The first ray of morning sun, filtering through the thin window gauze, scattered like golden dust into Jaden's room.
He was awoken by the soft alarm set on his phone, and stretched lazily, his muscles making a subtle sound as they extended.
He sat up, habitually picked up his phone from the bedside table, unlocked it, and then tapped the banking app icon.
On the screen, a long string of numbers clearly reflected the count of zeros in his still somewhat sleepy dark eyes.
A huge sum of money had, at some unknown point, quietly been deposited into his account.
Jaden looked at the balance, his face showing neither the ecstasy nor surprise a typical teenager might, but rather a calm sense of understanding.
He didn't know, and had never thought to investigate, the source of this money. To him, since he had been transported here, the "will" of this world would naturally arrange everything for him, allowing him to enjoy this "life" without any worries.
His last, trivial financial concern about his date with Rose in a few days also vanished.
He couldn't possibly… make the girl pay, could he?
He casually swiped open the calendar app and checked the time displayed in the upper right corner of his phone. October 7th, Saturday.
"The timeline is off again…" he couldn't help but mutter softly.
The chaos of Valentines Day had just passed, yet the calendar had already jumped to this date.
The flow of time in this world was always so arbitrary, without any logic.
However, on second thought, in a world with spirits, magic, and Akumatized Persons, dwelling on the mere continuity of time seemed a bit superfluous and ridiculous.
He gave up thinking, got up, washed, changed into clean, comfortable casual clothes, and then, as usual, unhurriedly headed to school… Inside the classroom of Françoise Dupont High School, the atmosphere was more lively than any other Saturday.
Even though it was a Tutoring (make-up class) day, the students' faces were filled with excitement and anticipation, because Ms. Caline had just announced a special, credit-earning social practice activity.
"…So, after consultation with the school board and the Mayor's office, the location for our social practice activity will be the Paris Grand Hotel!"
As soon as Ms. Caline finished speaking, an uncontrollable cheer erupted in the classroom.
The Paris Grand Hotel — that was Chloé's family's hotel, one of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in all of Paris.
To go there for "social practice" was like a dream-like group outing for these half-grown children.
Amidst the jubilation, Chloé, like a proud queen, basked in the admiring and fawning glances from all directions.
She elegantly lifted her chin, her gaze subtly falling upon the boy who had remained quietly seated throughout, a gentle smile on his face.
When all the students arrived at the palatial, golden and magnificent hotel by school bus, Chloé's father, Mayor Bourgeois of Paris, was already waiting in the lobby with the hotel manager.
"Welcome, students, to my hotel."
The Mayor, with his characteristic slightly protruding belly, wore a politician's friendly yet dignified smile.
"Today's social practice will be personally arranged by me.
I hope every student can learn valuable social experience here, and… have fun!"
He held a beautifully printed schedule in his hand and began to loudly announce everyone's tasks.
"Nino, Max, Juleka, Rose,"
the Mayor read.
"The four of you will go to our Michelin three-star kitchen and, under the guidance of the head chef, learn to make classic French Opera Cake."
The four who were called out all showed surprised expressions. Especially Juleka and Rose, although they weren't assigned to the same group as Jaden, being able to get involved in dessert making, which they were interested in, was undoubtedly the best arrangement.
Rose even quietly gave Jaden a thumbs-up gesture in his direction.
"Kim,"
the Mayor's voice continued.
"Your task is… to experience our hotel's most important front-of-house job — the doorman."
Kim's smile froze.
He looked at the professional doorman at the hotel entrance, dressed in a crisp red uniform and a tall top hat, and imagined himself in that outfit, feeling completely miserable.
"Marc, Nathan, you will be responsible for the textual and visual recording of this practical activity, and write a special report for the school newspaper."
This arrangement was perfect for the two who loved writing and drawing. They high-fived each other, looking very motivated.
The Mayor cleared his throat and read out the two most crucial names:
"Sabrina, Alix, Mylène, the three of you will follow our housekeeping supervisor and learn how to tidy a five-star standard guest room."
Alix nodded, Mylène timidly shrunk her neck a bit, and Sabrina subconsciously glanced at Chloé beside her.
