===Chapter 21: You're Still a Superpower (Part 1)===

Walking on the way home.

The chubby neighbor was in a daze, his mind replaying the three sentences the swimsuit girl said to him after he was rescued.

First sentence: "Are you okay, handsome?"

Second sentence: "I thought you looked cute, so I came over to get to know you, but instead, you ended up drowning. I'm sorry."

Third sentence: "Can I add you on WeChat?"

Three sentences, a total of 36 words including punctuation marks.

The pronunciation of each word, the expression for each pair of words, were firmly imprinted in his mind like a photograph.

Combined with the cute expression, invincible appearance, perfect figure of the swimsuit girl at that time... It kept spreading and fermenting in his mind.

"Ah..."

He sighed inexplicably, and for the 327th time, the chubby neighbor took out his phone, opened WeChat, and looked at the empty conversation box with the "New Friend" label, lost in thought.

"Are you okay?" Chen Yu couldn't help but ask.

"Ah... Huh? I'm fine," the chubby neighbor quickly put away his phone.

"Are you really attracted to that girl?" Chen Yu smirked.

"...," there was a moment of silence, and the chubby neighbor hesitated before speaking, "Why do you think she added me on WeChat?"

"Because she likes you," Chen Yu got straight to the point.

"No... that's impossible," the neighbor said hesitantly, "I've never been liked by girls before."

"That's because you used to be a 'Waste Otaku.'"

"But I'm still one now, right?"

"Although you still have the title of 'Waste Otaku,' your behavior, your actions, have changed," Chen Yu reached the end of his reasoning, "You've started exercising, sweating, and working hard to uphold your sense of justice. Perhaps you don't notice this change because you're in the midst of it. But others can see it crystal clear!"

"Is that so..." the chubby neighbor still had some doubts.

"Of course!" Chen Yu stopped and patted the neighbor's shoulder hard, "As they say, hard work pays off. Your efforts aren't in vain, they can immediately change your life, your circle of friends. At any time, a progressive, striving sportsman will attract girls."

"...,"

Upon hearing this, the chubby neighbor lowered his head.

He stood in place for a long time before suddenly changing direction and jogging away.

"What are you doing?" Chen Yu was taken aback.

"I'm going for a run tonight," the neighbor's eyes sparkled, his tone filled with high spirits.

"You go, young man!" Chen Yu gave a thumbs-up, "You go for your run, and I'll go back and get some sleep."

Watching the neighbor's figure recede into the distance as he ran farther and farther, Chen Yu stood contentedly, with his hands on his hips.

The power of love truly can make people... lose their senses.

...

Time, like a man over thirty, passes faster day by day.

Before the dawn of the next day had fully arrived, Chen Yu's door was knocked.

    Groggily opening his eyes, Chen Yu's mind was a mess, and he looked blankly towards the door.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Open the door!"

"Open the door, big brother."

It was the voice of the chubby neighbor from next door.

Chen Yu realized it and quickly woke up, uncovering the blanket and swaying towards the door. He opened it and asked, "What's up?"

"Morning run!" The chubby neighbor was dressed in sportswear, wearing a baseball cap, jogging in place. He was full of enthusiasm. "Let's go!"

Chen Yu turned around and glanced at the clock on the wall, immediately getting annoyed. "What the hell time is it?"

Neighbor: "The earlier we run, the more laps we can do before dawn."

Chen Yu: "..."

"Are you okay?" Chen Yu reached out, took off the neighbor's baseball cap, and noticed that his title was still "Waste Otaku," so he put it back on. "You go ahead and run, I'll sleep a bit longer. I played the game console too late last night."

"You played my game console?" The chubby neighbor was taken aback.

"Yeah, didn't you give it to me?" Chen Yu said, then closed the security door and went back to bed to sleep on his own.

"..."

"Knock, knock, knock!"

But just as he had fallen asleep, the door was knocked again.

Opening his bloodshot eyes, Chen Yu's face turned dark. He got out of bed, walked to the door, and opened it fiercely. "What now?"

"Big brother, you're still not awake?" The chubby neighbor, panting, wiped the sweat off his forehead. "I've already finished two laps. Come on, let's go for a morning run together."

