[Tuesday Morning - 9:00 AM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei sat in stunned silence, his phone still pressed to his ear. His grandfather—a man he'd never known existed—had just mentioned the Money God System by name.
"How do you know about the system?" Chen Wei asked carefully, his mind racing.
"Because I was chosen forty years ago, just like you," Chen Jian replied. "The system doesn't appear randomly, boy. It selects descendants of the Chen family bloodline when they're at their lowest point. I was broke and desperate in 1985. The system appeared and changed everything."
[System Alert: Hidden Family Legacy Revealed]
[Chen Family Secret: Multiple generations have been system hosts]
[Your grandfather built an empire with the system, then it vanished]
"Where are you?" Chen Wei demanded. "Why didn't my father tell me about this?"
"Your father never knew. I kept it secret, even from him. The system has rules, Chen Wei. Rules about who can know, about what happens when you complete your transformation." The old man's voice was heavy with memory. "Meet me today. Alone. I'll explain everything—including what's really at stake."
"I don't do anything alone anymore," Chen Wei said firmly, thinking of the recent threats. "I bring my security."
"Fine. But no girlfriend, no friends. This is family business." Chen Jian gave him an address. "Come at noon. And Chen Wei? Be prepared. What I have to tell you will change everything."
The line went dead.
Chen Wei sat there, his thoughts chaotic. Xiao Yue emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, her hair wet from the shower.
"Who was that?" she asked, noticing his expression. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"My grandfather," Chen Wei said. "Apparently I have a grandfather I never knew about. And he knows about... my recent changes."
Xiao Yue sat beside him, concern clear on her face. "Is that dangerous?"
"I don't know yet," Chen Wei admitted. "But I need to meet him today. Find out what he knows."
[System Note: This meeting is critical. Your grandfather holds answers about the system's true nature and ultimate purpose]
[10:00 AM - Starlight Entertainment Office]
Before the meeting with his grandfather, Chen Wei had several matters to handle. The first was a video call with Victoria Chen about the Hong Kong expansion.
"Good morning, Mr. Chen," Victoria said when the call connected. "I'm calling to confirm—can you and Miss Xiao come to Hong Kong next week? We've scheduled meetings with potential office locations and key industry contacts."
"We'll be there," Chen Wei confirmed. "Xiao Yue is excited about the trip."
"Excellent. I'm arranging accommodations at the Mandarin Oriental. First class all the way." Victoria paused. "Also, I should mention—my daughter will be joining some of our meetings. She's twenty-three, just graduated from USC with a film degree, and she's eager to work in the family business. I thought she could learn from observing you."
"Of course," Chen Wei said professionally.
After the call ended, Tang Xin knocked on his door. She entered looking radiant—the film shoot was clearly agreeing with her.
"Chen Wei! I had to tell you—after you talked to Zhou Ming yesterday, he's been completely different! Supportive, professional, even helpful!" Tang Xin was practically glowing. "And Director Wang said my scenes yesterday were perfect. He thinks I might get nominated for awards!"
"That's fantastic," Chen Wei said, genuinely happy for her. "I told you that you had what it takes."
Tang Xin walked around his desk and hugged him impulsively. "I know I keep saying this, but thank you. You changed my entire life."
As she pulled back, their faces were close, and Chen Wei saw something flicker in her eyes—longing, desire, love. Tang Xin was trying to be respectful of his relationship with Xiao Yue, but her feelings were obvious.
[Tang Xin Favorability: 96/100]
[Status: Deeply Loyal → Suppressing Strong Romantic Feelings]
[Warning: Her feelings are intensifying despite her best efforts to remain just friends]
"Tang Xin," Chen Wei said gently, creating some distance. "You know I care about you as a friend and I'm committed to your success. But—"
"But you love Xiao Yue, I know," Tang Xin finished, her smile sad but understanding. "And I respect that. I do. It's just... sometimes it's hard to remember that when you're so kind and supportive. You make it easy to fall for you."