Finally, the Mayor, in a solemn tone almost like announcing a coronation, said:
"As for our most important front desk reception work today, it will be jointly handled by… Jaden, and my daughter, Chloé!"
The moment the words fell, Chloé could no longer maintain her proud queenly demeanor. She let out a joyful gasp and, under everyone's gaze, especially Marinette's almost fiery stare, quickly walked to Jaden's side and intimately, even possessively, linked her arm through his.
"Knight,"
she whispered, leaning her cheek gently on his shoulder, in a sickly sweet voice only they could hear.
"We'll be together all day today."
Jaden merely smiled gently, neither affirming nor pushing her away.
His calm attitude was, to Chloé, a tacit indulgence; to some people in the distance, it was nothing short of the cruelest acquiescence.
Ms. Caline held her clipboard, making marks next to each student's name. She meticulously checked the list, but soon, she discovered a problem.
"Mr. Mayor,"
she politely inquired.
"It seems… Alya and Marinette's tasks aren't on the list?"
The atmosphere in the entire lobby froze for a moment because of this question.
The Mayor's smile also stiffened for a moment. He lowered his head, pretending to re-examine the schedule in his hand.
Of course their names weren't there, because this so-called "schedule" was written by his daughter Chloé herself!
And how could Chloé's plan possibly give her "love rivals" any good positions!
But he certainly couldn't admit that.
"Hmm… well…"
He pondered, his brain working rapidly to find a suitable excuse.
"Perhaps… it was omitted during printing. I'll… I'll check again."
"Surely this can be arranged?"
Alya's tone instantly rose an octave. The word "Miscellaneous" (miscellaneous tasks) was vague and… humiliating.
What did it mean? Cleaning toilets? Disposing of trash? Or doing the hardest, most thankless work where no one could see them?
Before the Mayor could finish speaking, the hotel's huge, gleaming glass doors were suddenly pushed open violently from the outside.
A whirlwind, filled with rock and rebellious spirit, completely out of place with the luxurious ambiance of the hotel, burst in.
Leading the way was a man in a studded black leather jacket, heavy smoky eye makeup, and spiky purple short hair.
His face bore an untamed smile, and in his hand, he held a… crocodile.
It was a large, adult caiman, with rough skin and a very intimidating appearance.
But at this moment, it wore a rhinestone-studded collar around its neck, sticking out its long tongue and wagging its thick tail, curiously observing everything in the hotel lobby. Its lively and playful demeanor, if one ignored its terrifying scales and mouthful of sharp teeth, was just like a… large dog being walked by its owner.
Behind the man followed a woman with similar purple short hair, dark brown skin, and a serious expression.
She wore a sharp black jacket, her eyes keen, and she was directing the flustered Kim and another hotel doorman to frantically push a luggage cart piled high with musical instruments and audio equipment into the lobby.
This sudden scene stunned everyone.
The Mayor was the first to react. As the hotel owner and Mayor of Paris, he absolutely could not tolerate such an image-damaging incident.
He immediately stepped forward, blocking the man's path, and said in his most serious, bureaucratic tone:
"Sir! Please be aware! This is the Paris Grand Hotel, one of the most exclusive hotels in Paris!
It is not a zoo! Please immediately take your… your reptile out of here!"
He clearly did not recognize the world-famous rock star standing before him.
The man referred to as "Mister"—Jagged Stone—his expression froze for a moment upon hearing this.
His assistant, Penny, who was beside him, clutched her forehead, a look of "Oh no, not again" and utter despair on her face.
Just as the atmosphere in the lobby became tense due to this confrontation, a gentle, unhurried voice came from the direction of the front desk.
"Mayor Bourgeois, sir,"
Jaden, at some unknown point, had already broken free from Chloé's "restraint" and walked closer.
He bowed slightly and politely to the Mayor, then spoke.
"If I am not mistaken, this… should be the rock star, Mr. Jagged Stone.
And this one beside him… should be his pet, Fang."
His voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached the ears of everyone present.
Jagged Stone's eyes, heavily made up with smoky eyeliner, scrutinised the young man before him with interest.
