The first day of the new school year.
She sat up and leaned against the headboard. The moment her consciousness fully cleared, the familiar mechanical voice rang out in her mind.
【Host, you may check in for your daily reward today. Would you like to check in now?】
“Check in.” Zhang Yanyan silently gave the command, her gaze resting on the morning light filtering in through the window.
【Check-in successful! Congratulations, Host, on receiving the special back-to-school rewards—】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a Purple Reward: Master Hacker Skills Proficiency Card ×1. Click to instantly master a complete range of hacking techniques, including cybersecurity, penetration testing, cyber offense and defense, information tracing, and more.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a Blue Reward: Limited-edition ivory-and-gold mini handbag from Yunting Workshop ×1.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a Blue Reward: Custom-made autumn/winter elephant-gray adjustable shoulder bag from Qinglan ×1.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a Green Reward: Luxury professional skincare set ×1, including repair cream, essence toner, concentrated serum, and eye cream.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a Green Reward: Premium over-ear noise-canceling headphones ×1.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a Green Reward: Master Series luxury fountain pen gift set ×1, including matching ink and a leather pen sleeve.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a White Reward: Three-piece pure-cotton skin-friendly bath towel set ×1.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a White Reward: Nordic-style pure-cotton four-piece bedding set ×1.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a White Reward: Boutique scented candle gift set with an understated luxurious feel ×1.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a White Reward: Beginner’s calligraphy fountain pen gift set ×2.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a White Reward: Hardcover notebook set ×2.】
【Congratulations, Host! You have received a White Reward: Hair dryer ×1.】
The string of notifications finally came to an end. Zhang Yanyan glanced over the list of rewards, thoroughly pleased.
Eighteen was getting to know her better and better. It had given her quite a few useful things.
Still, having to check in manually every day was such a hassle.
“Eighteen, set it to check in automatically every morning from now on. Only notify me if I receive a Purple, Orange, Red, or Rainbow reward.”
【Understood, Host. The setting has been saved.】
…………
Her gaze fell on the Purple Card at the very top. With a light movement of her mind, she tapped it.
The card instantly transformed into a stream of fine light and slipped into her forehead. In the next moment, countless pieces of knowledge about cyber offense and defense, data tracing, and system penetration flooded her mind like a rising tide. The codes, protocols, and algorithms that had once been completely unfamiliar were now as clear as if they had been carved into her bones. With a single thought, she could summon and apply them in full.
Zhang Yanyan closed her eyes and spent several seconds absorbing it all. When she opened them again, there was a hint of confidence in her gaze.
One could never have too many skills. This kind of ability might come in handy someday, helping her avoid unnecessary trouble.
She threw back the covers and got out of bed, padding into the bathroom in her slippers. Warm water splashed over her face, rousing her completely. After applying her skincare products in front of the mirror, she returned to the dressing room to change.
As one of the country’s top private universities, Tengyuan University issued uniforms to all its students. The design was neat and elegant without being rigid.
The girls wore navy blazers with matching pleated skirts, crisp white shirts underneath, and burgundy ribbon ties at the collar. The fitted tailoring made them look energetic and polished.
Zhang Yanyan changed into her uniform and adjusted her collar in the mirror. She tied her glossy black hair into a high ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead and delicate jawline.
She applied only a thin layer of sunscreen and tinted primer. Her skin was naturally fair and flawless, glowing with vitality; she had no need for any further makeup.
From her jewelry cabinet, she selected a pair of tiny diamond stud earrings. They were delicate and understated. She paired them with a simple silver watch with a metal strap. Its versatile style complemented the uniform perfectly.
Once she was ready, she picked up the backpack she had packed the night before and went downstairs.
The aroma of breakfast had already filled the dining room. Auntie Chen emerged from the kitchen carrying a bamboo steamer of freshly cooked soup dumplings. When she saw Zhang Yanyan coming downstairs, she quickly set the steamer on the dining table and greeted her with a smile.
