Reaching home, Lin Hao sat on the sofa, played a few games, watched some shorts, and after dinner, finally went to bed.
...….
The night was peaceful. Though, at around 12 a.m., Lin Hao suddenly woke up. Half-asleep but still excited, he sat up, rubbed his eyes, and asked,
"System, it's midnight already. Aren't you supposed to refresh the rewards now?"
A moment later, that familiar electronic voice echoed in his mind:
DING!
"Host, the current three-day cycle has not yet been completed. There is still one day remaining before the next refresh."
Lin Hao blinked. "What? One day left?"
DING!
"Correction: 23 hours and 59 minutes remaining until the reward refresh."
Lin Hao was stunned for a few seconds before slapping his forehead. "I think I was just too excited," he muttered, embarrassed.
He sighed, lay back on the bed, and pulled the blanket over his head, his face half-buried in the pillow. "How foolish of me…" he mumbled before drifting back to sleep with a depressed expression.
...….
The morning arrived, bright and calm.
After waking up, Lin Hao went through his usual routine — a bit of exercise, a quick shower, and breakfast. Afterwards, he sat on the sofa and began scrolling through Duoyin again.
You might ask — why does he keep doing this? Well, because he literally has nothing else to do. He can't just march into Lamborghini's headquarters and start giving commands, nor could he casually show up at Tiansheng Group to play CEO. So, to keep himself busy… he scrolls.
Just as he was watching a long-legged beauty doing yoga — cough, cough — his phone suddenly rang.
🎵 "The Vast Horizon is My Love" 🎵
He picked up the call lazily. "Hello? Who is it?"
A pleasant voice came from the other end. "It's me, bro — Lin Yan."
Lin Hao froze for a second. Lin Yan — his uncle's only daughter. His childhood friend. She was three years younger than him and had just been admitted to university this year. He hadn't heard from her in a long while.
"Yan? Why are you calling all of a sudden? Is there something wrong?" Lin Hao asked curiously.
"Can't I call if everything's fine?" Lin Yan's pleasant yet slightly resentful tone sounded again.
"No, no," Lin Hao chuckled. "I was just curious since you usually only call when something happens."
"Humph! Didn't I just get admitted to university? I asked Dad for some travel funds and I'm preparing to visit your city," Lin Yan said proudly.
"Sure, sure, you're welcome anytime. When will you be coming so I can prepare a room for you?" Lin Hao asked, smiling.
"It'll be in a few days. I'll inform you in advance. Dad gave me a lot of money this time, so I'll transfer some to you later," she said softly.
"Also, I have other things to do, so that's all for now. Wait for me to come, okay? Bye!"
Lin Hao laughed lightly after hanging up. His cousin was still as quirky as ever — but she had always shared a close bond with him.
He had lost his parents when he was very young and was raised by his uncle. Naturally, he shared a deep connection with Lin Yan.
Back in their childhood days, they used to climb trees and catch fish in the countryside, set up bird traps, and walk to school together. Whenever she got bullied, she'd come crying to Lin Hao, who would then beat up the culprit — only for the school to call their parents later. His uncle used to scold them both but couldn't stay mad for long.
"The little girl's grown up in the blink of an eye… and I haven't seen her for three years," Lin Hao thought with emotion.
He hadn't returned home since going to college. Out of pride and independence, he chose to work and support himself instead of relying on his uncle. Even when his uncle sent him money or asked him to visit, Lin Hao politely refused.
He wanted to stand on his own two feet.
Just then — ding!
"3,000 RMB received through Alipay."
Lin Hao's thoughts were interrupted. He looked down at his phone and saw that Lin Yan had sent him the money.
Attached was a note:
"Brother, I knew you wouldn't accept it, so I transferred it directly. Take it, and when I come visit, use this money to have fun with me!"
Looking at the message, Lin Hao couldn't help but smile warmly. His heart softened.
"This girl…" he muttered, shaking his head fondly.
He replied to her, reminding her to be careful on her way, then stretched and got ready to go out for lunch.
It was already noon, after all.
He decided to eat out — and maybe shop a little.
After all, he had only one formal suit — the one he wore to the meeting at Tiansheng Group. A billionaire walking around in cheap clothes? That just wouldn't do.
"I think it's time for a little shopping," Lin Hao said, looking forward to it
...….
Shopping Plaza
Lin Hao walked leisurely around a luxury clothing store, scanning the racks for something that suited his taste. After a few minutes, he spotted a sleek, dark blue suit that immediately caught his eye.
Just as he was about to try it on, a sharp voice interrupted —
"Pack this suit for me. I want it."
Lin Hao turned around and saw the speaker — his old class monitor from university, Chu Fan.
"What bad luck," Lin Hao said sarcastically under his breath.
It wasn't that he wanted trouble, but Chu Fan had always been jealous of him. Back in university, several girls had confessed to Lin Hao, which left Chu Fan stewing in envy. Their relationship had been poor ever since. So seeing each other today, the tension was inevitable.
"You poor bastard, what do you think you're doing? Can you even afford clothes here?" Chu Fan sneered immediately.
Lin Hao crossed his arms and smirked. "I think it's just an unlucky day for me. My good mood for the whole day is ruined."
"Heh, it's my bad luck to run into you," Chu Fan scoffed. "But how dare you enter a luxury store like this? Can you even afford that suit you're eyeing? How many months would you have to work for 28,000 RMB?"
Lin Hao's tone stayed calm. "Excuse me. Since I like it, I'll buy this suit. Hello—" he gestured to the nearby salesgirl watching the scene, "—come and help me pack this dress."
"Oh, I'll pack it for you right away!" the salesgirl replied eagerly, sensing an opportunity.
"No! I want this suit!" Chu Fan barked, his voice rising.
Lin Hao looked at him expressionlessly. "Alas… is there going to be a bidding scene like in those novels now?"
The salesgirl quickly waved her hands. "Sirs, please don't fight. We have plenty of this suit in stock! I'll get one for both of you."
Both men froze.
Chu Fan's face twitched. Lin Hao blinked awkwardly. Who asked him to think so much anyway?
In the end, the salesgirl happily packed two identical suits, earning double commission.
Chu Fan left with a constipated expression, muttering curses under his breath, while Lin Hao paid for his suit calmly and walked out with a faint smirk.