Lin Wei stared at the translucent blue interface, still hovering at the edge of his vision. It was unsettlingly persistent, like a second layer of reality superimposed on the familiar world of his dormitory. He could almost ignore it, but then a flicker of text, a subtle shift in the displayed data, would remind him of its constant, silent presence.
He spent the rest of the night in a restless semi-sleep, the weight of his newfound ability pressing down on him. The implications were staggering. He could understand people, truly understand them, in a way that seemed almost… unfair. He could see their hidden motivations, their deepest fears, their psychological vulnerabilities. It was like having access to a private, devastatingly accurate user manual for every human being he encountered.
The "Dark Psychology System," as the voice had called it, felt both like an incredible gift and a terrifying curse. He wasn't sure if he should embrace it, reject it, or try to understand it. The voice hadn't offered any explanations, any rules, any warnings. Just a set of functions and a seemingly endless stream of psychological data.
He woke up the next morning with a dull ache behind his eyes and a sense of unease clinging to him. Chen Hao was already up, humming cheerfully as he rummaged through his backpack. Zhao Ming, as always, was at his desk, bathed in the pale glow of his lamp, his focus unwavering.
Lin Wei watched him for a moment, the interface subtly updating its data.
[Target: Zhao Ming (Dormitory 403)]
[Primary Emotion Detected: Focus (Extreme)]
[Underlying Desire: Validation (Extreme)]
[Primary Fear: Failure (Severe)]
[Psychological Vulnerability: Perfectionism (High), Social Isolation (Moderate)]
The labels were the same, but the intensity had shifted. "Focus" was now "Extreme," reflecting Zhao Ming's unwavering concentration. The system was constantly analyzing, constantly updating. It was like a silent, invisible observer, dissecting the psychological landscape of the room.
During breakfast in the crowded university cafeteria, Lin Wei found himself instinctively scanning the faces around him. The system remained dormant unless he actively focused on someone, but even then, the potential was there. He could analyze the cashier's frustration with the slow line, the nervous anticipation of a student waiting for his exam results, the quiet resentment of a couple arguing over breakfast. It was a cacophony of hidden emotions and unspoken desires, a world beneath the surface that he could now access at will.
He forced himself to eat, trying to ignore the constant stream of data flickering at the edge of his vision. He needed to understand the rules of this system, its limitations, its potential consequences. He couldn't just go around dissecting everyone he met. That felt… wrong.
His first opportunity to test the system's "Lie Detector" function came during their group meeting for the "Introduction to Chinese Society" presentation. Zhao Ming, as expected, took charge, outlining his meticulously researched plan with an almost arrogant confidence.
"As I said before, we will focus on the psychological impact of the gaokao on rural youth," he stated, his gaze sweeping over the group. "I have already compiled a significant amount of data. Xiao Ling, you will be responsible for the section on…"
Xiao Ling, who had been half-heartedly scrolling through her phone, finally looked up. "Wait, why do I have to…?"
"Because I assigned it to you," Zhao Ming replied, his voice flat. "Do you have a problem with that?"
Xiao Ling's eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance in them. "Yeah, I have a problem with being told what to do. I have a life, you know?"
"This presentation is part of your grade," Zhao Ming said, his tone icy. "If you fail to contribute, that is your choice. But do not expect me to carry your weight."
Lin Wei watched the exchange, a strange detachment settling over him. He focused on Xiao Ling, and the interface flickered to life.
[Target: Xiao Ling (Group Member)]
[Primary Emotion Detected: Annoyance (High)]
[Underlying Desire: Autonomy (Moderate), Social Acceptance (Moderate)]
[Primary Fear: Being Controlled (Moderate), Negative Judgment (Moderate)]
[Lie Detector: Probability of Deception: 87%. Statement: "I have a life, you know?" Likely intent: To assert independence and avoid responsibility.]
87% probability of deception. Xiao Ling wasn't just asserting her independence; she was trying to avoid work. The system wasn't just reading emotions; it was analyzing intent, calculating probabilities. It was a terrifyingly efficient tool for understanding human behavior.
Lin Wei turned his attention to Zhao Ming.
