Just as Bu Feiyan was filled with anticipation and excitement, Wang Haoran slowly emerged from the jungle.

Bu Feiyan was shocked and exclaimed, “Scoundrel! Why is it you?!”

Wang Haoran teased, “What scoundrel? I’ve saved you twice, after all. You really have no respect. Didn’t you call me ‘senior’ last time?”

Realizing that Wang Haoran was indeed the senior who had saved her, Bu Feiyan conceded, “Actually, to be precise, you saved me three times.”

She started to scrutinize Wang Haoran closely. She had imagined the senior who saved her would be an elder, but to her surprise, he was a young man, even younger than herself. Plus, he was exceptionally handsome…

[Ding, the host reveals his identity as a top expert, female lead Bu Feiyan’s favorability towards the host increases by 50, current total favorability is 50 (admiration arises).]

[Ding, the host influences the plot direction, gains 1800 villain points, Lin Chen’s protagonist halo -90, host’s villain halo +90!]

Receiving the system’s notification, Wang Haoran was initially surprised but then found it understandable.

Gaining 50 favorability points at once seemed exaggerated, but looking at it cumulatively, it made sense.

Firstly, Bu Feiyan wasn’t like Ji Shuiyao, who ignored charm and attractiveness. Wang Haoran’s own appeal could have already garnered a 20-point favorability from Bu Feiyan.

Moreover, he unwittingly saved her once in the alley and again today. Though the third time was unclear to him, since Bu Feiyan mentioned it, it must be true.

Each act of heroism contributed an additional 10 favorability points, totaling 50.

Acknowledging Wang Haoran as the senior she had yearned to meet, Bu Feiyan grew more respectful.

Thinking about defending her Seventh Sister, she dismissed the notion. First, because she wasn’t ungrateful, and second, she couldn’t overpower him!

Tentatively, she asked Wang Haoran, “Senior, how exactly do you cultivate? Could you teach me?”

Wang Haoran replied firmly, “I don’t take disciples.”

He had no interest in teaching anyone, nor was he capable of it even if he wanted to.

Bu Feiyan felt a bit disappointed but didn’t want to lose this opportunity. She said, “I don’t aspire to become your disciple, just hoping for a little guidance.”

Seeing her persistence, Wang Haoran offered, “Give me the short sword tied to your thigh.”

Bu Feiyan was startled. Although wearing loose pants, this senior knew she hid a short sword!

“Senior, you’re incredible! How did you know I had a short sword there?” she asked while handing over the weapon.

Wang Haoran ignored her question, maintaining silence. He couldn’t exactly reveal he’d seen it with X-ray vision.

Taking the short sword, Wang Haoran performed a simple action of drawing it and then sheathing it again.

He tossed it back to Bu Feiyan and asked with a knowing look, “Understand?”

Perplexed, Bu Feiyan shook her head, “I don’t understand.”

With a sigh, Wang Haoran quipped, “You can’t grasp that? Your aptitude is too poor. Ponder it yourself.”

Bu Feiyan solemnly nodded, “Yes!”

Wang Haoran, amused inwardly, remained expressionless outwardly.

Nearby, Ji Shuiyao, who had survived the ordeal, approached them.

She looked at Wang Haoran with a complex expression and asked, “Are you and Seventh Sister really…”

At this question, Wang Haoran cast a side-eye at Bu Feiyan.

Bu Feiyan must have shared everything about herself and Qiu Qianwei, making Ji Shuiyao suspicious. Manipulating her wouldn’t be straightforward anymore—unless her favorability increased.

Facing Ji Shuiyao’s gaze, Wang Haoran simply nodded, “Yes, I am with your Seventh Sister.”

[Ding, the host makes female lead Ji Shuiyao feel jealous, gains 400 villain points!]

[Ding, the host makes female lead Bu Feiyan feel jealous, gains 200 villain points!]

Ji Shuiyao, feeling a twinge of jealousy, mustered a smile, “Seventh Sister is graceful and gentle; you two are well-matched. I wish you both happiness.”

Bu Feiyan, keeping silent, shared an internal envy for Seventh Sister Qiu Qianwei.

Wang Haoran scanned the scene, “It’s not safe to stay here. We should leave quickly.”

Realizing he couldn’t manipulate Ji Shuiyao further for now, Wang Haoran took her back to the country the next day. Bu Feiyan remained to handle the aftermath.

Upon returning, Ji Shuiyao didn’t reach out to Wang Haoran, and there were no significant moves from Lin Chen either.

During this time, Wang Haoran made attempts to meet with Ji Shuiyao, but she consistently avoided him.

Seeing this, he didn’t press the issue, deciding to take a break instead.

Before long, the new semester at Qingling University was upon them.

Students arrived from various places.

As a local, Wang Haoran didn’t need to arrive early, appearing just in time for the last registration day.

At the school gate, a reception area for new students was set up.

Most of the receptionists were senior students.

Registering at the new student area, Wang Haoran attracted a group of senior sisters.

After a brief interaction, they guided him eagerly to the new dormitory before reluctantly leaving.

Although Wang Haoran intended to live off-campus eventually, that required a pending application. For the time, he stayed in the dormitory.

It was a standard four-person room.

When Wang Haoran arrived, the other three occupants were already settled.

All were children of affluent families.

One, named Liu Hua, was from a family in the catering industry with assets of around 5 billion.

Lu Ming, another, hailed from a supermarket chain-owning family worth 3.5 billion.

The last, Pang Zhihang, had roots in the seafood trade business with assets of 1 billion.

Their privileged upbringing gave them a bit of arrogance, fitting the typical mold of face-slapping villain sidekicks.

However, Wang Haoran’s villain halo, now at 3696, also granted him bonuses over others, allowing him to easily command minor villains.

Thus, the trio unanimously elected Wang Haoran as their leader, falling into line behind him based on their families’ wealth.

In the dormitory, they celebrated with drinks.

Wang Haoran didn’t mind associating with these three.

Their less favorable looks might attract protagonists, aiding Wang Haoran in dealing with them, now that he was strong enough to handle multiple adversaries at once.