"I'm sorry if I've given mixed signals," Chen Wei said honestly.
"You haven't," Tang Xin assured him quickly. "You've been nothing but clear about your relationship. It's my problem, not yours. I just needed to be honest about it." She took a breath. "I'm working on it, I promise. Maybe I'll meet someone on set—Zhou Ming has a cute assistant who keeps smiling at me."
Chen Wei smiled, relieved she was trying to move forward. "You deserve someone who can give you everything. You're incredible, Tang Xin. Don't settle for anything less than what Xiao Yue and I have."
"I won't," Tang Xin promised. "Now, I should get back to set. Filming starts in an hour."
[Tang Xin Favorability: 96/100 → 97/100]
[Despite romantic feelings, her respect for you and your relationship has increased]
After Tang Xin left, Lin Yue called.
"Chen Wei, I heard you're meeting someone today—someone claiming to be your grandfather?" Her lawyer instincts were on full alert. "I did some research. Chen Jian is real. He was a major property developer in the 1980s and 90s, built an empire, then mysteriously retired twenty years ago. Gave everything to charity and disappeared."
"Why would he do that?" Chen Wei asked.
"That's what worries me," Lin Yue said. "Men like that don't just walk away from billions unless something forces them to. Be careful today. I don't trust this."
"I'm bringing Liu Han," Chen Wei assured her. "And I'll be cautious."
"Good." Lin Yue's voice softened. "Chen Wei, I know we've settled into a comfortable friendship, but I need you to know—if you ever need anything, legal help or otherwise, I'm here. Always."
[Lin Yue Favorability: 97/100]
[Status: Loyal Ally → Devoted Friend with Lingering Attraction]
[She's accepted the friendship but hasn't completely moved on emotionally]
"I know, Lin Yue. And I appreciate it more than you know."
After hanging up, Bai Yue texted:
Bai Yue: "Good morning! I can't stop thinking about last night. Having real friends feels... amazing. Thank you again. Lunch with Xiao Yue today! She's teaching me about 'normal girl things.' I'm nervous but excited! 😊 -BY"
Chen Wei smiled. Seeing the Ice Empress use an emoji was surreal but heartwarming.
Bai Yue Favorability: 98/100
[Status: Best Friend → Like Family]
[Her emotional walls are almost completely down with you and Xiao Yue]
[Noon - Chen Jian's Estate - Outskirts of Jianghai]
Liu Han drove Chen Wei to the address his grandfather had provided—a traditional Chinese estate hidden behind high walls, surrounded by ancient trees. It was beautiful but isolated, clearly designed for privacy.
An elderly butler greeted them at the gate. "Mr. Chen Wei, your grandfather is expecting you in the garden. Your bodyguard may wait here."
"Liu Han comes with me," Chen Wei said firmly.
"As you wish, sir."
They were led through immaculate grounds to a traditional pavilion overlooking a koi pond. Sitting there, feeding the fish, was an old man who looked remarkably like Chen Wei might in fifty years.
Chen Jian stood as they approached. He was in his early seventies but still had a sharp, commanding presence. His eyes—the same unusual shade as Chen Wei's—studied his grandson with mixture of pride and concern.
"Chen Wei," he said, his voice carrying emotion. "You look so much like I did at your age. Please, sit."
Chen Wei sat across from him, keeping his guard up. "You said you had answers. I want to know everything—why you abandoned my father, why the system chose me, what you're really after."
Chen Jian smiled slightly. "Direct. Good. The system doesn't choose weak men." He poured tea with steady hands. "Forty years ago, I was a factory worker, married with a infant son—your father. We were poor, struggling. Then one day, after I'd been passed over for promotion again, the system appeared."
"The Money God System," Chen Wei said.
