Back at the dorm, Ian Song wasn’t the least bit sleepy. He felt a mix of emotions as he pulled up the system interface and saw his Fame Points had increased by 6, now reaching 48. Once the police came to school to announce his reward, he was sure he’d rack up even more Fame.
“This ring system really is something else,” Ian muttered to himself. He began calculating: if he could pocket that 80,000 yuan reward, plus the money from working at the café, he’d have no worries at all about paying for college.
Suddenly, a question popped into his mind: Would this ring system ever leave him one day?
“Meow-Meow, will the ring system ever leave me?” he asked the system spirit nervously. It had only been less than ten days since he got the Milky Way Ring, but his life had already changed a lot.
“Yes,” Meow-Meow replied with certainty.
“When?” Ian’s expression darkened slightly.
“There are two cases when the ring system will separate from its host. First, if the system judges the host as hopeless mud that can’t stick to a wall. Second, when the host becomes strong enough not to need the system’s help anymore.”
Hearing Meow-Meow’s words, Ian let out a sigh of relief, but quickly clenched his fists and said firmly, “Don’t worry, Meow-Meow. I won’t let the system down!”
“That’s exactly what I like to hear from my host.”
After chatting with Meow-Meow about a few more system questions, Ian started browsing online for songs and music to listen to. When midnight came, he activated his Photographic Memory skill and pulled out his textbooks to memorize them.
The next day was Sunday. Ian Song spent the whole day holed up in his dorm, listening to all kinds of music online.
That evening, Ian arrived at the café ten minutes early. Scanning the room, he noticed there were a lot more customers than the night before.
After greeting Ingrid, who was busy delivering coffee to customers, he headed to Mira Su’s office. They chatted for a bit, and soon it was time for his performance.
Just as Ian walked over and sat down at the piano, a girl at one of the booths excitedly pointed at him. "Look, that's him! Yesterday I listened to him play piano for two whole hours—I just couldn't bear to leave. It was so good, it felt like he was playing straight to my heart!"
"No way, he looks pretty young. Is he really that good?" another girl glanced at Ian, her tone skeptical.
"Just wait and see—the proof is in the playing," the first girl replied confidently with a smile.
Just then—
Ding-dong.
The sound, as clear as a mountain spring, flowed from Ian’s fingertips. In just a dozen seconds, he had captured the hearts of everyone in the café. The once lively room instantly quieted, as guests closed their eyes to savor the beautiful piano music.
The piece was called “Summer”—one of the ten compositions gifted by the system. It was written by a famous composer from another world, Joe Hisaishi.
Hearing the piece, Mira Su’s eyes lit up. Another original? A high schooler not only playing at a master’s level, but also writing such beautiful music—he was a true piano prodigy. As for Ian’s story that the piece was written by some overseas friend, she didn’t buy it for a second.
When the two-minute piece ended, the girl proudly turned to her friend and said, “See? I told you I wasn’t lying.”
Her friend nodded. “He really plays beautifully. I’ve decided—I’m coming to this café whenever I get the chance.”
Two hours of playing flew by. Ian stood up to thank everyone, only to realize the café was packed. The enthusiastic applause from the crowd made him feel truly proud.
After collecting his pay for the night, Ian was about to leave when Mira Su called him back and asked, “Who wrote the opening piece tonight?”
“Still that overseas friend of mine,” Ian replied.
Hearing this, Mira gave him a look that said she knew he’d answer that way, then shot him a fierce glare and snapped, “Get lost, kid.”
Monday at noon, school cafeteria.
Ian was having lunch with Leo Li when Leo’s gaze suddenly locked onto something behind Ian. Before Ian could turn, he heard the sound of light footsteps approaching. Just as he was about to look back, a crisp voice rang out beside him: “Ian, is someone sitting next to you?”
Looking up, Ian saw Fiona Xiang standing at the table with her lunch tray, waiting for his answer. In that moment, he could feel countless eyes turning his way.
"No one's sitting here. Go ahead," Ian replied.
"Thanks." Fiona Xiang gave a gentle smile and sat down next to Ian. Seeing this, Leo Li’s eyes filled with jealousy and envy—when had Ian managed to get close to Fiona Xiang? It was such a shock.
Suddenly, Fiona Xiang smiled at Leo Li, and the guy nearly melted on the spot.
"Hey, could you give me and Ian a little privacy?" she asked.
"Sure, sure, you two talk." Leo nodded quickly, picked up his tray, and moved to another table.
"Fiona, is there something you need?" Ian was a little uncomfortable, mostly because of all the stares from around the cafeteria.
"Nothing special—I just wanted to thank you again," Fiona said softly.
"It's fine, you already thanked me that day. Besides, if you hadn't helped out, I wouldn't have gotten that eighty thousand yuan reward," Ian said with a wave of his hand.
"Are you free tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner," Fiona continued, her eyes full of earnestness.
"I’m afraid I can’t—I've picked up a part-time job in the evenings."
"Is it the café where you play piano?"
"How did you know?" Ian looked at Fiona in surprise.
Fiona gave a mischievous smile. "That night, I happened to be reading at your café. If I hadn’t been so mesmerized by your playing, I wouldn’t have stayed so late—and I wouldn’t have run into those bad guys. Luckily you saved me, so it all evens out. I won’t blame you for it."
"Seriously?" Ian stared at Fiona, dumbfounded.
"Pfft." Seeing Ian’s silly expression, Fiona couldn’t help but laugh. "I’m just messing with you. You actually believed me?"
"Uh..." Faced with a smart, quick-witted girl like Fiona, Ian really didn’t know how to handle her.
"By the way, what time do you start work?" Fiona asked again.
"Eight o'clock."
"Perfect. I’ll call you after school." With that, Fiona stood up with her tray and added, "Don’t worry, our dinner won’t make you late for work. I’ve already booked the restaurant—it’s right near the café. See you tonight."
"See you tonight," Ian replied automatically.
After Fiona left, Ian realized she’d completely steered the conversation. He thought to himself, This girl is way too clever—I’m no match for her. I need to work on my mental strength, so I won’t get led around by the nose.
No sooner had Fiona left than Leo Li hurried back with his tray, excited. "Ian, come clean—when did you start getting close to Fiona Xiang?"
Ian shot him an annoyed look. "What do you mean, ‘getting close’? We’re just regular friends, don’t get weird ideas."
"Yeah right, like I’d believe that!" Leo Li sneered.
"Believe it or not." Ian ignored Leo, burying himself in his lunch. Ever since he’d fused Intermediate Combat Arts, his appetite had grown a lot.
Victor Xue came back from lunch outside, and a lackey quickly approached and whispered something to him. Instantly, Victor’s face turned stormy. Clenching his fists, he growled, “Just you wait, Ian Song—if I don’t destroy you, I’ll take your surname!”