Chapter Ten: Zhang Fan is So Handsome
With his phone in hand, Zhang Fan brushed his bangs aside and seriously compared his facial features. He hadn't realized it before, but he was actually quite handsome. Perhaps it was because he didn't shave often; being poor, he didn't even have a good razor, which made him look somewhat unkempt. Coupled with his habit of walking with a slight hunch, as well as his shabby clothes, and the influence of Zhou Ke, naturally people had labeled Zhang Fan as a loser.
First impressions mattered a lot, and Zhang Fan considered himself quite charming when it came to picking up girls. With confidence, he believed he could do it. However, with the changes made by the system and his recent self-improvement efforts, Zhang Fan firmly believed he had what it took to attract attention.
"Zhang Fan, my friend, you've earned again! You're really lucky, a genius! Here, this is your share from the last purchase of antiques. I brought along a few friends today, and we got some good stuff again. The price was fair, and I'll always give you a little extra," said the antique dealer.
Zhang Fan didn't particularly care about the profit-sharing aspect of his dealings with the antique dealer, but he appreciated the mutual respect they had for each other's roles. He had originally planned for a fifty-fifty split, but the antique dealer had insisted on taking a smaller share, claiming that he was more interested in preserving the integrity of their partnership and making Wangjianzhai the best antique shop in China, if not the world. Zhang Fan admired anyone with a dream.
In just two days, he had transformed himself by breaking up with a girl and making money. Now, his normal life could finally begin.
Zhang Fan's plan was simple: after a breakup, he would focus on himself. As for beautiful women, it was all about fate. If he encountered one, he would seize the opportunity. If not, he wouldn't force it. He would live life to the fullest, enjoying whatever came his way.
There were a thousand ways for a man to have fun, and even playing games made him happy because he had no worries.
After class ended, Zhang Fan left immediately, leaving Zhou Ke behind wanting to catch up, but she was swept away by the crowd.
"Wow, Zhang Fan is amazing. After breaking up, he's still so popular. He's bound to regret it sooner or later," someone remarked.
"Zhou Ke is too much. She's obviously into nerds. After getting together with one, she's so high and mighty," another commented.
Zhou Ke playfully knocked on Li's head and said, "What are you thinking about all day? Don't you know those rumors are nonsense? There was something going on."
"What could have happened? How do we know what happened between them when they were together? Besides, I did see them together today, and Zhou Ke looked different. She seemed tired and lifeless, and I heard that the girl who had just broken up with her was to blame. If it weren't for her, Zhou Ke wouldn't have acted like that," Li argued.
Li continued to speculate, but Zhou Ke had already left.
At this moment, Zhang Fan went straight to the barbershop and asked the barber to give him a new hairstyle. After half an hour, he stood in front of the mirror, admiring his new look. He looked handsome, with a confident aura and well-defined facial features. Even in the simplest clothes, he exuded a charm that made him seem like a male god.
One of the assistants at the barbershop couldn't help but take a picture of Zhang Fan. "So handsome," she thought to herself. "I have to add him on WeChat."
Zhang Fan paid for the haircut and was about to leave when the assistant ran after him, holding her phone. "Hey, could I add you on WeChat? I'll give you a discount on your next haircut as a thank you for coming to our shop," she said shyly.
"Sure, thanks," Zhang Fan replied.
"And... um, what time do you finish classes?" the assistant asked.
"If I have time, I'll give you a call," Zhang Fan said with a smile. "By the way, I'm still a student."
The assistant blushed even more, realizing her mistake. She hadn't expected to add a student's WeChat account. Nevertheless, she was pleased that she had finally found someone she could connect with.
Zhang Fan planned to ask the girl out, but having her number in his contacts felt wrong.
Looking at the messages from his numerous admirers, Zhang Fan sighed. He had received one less message, leaving him with only a hundred left. He didn't know how to handle so many, let alone the ones from the girls.
But the rewards he received were truly amazing.
Money, strength, and looks were the most tangible rewards.
From half-past eight to half-past nine in the evening, Zhang Fan spent an hour exercising. He felt full of energy and knew he had to keep up this routine. The feeling of increased strength was exhilarating.
"Wow, look at that guy running!"
"Yeah, he's been running for more than ten laps now. He seems to be in great shape."
"Do you know him?"
"Yeah, he's Zhang Fan from the School of Business Administration."
With that, Zhang Fan headed to the gym. Saturdays were a popular time for students to work out, and the gym wasn't too crowded. Zhang Fan felt relaxed as he took off his jacket and put on a sleeveless shirt, ready to hit the gym.
"Zhang Fan? Isn't he the guy who broke up with Zhou Ke?" someone whispered.