Read for ten minutes: +1 XP.
Read for ten minutes: +1 XP.
…
Half an hour later, Evan heard the front door open. He set down the book he was reading and left his bedroom.
The moment he emerged, Ross Shan pulled him into an excited hug, his face slightly flushed. "Evan, how on earth did you manage this?"
"In less than a week, you earned a five-hundred percent profit! That's unbelievable!"
As a businessman, Ross understood better than most how tough it was to generate profits. Fifty percent profit was already impressive. One hundred percent? That was considered 'exorbitant.' Five hundred percent, though? He'd never even dared to imagine it—until now.
Just six days and you made that much money, he thought, still reeling in disbelief. It almost felt more lucrative than robbing a bank.
Watching Ross lose his composure, Evan remained calm. "Uncle, I just got lucky picking the right moment. Opportunities like that don't come around often, and you're right—the stock market is deep water."
"If you want to make a modest profit, fine, but building a fortune there? That's a lot harder."
Ross studied Evan's face carefully. For a seventeen-year-old who'd just pocketed a hefty profit in under a week, he was remarkably unfazed. He even felt the need to warn him about risk.
Who is this kid? Ross wondered. Definitely not an ordinary high school senior.
Clearing his throat, Ross forced a more composed tone. "Evan, even though you won our bet, I can't lend you the money. Not unless you agree to one condition."
He felt a rush of shame. A man in his forties, basically reneging on a deal he himself proposed. Embarrassing. But he had his wife's instructions and, well, the saying "happy wife, happy life" wasn't made up.
"What condition?" Evan asked calmly.
Ross hesitated. "Your mom and I discussed it. Unless you can score over six hundred on the college entrance exam—and let us pick your university and major—the two million isn't yours."
Evan mulled it over. In his memory, a pharmaceutical stock called Tiansheng soared in September, whereas the entrance exams were in June—plenty of time.
"Alright. I accept."
"Really?" Ross was taken aback. He expected a fight or argument, not immediate agreement.
Evan nodded with a faint smile. "Of course. A man's word is his bond."
Ross swallowed, guilt twisting in his chest. He was the one who'd nearly broken his promise, not Evan.
Still, Evan didn't seem upset, and Ross didn't dare dwell on his own embarrassment. It made sense, though; Evan was only seventeen. Handing over two million to a teenager for the stock market was—understandably—a hard pill to swallow.
At least this compromise is the best outcome, Evan thought. It's good enough for now.
"Uncle, I'm going back to study."
Evan offered a polite nod. "You should get some rest. You'll probably head back to Linhai tomorrow morning."
"Right… yeah," Ross muttered, watching Evan retreat. He's changed so much, Ross mused. Cool and steady, like the world can't shake him. That wasn't the nephew he remembered.
Of course, if Evan tried to explain his "rebirth," Ross would never believe it anyway.
Back in his room, Evan resumed reading to grind for experience points.
Read for ten minutes: +1 XP.
Read for ten minutes: +1 XP.
…
Eventually, the system rang in his mind:
Ding—
Congratulations, Host. Experience has reached 90. You are now eligible to upgrade Combat. Proceed?
Evan grinned, closing his book. "Upgrade!"
Ding—
Spending 100 XP. Combat skill has reached Level 2.
A comfortable warmth spread throughout his body, a rush of energy. He couldn't help but let out a small sigh, so pleasantly intense was the sensation.
In mere seconds, the feeling subsided, leaving Evan more alert than ever. He slipped off his shirt and moved to the mirror.
No big changes to speak of—maybe slightly more toned muscles, a bit healthier complexion, some visible definition. Yes, his body felt stronger. But no dramatic transformation into a martial-arts master, which was a slight letdown.
So it's more about improving my physique, Evan thought, messing around by flexing.
Shaking off his mild disappointment, he checked his status:
Host: Evan
Knowledge: Lvl 3 (0/2000)
Intelligence: Lvl 2 (0/500)
Combat: Lvl 2 (0/500)
Karma Points: 0
XP: 0
Not bad.
Before long, he'd get all four abilities to Level 3, and the system would unlock Karma Points. He had a hunch that might lead to something special.
With a glance at the clock, Evan grabbed another book from a stack of cheap secondhand buys and resumed reading. Grinding XP was now his top priority.
Next morning, 7:10 AM, Evan awoke to his alarm, quickly washing up. Stepping out of the bathroom, he noticed breakfast on the table and a note:
Evan, I've already headed back to Linhai. Remember our agreement. The bank card's on your desk. The two million is ready, but whether you get it depends on you!
–Ross
Evan smiled faintly.
Score 600 in the entrance exam? No problem!
After breakfast, Evan strolled to Wellington Academy, taking his time. No rush—he lived close by.
Moments later, he arrived in class, taking a seat. Soon, a breathless Nia rushed in, wearing a simple sweater, jeans, and white sneakers—an unassuming outfit that couldn't hide her striking figure.
Because Nia's curves were quite pronounced, she typically opted for loose, modest clothes. Yet no matter what she wore, she invariably drew attention.
Beauty can be a burden, Evan thought with a laugh.
"Why'd you run so fast?" he asked lightly. "We've still got time before class."
Nia stared at the wall clock. 7:57, class started at 8:00. "There's barely three minutes till the bell rings! I'd be late if I didn't hurry."
Evan gave a dismissive shrug. "So what if you're late? It's no big deal—better that than risking a fall."
She froze, her cheeks tinged pink. Another part of her recognized a certain logic, but…
Being late? She'd never been late in three years of high school. In her mind, lateness was akin to the sky falling.
Romy Luo, seated beside Nia, eyed Evan with playful curiosity. "Aww, look at you, so concerned about Nia. Are we getting protective?"
Nia's hand paused over her books, her face momentarily unreadable. A moment later, a small smile flitted across her lips—though she scolded herself for even noticing.
"Stop making things up!" Nia whispered harshly.
Evan's lips curved in a teasing grin. "Sure, sure. I'll just call you… Nia."
Frowning, Nia turned away, rummaging through her bag, and Romy nearly burst out laughing. It was so obvious Evan got a rise out of Nia with minimal effort.
Before Nia could retort further, the bell rang—Ms. Yang walked in. She clapped her hands for attention. "Everyone, our monthly exams are next week. This is your final monthly before graduation. After that, you'll face the citywide mocks. So you need to bring your A-game!"
She paused, scanning the class. "I talked with the other teachers and decided: no formal lessons today. We'll hold a surprise test instead!"
"What?!?" the class exclaimed in unison.
A test—with no warning. And not just any test—the final monthly.
Here we go again…