"Yes. It gave me wealth, power, opportunities. Within five years, I'd built a real estate empire worth billions. I had everything—except time with my family. The system demanded complete focus. Every mission, every challenge, it consumed me."
[System Note: Previous host experience being shared]
"What happened?" Chen Wei asked.
"I completed the system's ultimate mission—'Build an Empire.' And that's when I learned the truth." Chen Jian's expression turned grave. "The system has a price, Chen Wei. Once you complete its final mission, it offers you a choice: Keep everything you've built but lose the ability to form genuine emotional connections, or give it all away and regain your humanity."
Chen Wei's blood ran cold. "What do you mean, lose emotional connections?"
"The system's power comes from somewhere," Chen Jian explained. "It draws from your capacity for love, for empathy, for deep connection. The more powerful you become, the more it takes. By the time I completed the final mission, I couldn't feel love for my wife anymore. Couldn't connect with my son. I was wealthy, successful, and completely hollow inside."
[System Alert: This information is accurate]
[Warning: Ultimate mission completion requires sacrifice]
[You can have power OR love, not both at maximum levels]
"So what did you choose?" Chen Wei asked, though he could guess.
"I chose love," Chen Jian said quietly. "I gave away my entire empire—billions to charity—and the system released its hold on me. Within weeks, I could feel again. Could love my wife, bond with my son. But we'd lost years. Your grandmother never forgave me for the emptiness of our marriage. Your father grew up thinking I was just a workaholic who didn't care."
He looked at Chen Wei with desperate intensity. "I'm telling you this because you're at the beginning of this journey. You still have time to avoid my mistakes. You have that girl—Xiao Yue—who loves you genuinely. You have friends, connections. Don't let the system take that from you."
"How do I stop it?" Chen Wei asked.
"You can't completely," Chen Jian admitted. "Once chosen, the system doesn't let go until you complete its missions or deliberately fail them. But you can balance it. Don't pursue every opportunity for wealth and power. Prioritize relationships over deals. Keep your humanity strong enough that when the final choice comes, you'll have something worth choosing."
[Critical Information Received]
[New Understanding: System's True Nature]
[Choice: Continue pursuing maximum power (risk losing emotional capacity) OR pursue balanced approach (keep relationships strong)]
"Why didn't you warn my father? Why keep this secret?" Chen Wei asked.
"Because the system only chooses those who discover it themselves, who reach rock bottom and receive it as a gift. If I'd told your father, he'd never have been eligible. And when you were born, I prayed the system would skip you, that you'd have a normal life." Chen Jian's voice cracked. "But it seems fate had other plans."
"There's something else you need to know," the old man continued. "The system doesn't just exist in our family. There are others—other families, other systems. Some are allies, some are rivals. And now that you've risen so quickly, you've attracted attention."
[System Alert: New Threat Information]
[Other System Users Exist]
[Some are competitors who may target you]
"What kind of attention?" Chen Wei asked warily.
"There's a woman," Chen Jian said. "Jiang Lan. She has the Merchant Queen System—similar to yours but focused on luxury goods and international trade. She's building an empire in Hong Kong and she's... ambitious. Ruthless. She sees other system users as threats to be eliminated."
"Eliminated how?"
"Destroyed financially, socially, or..." Chen Jian paused, "sometimes physically. She's had competitors disappear before. And I've heard rumors she's taking interest in you."
Chen Wei's jaw tightened. Another enemy, and this one with a system of her own.
"When you go to Hong Kong next week," Chen Jian continued, "be very careful. That's her territory. She'll test you, try to find weaknesses. And your greatest weakness, Chen Wei, is obvious."
"Xiao Yue," Chen Wei said, understanding immediately.
"And the others," Chen Jian added. "I've been watching you. That actress—Tang Xin. The lawyer—Lin Yue. The businesswoman—Bai Yue. You collect strong women around you, but each one is a potential vulnerability."
[System Note: Your relationships are both your greatest strength and greatest weakness]
"I won't abandon them," Chen Wei said firmly.
