"That's right, Miss Li. We sold memberships worth twenty-seven million today. Among them, Mr. Shen Waiyuan alone credited eight million into his diamond membership card. Several others also opted for diamond, but most chose silver and gold memberships. And—" Zhou Yichen paused, his tone carrying a trace of excitement, "thirteen platinum memberships were registered as well."
The moment Li Ziqing returned home, the first thing she did was to call Zhou Yichen. She had been puzzled ever since the notification of the main mission's completion appeared. Though she was pleased, curiosity gnawed at her.
"Good," Li Ziqing replied lightly, though the corners of her lips curved with satisfaction. "Publish the results in the luxury lifestyle magazine for the upcoming month. At the same time, subtly stir public curiosity about today's event through domestic media."
"Understood." Zhou Yichen's voice was brisk, efficient. After a few more words, the call ended.
Li Ziqing sat down on the edge of her bed, her fingers brushing the silken quilt. She exhaled softly and then spoke with calm authority.
"System, give me my reward."
[Ding… Daily Mission reward granted: Royal Aide Coupon.
Since ancient times, even emperors—surrounded by capable ministers and advisors—often required a single, extraordinary aide to resolve the most intractable matters. The Royal Aide Coupon functions in the same way. It is a one-time-use coupon that allows the Host to resolve any internal conflict—be it personal, business, or political. Once invoked, the issue will be resolved instantly.]
Li Ziqing's eyes lit up as she read the description. A tool like this… priceless. A glint of ambition flickered in her gaze.
Before she could dwell further, another mechanical chime rang crisply in her mind.
[Ding… Congratulations, Host, on completing the first Main Mission and officially beginning your journey toward building a powerful family enterprise. The following rewards have been granted:
— A land grant of 16,000 acres in the outskirts of Wuhan. Classified as mountain terrain, lakes. All legal property deeds and documents are stored within the system's inventory.
— Guiding Light Coupon. In life, one may face crossroads where every option seems uncertain. This coupon, once activated, will reveal the single correct path aligned with the Host's greater purpose. The coupan is one time use only.
— Heaven-Earth Shift Coupon. One of the most advanced tools in the system's inventory. It permits the Host to slightly shift the forces of nature, terrain, or environment to her benefit for one time. Note: The shift cannot be catastrophic or cause harm to Mother Earth.
— Five Complete Luxury Brand Lifestyle Sets. From haute couture ensembles to accessories, perfumes, and jewelry, each set has been curated from the world's top fashion houses. Not mere display items, these collections are tailored for the Host's daily use, blending elegance with practicality. Whether a gala, a boardroom, or an evening out, Host would step into the world draped in refinement that subtly asserted her status without a word spoken.]
[Ding… With the completion of the first Main Mission, the Host has officially reached Level One. The system will now undergo an update and will remain unavailable for the next twenty-four hours.
Countdown: 24:59:59.]
Li Ziqing was unusually calm today even after seeing so many rewards. After all, the System had already given her things that defied reason—treasures from another world, so coupons that could alter the laws of nature, and vast plots of land compared to those did not surprised her.
But she suddenly felt nervous. It wasn't the value that daunted her, but the enormity of the question—how to use it? Sixteen thousand acres was no small garden. Developing such a massive tract of land required vision, planning, and resources. It wasn't something she could rush into without careful thought.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to let the matter rest. Her mind was weary, and her body begged for respite. She retired for the night, telling herself that tomorrow would bring clarity.
The next morning, sunlight spilled into the corridors of their new home. When Li Ziqing emerged from her room, she found that the entire household was already awake and bustling.
"Breakfast is ready," Li Jianfang greeted warmly, wiping her hands on her apron as she placed steaming dishes on the dining table. "I've also prepared lunch—you only need to warm it in the oven later. I'll be heading to Qianyan Pavilion soon. Today is our first official day of business, and I can't leave everything to the manager just yet."
Ziqing paused at the doorway, studying her mother. Ever since moving into this larger house, Li Jianfang had not taken a single day of rest. She had been tirelessly training staff, overseeing arrangements for the banquet, and managing everything with Zhou Yichen for Huiheng group headquarters also. And yet, not a trace of exhaustion lingered on her face. Instead, there was a quiet strength, almost an excitement, in her expression.
A smile tugged at Ziqing's lips. "Mom, why don't you rest today? I can ask Mr. Zhou to keep an eye on the restaurant."
