The next morning, Chen Fan felt invigorated like never before. His Mid Qi Refining cultivation not only enhanced his physical strength but also sharpened his mind, making his reactions much swifter. He stepped onto the balcony, welcoming the first rays of sunlight; the spiritual qi in the air seemed even denser now that the sun had just risen.
After his personal hygiene, Chen Fan checked his phone. News about "Bank X's security vulnerability" was still dominating the headlines. Bank X had issued a press release, admitting the error and promising to strengthen security. This further confirmed the accuracy of his foresight.
He opened his laptop, checking the information about TechForge Innovations. Overnight, the traffic to the company's website had skyrocketed. Tech news articles began to refer to TechForge as a "rising star," albeit still cautiously. But Chen Fan knew that in just a few months, big names would start to notice it.
I'm on the right track.
"Ding! Side Quest: Potential Challenge!"
"Description: Use Host's new power and knowledge to solve a social problem or help a destined person within 24 hours. (Do not reveal cultivation identity)."
"Reward: 150 Experience Points, 5 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, one chance to draw a 'Urban Useful Item'."
"Time Limit: 24 hours."
Chen Fan frowned. A rather unexpected quest. "Help a destined person"? "Social problem"? This was quite different from just focusing on himself as before. This System not only wanted him to grow stronger but also wanted him to interact with the outside world in a more positive way.
He stepped out of the apartment, locking the door carefully. In the hallway, he briefly saw a young woman, looking haggard, squatting in front of the apartment door opposite his. She had long, flowing hair that partially obscured her face, and her shoulders were trembling. It seemed she was crying.
Chen Fan paused slightly. In his past life, he was timid and avoided trouble. He would have walked past, pretending not to see anything. But now, with the System's quest and his new power, he felt a greater sense of responsibility.
"Excuse me, are you okay?" Chen Fan asked softly.
The girl flinched, looking up. Her eyes were red and swollen. Chen Fan recognized her. Lin Yue! His former manager at the convenience store! He almost blurted out her name.
In his past life, Lin Yue was the only one who treated him kindly, often helping him with work. She was also the one who sent him the termination message, but he knew it wasn't her fault. A few months later, Lin Yue disappeared from her job, rumored to be involved in a serious personal financial entanglement. He used to feel sorry for her but could do nothing.
"Chen... Chen Fan?" Lin Yue was utterly surprised to see him. "How... how are you here?"
"I just moved into this apartment," Chen Fan calmly replied. "It seems you're having a bad day? Do you need any help?"
Lin Yue lowered her head, her voice trembling: "No... it's nothing. Please don't worry about it."
Chen Fan knew she was hiding something. With his past life's memories, he knew Lin Yue was in deep trouble. The problem involved a colossal debt her younger brother had incurred from loan sharks due to gambling, and now the gangsters were threatening her family's lives.
Is this the "destined person" and "social problem" the System wants me to solve?
"Ding! Detecting a suitable target for the 'Potential Challenge' quest!" The System's voice rang in his head, confirming his judgment.
"Nothing?" Chen Fan squatted down, looking directly into Lin Yue's eyes. His gaze was firm, mixed with a hint of an invisible suppressive aura from a cultivator. "You have a huge debt, caused by your younger brother, and now you're being threatened by loan sharks, aren't you?"
Lin Yue's eyes widened, her face turning pale with shock. "You... how do you know?"
"I have my ways," Chen Fan replied indifferently. "And I can help you solve it."
He paused, looking directly into the girl's eyes, which were now filled with hope mixed with doubt. "Just tell me the whole truth."
Lin Yue looked at Chen Fan, an employee she used to manage, someone she thought was weak. But now, his eyes exuded a confidence, an unusual aura that made her unable to not trust him. Tears streamed down her cheeks again.
"Okay... I'll tell you everything..."