Chapter 28: The Power of Authority!

He hadn’t expected Zhang Yi’s purity score to be 100, which meant she was still untouched. He recalled seeing Zhang Yi post a boyfriend on her social feed before, but it seemed they broke up soon after, and she deleted all their photos.

“How beautiful you are! I thought I was mistaken and thought you were the actress from ‘The Rise of the Crown Princess’!” Lin Fan feigned astonishment, lavishing her with praise.

Hearing Lin Fan’s admiration, Zhang Yi couldn’t help but smile sweetly.

“It’s been more than a year, and I didn’t expect you to become so glib. Weren’t you quite awkward before? How come you’re so eloquent now—have you practiced by courting lots of girls?”

“Well… I’m actually very innocent, you know. I’m definitely not some kind of playboy.” Lin Fan didn’t deny it.

He often posted on his social feed, especially after making his fortune recently; he’d even advertised for female streamers. Zhang Yi assumed he interacted frequently with them, which must have sharpened his wit. But she also noticed Lin Fan was different from before—his demeanor and attire were nothing like an ordinary person.

“This is for you. Do you like it?” Lin Fan produced a bouquet of roses from behind him, leaving Zhang Yi stunned.

Still, she was delighted, cradling the flowers as she followed Lin Fan into the restaurant.

Once seated, Zhang Yi asked about his recent life. Lin Fan spoke candidly, hiding nothing—after all, she was a policewoman, sharp-eyed, with nothing to conceal. Still, he embellished a bit, saying he’d won the lottery and then started a company. He even told her how Zhou Zheng had come to trouble him today.

“Sorry, I might not be able to help you. I’m just a junior policewoman, with no real connections.” Zhang Yi shook her head helplessly.

Lin Fan knew she was being modest. After graduation, she’d become a policewoman in less than half a year, and drove a Mercedes worth hundreds of thousands. Claiming she had no family connections was simply too much!

“So seeing me isn’t just about pursuing me, is it?” Zhang Yi teased.

“I’m serious!” Lin Fan looked at her solemnly.

At that moment, two men nearby overheard and couldn’t help but poke fun.

“Look, another bootlicker. Such a beautiful woman, and she’s found such an ordinary, yet confident boyfriend. What a waste!”

“He’s rich, though! These days, money is king. Even if he’s a rich heir, if he wants to be a bootlicker, that’s his choice.”

Lin Fan and Zhang Yi glanced at the two men, their faces tinged with embarrassment. Lin Fan’s pursuit of Chen Yanzi had made him famous for being a bootlicker, laboring at four jobs a day, something well-known in their class group. Everyone knew Chen Yanzi was materialistic, and many classmates had advised him to wise up. Yet he’d been so captivated by her, willing to toil and be mocked.

So Lin Fan seized the moment, saying, “Zhang Yi, I want to be your bootlicker. Will you let me?”

“Can’t you be serious?” Zhang Yi shot him a look.

But Lin Fan’s tone grew more earnest. “I’ve had a crush on you since freshman year and never stopped. You’re single now too, aren’t you? We could start over.”

He’d already clarified things about Chen Yanzi. Now, his confession was genuine.

Zhang Yi’s expression grew tender, surprised yet hesitant. However, she didn’t reply directly; instead, she gazed into his eyes and asked with a probing tone, “They say men turn bad when they get rich. Surely you’re surrounded by women now?”

Lin Fan wasn’t sure how to answer. He’d gotten involved with Gu Qingcheng—living together, though not married. Now he wanted to pursue Zhang Yi as well, which did seem a bit fickle.

“I understand. After all, Chen Yanzi hurt you deeply. Now that you’re rich, of course you’d want to enjoy life. I get it; I have people like that around me…”

Zhang Yi tactfully changed the subject, sparing him further embarrassment. But Lin Fan noticed Zhang Yi’s favorability toward him had dropped by five points—now it was only five!

Did Zhang Yi dislike the person he’d become?

Lin Fan grew anxious. If Zhang Yi didn’t like him, then there was no point in being her bootlicker.

Yet Zhang Yi suddenly switched topics: “Do you really buy houses and cars for every female streamer in your company?”

Lin Fan nodded honestly.

He caught a hint of envy in Zhang Yi’s eyes and wondered if she was testing him.

A sudden thought struck him, and he straightened in his seat.

“I remember you always loved Dior perfumes and gowns. After dinner, let’s browse the mall next door—I'll give you a gift.”

“Alright, I’ve always wanted a nice gown. Unfortunately, they’re so expensive, and my salary is too low to afford one…”

Zhang Yi made no effort to hide her feelings, gladly accepting.

Lin Fan secretly chuckled—the man beside them was right: money is king. Even a proud girl like Zhang Yi couldn’t resist its allure. What woman doesn’t dream of being pampered by a wealthy man?

Just then, the system issued a new task.

[Ding! Host’s deep affection for Zhang Yi detected—new task triggered!]

[Seduce Zhang Yi to unlock the ‘Influence’ function!]

[Influence increases as host levels up: each level boosts influence in government and business circles by 10%!]

Lin Fan noticed the Influence function was still grayed out. Clearly, he had to win over Zhang Yi to activate it.

He read the description: the Influence function was akin to gaining official status. Each level increased his conquest and influence values by ten percent. For example, at level one, even town mayors and department heads would treat him with respect. At level two, he’d be on equal footing with county chiefs and bureau directors. At level three, he could converse freely with deputy mayors and division heads. The higher the level, the greater his sway in both government and business, until he became a figure of immense power and wealth!

In plain terms, the Influence function gave him connections and background—he’d never have to bow to others in government or business; rather, they’d defer to him.

But for now, the function remained locked, requiring him to win over Zhang Yi.

Yet Zhang Yi was more self-respecting and self-loving than most girls; winning her would be no easy feat.

Still, Lin Fan believed this task would be easier than the previous one—[Raise Su Xuanmo’s favorability to fifty points]. After all, he and Zhang Yi had some foundation; with enough money and devotion, he’d surely achieve his goal.

After dinner, the two headed to Baichen Mall.

Lin Fan led Zhang Yi straight to the top floor’s brand boutiques.

The top floor was lined with luxury brands: jewelry, clothing, cosmetics—everything one could desire.