"I'm not asking you to," Chen Jian said. "I'm telling you to protect them. And to be careful about adding more complications. The more people you care about, the more leverage enemies have against you."
They talked for another hour—Chen Jian sharing strategies for managing the system, warning about potential threats, offering advice about maintaining humanity while building power.
Finally, as Chen Wei prepared to leave, his grandfather gripped his arm.
"Remember, grandson—all the money in the world means nothing if you end up alone. Learn from my mistakes. Choose love over power when it matters most."
[3:00 PM - Returning to Villa]
Chen Wei arrived home to find an unexpected scene in his living room. Xiao Yue and Bai Yue were there, surrounded by shopping bags, laughing like old friends. Both looked up when he entered.
"Chen Wei!" Xiao Yue jumped up and hugged him. "How was your grandfather? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. We need to talk later," he said, then looked at the shopping bags. "What's all this?"
"Bai Yue needed a wardrobe update," Xiao Yue explained. "She's been wearing business clothes her whole life. So I took her shopping for casual stuff—jeans, comfortable shirts, actually cute dresses instead of just professional ones!"
Bai Yue stood, looking almost shy in new jeans and a soft pink sweater—colors and styles Chen Wei had never seen her wear. She looked younger, more approachable, happy.
"Xiao Yue is a miracle worker," Bai Yue said. "She's teaching me how to be... normal. We had lunch, went shopping, got pedicures. I didn't even know I needed pedicures!"
[Bai Yue Transformation: Continuing]
[Xiao Yue and Bai Yue's Friendship: Deepening Rapidly]
"You both look great," Chen Wei said honestly. "I'm glad you're bonding."
His phone buzzed. A message from Victoria Chen:
Victoria Chen: "Mr. Chen, I forgot to mention—my daughter Sophia is very excited to meet you. She's seen your photos from the gala and is quite... enthusiastic. Just a heads up. See you next week! -VC"
Chen Wei frowned slightly. That message had an undertone he didn't quite like.
Another message came in, this one from Tang Xin:
Tang Xin: "Zhou Ming's assistant asked me to dinner! His name is Li Wei and he's really sweet. Maybe you were right about meeting someone on set? Wish me luck! 😊"
Chen Wei smiled, genuinely happy for her. Tang Xin deserving happiness with someone who could give her everything.
[Tang Xin: Beginning to move on romantically]
[This is healthy for everyone involved]
Xiao Yue noticed his expression. "Good news?"
"Tang Xin has a date," Chen Wei said. "With someone from the film crew."
"That's wonderful!" Xiao Yue said sincerely. "She deserves someone who can love her properly."
Bai Yue looked between them. "You two are remarkable, you know that? Most couples would be threatened by beautiful women around them, but you handle it with such maturity."
"We trust each other," Xiao Yue said simply, taking Chen Wei's hand. "That makes everything else manageable."
[Relationship Strength Demonstrated]
[Xiao Yue's Confidence: Complete]
Lin Yue called just then. Chen Wei put her on speaker.
"Chen Wei, I have news. Zhang Wei committed suicide in prison this morning. Left a note saying he couldn't live with the shame and wanted to spare his family further humiliation."
Everyone was silent for a moment.
"Zhang Hao?" Chen Wei asked.
"Still in custody. But with his father dead, the family empire is completely destroyed. It's over, Chen Wei. That threat is gone."
"Good," Chen Wei said quietly. He felt no joy in Zhang Wei's death, but relief that the danger had passed.
After hanging up, Bai Yue spoke thoughtfully. "You could have prevented that, you know. Could have shown mercy earlier, maybe gotten him a lighter sentence."
"He tried to have Xiao Yue killed," Chen Wei said flatly. "Some things can't be forgiven."
"I'm not criticizing," Bai Yue clarified. "I'm observing. You're capable of both mercy and ruthlessness. That balance will serve you well in the business world."
