C1 Helicopter Reporting

East Sea University was abuzz with the arrival of new students. Despite it being September, the sun blazed down with relentless heat.

Soong Qingwan dabbed at the beads of sweat on her forehead with a tissue. "Qingwan, remember?" she said, "Just a few days ago, someone on the Confession Wall asked if they could arrive by helicopter!"

Shen Mengqi, ever the gossip, chimed in, "That's got to be a new student's prank, right? Who would actually fly in by helicopter?"

Soong Qingwan arched an eyebrow. "Oh, that? It's been debunked. A sophomore's joke, wasn't it?"

Shen Mengqi blinked in surprise. "Really? I missed that."

"Guess you weren't paying attention," Qingwan teased.

Just then, a timid figure approached. "Soong Qingwan, would you like some milk tea?"

A boy offered her two cups of milk tea, a shy smile on his face. Qingwan, caught off guard, held up her water glass and swirled it. "I appreciate it, but I've brought my own water. Thanks anyway."

The boy's smile faltered, a hint of disappointment crossing his face before he was jostled aside by others vying for her attention.

"Qingwan, want some snacks? I've got a whole bag!"

"Junior Sister Song, his are all greasy snacks. They'll make you gain weight and break out. I've brought fruit!"

"Classmate Qingwan, I've got..."

Qingwan's head throbbed as she faced the eager crowd.

Shen Mengqi watched with a pang of envy. Since her first day at Magic City University, Qingwan had been the undisputed campus beauty, her fame bolstered by a viral side-profile photo that won her legions of online fans.

She had no shortage of admirers at school, yet Qingwan had never been known to date anyone. She was unfailingly polite but kept her suitors at arm's length, never accepting any favors.

As Shen Mengqi eyed the iced milk tea, she felt a burning frustration well up inside her.

She clenched her jaw and gathered all the parcels before her.

"I'm Qingwan's roommate. Qingwan is too shy to accept these herself, so I'll take them off your hands. Thanks!" Shen Mengqi said, beaming.

"Okay, that's enough. Everyone disperse. Qingwan has things to do!"

Soong Qingwan was completely taken aback by Shen Mengqi's maneuver.

The admirers exchanged looks, but realizing that Soong Qingwan's roommate had accepted the gifts, they took it as Soong Qingwan's acceptance and dispersed.

"Mengqi, what are you doing?!" Soong Qingwan was frantic.

Shen Mengqi, unfazed, simply took out her milk tea, popped in the straw, and sipped. "What's the big deal? It's just some snacks."

"I don't want to date any of them. Why did you accept their gifts for me?"

Shen Mengqi shrugged. "I know you're picky, but it's just snacks. No need to overreact, right?"

"I'm not picky; I just don't want a relationship! By doing this, you're giving them false hope..."

Soong Qingwan was cut off by a chorus of gasps.

"Holy smokes, a Ferrari supercar!"

"A Ferrari, something I never had and probably never will. Definitely the ride of a rich second-gen!"

"Showing up in a luxury car, truly boss-level!"

...

A Ferrari zoomed up and halted at the school's entrance.

Shen Mengqi snapped out of her daze, quickly touched up her makeup with her air cushion, and applied a dusky rose lipstick.

This was the ultimate 'no-makeup' makeup look that was all the rage!

The car door swung open, and an exuberant figure stepped out, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Decked out in Bryony attire, Armani trousers, and Cassno leather shoes...

This guy was the epitome of wealthy second-generation!

As soon as he exited the car, his eyes locked onto Soong Qingwan. A beauty like her always stood out.

He flashed a smile, adjusted his tie, and with a suave grin, made a beeline for Soong Qingwan.

Shen Mengqi's face dropped instantly.

It was clear he had come for Soong Qingwan.

Sure enough, with the campus belle in the vicinity, she was merely background foliage. What chance did Shen Mengqi stand?

She was quite self-aware.

"Senior Soong Qingwan, could you show me where to complete the registration?"

The rich second-generation's intense stare sent a wave of discomfort through Soong Qingwan.

She stepped back, widening the distance between them.

"Are you a Chinese major?" Soong Qingwan inquired.

"No, I'm in the Sports Department."

Soong Qingwan breathed a sigh of relief and gestured to the other side of the room. "The Sports Department's welcome volunteer is over there."

However, the affluent young man chuckled, "Senior Soong Qingwan, I chose this university because of you."

The onlookers wasted no time in stirring up rumors.

"No way, he chose our school just for Soong Qingwan?"

"Money really does let you do as you please, doesn't it? College is just a game to some!"

"Could the tycoon's demands be any less extravagant?"

Soong Qingwan offered a courteous smile. "Sorry, I'm a Chinese major."

Shen Mengqi's eyes darted around before she eagerly offered, "Junior, Qingwan is tied up. How about I help you with the paperwork?"

Soong Qingwan didn't want to be his guide. But she did!

The rich second-generation gave Shen Mengqi a cursory glance and a polite smile. "Thank you for the offer, Senior, but I'd prefer if Senior Soong could assist me."

Then, turning back to Soong Qingwan, he pressed, "Senior Sister Soong Qingwan, who else at this school could possibly be a better match for me than you?"

Soong Qingwan's brow furrowed slightly. "I'm sorry, but I have no intention of dating throughout my college years..."

Just then, an instigator in the crowd yelled out, "There's someone arriving in a helicopter!"

"Cut it out! Why stir up trouble? It's just a joke."

"Right, who flies a helicopter to school nowadays?"

"If someone actually shows up in a helicopter, I'll eat this table right here and now!"

Soong Qingwan's expression soured.

Just then, the sound of an engine grew from a distant hum to a thunderous roar.

"What's that noise?"

"Look up, is that... a helicopter?"

A helicopter swooped into the school, landing squarely on the sports field.

The crowd erupted in excitement.

"Holy smokes! It actually came to our school!"

"Hey, where's that dude who was going to gnaw on the desk?"

Lin Chen, seated in the pilot's seat, was at a loss for words.

Congratulations, host, on completing your first mission. You've earned a reward: the Water and Clouds Villa at Waterfront House.

Note: The key is in your pocket, and the deed and other documents are in the top drawer of the desk in the villa's study.

"Phew..."

Lin Chen let out a breath of relief; the mission was finally over.

Just yesterday, the system had sprung up, tasking him with the mission to arrive at school in a helicopter.

It was a good thing his parents were away on vacation; the sight of a helicopter at home would have surely given them a fright.

Wary of drawing attention, Lin Chen hadn't dared to pack much, opting instead to make a swift exit in the helicopter.

Now, it seemed, he had become the center of attention regardless.

What was the system thinking?

Once he composed himself, he disembarked from the helicopter, searched for the Chinese Department's sign, and zeroed in on a direction.

Soong Qingwan was dumbstruck as Lin Chen approached.

Could it be that someone had actually flown a helicopter to school? And that someone was in her department?

The wealthy heirs were taken aback. Was the helicopter pilot here to compete for Soong Qingwan's attention?

Spotting the New Student Volunteer badge, Lin Chen turned to Soong Qingwan and inquired, "Excuse me, senior, I'm a freshman in the Chinese Department. Is this where I need to register?"