He had seen countless fans and staff—some screaming hysterically, some fawning obsequiously, and some too nervous to speak—but he had never before seen someone who could maintain such composure and calm in such a situation.
He grinned, revealing a rebellious, rock-and-roll smile, his purple, spiky short hair reflecting strange light under the crystal chandelier.
"Hey, kid."
His voice was hoarse yet magnetic, with a natural stage presence.
"Your voice is good, clean, and penetrating. It's very suitable for singing rock. Interested in joining me?"
This was a joke, a typical "Jagged Stone-style" joke used to break the ice.
Jaden smiled gently at the remark. He was neither flattered by this sudden "appreciation" nor did he show any shyness due to the other party's superstar status.
He simply shook his head and replied in a relaxed tone, as if chatting with a friend:
"I am honored to receive your appreciation, Mr. Jagged Stone. But I think I might be more suited to quietly enjoy your music from below the stage."
His refusal was straightforward and sincere, without any pretense or playing hard to get.
Jagged Stone looked at his clear, pure black eyes and knew this was his true feeling.
"That's a real shame."
Jagged Stone shrugged, no longer insisting.
Instead, he found this young man even more interesting; in this restless era, young people who could refuse such temptation were rare.
While they were chatting casually, the other onlookers were already in turmoil.
"Oh my god! It's Jagged Stone! In person!"
Alya excitedly grabbed Marinette's arm, lowering her voice, but her excitement was impossible to hide.
"This is front-page news! I actually get to see him with my own eyes!"
Marinette's attention, however, was completely not on the rock star. Her eyes, as if enchanted, gazed foolishlyat Jaden's figure.
Watching him calmly diffuse the awkwardness in a situation where even the Mayor was flustered.
Watching him, facing a world-class rock star, still able to respond fluently without showing any fear.
Watching him, smiling as he refused an opportunity that could elevate anyone to instant success, yet his eyes remained as calm and gentle.
At this moment, Jaden seemed to be enveloped in a layer of light.
It wasn't the light of a spotlight, but a light radiating from within, named "reliability" and "composure," deeply and irresistibly attracting her.
"Marinette? Marinette?"
Alya's hand waved in front of her eyes.
"Ah?"
Marinette awoke as if from a dream, her cheeks instantly flushing red. She frantically averted her gaze, not daring to look back.
"You look like you're about to drool."
Alya playfully teased her best friend with a "I've seen through you" look.
"Alright, alright, don't worry, he's chatting with Mr. Jagged Stone right now. Your lovesick expression… he probably didn't see it, right?"
"Alya!"
Marinette cried out in embarrassment, but her voice was full of shaky panic.
Alya looked at her friend's appearance, and the dissatisfaction she felt from being assigned "menial" work was quietly replaced by another complex emotion.
She looked at the young man in the distance, laughing and chatting with the superstar, and her thoughts couldn't help but drift back to when she was dark transformed into Lady Wifi.
His feelings for her still left her somewhat distracted.
On the other side, Mayor Bourgeois, seeing that the situation had stabilised, quietly retreated to the side.
His daughter, Chloé, immediately waved to him. The Mayor leaned down, and Chloé whispered rapidly in his ear:
"Dad! He's Jagged Stone! The rock star! He's super rich! Extremely rich!"
What Mayor Bourgeois heard, however, was not "rich," but the four words "public figure."
As for money? He didn't care at all right now.
As the Mayor of Paris, his wealth and status were already at the pinnacle of this city.
What truly sobered him instantly was the immense influence brought by the words "famous person."
Moreover, since Hawk Moth began to wreak havoc in Paris a few months ago, the entire city's underground order had undergone earth-shattering changes.
The gangs and corrupt aristocratic families that once occupied various corners of Paris became the Akumatized Person's most eager targets for "personal vendettas."
After all, there were not a few citizens who deeply detested those people.
For a time, the underground world of Paris was a bloodbath. Those families who reacted quickly had already sold their properties and moved abroad; while those who were slow or held onto luckyhope met extremely tragic ends.
And the vast industries they left behind, the wealth accumulated over centuries, a large part of it ultimately fell into his and his best partner—Gabriel's—hands at extremely low prices.
