"You're serious about Tianxiang Pavilion?" Wang Lei asked for the third time as they stood at the entrance of Jianghai's most luxurious shopping district. Neon lights reflected off rain-slicked pavement, and the towering glass facades of designer stores stretched toward the sky.
"Dead serious," Chen Wei said, checking the system interface only he could see.
[Time Remaining: 23:47:33]
[Current Spending: ¥0/¥50,000]
[Reminder: Failure means permanent poverty!]
"But first, we need to look the part," Chen Wei added, eyeing his reflection in a store window. Faded jeans, a plain hoodie, and worn sneakers—he looked exactly like what he was: a broke college student.
Not anymore.
"Look the part?" Wang Lei followed Chen Wei's gaze. "Bro, are you really sure about this? That money in your account... where did it actually come from?"
Chen Wei had been expecting this question. He couldn't exactly say "a magical system appeared in my head," so he went with the next best thing.
"My uncle overseas," he said smoothly. "Investment payout. He told me to enjoy myself for once."
It wasn't a great lie, but Wang Lei, bless his simple heart, nodded slowly. "Damn. Your uncle must really love you. But still, ¥100,000... that's supposed to last you, right? Not blow in one night?"
"Trust me," Chen Wei said, a strange confidence filling him. "This is an investment in my future."
Before Wang Lei could protest further, Chen Wei walked into the nearest high-end men's fashion store: Armani.
The moment they entered, a beautiful saleswoman in her mid-twenties looked up from her phone. Her name tag read "Zhou Lin." She gave them a quick once-over, her professional smile faltering slightly when she saw their clothing.
Chen Wei recognized that look. The "browsers, not buyers" assessment.
"Good evening," she said politely, but didn't move from behind the counter. "Feel free to look around."
Translation: Don't touch anything expensive.
[Optional Sub-Mission Detected: Prove the Sales Staff Wrong]
[Reward: +2 Charisma Points]
[Accept: Yes/No]
Chen Wei smiled and mentally selected "Yes."
"I need a complete outfit," he said, walking directly to the most expensive-looking section. "Suit, shoes, accessories. Your best."
Zhou Lin blinked, clearly surprised. She exchanged a glance with another saleswoman before standing. "Of course, sir. What's your budget?"
"No budget," Chen Wei said simply. "Just show me what looks good."
Wang Lei grabbed Chen Wei's arm. "Bro, Armani suits start at like ¥15,000—"
"Perfect," Chen Wei interrupted. "I'll take three."
Zhou Lin's eyes widened slightly. Her professional mask slipped back into place, but Chen Wei caught the shift in her demeanor. Suddenly, she was very attentive.
"Three suits. Excellent choice, sir. Right this way."
For the next thirty minutes, Zhou Lin transformed into the perfect saleswoman. She brought out suits in navy, charcoal, and black, each more expensive than the last. Chen Wei tried them on, and even he had to admit—he looked completely different.
The navy suit fit perfectly after minor adjustments. With a crisp white shirt and a silk tie, Chen Wei barely recognized himself. Gone was the broke college student. In his place stood someone who looked like he belonged in a boardroom.
"You look... really good, bro," Wang Lei admitted, clearly stunned.
[New Status Effect: Well-Dressed (+5 Charisma, +3 Confidence)]
Chen Wei saw the notification and smiled. The system wasn't just about money—it was changing him fundamentally.
"I'll take all three suits, four shirts, two pairs of shoes, and that watch," Chen Wei said, pointing to a sophisticated Emporio Armani chronograph in the display case.
Zhou Lin's hands moved with practiced efficiency, calculating the total on her tablet. "The total comes to ¥67,300, sir."
Wang Lei made a strangled sound.
Chen Wei pulled out his phone. "I'll pay now. Do you accept mobile payment?"
"Of course, sir."
The transaction went through instantly.
[Purchase Confirmed: -¥67,300]
[Current Spending: ¥67,300/¥50,000]
[Task 1 Complete! Reward pending mission completion.]
[Optional Sub-Mission Complete: +2 Charisma]
[Current Charisma: 12/100 (Below Average → Average)]
Zhou Lin printed the receipt with a genuine smile this time. "Thank you so much for your purchase, Mr. Chen. Would you like to wear one of the suits out?"
"The navy one," Chen Wei said. "Please arrange for the rest to be delivered to Jianghai University, East Campus, Building 7, Room 302."
"Certainly. It will arrive tomorrow morning."
As Chen Wei changed into his new suit, he overheard Zhou Lin talking to her colleague.
"Did you see that? Over ¥60,000 without even blinking."
"And he's so young! Probably a rich second-generation."
"Whatever he is, I just made my commission for the month."
Chen Wei emerged from the changing room, and Wang Lei actually gasped.
"Holy shit, bro. You look like a completely different person."
He was right. The suit transformed him. Chen Wei stood straighter, felt more confident. Even his face seemed sharper somehow.
Zhou Lin approached with a business card. "Mr. Chen, please take my card. If you need anything else in the future, contact me directly. I can arrange private shopping sessions."
Chen Wei noticed something else in her eyes now. Interest. Not just professional—personal.
He took the card with a polite smile. "Thank you, Miss Zhou. I'll keep that in mind."