"Get lost. I'm not getting up until it's light," Chen Yu forcefully closed the door and lay back in bed again.

"..."

"..."

"Knock, knock, knock, knock!"

This time, before he could fall asleep, the door rang again.

"What the f**k!"

Throwing the blanket aside, Chen Yu was burning with anger. He clenched his fists and rushed to the door, pulling it open. "Had enough, huh?"

Outside the door, the chubby neighbor shrank his neck in fear. "I-It's already dawn, big brother."

Chen Yu: "..."

Chubby neighbor: "Sh-Shall we go... for a morning run?"

"Where's my knife?" Chen Yu looked around.

"You left it at the swimming pool yesterday," the neighbor replied.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Chen Yu sighed, rubbed his stiff face, and turned back into the room. "Wait for me while I brush my teeth and wash my face."

After completing the basic hygiene routine, Chen Yu found a clean jacket and walked out of the house expressionlessly.

The neighbor outside the door was already eager. "Let's run a few laps first, and then we'll have breakfast."

    "How many laps have you run?" Chen Yu asked.

"Almost twenty laps," the neighbor replied.

"Phew." Chen Yu let out a breath. "You're really amazing."

The two of them walked together, one jogging and the other walking, and entered the elevator.

Chen Yu, who had been suppressing his anger, decisively slapped his palm upwards. "No running in the elevator!"

"Smack."

He received a slap on the head, but the chubby neighbor seemed unfazed. He stopped his pace and nodded. "Okay."

Then, he took out his phone, opened WeChat attentively, and looked at the new message from the girl in the swimsuit, with a foolish expression on his face. "Hehe."

Chen Yu: "..."

"Tap, tap, tap, tap..." The chubby neighbor quickly typed a long message with his fingers, then put down his phone and looked at Chen Yu. "Big brother, how about we skip the morning run and go straight to the swimming pool?"

"Have you made progress in your relationship?" Chen Yu glanced sideways.

"Yeah." The chubby neighbor nodded. "We've decided that our future child will attend a kindergarten in the city center."

Chen Yu was shocked.

"Ding—"

Half a minute later, the elevator doors opened.

The expectant neighbor and the indifferent Chen Yu walked out of the elevator, only to come face to face with two police officers.

One of them was Chen Yu's old acquaintance—the policewoman who had arrested him before.

"Well, well!" Chen Yu exclaimed in surprise. "Miss Police Beauty!"

The policewoman's face darkened. "..."

"Why are you here? And so early?" Chen Yu asked.

"To conduct a surprise inspection of your title," the policewoman said coldly, introducing the police officer next to her. "This is a comrade from the Human Security Bureau."

"Hello, hello!" Chen Yu warmly shook hands with the officer.

But the officer from the Security Bureau coldly ignored him and took out a notebook, saying, "Chen Yu, take off your hat."

Chen Yu nonchalantly retracted his hand, took off his own hat, revealing the words "Waste Otaku."

Beside him, the chubby neighbor, who witnessed the scene, looked puzzled. He took a step back without saying a word.

"No change in the 'title,'" the Security Bureau officer nodded, making a mark in his notebook. "No problem."

"Indeed, this kind of 'title' suits you well," the policewoman sneered and rolled her eyes.

Then, she noticed the chubby neighbor behind Chen Yu and raised an eyebrow. "And you... Are you the one who reported Chen Yu back then?"

"I... um." The chubby neighbor first cautiously looked at Chen Yu, then reluctantly nodded to the policewoman. "Hello... Ma'am."

"After he returned, did he retaliate against you?" the policewoman asked.

"You tell me, did I retaliate against you?" Chen Yu turned his head and asked as well.

    "No!" The chubby neighbor's face instantly became determined. He tiptoed, hugged Chen Yu's shoulder, and said, "He is my great brother! He has changed my life and inspired my growth!"

The policewoman: "..."

The policewoman: "If he coerced you, just blink."

The chubby neighbor and Chen Yu glanced at each other, then turned to face the policewoman, wide-eyed, refusing to blink.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Three minutes...

The apartment lobby fell into a brief silence.

