Chapter 2 Heartstrings

"Should I change my looks? Maybe. But it has to be believable. I don't want people thinking I've taken drugs or something," our mc mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Nodding to himself as he formulated a plan, he resolved that with college on the horizon, this time around would be about enjoying life to the fullest—a stark contrast to his previous struggle to afford city rent, which often left him scraping by and saving money by intentionally starving himself because he had absolutely no other alternative whatsoever.

"But first things first," he added decisively. Upon arriving at the bustling port city, his first stop was the nearest gas station, where he purchased a lottery ticket on a whim.

To his sheer calmness and joy, the next day brought news that he had won a staggering 500 million dollars.

Mind buzzing with possibilities, he immediately set about ensuring his loved ones were taken care of. Sending 100 million dollars back home to his grateful parents and extended family, he ensured they could retire comfortably and pursue their dreams.

Meanwhile, he decided to remain in the city where he had enrolled in college, eager to make the most of his newfound wealth and opportunities.

With his priorities set, he wasted no time in securing a luxurious new home in an exclusive neighborhood, complete with all the amenities he had once only dreamed of.

A sleek, state-of-the-art car soon followed, fulfilling a childhood fantasy. Yet amid the extravagance, he remained grounded, reminding himself that education and personal growth were paramount.

As classes commenced and friendships blossomed, our mc found himself navigating a world of both privilege and responsibility.

He joined philanthropic endeavors, anonymously donating to causes close to his heart, quietly relishing the impact his wealth could have on others' lives.

Through it all, he maintained a semblance of normalcy, attending lectures, participating in campus activities, and forging genuine connections.

His transformation went beyond material wealth; it was a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, learning to wield influence with wisdom and compassion.

And so, with each passing day, he embraced his new life with gratitude and determination.

This wasn't just about living lavishly; it was about seizing second chances, making a difference, and appreciating the journey that had brought him to where he stood today—a place of abundance, fulfillment, and endless possibilities.

And it was exactly one month after Daniel had begun his studies at the university when something unexpected happened.

"Hi, Daniel! This is Lily from your class." Daniel's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the message on his phone screen.

It was from Lily Wilson, the most stunning girl in his class. In their block-sectioned courses, they shared the same schedules, ensuring they would become close and get to know each other well.

Daniel sat back, momentarily stunned.

The sect master whose body he now inhabited had never been romantically involved; a dedicated crazy lunatic of a cultivator, he had kept his heart focused solely on cultivation.

Daniel himself had a past relationship, a marriage that had ended badly, a chapter of his life he preferred not to revisit. Daniel pondered for a while before crafting a response.

"Hello, Lily. I'm doing well, thank you. How about you?" He hit send, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

That night, their conversation flowed effortlessly, spanning topics from their classes to their hobbies, deep into the early hours of the morning.

It was fortunate that it was a Saturday with no classes, allowing Daniel and Lily to enjoy a restful sleep after their long text conversations.

They repeated this routine on Sunday, exchanging warm nods as they met on Monday.

During school hours, their interactions were limited to casual greetings, but once night fell, their text conversations flowed late into the evening.

This routine continued over the passing month, deepening their connection day by day.

As Daniel found himself increasingly captivated by Lily's warmth and intelligence, he couldn't shake off a nagging curiosity about why she showed such interest in him.

Late one night, unable to sleep, he pondered the question that had been on his mind for weeks.

"Why is she doing this?" Daniel murmured to himself, staring at the ceiling.

With a deep breath, he focused his divine sense and delved into Lily's mind, seeking answers. What he uncovered surprised him deeply.

It appeared that the girls in their class were indeed drawn to him, not for his looks or wealth, but for an inexplicable attraction to his scent—an unintended leakage of his divine essence that made everyone of the opposite sex curious about him.

This was the very reason why he was getting talked to by girls and getting messages from them left and right.

Sitting in a lotus position, Daniel concentrated, using his innate abilities to analyze the situation. In just three breaths, he confirmed his suspicions.

"So, it really is a leak of my divine essence," Daniel mused, a mix of amusement and wonder in his voice. "No matter how I try to conceal it, some of my divine aura escapes since I'm basically a god at this moment, sparking curiosity and admiration among the girls, including Lily."

Realization dawned on him. "Well, I suppose there's nothing inherently wrong with that," he chuckled softly. "If not for this peculiar trait, how else could I have gotten closer to Lily?"

However, lingering doubts crept into his mind. Concerned that Lily might be drawn to his newfound wealth, Daniel decided to use his divine sense once more to delve deeper into her thoughts.

He feared discovering she was merely a gold-digging bitch, especially given his recent lottery win and the assumptions about his financial status.

Yet, what he discovered in Lily's thoughts brought a relieved smile to his face. It wasn't his wealth or below average appearance that captivated her; it was his sense of humor, his genuine kindness, and his innate charm.

Her thoughts revealed admiration for his intellect and a deep connection based on shared interests and values. And besides, Lily's family was a whole lot more richer than he was at the moment. 

"Well... I guess she passed the test after all," Daniel murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Lily is truly into me for who I am, not what I have. It's refreshing to know. She loves my humor and likes it that I can make her laugh easily."

With a newfound sense of reassurance, Daniel resolved to cherish their growing bond, allowing it to blossom naturally.

As he drifted off to sleep that night, he felt grateful for the unexpected turn of events and the genuine connection he had found with Lily.

What he didn't know though or expect was that Lily was merely the top of the iceberg.