[Evening - 7:00 PM - Private Dinner]
The three of them—Chen Wei, Xiao Yue, and Bai Yue—had dinner together on the villa's terrace. Wang Lei had wisely made himself scarce, giving them privacy.
Chen Wei told them everything his grandfather had revealed—the system's true nature, the ultimate choice between power and love, the existence of other system users, the threat of Jiang Lan.
Xiao Yue looked terrified. "So eventually you have to choose between your wealth and... being able to love me?"
"No," Chen Wei said firmly, taking her hands. "Because I'm not pursuing maximum power. I'm building a balanced life where I can have both. My grandfather made the mistake of choosing power first, love second. I'm choosing you first, always."
[Critical Declaration]
[System Path Chosen: Balanced Approach]
[You will not pursue ultimate power at the cost of emotional capacity]
Bai Yue watched them with something like envy. "That's beautiful. And terrifying. Knowing that success could cost you the ability to feel..." She looked at Chen Wei seriously. "Thank you for telling me. It explains why you've been so careful about maintaining relationships despite rapid success."
"It's also why I value our friendship," Chen Wei said. "Real connections are more precious than I ever understood."
"Speaking of connections," Xiao Yue said carefully, "what about this Jiang Lan woman? The one with her own system in Hong Kong?"
"She's dangerous," Chen Wei admitted. "But we'll be careful. Liu Han and Zhang Mei will be with us the entire trip."
"Can I come too?" Bai Yue asked suddenly. "To Hong Kong? I have business there anyway, and... I don't want to be alone while you're gone. Plus, if this woman is as dangerous as your grandfather says, having Tianlong Group backing you might make her think twice."
Chen Wei and Xiao Yue exchanged glances, then nodded.
"Yes," Xiao Yue said. "Come with us. The more allies we have, the better."
[Bai Yue: Will accompany you to Hong Kong]
[This significantly increases your safety and resources]
As the evening wound down, Bai Yue stood to leave. But instead of her usual composed goodbye, she hugged both of them—long, genuine hugs.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For giving me a family. I've never had that before."
After Bai Yue left, Chen Wei and Xiao Yue went to their bedroom. Xiao Yue was quiet, processing everything.
"Are you scared?" she asked finally. "About the system, about having to choose eventually?"
"I'm scared of losing you," Chen Wei admitted. "Everything else is manageable. But losing the ability to love you? That terrifies me."
Xiao Yue crawled into his lap, wrapping her arms around him. "Then we make sure that never happens. We keep our priorities straight. Money is just money, Chen Wei. This—us—is real."
They made love that night with desperate intensity, as if reaffirming their connection against any threat the future might bring.
[System Update]
[Critical Path Decision Made]
[Chen Wei has chosen: Balanced Approach]
[Prioritizing: Love > Power]
[Consequence: You will not reach maximum wealth potential, but you will retain full emotional capacity]
[New Stats:]
Maximum Potential Wealth: ¥50 Billion (reduced from ¥500 Billion)
Emotional Capacity: 100% (maintained)
Relationship Quality: Maximum
Life Satisfaction: Optimal
[Upcoming Challenges:]
Hong Kong trip with multiple female companions
Jiang Lan (rival system user) will test you
Sophia Chen (Victoria's daughter) complications
Managing multiple women's feelings carefully
Balancing business growth with relationship priorities
[Current Female Relationship Status:]
Xiao Yue: 100/100 - Primary girlfriend, eternal bond
Bai Yue: 98/100 - Best friend/family, no romantic tension
Lin Yue: 97/100 - Close friend, lingering attraction suppressed
Tang Xin: 97/100 - Close friend, moving on romantically
[Warning: Hong Kong trip will introduce new complications]
[Sophia Chen: Incoming attraction/interest]
[Jiang Lan: Dangerous rival and potential romantic threat]
[Navigate carefully to maintain your chosen balance]