At this moment, the players finally felt the overwhelming malice emanating from the dungeon.
That microscope, under the laboratory lights, gleamed with a terrifying radiance.
"This is too important—I don’t dare touch it." Zhang San noticed that in just half a minute, the NPCs' favorability toward the players had dropped by three points. He quickly spoke up: "The conditions back at our place are poor. We’ve never seen such advanced equipment before, and I’m afraid I might break it. I just want to take a photo with it so my classmates can envy me when I get back."
The other players shot him sidelong glances.
Damn, this guy’s really laying it on thick to win over the NPCs, huh?
Zhang San stared at the flickering favorability value above the NPC’s head, his palms slick with cold sweat.
"No matter how advanced the equipment is, it exists to serve scientific progress. Don’t mythologize it too much," the senior said, eyeing Zhang San. "I believe your name is Zhang San, and your major is computer science?"
Zhang San watched as the senior’s favorability toward him suddenly jumped from 21 to 35—such a huge increase?
"Yes, senior."
The senior turned to Chao Musheng. "Musheng is also a computer science student. Your schedule for the next ten days will align with his, and he’ll be your main point of contact during this exchange program."
Hearing this, the players realized that among the six student guides, each of them would be assigned a dedicated supervisor.
Some couldn’t help but envy Zhang San—he already knew who his supervisor was, making it easier for him to cozy up to the right person.
But Zhang San wasn’t smiling. Among the six guides, Chao Musheng was the only one whose favorability value remained invisible. And of course, he’d been assigned to him.
The fact that the NPCs could accurately name him and knew his background meant this arrangement had been predetermined the moment he entered the dungeon.
"Musheng is the top student in the computer science department. Just two months ago, he assisted a professor in a major national research project." Perhaps because his favorability toward Zhang San was the highest, the senior added a few extra words of advice: "Make sure to learn from him in the coming days. You’ll gain a lot."
"You flatter me, senior. Zhang San and I will work hard together." Chao Musheng seemed embarrassed by the praise and quickly shifted the focus. "The senior here is the truly impressive one—several professors are fighting to be his graduate advisor. The other student guides are all outstanding representatives from their respective departments. I hope we can all get along well and grow together over the next ten days."
Noticing the students were still too intimidated to touch the lab equipment, Chao Musheng suggested, "Shall we head to the library next?"
The senior nodded. "Let’s go."
Zhang San and Brother Shang lagged at the back of the group. "Brother Shang, what’s your assigned background in this dungeon?"
"Computer science."
"Then you’ll probably be following Chao Musheng around campus like me." Zhang San listened as the NPCs ahead continued introducing every tree and statue—even the roadside sculptures were gifts from foreign nations. He took a deep breath. "The NPCs’ favorability keeps fluctuating so drastically. I don’t know how we’re supposed to survive the next ten days."
He activated a soundproofing item to prevent others from overhearing. "Back in the lab, when we hesitated to touch the equipment, the lead NPC’s favorability dropped by three points. But after I spoke up, it suddenly shot up by thirteen."
Brother Shang recalled Zhang San’s words in the lab—two key points stood out: their poor conditions and how envious his classmates would be of his photo with the microscope.
"That means they take pride in their school’s prestige," Brother Shang observed, watching the students passing by. "Most importantly, they’re recognized as elite students, so they naturally feel sympathy for those from underprivileged backgrounds. That’s why the senior specifically told you to learn from Chao Musheng. If I had to guess, they’ll be paying close attention to our attitude toward learning over the next ten days."
Zhang San scratched his head in frustration. For someone who’d been a slacker all his life, this dungeon was pure hell.
As they walked, Chao Musheng noticed the two had fallen behind and stopped to wait for them. "Hurry up."
When Zhang San and Brother Shang caught up, Chao Musheng glanced at the latter. "You’re Zhao Shang, from the same school as Zhang San?"
Brother Shang nodded. "We’ll be troubling you for the next ten days."
"Don’t mention it." Chao Musheng walked alongside them. "The campus is quite large. After today’s tour, you can explore at your own pace. But for now, don’t fall behind—I don’t want you getting lost."
"Meow~"
A little orange head popped out from the flowerbed. Chao Musheng reached down and scratched its head affectionately. "Xiao Ju, what are you doing here?"
"Mrrp." The cat squinted happily, nuzzling into his palm.
"This is one of the campus strays. He’s been neutered and vaccinated, and now the faculty office takes care of him." Chao Musheng explained to the two. "All the cats and dogs on campus are vaccinated and have gentle temperaments, so don’t be afraid if you run into them."
Zhang San perked up. "Should we take him back to the faculty office now?"
He’d been wondering where the office was—this was the perfect opportunity.
"No need. He knows his way back." Chao Musheng stood, gently placing the clingy cat back into the flowers. "Xiao Ju is very smart."
The three continued following the group. Zhang San glanced back and saw the little cat still trying to follow—it clearly adored Chao Musheng. "Brother Chao, that cat really seems to like you."
"Not just this one—all the cats and dogs on campus love him," a female student chimed in, her voice tinged with envy. "Last time, a kitten refused to wear its flea collar and ran up a tree. We tried everything to coax it down, but nothing worked. Then Musheng happened to walk by, and the kitten just leaped straight into his arms."
