The bill arrived on a silver platter: ¥87,650.
Wang Lei's eyes bulged. "Eighty-seven thousand... for one meal..."
Chen Wei didn't even blink. He pulled out his phone and paid with a simple scan, adding a ¥20,000 tip for Xiao Yue's exceptional service.
[Purchase Confirmed: -¥107,650]
[Remaining Balance: ¥424,897]
[Note: ¥500,000 mission reward already deposited. Check your account!]
Chen Wei refreshed his banking app and nearly gasped. His balance now showed: ¥924,897.
The system hadn't been lying. Every reward was real.
"Mr. Chen," Xiao Yue approached with the receipt, her eyes widening when she saw the tip amount on the screen. "Sir, this tip is... are you sure?"
"Absolutely certain," Chen Wei said, meeting her eyes. "Excellent service deserves excellent compensation. I'll see you at eleven?"
Her professional composure cracked into a genuine, beautiful smile. "I'll be there. And... thank you. This is incredibly generous."
As they left the restaurant, Wang Lei was practically vibrating with questions. "Bro, WHAT is going on? First the clothes, then the wine, now you're tipping ¥20,000 and making dates with gorgeous women? And don't give me that 'uncle overseas' bullshit. I've known you for three years. You don't have a rich uncle!"
Chen Wei sighed. They were best friends. Wang Lei deserved some version of the truth.
"Lei, if I told you something impossible was happening to me, would you believe me?"
Wang Lei stopped walking. "What do you mean impossible?"
"I mean..." Chen Wei chose his words carefully. "What if I told you that after Liu Meng dumped me, something... changed. Like the universe decided to give me a second chance. Would you think I was crazy?"
Wang Lei stared at him for a long moment, then shrugged. "Bro, I just watched you spend almost ¥200,000 in one night like it was nothing. I watched you face down Zhang Hao like a boss. I watched the hottest server I've ever seen agree to go on a date with you. If that's not the universe giving you a second chance, I don't know what is."
He clapped Chen Wei on the shoulder. "I don't need to know where the money came from. Maybe you won the lottery. Maybe you really do have a rich uncle. Maybe you made a deal with the devil—I don't care. You're my brother. And I'm happy for you."
Chen Wei felt a wave of gratitude. "Thanks, Lei."
"But if you get a Ferrari, I get to drive it. That's the rule."
Chen Wei laughed. "Deal."
[Current Time: 10:47 PM]
Chen Wei sent Wang Lei back to the dorm and headed to a nearby luxury shopping mall that stayed open late. He had thirteen minutes before meeting Xiao Yue, and he wanted to check something.
[New Mission: Build Your Empire]
[Objective: Establish your presence as a legitimate businessman and investor]
[Tasks:]
[1. Acquire a business or start a company (0/1)]
[2. Make a profitable investment (0/1)]
[3. Gain recognition in Jianghai business circles (0/1)]
[Reward: ¥5,000,000 + "Business Empire System" unlock + Mystery Reward]
[Time Limit: 30 days]
[Failure Penalty: -50% to all future monetary rewards]
Chen Wei's mind raced. A business. He needed to start thinking bigger than just spending money—he needed to build something lasting.
But first, the coffee date.
He arrived at the employee exit of Tianxiang Pavilion at exactly 11:00 PM. Xiao Yue emerged five minutes later, changed out of her uniform into a simple but elegant dress with a light cardigan. Her hair was down now, cascading past her shoulders, and without the formal work attire, she looked even more beautiful.
"Hi," she said with a shy smile. "I wasn't sure you'd actually come."
"Why wouldn't I?" Chen Wei asked, genuinely curious.
"Because..." she hesitated. "Rich guys who spend ¥100,000 on dinner usually don't follow through on coffee dates with servers. They usually just... you know. Tip well and move on."
"I'm not like most rich guys," Chen Wei said. Then he paused. "Actually, I'm barely a rich guy. This is all very new to me."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Now I'm intrigued. Tell me more."
