Being born in the 1990s, Li Ziqing wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the concept of a "system." She had read her fair share of novels and comics in her previous life—many of them featuring protagonists who gained systems that changed their fates.
Yet, despite the familiarity, she remained wary.
Her brows furrowed slightly as a series of cautious thoughts surfaced.
A system? What kind of system? Will it force me to kill someone? Or throw me into another world to complete absurd missions? No… I just want to stay with my family.
Just then, a calm, slightly mechanical voice echoed softly in her mind.
[Ding… Please rest assured. I am not one of those cheap, chaotic systems. I am among the most legitimate and law-abiding systems in the entire universe. And don't worry—I am not a Quick Transmigration System either. You may remain in this world, live with your family, and continue your life as usual. All you need to do is complete certain tasks. In return, you will earn rewards that will elevate your lifestyle and ultimately support your revenge.]
Hearing this, Li Ziqing quietly exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She sat down slowly on the edge of her bed, deep in contemplation.
However, inside her consciousness, the system suddenly began to panic.
Wasn't she supposed to be ecstatic at receiving such a rare opportunity? Why did she look so serious?
After all, it wasn't easy to find a host like her—someone reborn, fortunate, and determined.
[Ding… I have already briefed you on your situation, and on myself. If you truly want to change your fate, avoid the tragedies of your past, and protect your loved ones… I strongly recommend binding with me as your system.]
The moment the voice finished speaking, a translucent interface appeared before Li Ziqing's eyes.
Her pupils contracted in surprise.
A golden-glowing screen hovered in the air, faintly humming with energy:
[Bind with Business Empire Building System?]
[Yes / No]
Li Ziqing blinked once, then leaned forward unconsciously.
"Business Empire Building System?" she murmured under her breath. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of disbelief and excitement.
"Wait… Am I reading this right? You're going to help me build an actual business empire?"
[Ding… You are absolutely correct. I am one of the most legendary systems ever developed—designed specifically to help my host build a legitimate and powerful business empire. Not just for yourself, but for your entire family. Through your actions, I will assist your loved ones in rising from poverty and establishing a lasting fortune. Eventually, your family will stand among the most elite and wealthiest lineages in the world.]
The voice carried a hint of pride, almost as if it were straightening its virtual collar.
This time, all traces of doubt in Li Ziqing's gaze disappeared. Her heart beat faster with anticipation.
"You mean… we can truly become one of those untouchable, rich, and powerful families?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
[Ding… That's correct. But first, you must officially bind me. Only then will our journey begin.]
Li Ziqing didn't hesitate for even a second. Her eyes gleamed with conviction.
"Yes," she said firmly. "Confirm binding. Right now."
A crisp chime echoed in her mind as the binding initiated.
[Binding successful!! Congratulations You are officially my Host now.]
[Congratulations you have received your newbie gift pack
+3 Protective Karma Coupan
+1 Luck Coupan]
Li Ziqing stared at the translucent screen hovering silently before her, eyes narrowing as she skimmed the list of rewards. Her gaze paused on a strange items, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"System," she said cautiously, "what exactly is a Protective Karma Coupon? And a Luck Coupon? Also, didn't you say your purpose was to help me build a business empire? Shouldn't that involve giving me actual money?"
The system, clearly offended, emitted a soft mechanical sigh before replying in a slightly dramatic tone.
[Ding… Host, I am indeed here to assist you in building your business empire, but I will not simply hand you money. That would defeat the purpose. Your growth must come through your own efforts. I will support you with technical expertise, strategic tools, and well-calibrated opportunities—but not cash handouts.]
Li Ziqing blinked. Before she could argue, the system continued, sounding slightly smug.
[And please, do not underestimate the Newbie Gift Package. Every item was carefully chosen based on your current circumstances. The Protective Karma Coupons were granted because you and your family are under latent threat—your enemies are hidden, watching from the shadows. These coupons provide a veil of protection. They won't fight your enemies, but for a limited period, they'll prevent your family's activities from being noticed by hostile forces.]
Li Ziqing's breath hitched. "Wait—what do you mean by that? Hidden from my enemies? Are you saying you know who they are?"
[Ding… Negative. This system does not know the identity of your enemies. However, it can activate mechanisms to obscure your presence and deflect attention. In simple terms, anything you or your family do—no matter how successful—will not trigger the interest of your enemies during the protection period.]
The screen pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat.
[Important Note: This applies only to enemies lurking in the shadows—those who have not yet revealed themselves. The system assumes no responsibility for known enemies or threats that emerge into the open.]
Li Ziqing's eyes welled with emotion. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Then… if my brother finishes developing his game, launches it, and even starts a company, he'll be safe? The people who once ruined him won't come after him again?"
[Ding… That's correct, Host. For the next five years, any success your brother achieves will remain beneath their radar. He can pursue his dream, unburdened by fear.]
Her body trembled with relief. Ever since her rebirth, she'd been struggling with an impossible dilemma—how to protect her brother without crushing his dream. And now, finally, she had a way out.