"Pure coincidence, all of it." Chao Musheng avoided her jealous gaze. "The library’s just ahead."
"Our university has eight specialized libraries and one main library. What you see now is the central library, built over three hundred years ago. Its collection exceeds three million volumes, including access to nearly a thousand databases spanning various academic fields."
"If you need access to any database materials, your assigned guides can assist you."
The senior stopped outside the library doors. "The library is open 24 hours, and the borrowing rules are posted inside. You can check them out privately later."
Rules?
The players’ eyes gleamed at the familiar term, their gazes locked onto the grand building.
"The library requires silence, so it’s not ideal for a group tour." The senior checked the time. "For the rest of the day, please spend time getting to know your assigned guides."
Chao Musheng motioned to his two charges. "Come on, you two—follow me."
In an unnoticed corner, one of the alumni guides blinked dazedly as Wan You approached.
When Wan You had looked at him just now, he’d inexplicably found him pitiable yet endearing—how terrifying.
Had he fried his brain from working too long in the lab?
"Brother Chao, where are we going now?" Zhang San gave Chao Musheng an ingratiating smile.
"To the logistics office to get your campus cards." Chao Musheng helped them scan shared bikes. "The logistics office is a bit far from here, so we'll ride over."
They needed bikes just to get to the logistics office—just how big was this campus?
When they arrived, before Zhang San and Brother Shang could even step inside, they heard a cold, haughty voice from within.
"I can't stamp this. Go get your department dean's signature first."
"Our advisor said we could get it stamped directly at the logistics office."
"Who’s your class advisor? Tell them to come talk to me personally."
Zhang San gulped. This Teacher Luo from the logistics office didn’t seem easy to deal with.
"Teacher Luo." Chao Musheng strolled into the office with a grin, lazily leaning against the desk. "What kind of workouts have you been doing lately? You’re glowing."
Teacher Luo was about to scold whoever was being so disrespectful, but when he saw it was Chao Musheng, his stern face softened into a smile. "Ah, Xiao Chao! Where did you go during the break?"
"Didn’t travel, just visited family." Chao Musheng glanced at the student waiting nearby and placed a cup of coffee by Teacher Luo’s hand. "Teacher, I need a favor."
"What is it?"
"No rush—finish helping this student first." Chao Musheng took a seat in a nearby chair, looking completely at ease, as if he were a regular here.
Teacher Luo took the form from the student, stamped it, and rummaged through his drawer before tossing Chao Musheng a chocolate bar. "These were sent from overseas. Try one."
"Delicious." Chao Musheng took a bite. "Teacher, your kid sent you more gifts? Does he just buy you everything he thinks you’d like?"
The question hit right at Teacher Luo’s soft spot, and he beamed even wider. "So, what brings you here today? Lose another ID and need a replacement?"
"Teacher, this time I didn’t lose anything. I’m here to apply for two temporary campus cards for students here for an exchange program." Chao Musheng refilled Teacher Luo’s teacup. "Without campus cards, they can’t even get into the library."
Teacher Luo didn’t even glance at Zhang San or Brother Shang. Every year, countless people scrambled to audit classes or study at Jinghua University. Unless they were VIPs, the logistics office usually couldn’t be bothered with them.
"They’re not enrolled students. By policy, campus cards would be complicated. Temporary guest passes would be easier." Teacher Luo pulled out two plain, unmarked cards from his drawer. "How long are they staying?"
"Ten days."
Teacher Luo placed the cards on a reader. "I’ve set these to expire automatically after ten days."
"Thanks, Teacher Luo. Next time I’ll bring you more coffee." Chao Musheng pocketed the cards and held out his hand with a grin. "Give me a few more chocolates—these are really good."
"Get out, get out." Teacher Luo shoved a handful of chocolates into Chao Musheng’s hand and shooed him out of the office.
"Keep these safe." Chao Musheng handed the cards to the two of them. "Don’t lose them."
"Thank you." Brother Shang understood—this wasn’t standard issue for players. Chao Musheng had pulled strings to make things easier for them.
"Don’t mention it. A lot of study spaces on campus require card access. Since you’re here for the program, you’re entitled to these." Chao Musheng smiled. "I’ll take you to the cafeteria for lunch. After that, you can head back to the dorms to rest."
Now that they had temporary cards, they could go wherever without him babysitting. His workload had just been halved.
Brother Shang carefully tucked his card away. Just because they could apply didn’t mean they’d have gotten them. He’d seen how Teacher Luo treated other students—definitely not a friendly guy.
Zhang San had noticed it too. That Teacher Luo’s favorability toward them was a pitiful 3 points. Even the stray cat in the flowerbeds rated them at 15.
As they walked downstairs, a student suddenly veered toward Chao Musheng. Brother Shang moved to block him.
"Hmph." The newcomer glanced at Brother Shang and Zhang San before sneering at Chao Musheng. "Chao Musheng, you got yourself new lackeys?"
Chao Musheng: "If your eyes are bad, get glasses. Not everyone’s your kind—barking like a rabid dog at everything that moves."
Zhang San whipped his head around in shock.
The always-smiling Chao Musheng could throw shade like this?
System Note: Sometimes, picking the right boss makes all the difference~
