Zhang Wei hadn't entered the high-level club of the whole Tianhe City, Diamond Elite Club, as a bartender, but today he wore a stylish black suit that hung on his frame perfectly, giving him the appearance of some rich kid, along with leather shoes that had a mirror shine.
Anyone who saw him would automatically think of him as a wealthy noble or the owner of the Diamond Elite Club.
But the confidence he tried to show was borrowed—not only the confidence but the suit and shoes as well.
It was a rented outfit, something he could afford to impress his girlfriend, Lin Yuxi.
Zhang Wei worked part-time as a bartender in the high-class club to make both ends meet. Not only the club, but he worked another part-time job as a tuition teacher, explaining mathematics formulas to the daughter of a wealthy family.
With all the mere money he earned, he used it to pay his university fees and to pay off his father's debt that kept rising in interest every week.
Today was Lin Yuxi's birthday. Zhang Wei had spent the last two weeks working overtime preparing a surprise for his girlfriend. He even skipped meals and university classes.
His body ached every night for two months from working too hard just to get a night at this club for his girlfriend, where he could afford a drink and snacks.
The radiant silk dress that Lin Yuxi wore, shimmering under the club's lights, was also bought by Zhang Wei for a whopping 3,000 yuan—the most he could afford.
Lin Yuxi was th only family he had. He had never wanted riches or power; all he wanted was to see her happy.
With steady hands, he served her drinks and poured champagne.
At some distance, on a reserved table, sat Qin Yifeng, whose name alone carried weight throughout Tianhe City. His empire spanned high-luxury brands, high-end real estate, and the city's most expensive venues. "The Diamond Elite Club," the one Zhang Wei was attending tonight with his girlfriend, was also the place where he worked part-time as a bartender.
Everything Qin Yifeng touched reflected control and uncountable wealth.
"Hey you! Come sit here," Qin Yifeng patted his lap, looking straight into Lin Yuxi's eyes, not minding the presence of the man standing near her. His gaze flickered with intense intimidation and control, making every person in the room feel small.
Zhang Wei and Lin Yuxi couldn't believe this man's words. Who was he, and why would he just order any girl to sit on his lap? His guards surrounded him from all sides, and some other rich nobles were keeping him company, drinking with all their might. Qin Yifeng himself was also drunk.
"Wait, are you Qin Yifeng, the business tycoon?" exclaimed Lin Yuxi, excitement rising in every ounce of her body.
Zhang Wei also knew who Qin Yifeng was. He had met him many times. Zhang Wei had been humiliated countless times by Qin Yifeng when he served him occasionally.
"A beauty like you should be wasting the night with a disgusting bartender. Don't you agree?"
Zhang Wei was expecting the night that had just started to end because of that rich prick, but he trusted Lin Yuxi with all his heart.
"With me, not a single wish goes unfulfilled."
Lin Yuxi tilted her head, smiling faintly, slyness flickering in her eyes as she got up from her seat, not casting a single glance at Zhang Wei, who was jaw-dropped at her actions.
Zhang Wei saw Lin Yuxi leave the table, gracefully walking toward Qin Yifeng's table and adjusting herself on his lap. Qin Yifeng's hand slid onto her waist as he pushed her closer.
"Wouldn't you say anything to your filthy bartender boyfriend?"
He spoke maliciously while burying his face in her neck and sniffing Lin Yuxi's hair.
"You can leave, Zhang Wei," was all she could say before turning her gaze away from him.
In a fit of fury, Zhang Wei grabbed the glass of champagne and threw it toward them. His attempt was blocked by a hefty guard. The glass shattered on the floor after hitting the man's broad back.
Soon, Zhang Wei was grabbed by the collar, and a huge fist smacked onto his face, hard enough to hit the counter. His lip burst open, blood oozing out.
WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
The guard did not stop there; he grabbed him by his hair and shoved his face into the ice water bucket.
