Stepping out of Huamao, the late summer sun hit Chen Yansen's face. He made a quick stop at the agency to pick up Senhai's company documents—the physical proof of his first venture in this life felt weighty and real in his hands.
"Brother Sen, you... you opened a company?"
Wang Zihao's jaw practically hit the floor. He'd been bursting to share his news—elected class monitor last night—but now it felt like a childish boast next to Chen Yansen's reality. The gap between them seemed to widen with every passing day.
"Just an empty shell for now. Not a single employee yet," Chen Yansen replied, though the curve of his lips betrayed his satisfaction. The future of Senhai was a blueprint only he could see, and it was glorious.
"What were you going to say?" Chen Yansen turned the steering wheel, the car gliding smoothly onto Shengli Road toward the business district.
"Ah, nothing much." Wang Zihao adjusted his mindset, forcing a grin. "Just got voted class monitor yesterday."
"Congratulations!" Chen Yansen shot him a sidelong glance, a playful smirk forming. "Get ready to be roasted under the sun. I even got a medical exemption ready for myself. Looks like I won't be needing it now."
"Medical exemption?!" Wang Zihao's eyes widened. "You're not going to do military training?"
"Senhai's paperwork just cleared. I've got a location to secure, computers and servers to buy... You think I have time to sunbathe with you guys?" Chen Yansen chuckled. This was another reason he'd dodged the monitor role—with that title, Counselor Guo would never easily grant him leave.
"Then I..." Wang Zihao stammered, the words dying in his throat. If Chen Yansen wasn't there, what was the point?
"The initial phase is mostly prep work. Once the project goes live, I'll drag you to the top with me. Don't worry." Chen Yansen's tone turned serious, his gaze firm. Even if Wang Zihao didn't ask, he'd pull him in. Every additional employee was another stream of potential income.
As they spoke, the grand doors of the business hall came into view.
Business Hall – Manager's Office
"Sister Wenwen! Long time no see! How about a hug?"
Chen Yansen spread his arms the moment he saw Gu Wenwen at the reception.
"Ugh! It was just yesterday! Manager Zhao is waiting for you in his office." Gu Wenwen swatted his hand away, shooting him a faux-annoyed glare that held a hint of a smile.
"See you later then~"
With a wave, Chen Yansen breezed past her, Wang Zihao in tow.
"Brother Chen! You should've told me you were coming, I'd have greeted you at the door!" Zhao Maolin emerged, clapping Chen Yansen on the shoulder with practiced warmth, his arm draping around him as he guided him into the office. He gave Wang Zihao a brief, acknowledging nod.
"Brother Zhao, you're too kind. If you keep this up, I'll be too scared to visit next time." Chen Yansen matched his energy, the picture of a respectful younger brother.
"Little Chen, what tea do you prefer?" Zhao Maolin opened a cabinet, revealing an impressive collection of tea canisters in exquisite packaging, each label indicating a prestigious variety.
"Houkui will do." Chen Yansen's glance was casual, almost indifferent, as he settled into the sofa. The choice was instinctive—a taste acquired in a past life of luxury.
Zhao Maolin's eyes flickered with a deeper interest. He served Wang Zihao before meticulously beginning the tea ceremony. This reunion was a test. From Chen Yansen's posture to his tea preference and the way he held the cup—none of it matched a teenager from an ordinary background.
Over the fragrant tea, Zhao Maolin steered the conversation toward domestic and international economics, probing for gaps in the young man's knowledge. To his surprise, Chen Yansen navigated the topics with ease, even dropping terminology that left Zhao Maolin momentarily lost.
(Power Stones, everyone! This face-slapping is just starting! 💎)
Switching tactics, Zhao Maolin ventured into his own domain. "Little Chen, what are your thoughts on the future of mobile networks?"
Trying to corner me on your home turf? Chen Yansen smiled inwardly. "The golden age of mobile internet is upon us. PC dominance will wane. Soon, the average person's need for a smartphone might surpass their need for a computer."
"Oh? What's your reasoning?" Zhao Maolin's tone was noncommittal.
"Sprint in the U.S. is already testing 4G base stations in California. Our three major carriers here are following suit. The leap from 3G to 4G isn't just an upgrade—it's a revolution. This year phones handle text and images; soon, they'll be pocket-sized computers."
Chen Yansen spoke with the confidence of someone who had seen the future—because he had. His words weren't speculation; they were recollection.
Zhao Maolin quietly abandoned any thought of withholding Chen Yansen's commission. This young man's vision, knowledge, and poise marked him for greatness. Making an enemy over a few hundred thousand was foolish. A potential ally, however, was priceless.