They walked to a nearby 24-hour café, one of those cozy places with warm lighting, comfortable couches, and the smell of fresh-ground coffee. It was the complete opposite of Tianxiang Pavilion's luxury—and somehow, that made it perfect.
Over cappuccinos (Chen Wei insisted on paying despite Xiao Yue's protests), they talked. Really talked.
"So you're a student at Jianghai University," Xiao Yue said, warming her hands on her cup. "What made you choose business administration?"
"Honestly? My parents wanted me to have a practical degree," Chen Wei admitted. "Something that could get me a stable job. They run a small convenience store back home. They're not rich, but they worked hard to send me to university."
"That's admirable," Xiao Yue said softly. "My parents were the same way. They own a small restaurant—nothing fancy like Tianxiang Pavilion. I work there to help pay for my own studies."
"You're a student too?"
"Part-time, at Jianghai Teachers' College. Early childhood education. I want to be a kindergarten teacher." She smiled. "It doesn't pay as well as being a server at fancy restaurants, but it's my dream."
Chen Wei felt something shift in his chest. Here was someone who understood what it meant to work hard, to come from humble beginnings, to have dreams bigger than your circumstances.
"Why do you work at Tianxiang Pavilion then? The hours must be brutal."
"They are," she admitted. "But the money is good, and most customers are... tolerable. Tonight was actually nice. You and your friend seemed genuinely kind. That's rare."
"Even with Zhang Hao's drama?"
Xiao Yue laughed. "Especially because of that. Do you know how satisfying it was to watch someone put that arrogant brat in his place? He comes in once a month with a different girl, always demanding special treatment, always treating staff like dirt. Watching you handle him with pure class? That was the highlight of my month."
[Xiao Yue Favorability: 78/100]
[Status: Genuinely Interested + Emotionally Connected]
"Can I ask you something personal?" Xiao Yue said, her voice quieter now.
"Of course."
"That girl—Liu Meng. She was your girlfriend, wasn't she?"
Chen Wei nodded, his jaw tightening slightly.
"What happened? I mean, you don't have to tell me if—"
"She dumped me this afternoon," Chen Wei said simply. "Via text message. Said Zhang Hao could give her the life she wanted and I couldn't. Said being a 'good person' doesn't pay for designer bags."
Xiao Yue's expression turned angry. "What a..."
"Gold digger?" Chen Wei supplied with a bitter smile. "Yeah."
"I was going to say 'fool,'" Xiao Yue corrected. "Anyone who would choose money over genuine connection is a fool. And for the record, I think she's going to regret it."
"She already looked like she was regretting it tonight."
"Good." Xiao Yue took a sip of her coffee. "So... the money. The suit. The expensive dinner. Was that all because of her? Trying to prove something?"
Chen Wei considered lying, then decided against it. "Partly. But mostly? It was for me. I spent two years being the 'good, reliable boyfriend' who worked hard and saved money and did everything right. And it wasn't enough. So today, I decided to stop being that person and become someone who can't be looked down upon."
"And the money really came from your uncle?"
Chen Wei smiled mysteriously. "Let's just say I got very lucky today. Sometimes the universe gives you exactly what you need at exactly the right moment."
Xiao Yue studied him for a long moment, then smiled. "You're different from anyone I've ever met, Chen Wei. You have money now, but you don't act like those entitled rich brats. You still have... kindness in your eyes. That's rare."
[Xiao Yue Favorability: 85/100]
[New Status Unlocked: Romantically Attracted + Trusts You]
They talked for another hour, the conversation flowing easily. Chen Wei learned that Xiao Yue loved children's books, wanted to travel to Japan someday, had a younger brother in high school, and made the best homemade dumplings in the city (according to her proud mother).
Xiao Yue learned that Chen Wei was terrible at video games despite Wang Lei's best efforts, had a secret love for bad action movies, and once tried to learn guitar but gave up after breaking two strings in one week.
