SoulLand:Ascending to Godhood through Science

You Chen used various reasons to encourage Yan to interact with other girls, thus naturally dispersing Yan's attention.

In this world where martial spirits reign supreme, coupled with Hu Liena's outstanding appearance, even if her personality and intelligence were somewhat lacking, she was indeed the best female peer Yan could reach.

This fact wouldn't change, nor was there a need to change it.

With You Chen's relationship with Yan at the time, he wasn't about to expend excessive effort on him.

If Yan remained stubborn, You Chen wouldn't bother dragging him out of the mire.

He wasn't Yan's parent and bore no such responsibility.

He simply diverted Yan's attention from Hu Liena, making him allocate time to other girls.

Even if just making friends, Yan's mental capacity would be stretched.

Whether or not he graduated from being a sycophant, at least he wouldn't sink further.

For a while, You Chen didn't pay much attention to Yan's romantic developments.

He only vaguely sensed Yan becoming more popular in class.

Two months passed this way.

The boy found him again.

"Teacher, other girls confessed to me..."

Once more, You Chen marveled at the precocity of people in this world. These kids were only eight!

"And? How do you feel about her?"

No need to ask, You Chen could guess from Yan's expression, but he asked anyway.

"She... is quite cute and excellent, I suppose. She has a good personality and treats me kindly, even bringing me breakfast every day."

Naturally, while Yan was nothing to Hu Liena, he was a catch in other girls' eyes.

Not out of materialism, but due to a basic human trait—admiration for strength.

People, regardless of gender, admire strength. With Yan being the most talented of the Golden Generation trio, he was seen as a strong figure by his peers.

Therefore, few girls would dislike his friendly advances, something You Chen had anticipated.

Those daring enough to approach such a strong figure likely believed they could keep up, not feeling inferior.

It made sense for Yan to find them excellent.

But...

"But I still like Nana, so I rejected her."

A reasonable answer.

Sycophants don't just stop their behavior overnight.

You Chen wasn't frustrated by this and saw it as Yan reaching the second step of his "trial."

Hearing Yan's answer, You Chen began questioning him.

For Yan, seeking comfort and a strategy for pursuing Hu Liena, You Chen's questioning was unexpected and bewildering.

Yet, as a student and younger peer, and recognizing You Chen's wisdom, Yan accepted his questioning.

"Yan, you say you still like Hu Liena. So, tell me, what exactly do you like about her?"

"Ah, well..."

Seeing You Chen's serious expression, Yan hesitated and thought for a few seconds before answering, "Nana is, first and foremost, very cute and beautiful! Then, her personality isn't the best, a bit willful, but I find that part of her charm. And her talent! In our class, she's the only one whose talent matches mine, and she's always worked hard! Lastly, it's about the time we've spent together. Since as long as I can remember, Nana, Xie Yue, and I have played together. I just feel we should always be like this..."

You Chen listened without interruption, only speaking after Yan finished.

"Hmm, pretty much what I expected. Appearance, personality, ability, and experience. People generally fall for others due to these four aspects."

Hearing You Chen's acknowledgment, Yan scratched his slightly flushed face, showing a simple smile.

Yet, You Chen's tone shifted sharply, "But Hu Liena clearly doesn't like you. She doesn't like your appearance, your personality, doesn't care about your abilities, nor your shared history!"

Yan's breath hitched, and he stubbornly raised his head, clenching his fists, "Teacher, are you trying to tell me how difficult this path is? But... no matter how hard it is, I'll persevere until Nana turns her gaze towards me!"

His "I'm fired up!" demeanor was protagonist material in a shonen manga, fitting Yan's martial spirit's temperament.

But You Chen found no admiration for this brute-like "courage."

"Yes, your affection is certainly not false, perhaps more steadfast than many adults."

Seeing Yan's face light up with recognition, You Chen swiftly delivered a blow, "But that's a negative."

"Huh?" Yan looked confused.

"Wasn't I clear? Hu Liena doesn't like you because none of your traits appeal to her; you're not her type! If it were you, would you like Hu Liena if she were unattractive?"

"I would!"

"..." The loyalty of a sycophant is truly remarkable.

"Fine, let's say that's true! You say you like her for her charm amidst her willfulness. If she treated you gently like the girl who confessed to you, would you still like her?"

Yan scratched his head, falling into a fantasy, "Hehe, gentle Nana."

"..." That's not why I asked!

Even with You Chen's patience, he felt irritated, promptly snapping Yan out of his fantasy, "Didn't you say you liked Hu Liena's personality? How come with a different personality, you still like her?"

"Well... uh, Teacher, I don't know."

"You might not know, but I do! This proves you don't truly like her personality; other aspects overshadow your aversion."

"No, it can't be that way! I like Nana no matter what!"

"Alright, if you could choose between a gentle and a willful Nana, which would you pick?"

"The gentle one!" Quick answer!

"... At least you're honest. But do you see now? You clearly prefer gentler personalities."

"Huh, seems like it?"

"Next question. I remember the name of the girl who confessed to you today. In terms of looks, she's slightly inferior to Hu Liena, as well as in talent. Your time together has been shorter, but her personality is her strong suit. Now, if, hypothetically, she took Hu Liena's place, growing up alongside you, while Hu Liena was just a new classmate, who do you think you'd prefer?"