Chapter 49: The Potion’s Power

Hearing the System’s words, Tang Chen hesitated. He laughed bitterly. “System, this is going too far, isn’t it? How could I possibly make the Zhongmen Society the school’s top gang in such a short time?”

Since getting the System, Tang Chen had done everything he had ever dreamed of or fantasized about. He had bought the city’s largest Hotel, spent money on twenty-three Villas, and even paid to promote some dumb book… things Tang Chen had never dared to imagine before.

Gradually, Tang Chen had become heavily dependent on the System. Losing it and suddenly returning to his old loser status would crush his spirit with its devastating contrast.

Fortunately, what the System said next made Tang Chen heave a long sigh of relief. “Respected Host, please do not worry excessively. This System cares for you. Considering the difficulty of this Mission, this High-level Mission has no time limit.”

Tang Chen chuckled, pleased. “System, I always thought you were a beast. Sorry I wronged you. You’re just not human, that’s all.”

The System was speechless. This jerk was definitely insulting it! He was totally insulting it!

“Young Master Tang?” Having heard nothing from Tang Chen for a while, Fang Wenxin called out uneasily.

“Ah, I’m here,” Tang Chen snapped out of it. His eyes darted as an idea struck him. “Fang Wenxin, Young Master has a question for you. Answer me truthfully.”

Fang Wenxin quickly promised, “Yes, Young Master Tang, I won’t hold anything back.”

Tang Chen hummed, narrowing his eyes. “I heard our School has three student gangs. Which rank does your Zhongmen Society hold?”

Fang Wenxin gave a strained smile. “Young Master Tang, to be honest, we three gangs have fought over territory and members. But our Zhongmen Society always loses.”

Tang Chen was surprised. “Why? Skinny Bamboo Pole made your Zhongmen Society sound pretty badass.”

Fang Wenxin explained, “Young Master Tang, ‘badass’ depends on who you compare us to. Against ordinary students? We’re big and tough, for sure. But against the Small Knife Society? We’re garbage.”

Tang Chen was amused. Fang Wenxin seemed honest; he’d never heard a Boss speak so poorly of his own Gang.

Humming, Tang Chen finally settled on his plan. “Don’t worry, Young Master understands the situation. I will make you the number one gang in the School. That’s all for now, I need to go.” He hung up.

On the other end, Fang Wenxin was dumbfounded. Did Young Master Tang just say he’d make the Zhongmen Society the top gang? He couldn’t be joking!

Yet, Fang Wenxin couldn’t bring himself to disbelieve. He’d seen too many miracles happen around Tang Chen. His feeling towards Tang Chen could be summed up in four words: complete and utter admiration.

If Young Master Tang said he’d make the gang number one, Fang Wenxin believed it. If Tang Chen even said he’d blow up the School, he’d believe that too.

Tang Chen shoved his Mobile Phone into his pocket and got serious with the System. “System, I’ve accepted the Mission. But can you front me some Enhancement Potion first?”

“Respected Host, since ancient times, payment comes after the task. You have not completed the Mission yet. This System cannot provide you any reward.”

Tang Chen frowned dramatically. “But System! Young Master is really pissed! In all the time I’ve been flexing, this is the first time some jerk has beaten me this badly! I need revenge! I’ll stomp his damn face with my size 42 feet!”

The System chuckled, unmoved. “Respected Host, failure is the mother of success. A little defeat is good for you. Otherwise, you’d never know how blue the sky is or how green the water is.”

“Piss off! I’m trying to seriously discuss this! I don’t need your terrible jokes right now!” Tang Chen was fuming. Mocked after such humiliation? Definitely deserved a beating!

“System Oppa, think about it,” Tang Chen dropped the yelling, shifting to calm persuasion. “This High-level Mission is to make the Zhongmen Society the top gang. But you just heard Fang Wenxin. The kids in his gang? Hopeless! How am I supposed to finish the Mission relying on them? The best way is for you to give me some Enhancement Potion first. I’ll take out a few Small Knife Society experts, weaken them. That helps me finish the Mission faster, right?”

The System remained silent for a long moment. “Respected Host, though this System despises your shameless nagging… congratulations. You convinced me.”

Tang Chen scowled, lips twitching. “Cut out the flattery, huh? Young Master is just using sound logic here.”

The System ignored the remark. “Very well, Respe- …Tang Chen. This System will reward you with a small amount of Enhancement Potion now.”

Tang Chen nodded frantically, ecstatic. “Yes! Hurry! I’m ready!”

Ding! “Reward Host with Enhancement Potion. Host, please open your mouth.” The instruction bewildered Tang Chen. Open his mouth? Rewards always just appeared in his pocket!

Confused but obedient, he opened wide. At that exact moment, a green drop too small for the naked eye fell onto his tongue. An intense, burning heat erupted in Tang Chen’s throat and down his esophagus. He choked, doubling over and clutching his neck.

Leaning against the wall, he gasped and yelled furiously. “Host! What did you make me drink?! Are you trying to kill me?!”

The System sounded innocent. “Respected Host, that was the Enhancement Potion.”

Tang Chen’s face turned purple. Sticking out his pinky finger, he gestured wildly. “Are you messing with me? That wasn’t potion! That was a single drop! Could you be any stingier?! I thought you’d give me a whole bottle!”

Unfazed, the System retorted mockingly, “Respected Host, use that tiny brain of yours. Have this System’s rewards ever been weak? The Enhancement Potion’s energy is immense. One drop is already pushing the limit for your body. Any more, and you’d explode.”

Tang Chen sounded deeply skeptical. “System… you’re not joking? It’s really that strong?”

“Respected Host, feel it for yourself. Clench your fists.”

That made Tang Chen ninety percent convinced. Though the System often tricked him, sometimes it delivered. He clenched both hands tight. Instantly, a warm current surged through his veins. His skin grew hotter. His arms bulged, tightening against his shirt, threatening to rip the sleeves. Heat rose from his gut. He desperately stripped off his top… and gaped in shock.

What?! Perfect biceps? Eight-pack abs? This happened in seconds?! Way better than any steroid!

“Respected Host, please cover up. Exposing yourself is embarrassing,” the System commented, sounding disgusted.

Tang Chen traced the perfect curves of his new muscles with idiot-like fascination. Grinning stupidly, he pulled his shirt back on. A fierce light flashed in his eyes. “Let’s go! Time to find that jerk!”

“Respected Host, are you sure you want to go now? No… reconsideration?” the System asked quickly.

Tang Chen laughed arrogantly. “Reconsider what? Didn’t you say my body’s totally transformed with the Enhancement Potion? I’m gonna test it on that jerk! Let’s see if his nonsense skills are better, or if the Enhancement Potion rules! System, find out where that idiot is now.”

Sounding resigned, the System replied, “Copy that, Host. Activating radar scanning lock. Locking onto target…”