“Awake, Yanyan? Come sit down. Since it’s your first day of school, I made you a big breakfast. You need to eat well so you’ll have the energy to make a good impression on your teachers and classmates.”
The solid-wood dining table was covered with food: soup dumplings with thin wrappers and generous fillings, creamy millet-and-pumpkin porridge, golden and crispy egg pancakes, boiled eggs, two dishes of light cold vegetables, and a glass of warm fresh milk. Everything was food she loved. Steam rose from the dishes, making them look all the more appetizing.
“Morning, Auntie Chen.” Zhang Yanyan pulled out a chair and sat down. She picked up her chopsticks, took a soup dumpling, and bit a small opening into it. The savory juices burst into her mouth, rich and delicious.
Auntie Chen ladled her a bowl of millet porridge and placed it beside her, continuing to remind her, “It’s the first day of school across the whole city, so the roads are bound to be congested. I’ve already told Mr. Li to take you over early. Don’t cut it too close—being late on the first day would be bad.
“And if you don’t like the food in the school cafeteria, call Mr. Li and have him bring you something. Don’t make yourself suffer.”
“Mm, I know.” Zhang Yanyan nodded and took a sip of porridge. “I’ll leave as soon as I finish eating. Mr. Li has already planned the route, so I won’t be late.”
Auntie Chen placed another piece of egg pancake in her bowl. “Make sure you take the side roads. Don’t use the main roads or the expressway. The traffic during rush hour will be completely stuck. Mr. Li has been driving for years, so he knows what he’s doing. Just listen to him.”
“All right. I’ll listen to you.” Zhang Yanyan smiled and continued eating.
She had always been a quick eater. Before long, she had finished most of her breakfast. She put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and stood up to pick up her backpack.
“Auntie Chen, I’m leaving. I won’t be coming home for lunch. I’ll see what the cafeteria has to offer.”
“Of course!” Auntie Chen followed her to the door and asked, “What would you like for dinner? I’ll prepare everything in advance so you can have a hot meal as soon as you get back.”
“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll message you later.” Zhang Yanyan changed her shoes, pushed open the door, and walked out.
In the courtyard, Mr. Li had already parked a black luxury business sedan by the entrance. The car had been polished until it gleamed. The moment he saw her come out, he quickly stepped from the vehicle and opened the rear door.
“Good morning, Miss.”
“Morning. Thank you, Mr. Li.” Zhang Yanyan got into the back seat and placed her backpack beside her.
Mr. Li closed the door, hurried back to the driver’s seat, and started the engine. The car slowly pulled out of the villa community.
When they turned onto the main road, the traffic was exactly as Auntie Chen had predicted. Cars crawled along the main thoroughfare, stretching as far as the eye could see. Fortunately, Mr. Li had planned the route in advance. He turned onto a side road, avoiding several of the worst congestion zones, and the journey proceeded smoothly.
Leaning back in her seat, Zhang Yanyan took out her phone and opened the campus map, checking the locations of the teaching buildings and the auditorium once more.
The day before, she had already asked Mr. Li to drive her along the route twice. She knew it by heart.
More than twenty minutes later, the car entered Tengyuan University through the main gate without a hitch. The gate featured an imposing European-style archway. The security system automatically recognized the license plate and raised the barrier. Mr. Li followed the main road farther into campus, where rows of French plane trees lined both sides, their thick branches and lush leaves casting broad patches of shade.
There were already quite a few students on campus wearing the same school uniforms, making their way toward the teaching buildings in groups of two or three. Some rode shared bicycles, some walked, and others climbed out of private cars. Their faces were filled with anticipation for the new semester, and they all looked vibrant and full of energy.
Mr. Li drove to the entrance of the underground parking garage beneath the main teaching building, slowed as he descended the ramp, and came to a steady stop in the parking space he had picked out yesterday—the one closest to the elevator.
“Miss, we’re here.” Mr. Li engaged the handbrake and turned around. “What time should I come pick you up at noon?”
