The night sky over Zhonghai City was a black velvet carpet, studded with millions of sparkling lights. The Koenigsegg glided silently, its pace no longer the frantic rush of the earlier race against death. Lin Yi drove aimlessly, his mind still processing the day's overwhelming events. From a laid-off office worker to a Didi driver with a supercar, facing off against an arrogant heir, and culminating in the breathtaking rescue mission he had just completed. The feeling of saving a life brought a profound satisfaction that far surpassed any monetary reward. The newly acquired "Calm Mind" passive skill seemed to be working, helping him organize his chaotic thoughts in an orderly fashion.
He decided to end his work for the day. He was drained, both physically and mentally. He drove towards the small, old apartment he was renting, a place that stood in stark contrast to the vehicle he was commanding.
Just as he was contemplating the irony of his life, the mechanical voice of the system once again sounded in his head, but this time, it carried a more solemn tone.
[Special contribution recognized. The "Emergency Rescue" mission has exceeded expectations in an outstanding manner.][The System has decided to issue a supplementary reward to acknowledge the experiencer's decisive and humane actions.][Congratulations, Experiencer, you have been awarded 100% ownership of "Cloud Villa No. 1" on Panshan Road.]
Lin Yi was so startled he instinctively slammed on the brakes. The Koenigsegg came to an abrupt halt on the side of the road, which was fortunately deserted at this late hour.
Cloud Villa? Panshan Road?
He might not be part of the upper echelon, but it was impossible not to know that name. Panshan Road was the winding mountain path that circled the only mountain in the city center, home to Zhonghai's most expensive villas. Every property here was a fortune, a symbol of ultimate power and wealth. And "Cloud Villa No. 1" was hailed as the jewel in that crown, situated at the highest point with a panoramic view of the entire city, worth at least several hundred million yuan.
"System... are you kidding me?" Lin Yi stammered in his mind.
[All legal documents, electronic keys, and access cards have been placed in the vehicle's glove compartment. The property has been legally registered under the name Lin Yi. We wish you a pleasant living experience.]
With a trembling hand, Lin Yi opened the glove compartment. Inside, besides the car's manual, was indeed a file folder bound in exquisite leather and a solid black metal card. He opened the folder. Inside was the property deed, with the name "Lin Yi" clearly printed.
If the Koenigsegg was a dream, then this villa was an impossible fantasy. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart, which was pounding like a war drum. Instead of heading back to his rented apartment, he turned the car around and drove directly towards Panshan Road. He had to see this with his own eyes.
Meanwhile, in the most luxurious VIP suite of Central Hospital.
Liang Ruoxin slowly regained consciousness. The strong smell of antiseptic and the dull ache from her incision reminded her that she had just returned from the brink of death. Her parents and her closest assistant, An Ning, were by her side, their faces etched with worry.
"Ruoxin, you're awake? You scared us to death!" Her mother took her hand, her voice trembling.
Liang Ruoxin nodded slightly, her sharp eyes scanning the room before settling. "Where is he?" she asked, her voice still weak but already laced with urgency.
"He? Who?" her father asked, surprised.
"The man who saved me. The Didi driver," she said, trying to sit up slightly. "Where is he?"
An Ning, her assistant, quickly replied, "Chairman Liang, when we arrived, only the doctors were here. The doctor said an anonymous good Samaritan brought you in, filled out the initial forms, and left immediately without leaving any contact information."
"Impossible!" Liang Ruoxin frowned, the decisiveness of a leader beginning to return. "He was driving a black Koenigsegg One:1. He brought me here. Find him for me."
Everyone in the room looked at each other, all assuming she was delirious from the post-surgery medication. A Didi driver in a Koenigsegg? That was even harder to believe than the fact that she, a workaholic, had collapsed in her office.
"Ruoxin, perhaps you're just tired and misremembering..."
"I am not mistaken!" she interrupted. "An Ning, I'm giving you an order. Mobilize all our resources. Check every security camera from the Liang Tower and all traffic cameras on the route to this hospital around that time. Find me a black Koenigsegg One:1. The driver's name is Lin Yi; I saw his name on the Didi app before I passed out. I don't care if you have to turn Zhonghai City upside down, you find him for me!"
Her tone left no room for argument. That mysterious savior, with his god-like driving skills and terrifying composure, was now seared into her mind. She owed him her life, and Liang Ruoxin never owed anyone anything.
Panshan Road was quiet and deserted at night, with only the gentle purr of the Koenigsegg's engine breaking the silence. Lin Yi drove up the slope, passing the magnificent iron gates of other villas. Finally, he stopped before a massive gate designed in a minimalist, modern style. Beside it, a stone plaque was engraved with the words: "Cloud Villa No. 1".
His heart hammered against his ribs again. He took out the black metal card and held it up to the sensor. A soft "beep" sounded, and the gates slowly swung open, revealing a stone-paved driveway leading to a stunning piece of architecture.
The villa was designed with glass and steel, blending perfectly with the surrounding nature. He parked in the enormous garage, which could easily hold a dozen supercars, and used the card to open the main door.
The air inside was cool and fresh. Lights turned on automatically, revealing an interior that was luxurious yet tastefully understated. A huge living room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooked a sparkling infinity pool and, beyond that, the entire sleeping cityscape of Zhonghai. Everything, from the Italian leather sofa and the built-in entertainment system to the high-tech kitchen, was the best that money could buy.
Lin Yi walked as if in a trance, moving from one room to another. The master bedroom had a private balcony, the study had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a gym, a home theater... Everything was fully furnished, ready for immediate occupancy.
He stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night wind blowing through his hair. He looked down at the sea of brilliant lights below. Just this morning, he had been one of those tiny, anonymous dots of light, struggling to survive in this city. Now, he was standing at the very top, looking down on it all. The feeling was surreal, both exhilarating and strangely lonely. He had it all, a home that others couldn't even dream of in a lifetime, yet it felt empty.
The system's voice sounded one last time for the day, like a summary.
[First day of experience complete. Please continue to uphold the spirit of the profession.][A new week brings new possibilities. Please look forward to it.]
Lin Yi stood there for a long time, letting the feelings of power and a strange emptiness wash over him. He was completely unaware that elsewhere in the city, a powerful female CEO was mobilizing an empire to find him.
His new life had only just truly begun.