For a moment, the manager simply observed Lin Feng.
Plain clothes. Simple hairstyle. Nothing about his appearance screamed wealth or status.
But appearances could be deceiving.
The manager's mind raced.
In banking, there were different tiers of accounts. Normal accounts for everyday citizens. Business accounts for companies and entrepreneurs. And then there were special accounts.
Special accounts could only be opened under very specific circumstances. They required connections, influence, or wealth far beyond the ordinary. For these accounts, only a manager-level employee could provide service - regular tellers didn't even have the authority to view the information.
But this young man's account was something else entirely.
When the manager had tried to look into it, he'd found that even he didn't have the correct permissions.
He'd called the regional manager.
The regional manager couldn't access it either.
Just what kind of bigshot has walked into our branch?
The manager maintained his smile, though internally he was sweating.
"We truly appreciate your visit to our humble branch today," he said, choosing his words carefully. "However, I must apologize - unfortunately, we are unable to provide assistance regarding your account."
Lin Feng's expression didn't change. Forcing himself to be calm. "Oh?"
"We simply do not have the appropriate access rights," the manager explained, his tone apologetic. "The account requires clearance levels beyond what our branch possesses."
Lin Feng stared at him.
Inside, his mind was spinning.
So I'm not in trouble?
He felt a wave of relief wash over him.
No wonder the teller had been so nervous. No wonder they'd brought him to this VIP room and treated him like royalty.
Could it be... the system transformed my bank account into some kind of special account?
That would explain everything.
The manager noticed Lin Feng's steady gaze and began to panic internally.
Is he angry? Did I offend him?
For someone whose account couldn't be accessed even by the regional manager - if the manager made such a person upset, the consequences could be severe.
He stood abruptly and bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.
"Please, don't be disappointed!" he said quickly. "I will make a call right away and request someone from the main branch to provide the assistance you need. Someone with the proper clearance will…"
Lin Feng raised his hand. "No need."
The manager froze mid-bow.
Lin Feng's mind was already working through the implications.
The system might have transformed his account into something special, but it still didn't have much money in it. If someone from the main branch - someone with higher clearance - actually looked into it, wouldn't they realize he was a fraud? That he wasn't some wealthy second-generation heir, just a broke college student?
And even worse - what if even the higher-ups couldn't access it?
That would draw even more attention.
He needed to get out of here before things escalated further.
"I appreciate the offer," Lin Feng said calmly, "but I just wanted to withdraw some cash. No need to make things so complicated."
The manager slowly straightened, looking relieved but still cautious.
"Of course, of course," he said, nodding quickly. "May I ask... just out of curiosity, how much did you want to withdraw?"
"Nothing much," Lin Feng said. "Just one hundred."
The manager's eyes went wide.
"One hundred million?" he breathed. "The world of big shots really is different..."
"What?" Lin Feng nearly choked on his own saliva. "One hundred million?"
He coughed, struggling to compose himself.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat and spoke as calmly as he could manage. "Nothing that serious. I just need one hundred yuan. For transport."
The manager stared at him.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then the manager's gaze drifted to Lin Feng's clothes - simple, unremarkable, clearly not expensive.
Understanding dawned on his face.
Ah. I see.
He nodded slowly, a knowing look in his eyes.
So he's one of those rich second-generation types who wants to experience ordinary life. Taking only a small amount of money, living simply, understanding how common people survive.
How admirable.
The manager laughed warmly. "I understand completely."
Lin Feng blinked. "You do?"
"While I cannot operate on your account directly," the manager said, still smiling, "you are clearly a valued customer. It would be my greatest regret not to help you out."
Before Lin Feng could respond, the manager reached into his own pocket.
He pulled out a handful of bills and held them out.
Lin Feng's eyes widened.
It was almost a thousand yuan.
For a moment, he was tempted. That was a lot of money. And the manager was just... offering it to him.
But then reality set in.
This man didn't know the actual situation. He was giving away his own money because he thought Lin Feng was some kind of hidden wealthy heir. If the truth came out later...
Lin Feng shook his head slightly and reached forward, carefully extracting a single hundred-yuan note from the stack.
"This is enough," he said. "Thank you."
The manager looked at him with what could only be described as admiration.
As expected of a true big shot. So humble. So restrained.
"Of course," the manager said, pocketing the rest. "Please, allow me to escort you out."
…
A few minutes later, Lin Feng found himself standing outside the bank.
The morning sun was warm on his face. Behind him, the manager had already retreated back inside after one final bow.
Lin Feng looked down at the hundred-yuan note in his hand.
Then he looked up at the sky.
What just happened?