Another minute, two minutes, three minutes...

The chubby neighbor's face turned red from holding his breath, his eyes bloodshot and tears streaming down. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he blinked.

"As expected!" The policewoman's expression changed. "He indeed coerced you!"

"Damn it!" Chen Yu cursed. "He couldn't possibly go without blinking forever!"

...

"Ah, so that's how it is? Haha, you're really interesting to talk to..."

"...Mhmm, I also love swimming. I'm actually the vice president of our school's swimming club..."

"...You're so adorable with your chubby little belly. It's too cute..."

"...I think so too. Ambitious guys are the most attractive..."

"Stop it..."

..."

After the "review" at the police station and the security bureau, Chen Yu and his neighbor had a quick breakfast and eagerly went to the swimming pool at the neighbor's insistence.

Soon, the entire swimming pool started to emit a stench of romance.

One man and one woman.

One chubby and one skinny.

They were immersed in the pool, exchanging sweet nothings.

Sitting on the sidelines, Chen Yu felt a series of critical hits.

"Couples are such a disgusting combination."

With a dry mouth, Chen Yu began to regret his decision.

He paid for it.

He found the girl for someone else.

And now he was swallowing spoonfuls of dog food himself.

But the damn title of "Worthless Otaku" above his neighbor's head remained unchanged...

"Yaoyao, I'll go to the restroom first. Let's talk when I come back."

"Okay, take your time." The girl in the swimsuit waved with a sweet smile.

As soon as the chubby neighbor disappeared at the stairwell, she swam to the edge of the pool, her face gloomy as she complained to Chen Yu, "Your friend just had a nosebleed from staring at my chest! My goodness! I always thought it was an exaggerated description when someone said a guy's nosebleed at the sight of a woman."

Chen Yu: "..."

"Is he from a monastery or something?" The girl in the swimsuit continued to complain, "Has he never seen a woman in his first half of life?"

"He might be from the Tang Dynasty government." Chen Yu remained expressionless. "He's just waiting to draw his sword and stab you three times."

"I can't believe it." The girl swam back to the pool's inner side. "I can only endure this for three more days."

"Wait, when he comes back." Chen Yu turned to look at the restroom's location, then lowered his voice and whispered in the girl's ear, "When you chat later, focus on attacking his title. Pretend that you hate the 'Worthless Otaku'."

"No need to pretend." The girl in the swimsuit made an "OK" gesture. "I really hate the 'Worthless Otaku'."

Five minutes later, the chubby neighbor returned.

Like a sleazy middle-aged man, he walked with a "plop plop" sound, shaking his fat belly, and jumped into the water, pouncing towards the girl in the swimsuit, "Yaoyao, I'm here!"

    Swimsuit girl's face flashed a moment of fear, but then she forcefully put on a smile and greeted him, "Ah...brother, take it slow..."

Sitting on the sidelines, Chen Yu scratched his chin and muttered to himself, "Money really isn't easy to earn."

Following Chen Yu's instructions, the swimsuit girl started focusing the conversation on the phrase "Worthless Otaku."

The chubby neighbor hurriedly vowed that he had already changed, exercising every day, staying fit, and becoming more and more ambitious.

He even daydreamed about their future wedding, which would definitely be "romantic" and "luxurious."

And the title above his head would surely make the swimsuit girl feel proud...

Chen Yu watched it all and couldn't help but sigh, "Men..."

Seven hours later.

With the ringing of the bell, the largest swimming pool in Qingcheng City was finally closing.

"Baby, it's closing time. I'm going back first." The swimsuit girl felt like she was starting to bloat in the water, so when she heard the bell, she quickly climbed out of the pool, holding onto her swimming ring.

"Oh, alright." The chubby neighbor seemed reluctant to leave. "Let's chat again tomorrow."

"Mhmm. Don't forget to contact me on WeChat tonight."

"Definitely!"

"Bye!" Fighting off discomfort, the swimsuit girl blew a kiss to the chubby neighbor and quickly ran into the women's changing room.

After lying on the shore all day, Chen Yu was finally relieved. He stood up and stretched lazily, saying, "Let's go, fatty."