Therefore, his daughter's earlier boast of "buying the entire Champs-Élysées" was truly not just a joke to the current Mayor.
What he truly cared about was influence, public image. The negative impact of offending an international superstar like Jagged Stone was immeasurable.
Conversely, if he could establish a good relationship with him… seeing his daughter's urging expression of "go show off," the Mayor instantly understood what he needed to do.
Thus, this experienced politician completed an astonishing reversal of emotions in a mere second.
The anger on his face, born from his "authority" being challenged, vanished without a trace like a receding tide. In its place was an enthusiastic, smiling face full of surprise and apology.
"Oh! Mr. Jagged Stone!"
He strode forward with exaggerated steps, enthusiastically greeting him, arms open as if to give him a hug.
"Oh my goodness, I truly have eyes but failed to see Mount Tai! My favourite rock singer has actually graced my hotel with his presence, I am truly… too rude!"
Jagged Stone, who was having a pleasant conversation with Jaden, saw the Mayor, who had just been displeased, suddenly do a complete 180-degree turn, and a playful expression appeared on his face.
He ignored the Mayor's enthusiastic embrace, simply raising one eye, heavily made up with smoky eyeliner, and said in a teasing tone:
"Oh? Mayor Bourgeois, sir, this place… doesn't it not accommodate guests with animals?
And, from what I hear, it seems not just anyone can simply walk in?"
He was mercilessly returning the Mayor's earlier aggressive words, exactly as they were spoken.
Mayor Bourgeois's face flushed red once again, but this time, it was purely from embarrassment. However, he was, after all, a seasoned politician, and his thick skin was out of the ordinary.
"Oh, I apologise, sir, it was my mistake, I was blind!"
He was adaptable, immediately adopting a more humble posture, and offered a smile uglier than a cry to the crocodile that was sticking out its tongue.
"Your… uh… Fang companion, is the most distinguished guest in our hotel! Welcome, a warm welcome!"
"We need to check in, presidential suite."
Penny, the assistant who had been silent, finally couldn't bear it anymore.
She stepped forward and spoke concisely.
"Alright! No problem!"
The Mayor readily agreed, as if he wasn't the one who had just tried to turn them away.
"Also,"
Jagged Stone added, pointing to the crocodile wagging its tail at his feet.
"Fang needs a real bathtub. Remember, a bathtub, not those small puddles on your balcony where pigeons wash."
It seemed this wasn't his first unpleasant experience with other hotels due to his pet.
Throughout his life on tour, Fang had been inseparable from him.
"Don't worry, Mr. Jagged Stone!"
The Mayor patted his chest and guaranteed.
"Let alone a bathtub, even if you need a private swimming pool, our Paris Grand Hotel has everything!"
While a farce triggered by the arrival of a superstar was unfolding in a comical manner at the front desk, Jaden's gaze had already turned to Kim, who was leaning against the luggage rack, panting heavily.
The luggage rack was piled high with heavy speakers, guitar cases, and other performance equipment; clearly, Jagged Stone's touring team had an astonishing amount of stuff.
Although Kim had good stamina, facing such a daunting task of moving, he seemed a bit overwhelmed.
His bellhop hat, which should have been straight, had tilted to one side, and sweat poured down his cheeks.
Jaden walked to a nearby resting area, got a cup of water from the dispenser, then walked over and handed it to Kim.
"You've worked hard."
"Oh… thanks, man."
Kim took the water, not caring about his image, and gulped down more than half the cup. He panted and complained.
"Phew… this big star's stuff is too heavy! It's really killing me…"
"It's a world tour, after all."
Jaden replied with a gentle smile.
Just then, another bellhop from the hotel suddenly let out a shout, deftly stepping across to block a figure who was sneaking in from the side of the door.
"Stop! Sir! I'm sorry! This place is booked today, no unauthorised entry!"
"Please! Just let me in! I'm not a reporter! I'm Jagged Stone's number one fan!"
The young man with short, light blonde hair and a few purple streaks—Vincent—was excitedly trying to squeeze under the bellhop's arm.
"I just want to take some cool photos for my idol!"