NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Chapter 6 : Mutual benifits
Lin Dong sat on the lakeshore, his hair still damp from the night's bath. The moonlight caressed the rippling water, giving the lake an ethereal beauty that Lin Dong couldn't fully appreciate. His mind was preoccupied with the evening's events—the awkward encounter with Lin Xia, her teasing words, and the strangely gratifying system notification that followed.
"Favorability? What does that even mean?" Lin Dong grumbled. "Why is everything with this system so cryptic?"
The system remained silent for a moment before a new panel appeared in his vision:
[Ding!]
[System Notification: Host's Favorability with Lin Xia has reached 60. Mutual favorability is essential to unlock advanced rewards. The system encourages balanced relationships for optimal benefit.]
Lin Dong frowned. "Balanced relationships? Are you telling me I can't just charm my way to rewards? I have to actually… care about them too?"
A sarcastic tone seemed to linger in the system's response:
[Relationships built on manipulation are unsustainable. A genuine connection ensures stronger rewards and lasting benefits to you and your partner , for further details host must explore himself .]
Lin Dong groaned. "Great. Now my system wants me to be a relationship expert. Just fantastic."
He sat there for a while, pondering the system's words, when he suddenly recalled his family's sacrifices—their smiles, his grandfather's hearty laugh, and the endless love they had given him. The warmth of those memories only fueled his determination.
"They've sacrificed so much for me," Lin Dong muttered. "If this system can make me strong enough to protect them, I'll take every awkward encounter and ridiculous task it throws at me."
He walked toward the small training ground near the lake, hoping to distract himself. But his distraction didn't last long.
The next morning, Lin Dong woke up early, the sun just beginning to rise over the Lin Clan estate. The air was crisp, and the faint sounds of birds filled the courtyard as he made his way to the training grounds. His mind was a whirl of thoughts, but he focused on his punches, hoping to clear the chaos.
As he practiced, a familiar voice rang out.
"Lin Dong!"
Turning around, he saw Lin Xia walking toward him. She wore a light green outfit that seemed to dance with the morning breeze. Her long black hair was tied back, revealing a face that could easily turn heads in the clan.
"Morning," Lin Dong said curtly, focusing back on his training.
Lin Xia raised an eyebrow. "Well, someone's in a mood. Still upset about last night, are we?"
Lin Dong's face reddened slightly, but he kept his gaze steady. "Not really. It's not worth thinking about."
"Really?" Lin Xia smirked, stepping closer. "Because I could've sworn you were flustered when you dived back into the water. Should I start calling you the Lake Demon of Lin Clan?"
Lin Dong sighed. "Do you always talk this much in the morning, or is it just me you like to annoy?"
Lin Xia chuckled. "Only the ones worth annoying. Congratulations, you're special."
Lin Dong rolled his eyes and returned to his training. Lin Xia leaned against a nearby tree, watching him with an amused expression.
"Fine, be grumpy. But don't forget, you owe me for last night," she said playfully.
Lin Dong paused, raising an eyebrow. "Owe you? For what? You're the one who almost walked into the lake without looking!"
"Details," Lin Xia said with a wave of her hand. "Just remember, you can't tell anyone about… what happened. If you do, I'll…" She trailed off, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"You'll what?" Lin Dong asked, genuinely curious.
"I'll spread a rumor that you tried to… uh, steal something from me!" Lin Xia said, feigning indignation.
Lin Dong stared at her, unimpressed. "You're terrible at threats, you know that?"
Lin Xia shrugged, grinning. "Maybe. But you're terrible at ignoring me, so I guess we're even."
Later that morning, Lin Dong found himself summoned to the Lin Clan hall, where his father, Lin Xiao, sat across from Lin Zhentian. The patriarch of the Lin Clan greeted Lin Dong with a nod, his stern expression softening slightly.
"Grandfather," Lin Dong said respectfully, bowing.
"Lin Dong, come. Sit," Lin Zhentian said, gesturing to a nearby chair.
As Lin Dong sat, he noticed the warm exchange between his father and grandfather.
"It's been a long time since we sat like this, Father," Lin Xiao said, his voice carrying a mix of guilt and gratitude.
Lin Zhentian nodded. "Too long. But you're here now, and that's what matters. How is your recovery coming along?"
Lin Xiao smiled faintly. "Better than expected. Lin Dong's progress has been a source of strength for me. Seeing him grow stronger reminds me of my own youth."
Lin Zhentian chuckled. "He certainly has your stubbornness and fire. But he'll need more than strength to navigate the challenges ahead. Wisdom and patience are just as important."
Lin Xiao nodded. "I'll make sure he learns. He has the potential to surpass us all, Father."
Lin Zhentian's eyes sparkled with pride. "Then guide him well, Xiao'er. The future of the Lin Clan rests on his shoulders."
After leaving the hall, Lin Dong returned to his training with renewed determination. As he practiced, the whispers of clan members grew louder.
"Did you see Lin Dong yesterday? He defeated Lin Shan's brother with a single punch!"
"Incredible! He's not just talented; he's unstoppable!"
Lin Dong ignored the chatter, focusing on his punches. Each strike sent ripples of energy through the air, stirring the dust around him.