Chapter 5: A One-Week Deadline!
Chapter 5: A One-Week Deadline!
When people are young, most experience moments of heart-fluttering excitement caused by someone special.
But as time passes, for various reasons, connections fade, and lives drift apart.
It’s common.
Weddings that double as mini-class reunions? Not Chen Jingle’s thing.
Attending would mean watching others perform while pretending to care about long-lost classmates he hadn’t contacted in years.
What’s the point?
The gatherings worth attending are always the small, intimate ones.
Liang Cheng nodded in agreement. “You’re probably right. I’m not going either. It’s been years since I last spoke to them anyway.”
Chen Jingle raised an eyebrow. “You’re trying to advance your career in the city. Why skip it? You never know—you might run into a leader at the wedding. The city isn’t that big.”
“Pfft. Career advancement? I’m not aiming to climb the ladder, so why bother? Besides, I’ve been so busy with work, constantly working overtime. They’ll understand,” Liang Cheng replied nonchalantly.
“Suit yourself.” Chen Jingle chuckled.
Liang Cheng tilted his head and smirked. “Honestly, though, you should try to get out more. You’re turning into a hermit at this rate.”
Chen Jingle shrugged. “You don’t understand. For someone like me who doesn’t like going out, staying home is perfect. Lately, I’ve been planning to dive into some self-learning, so going out is even less appealing.”
Liang Cheng’s expression turned curious. “What, are you planning to take postgraduate exams?”
Chen Jingle shook his head. “Not exactly. I just feel like my knowledge is too limited. I’ll start with some self-study, reading whatever I find interesting.”
Although the system couldn’t make him invincible overnight, its ability to significantly enhance learning efficiency was nothing short of amazing. Who wouldn’t love that?
As long as the tasks provided positive feedback, Chen Jingle was all in.
“Not a bad idea.”
Liang Cheng laughed. “I was just going to suggest you check out the new university campus nearby. Lots of beauties there—might help you relax a bit.”
“Oh? I didn’t even notice. How’s the new campus?”
Chen Jingle was surprised.
The new teacher-training college campus was built on the west side of town, not far from him. Construction had started a couple of years ago, but since he rarely passed by the site, he hadn’t paid attention to its progress.
Rumor had it that the land acquisition process made a handful of locals instantly wealthy.
Envy-worthy, indeed.
“It’s pretty nice,” Liang Cheng said. “The overall design is better than the old campus, and it’s much larger. Only part of it is occupied now, but I’m guessing more resources and students will move there eventually. The school is improving.”
Chen Jingle grinned. “Who knows about the academics, but I bet the milk tea shops and street food stalls near the campus are doing great business. College students are always the most willing to spend.”
Liang Cheng’s eyes lit up. “You’re not wrong. There’s a small street food market near the campus already. It’s pretty basic—just some vendors setting up shop—but I heard from colleagues that a few of the late-night snack stalls are quite good.”
“Let’s check it out sometime,” Chen Jingle suggested.
“Sure, I’ll let you know when I find the time.”
“Sounds good!”
...
Liang Cheng had planned to stay a bit longer—after all, there were snacks, watermelon, and someone to help look after his daughter.
But when he checked the time, he winced. “Crap, it’s 11:40. Zhong Laoshi’s shift ends soon. I gotta go!”
“Why not stay for lunch? I’ve got plenty of ingredients in the fridge,” Chen Jingle offered with a raised brow.
Liang Cheng shook his head. “Can’t. The new cafeteria manager at Zhong Laoshi’s school is terrible. She doesn’t eat there anymore. Usually, my mom cooks for her, but today it’s my turn.”
“Alright then.” Chen Jingle didn’t press further.
“Mingyue, let’s go. Say goodbye to Uncle Jingle. We’ll visit again soon.” Liang Cheng reached out to pick up his daughter.
But the little one clung tightly to Chen Jingle’s arm, refusing to let go and on the verge of tears.
Left with no choice, Chen Jingle spent a few minutes coaxing her into the car and strapping her into the child seat.
What a clingy little bean.
As Liang Cheng drove off, Chen Jingle couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.
[It’s lunchtime! A balanced diet is key to a healthy baby’s growth. Chen Jingle, please complete your meal task on time with a proper mix of protein and vegetables. Time limit: one hour. You’ve got this, baby!]
The system’s gentle voice chimed in.
“Not scheduling more lessons?” Chen Jingle asked.
[During a child’s growth, it’s important to balance work and rest. The remaining lessons for today will take place in the afternoon. Lunchtime and nap time are for midday relaxation.]
“Alright then.”
Chen Jingle willingly accepted the system’s arrangement.
You’re the boss. Whatever you say goes!
As long as rewards kept coming, he had no complaints.
Based on the rewards from the previous two lessons, though a bit unexpected, their effects were far superior to medical procedures costing tens of thousands.
In other words, he was essentially earning tens of thousands a day!
Amazing.
He decided to give himself a one-week deadline. Over the next seven days, he would fully commit to completing the system’s lessons and tasks, curious to see how much he could change in that time.
“It’s time for a transformation!”
Lunchtime.
Chen Jingle whipped up a simple dish: stir-fried pork with chili, served over rice in broth. He’d learned it from a video featuring a national banquet chef.
Cooking for one at home was often a hassle. Make too much, and it went to waste; make too little, and it felt like more effort than it was worth.
His solution? Cook enough for the entire day. He’d eat half at lunch, the rest at dinner, and any leftovers became late-night snacks.
If he felt lazier, he’d make braised meat in bulk to pair with noodles for several days.
Ordering takeout wasn’t an option. The local food scene wasn’t exactly inspiring.
In hindsight, he regretted not choosing a cooking course in college.
Compared to plant cultivation, he was actually better at—and more passionate about—cooking.
“Good food is the most affordable source of happiness.”
Cooking not only brought immense satisfaction but also allowed him to dazzle guests during holidays and gatherings.
Even this simple chili pork rice bowl smelled divine, leaving him completely satisfied after eating.
Top it off with some fresh fruit for dessert? Perfect!
[Great job, baby! You successfully completed the eating task. Reward: 0.1 kg of strength. Current strength: 32.7 kg.]
“Another 0.1…”
Chen Jingle sighed. “Alright, better than nothing.”
He was starting to develop an aversion to the number 0.1.
This system is the stingiest thing I’ve ever encountered.
At this rate, when would he be strong enough to take on Tyson?
[Nap time has arrived. Adequate sleep is essential for a child’s growth. Please take a nap for one and a half hours, little Chen Jingle. You can do it, baby!]
He had just sat down to digest his meal when the system chimed in again.
“A nap, huh…”
Chen Jingle pondered.
Truthfully, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to fall asleep.
His usual nap time was between 3 PM and 6 PM. Having just finished lunch, he felt no drowsiness whatsoever.
“Well, I’ll try. If I can’t sleep, you can’t blame me. Resting still counts, right?”
With that, he locked the door and went upstairs to lie down.
Strangely enough, as soon as his head hit the pillow, drowsiness crept in. Before he knew it, he had drifted off.
When he woke up, it was already 2 PM.
He’d slept a full hour and a half.
“Wow!” he exclaimed, astonished. “This system is a godsend for insomniacs!”
