As the only child in the family, Ye Chen had never stepped into the kitchen before. Every day after school, he would either stay in his room doing homework or play video games.
His actions today took his parents completely by surprise.
Shen Yuhua was about to tell him to wait in the living room, but instead, she saw Ye Chen come over, take a plate of food from her hands, and carry it outside.
The couple exchanged puzzled looks.
What was going on with their son? Why was he acting like a completely different person?
At the dinner table, Shen Yuhua affectionately placed some food onto Ye Chen's plate. "Son, what's going on with you today? Are you short on money? If you need money, just tell Mom."
"No, I just feel really lucky to have you and Dad."
Ye Chen clearly remembered that his family had once been well-off. However, fate had taken a cruel turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Most of their savings were spent on hospital bills, and they even borrowed money from relatives and friends.
Their moderately wealthy household became heavily indebted.
Whenever he recalled his parents' worried faces, it felt like a knife was stabbing his heart.
He never expected fate to give him a second chance.
"What silly nonsense are you saying?" Shen Yuhua looked at him nervously.
Was her son sick?
She felt his forehead but found no sign of fever.
After finishing dinner, Ye Chen even helped Shen Yuhua wash the dishes and neatly placed them back into the cupboard.
This behavior left the couple utterly bewildered.
---
That Evening
While Ye Yuanfeng was watching the news, Shen Yuhua walked out with a face mask on, looking increasingly puzzled. "Old Ye, I can't shake the feeling that our son has suddenly become so thoughtful."
"Maybe the boy finally realized how hard we work," Ye Yuanfeng said, though he didn't dwell on it.
After all, their son was still their son. Nothing strange about that.
---
In the Bedroom
Ye Chen lay on his bed after taking a shower, looking at his small, youthful body. He had fully accepted the reality of his rebirth.
He closed his eyes, and with a thought, entered the system panel.
He glanced at his admiration points.
**138.**
It was just enough for a beginner-level lucky draw.
As he opened the lottery section, a cold mechanical voice echoed:
"Host, you now have enough admiration points for your first lucky draw. Do you want to proceed?"
Proceed.
"Begin the lottery!"
Ye Chen watched the spinning wheel on the panel turn. Ten seconds later, it stopped.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You've won: News Three Days Later!"
Ye Chen was stunned.
News three days later?
What kind of reward was that?
Suddenly, his computer screen lit up. A news article appeared on it.
"On March 6, 2005, a man in Lianxi District won the first prize in the lottery, receiving a jackpot of 5 million yuan."
The winning numbers were displayed as well.
**March 6…**
He looked at the calendar on the wall. Today was March 3.
That meant he could use the same numbers to buy a lottery ticket and claim the prize.
Although his family wasn't in dire financial straits now, his past experience with illness had taught him the importance of money. Having extra money could never hurt.
He quickly jotted down the winning numbers, planning to buy the ticket the next day.
---
The Next Morning
Ye Chen woke up early and had breakfast. After eating, he even helped Shen Yuhua wash the dishes. His sudden thoughtfulness left her slightly unnerved.
"Brother Ye Chen, are you ready yet?" a sweet, childlike voice rang out as Gu Nianxi pushed open the door and walked in, carrying a pink schoolbag and wearing her hair in two braids.
She looked absolutely adorable.
Behind her was a woman about Shen Yuhua's age—Gu Nianxi's mother, Lin Wan. Just like her name, Lin Wan was gentle and elegant.
She and Shen Yuhua had been classmates and were now best friends.
Watching the two children leave for school together, Lin Wan smiled warmly. "These two kids, they have to go to school together every day. Little Nianxi gets upset if she can't walk with Ye Chen."
"It's great that they're so close," Shen Yuhua replied with a smile.
"Yes, I hope they'll always be this way."
---
At Hope Elementary School
The two small figures held hands as they entered the schoolyard. The morning sunlight bathed them in a warm glow. Ye Chen glanced at Gu Nianxi's profile, as delicate as a porcelain doll. Only he knew how breathtakingly beautiful she would grow up to be.
"Brother Ye Chen! The day after tomorrow is the weekend. Where are you going to play?" Gu Nianxi suddenly turned to him, smiling brightly.
Ye Chen remembered how, in his previous life, he had spent most weekends at the arcade, playing for hours. No wonder she had asked.
Ye Chen ruffled her hair. "The day after tomorrow? Where do you want to go? I'll take you."
Gu Nianxi was stunned for a moment before her eyes lit up with joy. "Brother Ye Chen, do you mean it?"
"Of course. Cross my heart."
"Yay, that's amazing!" Gu Nianxi cheered, her eyes narrowing with happiness.
"Alright, let's get to class."
"Okay!"
---
At 8:00 AM sharp, Ye Chen checked in.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. Daily check-in successful. Admiration Points +50!"
Only 50?
Ye Chen's lips twitched. That seemed pretty low.
"Host, the admiration points awarded for daily check-ins are random. You might get 50 or even just 1—it all depends on luck!" the system explained.
Ye Chen rolled his eyes. Fine, as long as the system was happy.
---
During Class
Yesterday's "little bully," Meng Fei, was still upset about losing the arcade game. Determined to redeem himself, he wanted to challenge Ye Chen again.
As soon as Ye Chen sat down, Meng Fei's chubby hand slapped the desk. "Ye Chen, do you dare to compete with me again?"
Before Ye Chen could respond, Gu Nianxi, sitting in the front row, turned around and said bluntly, "Meng Fei, you've already lost twice. If you challenge Brother Ye Chen again, you'll lose a third time for sure!"
"Who says I'll lose? The first two times were just flukes! You stupid girl, don't talk nonsense," Meng Fei retorted angrily.
"Hmph! You're just upset because you lost to Brother Ye Chen!"
"I didn't lose! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll hit you! Don't think I won't hit girls!" Meng Fei waved his fist threateningly.
Gu Nianxi wasn't afraid at all. She tilted her head defiantly, confident that she was right.
Ye Chen's expression grew cold. It was fine if Meng Fei picked on him, but if he dared to touch Gu Nianxi, Ye Chen wouldn't hold back.
After all, they were both kids now—no one could accuse him of bullying.
"I'm not lying. If you compete again, you'll still lose to Brother Ye Chen!"
Meng Fei, furious, pushed Gu Nianxi. Her eyes reddened, but she stubbornly refused to cry.
Ye Chen's anger flared. Without hesitation, he pushed Meng Fei to the ground, his face showing a calmness far beyond his years.
"Teacher's coming!" someone shouted.
Meng Fei quickly scrambled to his seat, but not before throwing out a parting threat. "Ye Chen, just you wait. After school, I'll have my big brother deal with you!"