As they left the store, Wang Lei was practically bouncing. "That was insane! You spent more in thirty minutes than I spend in a year!"
"We're not done yet," Chen Wei said, checking his system.
[Time Remaining: 23:12:45]
[Task 1: Complete ✓]
[Task 2: Gain the attention of at least one woman more beautiful than Liu Meng - In Progress]
[Note: Simple attention is insufficient. Meaningful interest required.]
Chen Wei frowned. Zhou Lin had been interested, sure, but was that enough? And was she more beautiful than Liu Meng? Objectively, maybe, but the system seemed to want something more substantial.
"Now we eat," Chen Wei declared. "Tianxiang Pavilion."
Tianxiang Pavilion sat atop the Jianghai International Finance Tower, occupying the entire 88th floor. The elevator ride alone felt like ascending into another world.
When the doors opened, Chen Wei and Wang Lei stepped into an environment of pure luxury. Crystal chandeliers, classical music, and the soft murmur of wealthy diners created an atmosphere of refined elegance.
A hostess in a traditional qipao approached, her smile professional but warm. "Good evening, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation?"
"No," Chen Wei admitted.
The hostess's smile remained, but Chen Wei saw the subtle calculation in her eyes. Without a reservation at Tianxiang Pavilion, you usually needed to be someone important—or look like you could afford to be here.
Thanks to his new suit, Chen Wei passed the visual test.
"Let me check our availability," she said, tapping on her tablet. "We have one table available by the window. It's our premium section—the minimum spend is ¥8,000."
"Perfect," Chen Wei said without hesitation.
Wang Lei grabbed his arm again, whispering urgently, "Bro, minimum ¥8,000! That's more than my parents make in a month!"
Chen Wei just smiled. "Then they'll love hearing about this dinner."
The hostess led them to a table with a spectacular view of Jianghai City's glittering skyline. The rain had stopped, and the city lights reflected off puddles far below, creating a sea of stars.
"Your server will be with you shortly," the hostess said, placing leather-bound menus on the table.
Wang Lei opened his menu and immediately paled. "Bro... the cheapest thing here is ¥380 for a soup."
"Then get two soups," Chen Wei said, scanning the menu with growing satisfaction. This would easily push his spending past any reasonable amount.
"Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Xiao Yue, and I'll be your server tonight."
Chen Wei looked up—and froze.
The server was stunning. Early twenties, with delicate features, long hair pulled into an elegant bun, and eyes that sparkled with intelligence. She wore the restaurant's uniform with natural grace, and when she smiled, it was genuine and warm.
[System Alert!]
[Potential Target Detected: Xiao Yue]
[Beauty Rating: 87/100 (Liu Meng: 72/100)]
[Current Impression: Neutral Professional]
[Note: This target exceeds requirements for Task 2!]
Chen Wei's heart rate picked up. This was it—his chance to complete the second task.
"Good evening," he said, giving her his most confident smile. "What do you recommend?"
Xiao Yue's professional demeanor didn't waver, but Chen Wei noticed her eyes linger on him for just a moment longer than necessary. The suit was working.
"Our signature dish is the Emperor's Lobster, prepared with—"
"We'll take two," Chen Wei interrupted smoothly. "And the Wagyu beef platter, the chef's special dim sum selection, the premium Peking duck, and..." he glanced at the wine list, "this bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild."
Xiao Yue's pen paused. "Sir, that wine is ¥38,000 per bottle."
"Is that a problem?" Chen Wei asked, meeting her eyes.
For the first time, her professional mask cracked slightly. Surprise, curiosity, and something else—interest—flickered across her face.
"Not at all, sir. Excellent choice." She jotted down the order, then hesitated. "May I ask... are you celebrating something special tonight?"
Chen Wei leaned back, feeling the confidence from his new suit and the system's power flowing through him.
"You could say that," he said. "Today, my old life ended. And my new one begins."
Xiao Yue's eyes met his, and for a moment, the busy restaurant seemed to fade away. She smiled—not her professional smile, but a real one.
"Then I'll make sure your celebration is perfect," she said softly.
[Task 2 Progress: 35%]
[Target Interest Level: Intrigued]
[Keep impressing her to complete the task!]
As Xiao Yue walked away, Wang Lei leaned across the table. "Bro, did you just order ¥38,000 worth of wine?!"
"Yep."
"And you're flirting with the waitress?!"
"Server," Chen Wei corrected. "And yes."
"Who are you and what did you do with my poor, heartbroken roommate?"
Chen Wei looked out at the city lights, then at his reflection in the window. In his new suit, with confidence he'd never felt before, he barely recognized himself.
"That Chen Wei is gone," he said quietly. "This is who I was always meant to be."
His phone buzzed. A WeChat notification.
Liu Meng: [Mutual friend Li Wei shared your location] "Tianxiang Pavilion?? Did you get lost? 😂 That place is for real rich people, not broke students playing pretend."
Chen Wei stared at the message, then smiled coldly. He opened his camera, took a photo of the wine list showing the ¥38,000 bottle he'd ordered, and posted it to his Moments with a simple caption:
"New beginnings. 🍷"
He didn't tag Liu Meng. Didn't need to. She—and everyone else—would see it.
Let them think what they wanted.
By tomorrow, they'd know the truth.
Chen Wei wasn't pretending anymore.