The chubby neighbor didn't react and continued staring straight at the women's changing room, his body bobbing up and down with the support of the swimming ring.

"Let's go!" Chen Yu raised his voice. "What the hell are you looking at?"

"Huh? Oh, okay." The neighbor finally snapped out of it, swam to the edge of the pool, and climbed out. "I...I don't think I can walk anymore."

"You can continue your chat on land next time." Chen Yu rolled his eyes. "Stay in the water for a few more days, and both of you will turn green."

"I..." The chubby neighbor blushed. "Yaoyao has such a great figure, I get nervous when I see her out of the water."

"Look at your lack of backbone." Chen Yu stretched his joints and turned to leave. "I'm going back first. Take your time."

"Brother, wait!" The chubby neighbor reached out to stop him. "Are you free tonight?"

"Why? What for?"

"I want to treat you to a meal." The neighbor looked serious. "There are some things I want to say to you."

"I'm not available." Chen Yu waved his hand to refuse.

But just as his words fell, he noticed that the color of the "Worthless Otaku" title above the chubby neighbor's head had actually faded!

    In Chen Yu's mind, an alarm suddenly sounded, and he quickly changed his words, "Having a meal? Sure! Even if you're inviting me to eat shit, I'll go!"

"Really!" The chubby neighbor exclaimed in joy. "That's great. I was prepared to invite you on the day after tomorrow since you said you weren't available earlier."

"Just today!" Chen Yu enthusiastically put his arm around the neighbor's shoulder. "Even if I'm busy, I'll still go if my brother is treating."

"Let's go, then! I'll pick the place!"

After getting dressed, they walked out of the swimming pool.

The chubby neighbor happily led the way in front.

Chen Yu followed behind, filled with joy, and drooling at the sight of the fading color of the "title" above the neighbor's head.

This fatty...has great potential!

In just two days, the title is about to change.

Moreover, the time it takes for the title's color to fade is quite long, indicating a significant "transformation" is about to occur!

"All the effort was worth it."

Chen Yu was filled with satisfaction.

They entered a gorgeously decorated hot pot restaurant and sat facing each other.

Before the pot arrived, the chubby neighbor brought a bottle of white wine and filled Chen Yu's glass first, then his own. He stood up, holding the wine glass with a serious expression. "Big brother, this morning the police called you Chen Yu. From now on, can I call you Brother Yu?"

Chen Yu replied, "Sure, sure, sure."

"Brother Yu, I want to toast you three times today." The chubby neighbor bowed to Chen Yu. "First toast, I thank Brother Yu for repaying my grievances with kindness. Even though I reported to you, causing you to suffer so much in there, you helped me after you were released and gave me a new lease on life."

After speaking, the neighbor drank the entire glass in one gulp!

The liquid rushed into his stomach, causing him to cough repeatedly.

"That's fine, that's fine." Chen Yu responded absentmindedly, his eyes fixed on the neighbor's head where the title was becoming increasingly dim.

"Second toast!" The chubby neighbor poured himself another full glass, wiped his mouth, and raised the glass. "Brother Yu, I admire you! You knew I was beyond help, yet you acted in so many scenes, making me fall in love with sports, progress, and a completely different life. You even helped me meet my current girlfriend. You truly changed my life."

*Gulp*

The second glass went down.

The chubby neighbor covered his mouth and filled up another glass. "Brother Yu! Third toast! From today onwards, I'm about to embark on a new chapter in my life. I will strive to live and work hard. Brother Yu, you're my benefactor! You're my best, most loyal brother! Cheers!"

He downed the third glass of white wine.

Chen Yu couldn't help but stand up in astonishment.

Above the chubby neighbor's head, the title "Worthless Otaku" had completely disappeared! In its place was a new title—"Striving Youth."

*Whoosh*

Then, a dazzling red light radiated from the chubby neighbor!

The familiar and replicable ability information bar "burst open" on his body, revealing more than ten of them!

Among them, the source of the red light was a string of text on the neighbor's chest—[(B-level) (red) Seed of Ability: A seed that can comprehend abilities at any time.]

Chen Yu was shocked. "You're still an ability user?!"

...