeaway shot, a complete shutdown!"

Wang Rui also sighed:

"At this moment, in my mind, Chen Zhou's handsomeness should rank 43rd globally."

As soon as the words were spoken, a chorus of voices erupted in the class:
"Hello, we don't deliver shoes here!"

"Wow, Chen Zhou is that amazing?"

Shen Enxi's voice revealed obvious surprise and disbelief.

She didn't know who Lin Feng was, but anyone who could make it into the school team must be an outstanding player in basketball.

Chen Zhou's strength speaks for itself, given that he could defeat him.

Seeing the surprise on Shen Enxi's face, Chen Zhou scratched his head and said with a smile:

"Luck luck!"

Shen Enxi smiled and pointed at Chen Zhou, saying jokingly:
"Good, good, good, you have the skill, you've been keeping it hidden. There's a basketball tournament in early September that I was worried about not having anyone to participate in. Chen Zhou, it wouldn't be right for you not to play, would it?"

Chen Zhou gave a wry smile and nodded repeatedly under Shen Enxi's gaze.

With great power comes great responsibility. It's one thing for Shao Xi to ask him to explain homework, but now Shen Enxi is also insisting that he play in the basketball game.

Chen Zhou shook his head:
Sure enough, with Daniel Wu's good looks and Li Jian's talent, I shine like a firefly in the dark wherever I am.

I should wear sunglasses to bed from now on, otherwise my future is too bright, so bright that I can't sleep.

After two boring English classes, it was finally time for lunch.

Chen Zhou glanced at Jiang Yutong, who was taking notes in the first row, smiled slightly, and said to Li Bin:
"Binzi, I have something to do at noon, could you get me a serving of fried noodles?"

Li Bin nodded:

"ojbk!"

Then Chen Zhou followed the crowd to Jiang Yutong, and while taking water from her, he said:
"Class monitor, I'll be waiting for you on the fifth-floor rooftop."

Jiang Yutong looked up and saw Chen Zhou winking at her, then sighed helplessly.

I think I'll make sure my next book features a coerced girl as the protagonist; I feel like I won't lack similar experiences later on.

She nodded slightly and said calmly:
"Okay, you go up first, I'll come find you later."

The rooftop on the fifth floor.

The midday wind carried a hint of heat, dissipating the cool air from the classroom's air conditioner.

As the iron gate leading to the rooftop creaked slightly, a knowing smile appeared on his lips, but he didn't turn around.

Jiang Yutong stood at the door, her slightly rapid breathing particularly clear in the setting sun.

She gently closed the door behind her, paused for a moment looking at the tall, straight figure in front of her, and then slowly walked over.

"Chen Zhou."

Her voice returned to its usual cool and detached tone as she tried to remain calm.

Chen Zhou then turned around, a half-smile playing on his lips, conveying a knowing understanding that seemed to see through everything.

"The class monitor is really punctual."

His tone was slightly teasing, and his gaze fell unabashedly on Jiang Yutong's slightly tense face.

Jiang Yutong's gaze met his for a fleeting moment before she subconsciously looked away.

"If you have anything to do, tell me."

She pretended to be a little impatient.

"No big deal."

Chen Zhou took a small step forward, and the distance between the two instantly closed.

His scent, carrying the aroma of sunshine and a hint of sweat, enveloped her silently, causing Jiang Yutong's heart to skip a beat almost imperceptibly.

He leaned forward slightly, deliberately lowering his voice, with an almost whispered intimacy:

"I just feel that you've been working hard on your writing lately, Class Monitor? I'd like to talk to you about literary creation."

Jiang Yutong snorted, gave him a disdainful look, and said:

"Speak up if you have any requests, don't beat around the bush."

That kind of look is kind of captivating.

Chen Zhou clapped his hands:

"Since the class monitor is being so frank, I won't hide anything either."

"I just want the class monitor to grant me one small request."

A hint of wariness flashed in Jiang Yutong's eyes:
"what?"

Chen Zhou's voice was low, carrying a hint of seductive and malicious intent that only the two of them could hear:
“Class monitor… right here… hold my hand for one minute.”

His outstretched palm, with its clearly defined lines, hovered in the narrow space between them, as he lazily added:

"Just one minute. Isn't that a great deal?"

"you……!"

Jiang Yutong's voice sounded like it was being choked, broken and stuck between her teeth.

She instinctively wanted to refuse, but then she remembered that this guy knew her deepest secret—

Her secret hobbies and unbearable fantasies, which could only be expressed in the virtual world and would ruin her reputation if exposed...

In front of this person, he was as naked as if he were naked, without any cover-up!

The coldness and fear of being completely seen through and stripped bare instantly drained all of Jiang Yutong's strength and courage to resist.

Her aloof and distant mask shattered piece by piece, and her carefully constructed self-restraint crumbled completely.

Jiang Yutong closed her eyes, her thick eyelashes trembling violently, and her right hand unconsciously rose up.

Her slender, white fingers twitched slightly in mid-air, revealing her inner struggle.

Her movements were as slow as a rusty marionette.

Five seconds... ten seconds...

A mere few centimeters apart feels like an insurmountable distance.

Finally, with extreme lightness and speed, the hand touched the edge of Chen Zhou's outstretched palm with the tip of its fingertips, as lightly as a dragonfly skimming the water.

Just a tiny, cold touch at the tip of the fingertip.

The moment they made contact, Jiang Yutong felt as if she had been electrocuted and wanted to pull her hand back immediately!
But a delayed, threatening hum came from Chen Zhou, like an invisible shackle, instantly freezing her escape route!
She froze.

The warmth of Chen Zhou's palm was clearly transmitted through her skin, burning away her shameful courage.

She lowered her head, her thick black hair falling down, completely obscuring all her expressions.

That brief, cold touch of fingertips lasted less than half a second.

A triumphant smile, tinged with a desire for control, curled at the corners of Chen Zhou's lips.

He gave Jiang Yutong no chance to extricate herself, and he was not satisfied with this insignificant "victory prize".

Just as she was about to pull her fingertips back as if electrocuted, but was frozen in place by that threatening snort—

Chen Zhou moved his hand!

It's not a rough grip, but a smooth and precise control.

His outstretched palm instantly flipped over, closing like a snake's tongue flashing as it hunts its prey!
With skillful and irresistible force, the five fingers pierced straight into the gaps between Jiang Yutong's fingers, which were frozen in mid-air and experiencing terrified spasms!

Hot, rough fingertips pressed forcefully against the exceptionally delicate and tender skin on the inside of her fingers, where the skin was so thin that the pale blue veins underneath could be seen through.

Immediately afterwards, he clenched his entire palm inward!
With an undeniable, enveloping gesture, he completely grasped that slender, fair hand with its rounded and delicate knuckles into his own broad, warm, calloused palm!
"what!……"

Jiang Yutong let out a short, panicked gasp, her body jolting violently as if she had been struck by an electric current!
　Due to the strong request from group member "Number One Under Nine Provinces," I'm adding an extra 500 words. (Just kidding!) Also, I'd like to recommend a friend's new book.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)