Zhang Wei struggled to free himself, but his strength was no match for the hefty guard. On the verge of passing out, he was flanked, his hair pulled, and he landed on the floor, coughing up the water he had inhaled.
Zhang Wei had become the joke of the night. Laughter and murmurs of people filled his ears.
He got to his feet, managed to stand up, and trudged toward the exit door, making sure he didn't pass out on the way.
…
Warm tears filled his eyes, and soon the buckets of tears could not be held any longer.
Tears streamed down his face, which he quickly wiped with the back of his hand, and he made his way toward his house, located in the northern part of Tianhe City—an old, run-down, one-story, shabby house.
Upon reaching home, another misfortune awaited him. Zhang Wei didn't have anywhere to live. All his belongings had been thrown outside the house by the landlord. Zhang Wei remembered he hadn't paid the rent for the past two months just to impress his ex-girlfriend.
Just like the cherry on top, it started to rain cats and dogs. All his belongings were wet, and some even floated in the rainwater.
"Now great, I don't have a house now!"
Pessimistic thoughts flooded his already disturbed mind. His heart was hurt, along with his self-ego. Whatever had happened tonight wasn't good either, and now he had nowhere to live and even no money to rent a place for now.
The debt collectors wouldn't leave his body intact if he refused this week's payment. Zhang Wei felt totally helpless and vulnerable.
A wave of pessimistic thoughts passed through his desperate mind. Zhang Wei felt completely crushed.
…
The night air of Tianhe City felt cool against his face. The glow of streetlights stretched along the quiet road.
Every step felt heavier than before. Zhang Wei walked slowly down the empty street.
After a few minutes, a narrow road opened to a wide riverside path.
He stopped near the edge, resting his hands on a cool metal railing. Staring down at the flowing river beneath him, Zhang Wei decided to finish it all at once. Stepping on the railing, he pushed himself up. Just before he was about to jump—
[System Activated!]
[Welcome, Host. Spend-It-Or-Lose-It System has chosen you.]
[Daily Allowance: 10,000 Yuan]
[You must spend all funds before 00:00.]
What was going on?
A system voice echoed through his mind.
Zhang Wei stood there, disoriented, unable to tell whether he was dreaming or losing his mind.
[Warning: All system funds must be spent before midnight.]
"Two hours… ten thousand yuan…" he muttered, voice low and trembling. "That's… more than I make in a month. My salary isn't even ten thousand yuan!"
Every month he barely scraped by, working as a bartender, tutoring a few students here and there, counting every yuan just to pay rent and survive. And
[Failure to do so will result in punishment.]
"Punishment…?" he whispered, his heart starting to race.
Zhang Wei stepped down from the railing. His mind was contemplating what the hell was going on. Where did this voice in his head come from? Why was he given 10,000 Yuan all of a sudden?
Suddenly—
Ding.
Zhang Wei's phone screen lit up with a notification.
Deposit Received: 10,000 Yuan
Current Balance: 10,327 Yuan
This was really not a dream. Not a glitch. Zhang Wei couldn't believe this. The system was real, not mere illusion. The amount was actually deposited in his bank account.
If it's real… then maybe this is my chance.
[Warning: 2 hours remaining.]
[Unspent balance: 10,000 Yuan.]
Two hours remaining to spend all the money he just received. How could he do that? Ten thousand wasn't a little money, especially for him.
[Warning: Host, failure to spend the full daily allowance will result in the immediate loss of all system funds.]
[Unspent balance: 10,000 Yuan.]
[Reminder: Host must spend all system funds before midnight.]
"Two hours?" Zhang Wei muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "How am I supposed to spend ten thousand yuan in just two hours?"
His mind raced wildly.
Buy clothes? No… stores would close soon.
Eat at a restaurant? Even the most expensive meal wouldn't cost that much.
Throw money away?
But what would be the use of throwing it away if it vanishes automatically if he didn't spend it?
"What kind of crazy system is this?" Zhang Wei groaned quietly.