Starting Off By Confessing To My Classmate's Mother

"People tend to focus on information that aligns with their interests and perspectives, creating a self-contained echo chamber," Li Zhiyan explained calmly.

"In such an echo chamber, individuals only choose information that conforms to their viewpoints, ignoring or rejecting opposing ideas and perspectives."

He glanced at the bustling internet café and continued, "By implementing fragmented, targeted marketing strategies, I ensured that potential customers for online gaming in the area would be drawn exclusively to Brotherhood Café. And as you can see, business has already picked up. I think the café will be fine moving forward."

Though he said it with ease, even Zhiyan knew how absurd his explanation sounded. The truth was, the system had effortlessly handled the entire marketing process, ensuring the café's explosive success.

After all, the purpose of the system was to simplify everything for him.

Gu Wanzhou and Rao Shiyun exchanged incredulous glances.

This boy—they both found it hard to believe—seemed capable of anything. Even with a poor location and outdated facilities, Zhiyan had somehow revived this struggling café.

His calm and confident explanation sounded like gospel to them, filled with concepts they barely understood. But the proof was in the results, and the café's thriving business spoke for itself.

"Xiao Yan, where did you learn all of this?" Rao Shiyun asked curiously, her tone tinged with admiration.

"Nowhere in particular, Rao Auntie," Zhiyan replied humbly. "I just did some research online over the years. I didn't expect it to come in handy now."

On the sidelines, Zhang Hongbin and Wang Shengli stood in awkward silence.

For Zhang, the sense of crisis was palpable. Unlike other suitors competing for Gu Wanzhou's attention, Zhiyan was a direct threat. From the way Wanzhou looked at him, it was clear she had a soft spot for the boy—perhaps even to the point of wanting to "nurture" him in ways Zhang couldn't bear to think about.

Wang Shengli, meanwhile, had sobered up completely. It was painfully evident that Rao Shiyun wasn't paying him any attention, and all his attempts to flaunt his wealth had fallen flat.

So much for impressing her. He sighed inwardly. Women like her—true beauties with poise and class—aren't easily won over by money. Such a shame. I'll probably never meet another one like her.

Trying to salvage his pride, he turned to Zhiyan. "Hey, kid, could you log me into one of the café's computers? I'd like to test your system."

"Of course." Zhiyan gestured to Li Shiyu. "Shiyu, let him use your computer."

Wang Shengli spent a few minutes exploring the system, his eyes widening in genuine surprise. The features—private disk storage, optimized game load times, and personalized account memory—were leagues ahead of anything on the market.

"This is impressive," Wang Shengli admitted reluctantly. "Kid, I'll give you 200,000 yuan if you license this system to me for my chain of cafés."

Zhiyan's heart ached at the offer. Two hundred thousand yuan! That was more than enough to erase his current financial worries.

But he couldn't accept it. The system didn't belong to him—it was an integral part of the "Strong Chicken System" that couldn't be shared or sold.

Seeing the hesitation in Zhiyan's eyes, Rao Shiyun misinterpreted it as disdain. She smiled softly, her heartwarming as she thought, This child must really dislike Wang Shengli if he's willing to turn down such a generous offer.

Wang Shengli, though disappointed, accepted the rejection gracefully. "Well, if you ever change your mind, the offer stands."

He and Zhang Hongbin left soon after, unable to endure the growing awkwardness of the situation.

---

As the café grew busier, with the hum of conversation and occasional wisps of cigarette smoke filling the air, both Wanzhou and Shiyun began to feel uncomfortable.

"Xiao Yan," Wanzhou said, her tone tinged with regret, "Auntie has to get back to work. When you have time, come to my house and give Auntie a massage, okay? I'll make you a nice meal as thanks."

Though she wanted to keep their relationship strictly platonic, Wanzhou couldn't deny how much she missed Zhiyan's massages. His skillful hands seemed to melt away all the tension in her neck and shoulders.

"Sure, Gu Auntie. I'll come by soon." Zhiyan's tone was warm, though inwardly, he felt a surge of confidence. With his newfound massage skills, it seemed Wanzhou could no longer stay away from him.

As soon as Wanzhou left, a system notification chimed in Zhiyan's mind: Task Completed. Reward: 20,000 yuan.

With this reward and the red envelopes he'd received earlier, his savings had climbed back to 80,000 yuan. Zhiyan felt a renewed sense of security.

But before he could relax, a new system task appeared.

Task: Gu Wanzhou's ex-husband plans to visit her in four days to rekindle their relationship. Prevent this from happening. Reward: 50,000 yuan.

Zhiyan frowned slightly. Was it just his imagination, or was the system catering to his innermost desires? Every task seemed designed to deepen his connection with the women he cared about most.

Looking up, he noticed Rao Shiyun watching him closely. Her expression was soft, but there was an unmistakable hint of melancholy.

"Xiao Yan, why didn't you sell your system to Wang Shengli? That was 200,000 yuan—it's hard not to be tempted."

Zhiyan thought for a moment before replying, "I didn't like the way he looked at you, Rao Auntie. It felt... disrespectful. That's why I turned him down."

Rao Shiyun's cheeks flushed faintly. "So, you didn't sell it because of me?"

Li Meifeng, who had been listening from the side, couldn't resist chiming in. "Oh, so Xiao Yan got jealous, huh? He didn't want to share his 'milk' with Wang Shengli." She smirked mischievously. "Don't worry, Xiao Yan. Milk tastes better than vinegar anyway. Why don't you focus on Rao Auntie? She might let you relive your childhood!"

"Li Meifeng!" Rao Shiyun's face turned crimson.

Meifeng continued unabated. "There's a teahouse across the street, Xiao Yan. Perfect place for a quiet chat with Rao Auntie. Who knows? She might even—"

"That's enough!" Shiyun cut her off, though her voice wavered slightly.

Zhiyan, meanwhile, couldn't help but feel intrigued. He had no intention of doing anything inappropriate, but the idea of spending time alone with Shiyun was undeniably appealing.

Seeing the flicker of interest in his eyes, Shiyun's heart raced. If this boy truly confesses his feelings... what would I do?

For the first time, Shiyun felt genuinely afraid—not of Zhiyan, but of her own conflicting emotions.