She jumped to her feet, eyes shining. "System, you're the best! Muah, muah!" She puckered her lips and playfully tried to kiss the translucent interface. Of course, her lips met nothing but air. Still, she was far too elated to care.
"Five years… that's more than enough!" she said, voice full of hope. "With your help, System, I swear—within those five years, I'll become strong enough to protect my family with my own hands!"
The system puffed itself up with pride—as much as a non-physical interface could—and replied in a calm yet inspiring tone.
[You're absolutely right, Host. But remember—this path requires more than my assistance. It will demand your unwavering determination and unshakable resilience. So steel yourself. Complete your tasks. Build your empire.]
Li Ziqing nodded with conviction. Her smile turned sharp with resolve. "Don't worry, System. I won't slack off. I'm ready."
Then she paused, her curiosity piqued again. "What about the Luck Coupon? What does that do?"
[Ding… As the name suggests, the Luck Coupon boosts your personal luck for a full hour. During this period, it will be as though the goddess of fortune herself is guiding your every step. Whether it's negotiations, decisions, or unexpected encounters—everything will subtly turn in your favor.]
Li Ziqing's grin widened. "That sounds dangerously useful."
[Indeed. But use it wisely. The right moment could change everything.]
Li Ziqing inhaled deeply, her expression solemn yet resolute. "System, I want to use all three Protective Karma Coupons—one each for myself, my mother, and my brother," she declared firmly. "But I'd like to keep the Luck Coupon for later. I don't need it just yet."
[Ding... Protective Karma Coupon ×3 successfully applied to Host, Li Jianfang, and Li Zian. From this moment onward, no enemies—hidden—will be able to detect any of your activities for the next five years.]
As soon as the notification appeared, Li Ziqing felt as if an immense weight had been lifted from her shoulders. For the first time since her rebirth, she truly breathed in relief.
[Ding... Affirmative, Host. The Luck Coupon has now been stored in the System Inventory. To store or retrieve items, simply think of the object and say "Store" or "Retrieve".]
Li Ziqing quickly visualized the coupon and whispered, "Store." Instantly, the shimmering golden voucher vanished into thin air, and with it, the translucent screen disappeared from view.
Curious, she asked, "System, how do I access the inventory?"
[Ding... Simply think System Inventory to open it. The same applies to the task interface. Just think System Task and it will appear.]
[Ding... First task series has been triggered. Host may now check and accept active tasks.]
Li Ziqing nodded and thought clearly, System Task. In an instant, the translucent interface reappeared—this time filled with a list of missions.
[Ding... Building a business empire always begins with foundational steps. The System has detected that Host's mother, Li Jianfang, currently operates a modest food stall. Based on this, the first task has now been generated.]
[Main Mission: Enter the Hospitality Industry – Build Your Own Hotel Chain
Objective: Accumulate your first fortune—ten million yuan—from food and hospitality ventures.
Note: This mission forms the cornerstone of your business empire.
Accept?]
Li Ziqing read the task prompt carefully. Her fingers paused mid-air. Ten million yuan? From a small food stall? That's insane! Doubt briefly flickered in her eyes. But then, the memory of her past life—the betrayal, the helplessness, her brother's ruined dream—flashed before her.
She clenched her fists. "Accept," she said, her voice low but unwavering.
[Ding... Congratulations, Host. You have officially accepted your first Main Task—'Build Your Own Hotel Chain'. You are now embarking on your journey into the hospitality industry. Task acceptance reward has been unlocked.]
At the mention of a reward, Li Ziqing's apprehension softened. She turned her gaze toward the screen, anticipation bubbling within her.
[Ding... Given your alignment with the culinary path, the System has bestowed upon you a skill upgrade: Legendary Chinese Culinary Arts +1.]
As the words echoed, a crimson scroll materialized out of thin air and gently landed on the bed beside her. Startled, Li Ziqing instinctively jumped back. But her astonishment quickly turned into awe.
The scroll was entirely red, bordered with golden embroidery and a delicate gold tassel hanging from one end. As she picked it up, the silk material felt cool and smooth under her fingertips. A faint but distinct scent—earthy, ancient, and calming—wafted from its surface.
[Ding... What you're holding is the Culinary Sage Scroll of Yi Yin.
Yi Yin, a legendary figure from the early Shang Dynasty, began as a humble cook before becoming the dynasty's first prime minister and King Tang's most trusted advisor. He once said, "Cooking is like governing a state—it requires timing, the right combinations, and harmony of all elements." His philosophy emphasized balance and refinement, laying the groundwork for Chinese culinary tradition.]
[Though this scroll bears Yi Yin's name, it contains the combined culinary legacies of China's greatest gastronomic sages:
-Peng Zu and his ancient principles of dietary therapy.
-Su Dongpo, the poetic chef of the Song Dynasty, creator of Dongpo Pork.
-Zhang Zhongjing, the medicinal culinary pioneer of the Han era.
-And the legendary royal chefs of the Qing Imperial Court, whose banquets remain unrivaled in history.]
Li Ziqing's hands trembled as she held the scroll.