[Target: Zhao Ming (Group Member)]
[Primary Emotion Detected: Frustration (High)]
[Underlying Desire: Validation (Extreme), Control (High)]
[Primary Fear: Failure (Severe), Incompetence (Moderate)]
[Lie Detector: Probability of Deception: 12%. Statement: "Do not expect me to carry your weight." Likely intent: To establish dominance and ensure project success.]
Zhao Ming's statement was almost certainly truthful. He wasn't bluffing; he genuinely intended to do the bulk of the work. His desire for control and his fear of failure were driving his behavior.
Lin Wei felt a strange surge of understanding, almost empathy, for both of them. He could see their motivations, their fears, their vulnerabilities. It was like looking at a complex equation, the variables laid bare.
He decided to intervene, carefully choosing his words. "Look, I understand we all have different schedules and priorities," he said, his voice calm. "But we need to work together if we want a good grade. Xiao Ling, perhaps you could focus on the social media aspect of the gaokao? You seem to be very familiar with it." He gave her a small, encouraging smile.
Xiao Ling looked surprised, then a flicker of interest appeared in her eyes. "Yeah, I guess I could do that. There are a lot of online discussions about it."
Lin Wei turned to Zhao Ming. "And Zhao Ming, your research is excellent. But perhaps we could brainstorm some ways to make the presentation more engaging for the audience? Some real-life stories, maybe? Chen Hao, you have a lot of friends from different backgrounds, maybe you know someone who went through the gaokao?"
Chen Hao, who had been silently observing the tension, perked up. "Yeah, I know a guy from a rural village. He has some crazy stories about the pressure."
Zhao Ming's expression softened slightly. "That… might be useful. As long as it doesn't detract from the academic rigor."
Lin Wei felt a small sense of accomplishment. He had defused the tension, redirected the conversation, and even gotten them to agree on a plan. He hadn't used the system to manipulate them, but to understand them, to find common ground.
[DPP Gained: 5 (For resolving conflict without direct manipulation)]
[DPP: 15]
The system had rewarded him for his approach. It seemed to recognize the difference between manipulation and understanding.
Over the next few days, Lin Wei continued to experiment with the system, cautiously exploring its capabilities. He used the "Lie Detector" to navigate social interactions, to discern genuine compliments from veiled insults, to understand the subtle power dynamics within his classes. He used the basic emotional analysis to gauge the mood of a room, to anticipate people's reactions, to avoid potential conflicts.
He discovered that the system wasn't infallible. Its "Lie Detector" was based on probabilities, not certainties. Its emotional readings were influenced by his own perceptions. It was a tool, a powerful one, but it required skill and judgment.
He also started to notice the strain it put on him. Constantly analyzing people, constantly filtering their words and actions through the lens of the system, was exhausting. It felt like he was living in two realities simultaneously, the surface world of polite conversation and the hidden world of unspoken desires and fears.
One evening, as he was walking back to the dormitory, he passed a group of students arguing loudly. He instinctively focused on them, and the interface flickered to life.
[Target Group: Students arguing (Unknown)]
[Primary Emotion Detected: Anger (High), Frustration (High), Fear (Moderate)]
[Underlying Desire: Control (Moderate), Validation (Moderate), Avoidance of Shame (Moderate)]
The data was a jumble of conflicting emotions and desires. He couldn't make sense of it. It was too much information, too chaotic. He felt a sudden wave of dizziness, a sharp pain behind his eyes.
He stumbled, catching himself against a wall. The interface flickered erratically, then disappeared. The voice, cold and clear, spoke in his mind.
[System Overload. Prolonged analysis of multiple targets with conflicting emotions. Recommended course of action: Temporary system deactivation. User mental fatigue detected.]
Lin Wei gasped, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He closed his eyes, pressing his fingers against his temples. The pain slowly subsided, but the feeling of unease remained.
The system had limitations. It could overload. It could cause him physical and mental strain. It wasn't a magic bullet; it was a powerful tool that required careful handling.
He realized he needed to understand the rules of this game, and fast. He couldn't just blindly use the system without understanding its consequences. He needed to learn to control it, before it controlled him.
He looked up at the night sky, the stars obscured by the city lights. The world felt vast and complex, a swirling vortex of human emotions and desires. And he, Lin Wei, was now standing at the edge of that vortex, armed with a terrifying, exhilarating, and utterly unknown power.
The game had just begun, and the stakes were higher than he could have ever imagined.