The days since Li Zhen had received the system were a blur. Every task, every choice, felt like a step on a new path—one he hadn't yet fully mapped out, but one that was slowly unfolding before him. His first taste of success with his stock market investment had ignited a fire within him. It was only the beginning, but it gave him confidence that the world was ripe for the taking.
In the days that followed, he began to understand just how vast the system's reach was. With each task and reward, he felt himself growing stronger, more adept, more attuned to the intricacies of wealth and power. His first priority was securing a legitimate base of operations—a place that would allow him to move freely in the world of business without arousing suspicion.
Li Zhen had already set up an anonymous business front through his newly acquired financial contacts, but now he needed more—something that would give him a foothold in the elite circles. A small, unassuming office in the heart of the city wouldn't be enough. He needed connections, influence, and a seat at the table where decisions that shaped the world were made.
As he stepped out of his apartment one morning, his gaze fell on a sleek black car parked across the street. It wasn't the type of vehicle someone like him would normally notice. But today, with his newfound perspective, the car stood out to him. Its polished finish, the slight gleam of the windows—everything about it screamed affluence.
Li Zhen's eyes narrowed, and before he could think further, the system's prompt appeared.
[New Task: Establish a Business Alliance.]
[Reward: 1,000,000 RMB, Access to High-Profile Network.]
[Time Limit: 72 hours.]
The task was clear, and it was exactly what he needed. He didn't have to think twice. This was his opportunity to dive deeper into the undercurrents of the city's financial ecosystem.
He made his way toward the black car, his mind already working out the possible connections. The sleek design, the subtle signs of wealth—it wasn't just a car. It was a signal. Someone important was inside. Li Zhen wasn't one to wait for luck to fall into his lap. He approached the car with purpose.
The door opened, and a man in his mid-thirties stepped out, dressed in a sharp suit that screamed power. His demeanor was calm but commanding, his eyes sharp as they scanned the street.
Li Zhen wasted no time. "Mr. Wu, I presume?" he asked, his voice steady, though his heart raced slightly from the anticipation. He had no real connection to this man, but the system had already suggested him as a potential ally.
The man stopped, his gaze fixing on Li Zhen with the calculated scrutiny of someone who had spent years reading people. "And who might you be?" Mr. Wu replied, his voice tinged with amusement. He was clearly intrigued.
"I'm Li Zhen," Li Zhen said, maintaining eye contact. "I've heard a lot about your investments, your network. I think we could help each other." His words were bold, but not without foundation. He knew from his system's data that Mr. Wu was a rising figure in the city's finance sector, someone who was beginning to make waves in technology and real estate.
Mr. Wu studied him for a moment, before his lips curved into a smirk. "I don't usually entertain strangers with such confidence. But you're different. Come with me, Li Zhen."
They entered a nearby upscale café, a quiet and luxurious place that gave the impression of a business meeting rather than a casual coffee break. The moment they sat down, Mr. Wu leaned forward, his expression more serious.
"You're a bold one," he remarked, taking a sip of his espresso. "What exactly do you want from me?"
Li Zhen didn't hesitate. "I have a proposition. I know you're looking to expand your business, diversify your portfolio. I have information about a high-potential tech startup that's on the verge of a breakthrough. You partner with me, and we'll make a significant profit together. More than you could imagine."
Mr. Wu raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Go on," he said, his voice neutral but not dismissive.
Li Zhen leaned in slightly, presenting the data he had gathered from the system's Market Insight feature. It was a detailed analysis of LuminousTech, a small but rapidly growing tech company specializing in artificial intelligence. Its stocks had been artificially deflated due to a brief scandal, but Li Zhen's calculations showed it was about to recover—and then some.
"Invest in this now, before the market corrects itself. You'll profit tremendously. And in return, I want a seat at the table in your network. Let me help you with your other ventures."
Mr. Wu studied the information carefully, and for a long moment, there was silence. Then, he finally spoke.
"You've done your homework, I'll give you that," he said, a note of approval in his voice. "Alright, I'll make the investment. But I want you to prove yourself first. No more talking. Let's see how well you can deliver."
Li Zhen's heart pounded in his chest. This was the moment he had been waiting for—a chance to prove his worth and gain the foothold he so desperately needed.
As he walked out of the café, Li Zhen felt a rush of exhilaration. The first step toward infiltrating the high society had been taken. He had secured a business alliance, and he could already feel the weight of the city's financial world shifting beneath his feet.
[Task Completed: Business Alliance Secured. Reward: 1,000,000 RMB, Access to High-Profile Network.]
[Market Insight: Technology Sector +1. New connections unlocked.]
Li Zhen's mind raced as he considered the next move. He was no longer just a player in this game—he was becoming a key figure in the shadowed world of power and wealth. And this was only the beginning.