It was easy. Natural. Nothing like the forced conversations he'd had with Liu Meng toward the end, where every topic somehow circled back to money and status.
At 1:00 AM, Xiao Yue yawned. "I should get home. I have an early class tomorrow."
"Let me call you a car," Chen Wei said, pulling out his phone.
"You don't have to—"
"I know I don't have to. I want to." He ordered a premium car service. "It'll be here in three minutes."
As they waited outside, Xiao Yue turned to him. "Chen Wei... can I ask you one more thing?"
"Anything."
"Tonight—this coffee, the conversation—was this real? Or was it part of proving something to your ex?"
Chen Wei met her eyes directly. "This was the most real thing that's happened to me in months. Liu Meng has nothing to do with this. This is about you and me. And I'd like to see you again, if you're willing."
A slow smile spread across her face. "I'd like that too."
The car arrived. Before she got in, Xiao Yue surprised him by standing on her toes and kissing his cheek softly.
"Thank you for tonight," she said. "It was... special."
Then she was gone, the car disappearing into the night traffic.
Chen Wei touched his cheek where she'd kissed him, a goofy smile on his face.
[Congratulations! Xiao Yue has been successfully added to your connection list!]
[Xiao Yue: Romantic Interest - Level 1]
[Current Favorability: 87/100]
[Benefits: +1 Daily Luck, Emotional Support (Reduces Stress)]
[Note: Treat her well, Host. Genuine connections are worth more than gold.]
Chen Wei's smile widened. The system, it seemed, approved of his choice.
His phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
Unknown: "Chen Wei, it's Liu Meng. Can we talk? Please?"
Chen Wei stared at the message for a long moment, then deleted it without responding.
Some bridges were better left burned.
[Next Morning - 8:00 AM]
Chen Wei woke to his phone ringing. An unknown number, but this time he answered.
"Mr. Chen Wei?" A professional female voice. "This is Li Na from Jianghai Property Management. We have the keys to your new property at Jianghai Bay. Would you like to schedule a viewing?"
Chen Wei sat up so fast he nearly fell out of bed. His new property. The ¥45 million villa from the Mystery Gift Box.
"I'd like to see it today, if possible."
"Of course, sir. Would 10:00 AM work?"
"Perfect."
After hanging up, Chen Wei looked at his bank account again, making sure last night wasn't a dream.
[Current Balance: ¥924,897]
Real. All real.
He also had notifications for his new Supreme VIP Black Card—apparently, it had been delivered to his dorm's front desk overnight via special courier.
Wang Lei was still asleep, snoring softly in his bed. Chen Wei showered quickly, put on one of his new Armani suits (the delivery had arrived as promised), and headed downstairs.
At the front desk, a premium black box waited for him with his name on it. Inside was the most beautiful credit card he'd ever seen—pure black metal with gold lettering.
[Supreme VIP Black Card]
[Holder: Chen Wei]
[Credit Limit: Unlimited]
[Access: All luxury brands, private sales, VIP lounges worldwide]
Chen Wei slipped it into his wallet, feeling its weight. Power in physical form.
His phone buzzed again. This time, a WeChat notification.
His Moments had exploded overnight. The photo of the expensive wine list had gotten over 200 reactions and 89 comments.
Li Wei: "Is this real?? Chen Wei at Tianxiang Pavilion??"
Sun Qiang: "That wine costs more than my tuition!"
Zhao Min: "Who are you and what did you do with poor Chen Wei?"
Unknown Classmate: "Isn't this the guy Liu Meng just dumped? LOL"
But the most interesting comments were from Liu Meng's friends:
Li Xiao: "@Liu Meng didn't you say Chen Wei was broke?"
Sun Mei: "Girl, did you know about this?"
Zhou Ting: "Liu Meng is typing..."
But Liu Meng never posted her comment. She'd started typing multiple times according to the indicator, then stopped.
Chen Wei smiled coldly. Let her wonder. Let her regret.
