The next morning, I woke up with a different mindset. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I would focus on building sustainable systems.
First, I needed to diversify my cyber café access. Relying on just two cafés was risky. I spent a weekend exploring the city with Kane, and we discovered three more cyber cafés within cycling distance of our homes.
"Why are we checking out so many cafés?" Kane asked. "Digital Dreams is fine."
"Just in case our usual place is closed or crowded," I explained. "It's good to have options."
One of the new cafés, 'Net Connect,' had newer computers and charged the same rates. The owner, Pradeep uncle, was friendlier too.
"You boys are young to be so interested in computers," he commented. "Most kids your age just want to play games."
"We're learning programming," I said, which wasn't entirely a lie.
"Good, good. Programming is the future. Study hard."
This gave me an idea. Instead of just mining bitcoin randomly, I started keeping a notebook where I tracked which computers worked best, what times had fewer crowds, and which cafés had the most reliable internet. I was becoming methodical about it.
For the betting, I decided to be more conservative. Instead of betting large amounts on single matches, I would make smaller bets and spread the risk. I also realized that my memory might be perfect for major tournaments and finals, but smaller matches could have different outcomes due to the butterfly effect of my presence in this timeline.
"Small wins add up to big wins," I reminded myself, borrowing one of grandfather's farming wisdom.
Football training was still tough, but I was gradually improving. Coach Krishnan had noticed my persistence, even if my skill wasn't catching up as fast as I wanted.
"Jake, you're not the fastest or the strongest, but you don't give up. That counts for something."
The bullying from Ravi and his friends continued, but I found that other teammates were starting to respect my effort. Kane was always supportive, and slowly, a few other boys started including me in their conversations.
"You're getting better," said Arjun, one of the better players. "Keep at it."
My school grades were stabilizing too. I made a deal with myself – I would put in just enough effort to maintain good grades without letting it interfere with my other plans. My math scores remained excellent, which kept my teachers and parents happy.
One afternoon, while mining bitcoin at Net Connect café, I overheard two college students talking about "digital currency" and "online money."
"It's probably just a fad," one of them said. "Who would trust money that only exists on computers?"
"Yeah, sounds too risky," the other agreed.
I smiled quietly. If only they knew what they were missing.
By October 2009, my bitcoin total had reached 612 – slower progress than I'd initially hoped, but steady growth nonetheless. More importantly, I was learning patience and resilience.
The digital banking account I'd set up was working well. I could now manage my growing funds without raising suspicion at home. The betting income, while smaller than my ambitious initial plans, was providing steady support for my café expenses.
One evening, as I was helping Mom with dinner preparation, she surprised me with a question. "Jake, you seem different lately. More... focused. What's changed?"
I thought carefully before answering. "I guess I'm starting to think about my future more seriously." "You're only nine years old. You should be playing and enjoying childhood."
"I am enjoying it, Mom. But I also want to be prepared for what comes next." She smiled and ruffled my hair. "My little philosopher. Just remember, beta, success isn't just about money or achievements. It's about being a good person and helping others too."
Her words struck something deep in me. In my previous life, I'd been so focused on survival and financial stress that I'd forgotten about helping others. This time, I wanted to be different.
I started small. When I saw younger kids struggling with math homework in the neighborhood, I would help them. When Kane was having trouble with a particularly difficult level in Counter-Strike, I would patiently guide him through it instead of just showing off.
"Thanks, Jake," Kane said one day after I'd helped him with both a game strategy and his math homework. "You're like... wiser than other kids our age."
If only he knew how true that was.
As winter approached, I realized that my approach to this second chance was maturing. I was learning to balance ambition with patience, planning with adaptability, and personal success with caring for others.
The bitcoin mining continued steadily. My physical fitness was improving gradually. My grades were solid. Most importantly, I was building better relationships with family and friends.
Standing on our terrace one evening, looking at the city lights, I felt something I hadn't experienced in my previous adult life: a sense of control over my destiny. Not the desperate, anxious kind of control, but a calm confidence that I was on the right path.
There would be more challenges ahead – I knew that. But I also knew I was better equipped to handle them now. The future was still mine to shape, one careful, patient step at a time.
"Tomorrow," I whispered to myself, "tomorrow I'll continue building."
The stars above seemed to twinkle in agreement.