Chen stood in front of a full-length mirror inside the most expensive men's boutique in the city. His reflection showed someone new—no longer the rain-soaked failure from hours ago. Now, he wore a deep navy tailored suit, crisp white shirt, leather shoes that clicked with pride, and a designer watch gleaming on his wrist.
> Ding!
¥12,000 spent on Luxury Suit Package
Cashback Activated: ×100 → ¥1,200,000
Bonus: +10 Charm, +1 Public Presence Trait Unlocked: "Aura of Authority"
He felt it.
The clerk, who initially treated him like a beggar, now bowed with respect, offering him his personal business card and a VIP access pass.
Chen smiled faintly. "Keep the change."
He left the store with his phone buzzing again.
> [ICBC Notification]
Your account ending in 2171 has been credited with ¥1,200,000.
Current Balance: ¥2,187,000
Chen stepped into the daylight, the drizzle finally fading. He pulled out his phone, scrolled through his contact list, and paused at one name.
Liu Hao
That scum had called a press conference tonight to show off the "AI product" Chen designed. The same code Liu stole.
Chen's expression hardened.
> Mission Triggered: Sabotage Liu Hao's Launch Event
Reward: ¥500,000 + Skill Card: "Strategic Dominance"
Bonus: Reputation +10% in Business Circles
Enemy Status: Life-Long Rival Strengthened
"Perfect."
Just as Chen was about to get into a cab, a black Maserati slid up beside him. The window rolled down, revealing a breathtaking woman in red, sunglasses pushed up onto her silky black hair.
"You're Chen, right?"
He turned, slightly guarded. "Do I know you?"
"No," she said, lips curling. "But I've been watching you."
His heart skipped.
There was a strange glint in her eyes. She wasn't normal. Rich, composed, dangerous.
"Who are you?" he asked.
She threw him a card.
Li Qingyue – Private Investor / Shadow Broker
"You're interesting, Chen. I want in."
> Ding!
Harem Route Activated: First Contact – "Li Qingyue"
Hidden Stat Unlocked: Romantic Potential – Tier S Candidate
Charm +5
Chen caught the card and smirked. "Why?"
"Because I invest in potential," she said. "And you, Chen… you smell like war. Like fire."
He said nothing, but deep inside, he knew—
This was just the beginning.
Revenge, riches, and women of power…
The Cashback Emperor had risen.
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