He had a villa to see and an empire to build.
[10:00 AM - Jianghai Bay, Luxury Villa District]
Chen Wei arrived at the address in a taxi, and his jaw dropped.
The villa was stunning. Three stories, modern architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private garden, and—was that a pool? The whole property was surrounded by a elegant fence, and the gate alone probably cost more than his parents' entire store.
Li Na, the property manager, was waiting at the gate. She was in her thirties, professionally dressed, with a warm smile.
"Mr. Chen, welcome! Shall we?"
The tour was like walking through a dream. Five bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. A home theater. A wine cellar. A rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. Smart home technology throughout. Even a private gym and sauna.
"The previous owner was a tech entrepreneur who moved to Singapore," Li Na explained. "The property was recently renovated. Everything is brand new and ready for occupancy."
"It's incredible," Chen Wei said, running his hand along the marble kitchen counter.
"The property value is currently assessed at ¥45 million, but in this area, it's likely to appreciate significantly. Jianghai Bay is becoming the premier luxury district." Li Na handed him the keys. "All the paperwork is complete. The deed is in your name. Congratulations on your new home, Mr. Chen."
Chen Wei held the keys, feeling their weight. This morning he'd woken up in a cramped dorm room. Now he owned a ¥45 million villa.
[Achievement Unlocked: Property Owner]
[Reward: +5 Status Points]
[New Passive Ability: Influential Presence (People naturally respect property owners)]
"Thank you, Li Na," Chen Wei said. "When can I move in?"
"Immediately, if you wish. The utilities are all active, and the property is fully furnished."
Chen Wei looked around the massive, empty villa. Too empty for one person.
But that would change.
His phone rang. Wang Lei.
"Bro! Where are you? I woke up and you were gone! And why are there two more Armani suits in the room?!"
Chen Wei smiled. "Lei, how do you feel about upgrading our living situation?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, how would you like to move into a villa?"
Silence.
"Lei?"
"BRO, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS HAPPENING TO YOU?!"
Chen Wei laughed. "Come to this address. I'll explain everything. Well... most things."
As he hung up, Chen Wei walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Somewhere out there, Liu Meng was with Zhang Hao, probably in his expensive apartment, probably convincing herself she made the right choice.
Somewhere else, Xiao Yue was in class, studying to become a kindergarten teacher, working hard for her dreams.
And here, Chen Wei stood in his own villa, master of his destiny, with a system that could make him unstoppable.
[System Notice: You have 29 days remaining to complete "Build Your Empire" mission]
[Suggestion: Use the "Business Genius" skill book to accelerate your learning]
[Would you like to use "Business Genius (Intermediate)" skill book now?]
[Yes / No]
Chen Wei selected "Yes" without hesitation.
Knowledge flooded his mind—business strategies, market analysis, negotiation tactics, investment principles, company management. It was like downloading years of MBA education directly into his brain.
[Skill Acquired: Business Genius (Intermediate)]
[New Abilities Unlocked:]
Market Insight: Identify profitable opportunities easily
Negotiation Master: Improved persuasion in business deals
Financial Analysis: Understand complex financial situations quickly
Strategic Planning: Create effective long-term business strategies
Chen Wei's eyes gleamed with newfound understanding.
The system had given him money and property.
But now it had given him knowledge.
And knowledge, as they say, was the ultimate power.
His phone buzzed with a new notification—not from the system, but from a news app.
"Starlight Entertainment Agency on Verge of Bankruptcy - Seeking Emergency Investor"
Chen Wei's newly acquired Business Genius skill activated automatically, analyzing the opportunity.
[Market Insight Activated!]
[Analysis: Starlight Entertainment has good assets but poor management. Current value: ¥8,000,000. Actual potential value: ¥50,000,000+. High-profit opportunity detected!]
[Recommendation: Acquire company at discount, restructure management, profit significantly]
A slow smile spread across Chen Wei's face.
His first business opportunity had just presented itself.