Chapter 2: Who Writes a Proper Diary Anyway?
[Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have successfully written a diary entry. Physical strength +1, appearance enhanced, money +50,000.]
This small amount of money? You have the nerve to show me that? I’m clearly a certified wealthy second-generation heir. What kind of international joke is this? Although the setting does paint me as a hopeless romantic.
[Congratulations, Host. You have acquired the ancient martial art, Bajiquan.]
Oh wow, now that’s impressive! Bajiquan, that’s supposed to be pretty powerful in the novel’s setting.
Supposedly, in The Return of the War God, there are several characters from ancient families, and one of them uses Bajiquan—powerful enough to smash cars with a single punch.
Understanding the combat power level in this world wasn’t difficult. It’s basically just a bit stronger than typical martial artists.
After writing in his diary, Chen Fan opened his computer, casually found a game, and settled into his usual routine of killing time.
The path had already been paved. All he had to do was wait until he was old enough, and he could rise through the ranks, eventually reaching his father’s position.
Do a little work here and there, and eventually, he’d become a figure like his father.
At that moment, the door opened, and Chen Fan instinctively switched his computer screen.
Jin Lan walked in with her briefcase.
Something’s off. This doesn’t feel right. What the hell? This really isn’t right. Could something have gone wrong?
“System, did things go off track again?”
But the system didn’t respond. This was typical—every time a loop restarted, it would give him some benefits and then leave the rest up to him.
Jin Lan was wearing high heels and a tailored black skirt suit.
Her outfit: a simple black blazer, white shirt, and, noticeably, one button left undone.
This was totally different from her usual look. Completely out of character. She had always given off an old-fashioned, icy vibe, but now she was exuding mature charm and authority.
No conversation? Could it be that …?
At this point, countless theories were running through Jin Lan’s mind.
First, that diary was definitely real; she had touched it herself. But she couldn’t burn it, couldn’t tear it up, and when she showed it to the driver, he said he couldn’t see anything. In other words, only she could see it. And what was written in it were Chen Fan’s thoughts. So she could hear—or rather, read—Chen Fan’s thoughts? Or see them?
Interesting. Very interesting. Let’s just wait and see.
“Mm, get back to work.”
“Oh, by the way, Boss, there’s a dinner at the Bauhinia Restaurant tonight. My parents are hosting it, and they’ve asked me to invite you.”
“What kind of dinner?”
“It seems to be about my engagement to Lin Qingyue.”
They both returned to their own workspaces and didn’t talk much afterward.
Chen Fan opened his computer and typed a little. The diary could be updated, which meant that as long as he kept writing, he could continue gaining power.
[The old woman has had a change of heart? Whoa, second spring already?]
[Crap, could she be interested in me?]
[This is bad. No way. I’ve been in this novel world several times already. Damn it, don’t mess this up. I can’t go back if it does.]
Jin Lan, who was reading the diary at that moment, was shocked. No way, this couldn’t be true. Absolutely not.
[Forget it, doesn’t matter. None of this has anything to do with me. I didn’t do anything.]
[Tonight, Lin Qingyue is going to call off the engagement. How should I react? Fear? Disappointment? Or maybe, “Qingyue, don’t leave me! How will I survive without you?”]
After scribbling down a few lines and gaining a small boost to his physical strength and appearance, there weren’t any additional rewards.
Chen Fan quickly understood the reward system. Basically, you get a lot of rewards at the start, but adding new entries only gives you small, basic rewards.
Whatever. Who even writes proper diaries? No, seriously, who writes proper diaries?
At this point, Jin Lan’s mind was the most shaken.
Her world was a novel? She was just a pre-designed character?
However, Jin Lan quickly composed herself. She realized that asking Chen Fan would be useless. This guy definitely wouldn’t tell her anything.
But if this really was a novel world, and he knew the plot, he’d probably go against it, right?
Take all the women for himself? Or maybe there was some sort of setup involved?
Regardless of the outcome, Jin Lan was now intrigued. She was interested in this diary’s copy.
“Did your parents ask for anything specific for tonight?”
“Oh, they did. They reminded me to bring some tea.”
Jin Lan stood up and retrieved two gift boxes from the cabinet behind her.
“The Lin family, I know them. They’re a well-known, prestigious family around here. They have some standing, although they’re not quite on par with your family.”
“This tea should suffice.”
“Your mother inviting me … She probably wants to thank me for looking after you. Seriously, after all these years of friendship, why the fuss?”
Chen Fan scratched his head awkwardly. Now that’s more like it—cold and distant. But this sudden wardrobe change had thrown him off. He almost didn’t recognize her.
“Aunt Jin, I know how close you are with my mom. Honestly, if it weren’t for that, who would want me?”
“You’re not so bad. You’re thoughtful. Make sure you clean up nicely for tonight.”
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Jin Lan only spoke to him regarding some documents, and otherwise, they didn’t interact much.
By evening, Chen Fan and Jin Lan left work together. Chen Fan drove, taking Jin Lan to the restaurant.
As for dressing up, Chen Fan couldn’t be bothered. No matter how he dressed, the outcome would be the same.
Around six in the evening, they arrived at their destination.
Inside the restaurant, Jin Lan started chatting with his mother, while Chen Fan sat in the corner, playing on his phone.
The Return of the War God, Chapter 3: Engagement Canceled.
It was about to begin.
Time to stabilize his emotions, find the right angle—acting required getting into character. Yeah, this time, he would perform perfectly.