"Little Chen," Zhao Maolin set down his cup, his tone turning earnest. "After graduation, come work for me. I'll secure you a formal position. What do you say?"
"Thank you for your high regard, Brother Zhao." Chen Yansen didn't outright refuse—there was no need. Work for you? My rebirth would be utterly wasted, he thought.
As if remembering something, Zhao Maolin made a quick call. Soon, Gu Wenwen entered with two sleek boxes.
"The latest from the U.S.—iPhone 4. You youngsters love these." Zhao Maolin pushed the boxes forward, a generous gift worth five thousand each.
(Comment below: Which character do you like the most so far? 💬)
"Brother Zhao," Chen Yansen's eyes lit up. "Could I trouble you for two more? In white, please." He'd been wanting to ditch his clunky Nokia. The iPhone 4 might be primitive to his eyes, but it was lightyears ahead of Symbian.
Zhao Maolin's smile stiffened slightly. Four phones? Over twenty thousand... This kid doesn't know the meaning of 'polite.'
"Brother Zhao, I'll pay for them myself," Chen Yansen added quickly, noticing the hesitation.
"Nonsense! That would be a slap to this old brother's face! Little Gu, fetch two more white ones for Brother Chen!" Zhao Maolin waved magnanimously, though his heart twinged.
Chen Yansen accepted readily. This is just a fraction of what you'll make off me anyway.
Galaxy Star Club – Night
As the city's largest entertainment hub, Galaxy Star's opulence was blinding. The girls Manager Zhao had arranged were stunning, each one a vision.
"You, third from the left. Go keep my brother company. He has a thing for... ample charm." Chen Yansen leaned back on the plush sofa, his gesture effortless. He was no stranger to these scenes—a veteran in a young man's body.
"Brother Chen! You better enjoy yourself tonight!" Zhao Maolin, tie loosened, raised his glass with a boisterous shout.
"Zihao, don't just drink. At least make some contact. Brother Zhao paid for this; don't waste his hospitality." Chen Yansen clinked glasses with Zhao Maolin, then nudged the stiff Wang Zihao beside him.
"What's this? My brother's shy, and you are too?" Zhao Maolin wobbled over, his expression mock-stern.
The girl, taking the hint, boldly grabbed Wang Zihao's hand and placed it on her waist.
"HAHAHA! That's more like it!" Zhao Maolin laughed heartily, swaying to the music—a far cry from the poised manager of the day.
(Favorite this novel if you're enjoying the ride! ▲)
"Brother Zhao, I saw this and thought of you. It suits your style perfectly." Chen Yansen produced an elegantly wrapped watch box, smoothly sliding the timepiece onto Zhao Maolin's wrist.
"No, no, I really can't accept this!" Zhao Maolin recognized the brand and price range immediately. Accepting this would turn a friendly favor into a crude transaction.
"Brother Zhao, I'm giving this sincerely."
"I'm also sincerely refusing, Little Chen. Our brotherhood isn't measured by money." Zhao Maolin's face turned serious, the noise of the club fading for a moment.
"My mistake. I'll punish myself with a drink!" Chen Yansen understood. Zhao Maolin wanted a favor owed, a human connection. That was a currency more valuable and lasting.
The night finally wound down at 1 AM.
"Brother Sen... 2000 yuan? For just a few hours with one hostess?" Wang Zihao whispered in the taxi, his face a mix of awe and visceral regret.
Chen Yansen had footed the bill. Zhao Maolin had refused the watch and given extra phones; reciprocation was necessary.
"East Campus, Xucheng University," Chen Yansen told the driver, then leaned back and closed his eyes. The alcohol was hitting his young, unseasoned body. Sleep claimed him quickly.
Wang Zihao, however, remained wide-eyed. The memory of soft warmth and the shocking price tag warred in his mind. For the first time, he felt a sharp pang of regret—why didn't I make that moment last longer?
Next Morning – Dormitory
Chen Yansen woke to a pounding headache. Groping for his phone, he squinted at the screen.
A text from the bank.
His drowsiness vanished instantly, replaced by a wide, triumphant grin.
[SMS: Your account ending 0129 received a transfer of 582,400.00 CNY at 08:03, September 4th. Current balance: 682,846.40 CNY.]
The campus card commission had landed!
After deducting the sub-agent's cut, his net profit was 370,000 yuan!
And along with it, silently ticking upward in a place only he could see, another reward: The Spark of Humanity +20.
Two days. 370,000. The first substantial capital of his rebirth era was in hand.
The real game was just beginning.
(End of Chapter)
Author's Note: The funds are secured! What do you think will Senhai's first project be? The future of mobile internet? Or something else entirely? Comment with your ideas! The story accelerates from here!