Chen Nian had achieved his goal and couldn't be bothered to waste any more time here.
"I'm only enrolled nominally at the academy. I won't be joining the group training."
"Ah..."
Hearing this, everyone wore expressions of disappointment.
What a pity—no chance to ride his coattails.
But then again, it made sense. Why should such a prodigy waste his time with us lowly nobodies? It'd only hold him back.
The principal, however, had no objections.
Chen Nian had already brought immense benefits to Lingda Academy. Even as a nominal member, he was a source of pride for the school!
"Xiao Chen, if you need anything, just ask. The academy will do its utmost to accommodate you!"
The assessment concluded. After the crowd dispersed, Chen Nian finally found Qin Yu.
"Sorry I couldn't pick you up on time today."
"It's... it's fine! You were saving someone. Of course. Oh, I got you a gift..."
Qin Yu fumbled nervously in her backpack, pulling out the exquisite watch.
"This is for you! Even though we're just nominal lovers, we still need to keep up appearances." She added with a touch of pride.
"Thanks."
Chen Nian felt a bit awkward.
He disliked accepting gifts without reciprocation, so he retrieved the "Elemental Marksman" talent card from his backpack.
"No need to return the favor. Here, take this."
"This... What is this?!"
Qin Yu took the item Chen Nian handed her, her beautiful eyes immediately lighting up with intense surprise.
An Elemental Archer talent card!
This meant she could advance from a common "Archer" to an "Elemental Archer"!
The difference between talents was substantial—rare talents were a tier above ordinary ones, making them incredibly precious.
On the market, this thing was absolutely priceless!
She never expected Chen Nian to just hand it over like this...
Qin Yu felt both flattered and overwhelmed. Even a real girlfriend wouldn't be treated this well. This guy was truly generous!
She stammered for a moment, unsure how to express her gratitude.
"Want to thank me? Come on, give me a kiss." Chen Nian tilted his face.
"Kiss you... ah... but..."
Qin Yu panicked instantly, her cheeks flushing visibly.
"Didn't you say nominal couples still need to go through the motions?"
"Th-then I'll kiss you next time!"
"Why wait until next time?"
"Because... kissing you now would make it seem like I'm being bought off! That's not right!"
"So you actually want to kiss me sincerely?"
"You wish!"
Chen Nian stopped teasing Qin Yu, because just then, his "Silent" social media account received a message.
It was from Xiaoqi.
Xiaoqi: Brother BuYu! We've finalized plans—an offline meeting in Shanghai in two days to strategize against the Blood Moon Calamity.
Blood Moon Calamity Countdown: 24 days.
That's the first calamity in the game that slaughtered every player relentlessly!
Without concrete countermeasures, it could spell unprecedented disaster for all humanity...
As Dragon Nation's most powerful player guild, "Eternal Peace of Mountains and Rivers" must prepare in advance. With great power comes great responsibility.
Chen Nian: Got it.
Xiaoqi: Brother Buyu, will you be there?
Chen Nian: You know I never show my face in public.
Xiaoqi: But... you're our backbone! If you don't come, I'm afraid some might feel resentful.
Xiaoqi: And... can't Xiaoqi see you?
Xiaoqi: My birthday is in two days.
After a moment of silence, Chen Nian replied.
[Happy birthday in advance]
Xiaoqi: ...I hate you!
Chen Nian thought it over and booked a flight to Luzhou for the day after tomorrow.
He could go, but Xiaoqi couldn't know—he'd have to travel undercover.
In "Eternal Peace of Mountains and Rivers," most members were either exceptionally powerful, held prominent positions, or possessed immense wealth.
Meeting offline would inevitably spark arrogance and mutual distrust.
Without Chen Nian present, Xiaoqi alone couldn't command the respect needed—even as the heiress of a top-100 global conglomerate and the strongest female sword immortal in "Catastrophe."
The problem was...
What birthday gift could possibly satisfy a wealthy heiress like Xiaoqi?
Chen Nian's plan was already set.
First, level up in the wilderness. Then, fly to Lucheng for the offline gathering...
Inside Qin Yu's talent agency.
Senior executives agonized over how to handle Qin Yu's personal relationship.
Undoubtedly, Qin Yu was a rising star and a massive cash cow.
But if she had a boyfriend—especially an unknown civilian—she'd lose countless male fans, drastically reducing her earning power and causing a massive fan exodus....
"Xiao Yu really doesn't know her place—how could she go and get a boyfriend!"
"Sigh, if it were another celebrity, we could ride the wave and hype up a CP pairing. But it's some unknown nobody..."
"Who knows what her agent was thinking, not stopping her from dating?"
Qin Yu's agent—that overweight man—was one of the three who knew Chen Nian's true identity. He was also the one who had actively pushed for Qin Yu and Chen Nian to get together, relentlessly fueling the relationship.
"If we don't make an official announcement, and fans dig it up and let it ferment, that's a whole different story."
"Sigh... These young actresses just don't know their limits!"
"Wait, everyone! Check the news!"
Amid their heated discussion, someone suddenly shouted excitedly.
"News? What news?"
"Qin Yu's boyfriend has been exposed—it's that young man who saved the girl by acting heroically!"
"Huh?"
"Not only that... he's a genius prodigy at Linhai City University. Holy crap, he knocked out an instructor with one punch?"
Everyone: What the hell???
This sounds way too far-fetched.
They hurriedly pulled out their phones to check the news, only to discover everything just said was true!
Qin Yu's boyfriend, Chen Nian, had bravely rescued the girl from the monster, received official commendation, and excelled in Linhai University's entrance exams—a true prodigy!
More importantly, his looks were top-notch. With a bit of styling, he could easily rival those popular young idols.
"Holy crap... Great! Just great!"
"Hurry up and make it official! Make it big! Better yet, post some couple photos!"
"Hahahaha! The heavens are on our side!"
Now, Chen Nian was adorned with numerous accolades and embodied a positive social image.
Revealing his relationship with Qin Yu now would be met with overwhelming fan acceptance—many would even ship the couple!
"Who knew Xiao Yu's boyfriend was this amazing? She hit the jackpot!"
"Hurry up and buy trending topics! Push this to the top!"
Thus, Qin Yu's romance was officially announced.
As expected, fans flooded in with congratulations and well-wishes!
[So glad Xiao Yu found such a great boyfriend!]
[Yeah, and he's an anonymous hero who did the right thing! Wishing them 99% happiness]
[Teary-eyed—Xiao Yu found a wonderful man. She must be so happy!]
[When's the concert? I'll buy every ticket!]
Qin Yu and Chen Nian's story has become a beautiful legend.
Seeing the countless well-wishes from fans, she felt inexplicable joy and pride deep within.
Qin Yu herself created a secondary account and commented under the official announcement post:
"Xiao Yu is such a wonderful woman—Chen Nian, you must treasure her!"
After posting, she couldn't resist giving it a like herself.