The next morning, waking up on his king-sized bed, Lin Hao felt unusually refreshed. His body was still sore from the previous day's running around, but compared to what he used to do before gaining the system, this was nothing. Back then, he had worked from dawn till dusk — now, luxury itself seemed to carry him.
After stretching lazily, he rubbed his eyes and muttered, "I think the barbecue shop that I visited last time was really good… and the owner was a nice guy too. I should go there again. Alright then, it's decided."
He dressed casually, picked up the keys to his Big G, and headed down to the garage. The massive vehicle gleamed under the soft morning light — a perfect mix of brute power and elegance.
"Still the best kind of morning motivation," he said with a grin before stepping inside and starting the engine.
---
After a ten-minute drive through the busy streets of Shanghai, Lin Hao arrived at the small barbecue shop tucked between two tall office buildings. Despite its modest size, the shop had a cozy charm — red lanterns hanging by the door, the smell of grilled meat and spices wafting through the air, and the faint sound of sizzling oil from the kitchen.
The owner, a middle-aged man with a slightly chubby face and cheerful eyes, spotted Lin Hao entering and immediately broke into a smile. "Oh! It's you again, young man," he said, clearly pleased.
Lin Hao nodded politely and took a seat by the window.
The owner walked over, wiping his hands on a clean towel. "What would you like to order, Mr.…?"
"I'm Lin Hao," he replied with a smile. "What about you, boss?"
"Lin Hao. Good name! Oh! My name is Guo Mingyu."
"Okay. I'll call you Uncle Guo from now on?" Lin Hao said with a friendly grin.
"That would do. Haha!"
Uncle Guo laughed heartily before jotting down his order and heading to the kitchen.
In truth, shop owners like Guo Mingyu often used friendliness as a trick to build loyalty — to make customers feel like part of the family. But Lin Hao didn't mind. He liked people who treated others with warmth, and Uncle Guo seemed genuinely kind.
As he waited for his meal, he scrolled through his phone lazily, checking social media and browsing through some random videos.
Within minutes, his food arrived — a generous serving of freshly grilled skewers, roasted vegetables, and a bowl of soup that smelled heavenly.
Just as Lin Hao was about to take his first bite, a voice suddenly called out behind him.
"Lin Hao!"
He turned, a little startled, to see two familiar figures walking toward him — Zhang Kai and Dawei, his college roommates.
Both of them looked the same as ever: Zhang Kai, tall and sharp-eyed, with a confident smirk, and Dawei, slightly rounder and always carrying an easygoing grin.
"Oh! It's you," Lin Hao said, smiling as he waved them over. "Come on, have some breakfast with me."
The two old friends didn't hesitate for a second.
"You, kid, are hiding here alone and eating food without even calling us, huh?" Zhang Kai teased as he slid into the seat opposite Lin Hao.
"I came out to relax and have a peaceful breakfast," Lin Hao replied, amused.
"You still haven't gotten over it, have you?" Zhang Kai asked, leaning back. "In my opinion, that damnable Anna is simply not worthy of you. She's a scumbag."
"It's not because of this," Lin Hao said helplessly. "It's just that I wanted to have some time alone."
"Tsk, do you really think that I'll believe your words on this matter?" Dawei chimed in, raising an eyebrow.
"Really," Lin Hao said seriously, meeting their eyes. "It's not like that. I really have gotten over the shadow of the breakup a long time ago."
Seeing the sincerity in his tone, both Zhang Kai and Dawei relaxed.
"Then let's have a good drink today," Dawei said with a grin and stood up to grab a bottle of beer from the counter.
"It's daytime, guys," Lin Hao said, half laughing, half exasperated.
"We'll just have a little bit, okay?" Zhang Kai said, chuckling.
"Okay," Lin Hao replied helplessly, shaking his head.
The three of them clinked glasses. Foam fizzed and spilled slightly over the rim, and the smell of grilled meat filled the air.
"So," Zhang Kai asked between bites, "how's your job search going?"
"Found it right away," Lin Hao said calmly. He couldn't exactly tell them he was now the President of Lamborghini China, after all.
"Yeah, find a job first," Zhang Kai nodded seriously. "And while you're at it, look for a good one. If it's really not possible, then come to our company. The intern salary is 4,500 RMB, you'll be covered by five social insurances and one housing fund, and you'll get four days off a month."
Lin Hao smiled faintly. "Nah, man. I think I'll be accepted soon. And if not, I'll come to you for help."
"Okay," Zhang Kai said with a grin. "I won't say much. You're so handsome and capable, you'll definitely succeed. There are so many rich women in Shanghai ... if any of them takes a fancy to you someday and you become successful, then we two brothers will have to ask you for help." Dawei said jokingly, earning a burst of laughter from all three.
"And also," Zhang Kai added, "there will be a class reunion in a few days. Don't miss it."
"Oh! A class reunion? Okay. Tell me the location and I'll get there whenever you say," Lin Hao replied casually.
"I'm telling you in advance," Dawei said mischievously, "that Anna will also be there... with her boyfriend, who's twenty years older than her. So, come at your own risk, bro."
"Don't be impulsive there," Zhang Kai added seriously. "I heard her boyfriend is a supplier to a real estate company and has connections in both the white and black worlds."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Lin Hao said with a reassuring look. "Don't worry about me. I'm not a three-year-old kid. And besides, she's not worth doing this for."
The other two nodded, satisfied with his composed attitude.
After finishing their meal and chatting for a while, Zhang Kai and Dawei left . they still had work to attend to.
When they were gone, Lin Hao sat quietly for a few moments, staring at his empty plate.
"How could I have let go of a relationship that lasted so long so easily?" he thought bitterly.
The memory of Anna leaving him for another man , a man with money and status ,still stung. Back then, he had believed in love, not realizing that loyalty meant nothing to someone blinded by wealth.
"Maybe I was the fool all along," he murmured.
He paid the bill, thanked Uncle Guo, and walked out into the sunlight, trying to shake off the heaviness in his chest.
---
After breakfast, Lin Hao drove to the car dealership from which he had originally borrowed the Big G.
The building was sleek and modern, its glass façade reflecting the sun. Rows of polished luxury cars lined the entrance Mercedes, BMWs, Bentleys, even a few limited-edition imports.
Parking his car neatly, Lin Hao stepped out, straightened his jacket, and walked toward the main entrance. The air smelled faintly of leather and new engines — the intoxicating scent of money.
Inside, he quickly spotted the man he had spoken to before: Manager Wang, a well-dressed middle-aged man with slicked-back hair and a gold tie clip.
Lin Hao approached with an easy smile, extending his hand. "Hi, Manager Wang."
"Good morning, Mr. Lin!" Manager Wang said, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Didn't think you would come so soon."
His tone carried a hint of surprise and a good deal of respect.
....