But Jianfang immediately shook her head. "Zhou Yichen isn't even in Wuhan today. He's in Nanjing, handling the storefront you bought there a few days ago. We're pushing forward the opening of that branch sooner than expected."
Ziqing raised her brows in mild surprise, and her mother continued, her tone brimming with pride.
"Yesterday, when Zhou Yichen came to report our earnings from membership sales, he told me the numbers himself. The entire investment—renovation, hiring, banquet preparations, collaborations, marketing—cost us around fifteen million yuan. But in just one night, we earned twenty-seven million yuan. Twenty-seven! That alone proves the potential of our restaurant. So why should we delay opening Nanjing? We already have the property secured. Now is the perfect time."
Her younger brother, Li Jianping, who had been quietly eating, was struck speechless. "Jie… are you serious? We made twenty-seven million yuan yesterday?" His voice trembled slightly. Though he was getting accustomed to hearing numbers in the millions, he was still stunned. To earn such profits in a single day felt surreal.
Jianfang smiled gently, her eyes softening at her younger brother's astonishment. "Yes, A-Ping. Didn't I tell you? From now on, our family will only rise and prosper."
Her tone, however, shifted abruptly into that of an elder sister's admonishment. "But you—your focus should remain on your studies. Finish your diploma as soon as possible so you can truly stand on your own and get married."
Then her gaze moved to her children—Li Ziqing and Li Zian, who were quietly eating their breakfast. "And the two of you—today is the last day of vacation. School begins tomorrow. I don't want either of you distracted just because our circumstances have improved. Remember, indulgence is the enemy of growth. Stay disciplined."
The three of them exchanged glances, then nodded in unison, subdued by Jianfang's firm yet loving words.
It was then that Li Zian suddenly piped up, his childish voice curious: "Mom, didn't we invite Auntie and Uncle? Why didn't they come yesterday for the opening?"
Auntie and Uncle. The names instantly struck a chord in Li Ziqing's heart.
He was referring to Li Jianfang's younger sister, Li Jianrong, and her husband, Bao Mingyuan.
A wave of memories crashed over Ziqing. Jianrong, simple and traditional, worked as an accountant in a small textile company, while Bao Mingyuan earned his living as a bouncer in a nightclub. Years ago, they had lived nearby in Wuhan's northern district, but after Mingyuan was laid off when his club shut down, they relocated to Chengdu, struggling to rebuild their lives.
In her previous life, after her brothers and her uncle's death, the only ones who ever reached out to help were her aunt and uncle. Though they were far from wealthy, every month without fail they sent her mother and herself what little they could. That small sum, humble as it was, became their lifeline during the darkest days.
Ziqing remembered vividly how powerless she had been back then, still just a high schooler, unable to ease her mother's burdens. It was her aunt's selfless support that kept them afloat.
Yet, when her mother got married to Zhao Shide, the old lady Li and Wang Yunmei deliberately kept everything from Jianrong, never informing her of anything. And after her mother's death, when Ziqing fled south, terrified and hunted, she dared not contact her aunt either. She feared that Zhao Shide might watch their family, and dragging Jianrong into her misery would only harm them further.
A deep pang of guilt tightened her chest. Her aunt had been the only true family left to her, and yet, in her desperation, she had failed to show filial piety or gratitude.
Her eyes softened as a wave of clarity swept through her. But this life… this life is different. I've been reborn. I don't have to let those regrets repeat themselves. I can make her life better. I can make sure she and Uncle Mingyuan never struggle again.
Li Jianfang's voice pulled Li Ziqing out of her thoughts.
"Your aunt couldn't get leave. She said the company is under tremendous pressure due to a change in management, so she couldn't come. But she was very happy when she heard we opened a restaurant on Jianhan Road. She said they'll definitely come visit us next month, during the National Day holidays."
Li Ziqing suddenly spoke, her tone firm yet emotional.
"Mom, why don't you ask Auntie to leave her job and come back to Wuhan now? We already have a company. I can arrange a proper position for her, and even Uncle can join us. Wouldn't it be better? Chengdu is far more expensive than Wuhan, and since we now have the means, shouldn't we help our own family first?"
Li Jianping paused mid-bite, lowering his chopsticks as he thought. "A Qing is right, Jie. At least then Rong Jie can stay close to us as well."
Li Jianfang exhaled softly and shook her head. "It's not that simple. Convincing her over the phone will be difficult. Let's wait until she visits during the National Day holidays. Once she sees everything with her own eyes, we'll be able to persuade her much more easily."
Both Li Ziqing and Li Jianping understood immediately and nodded. They knew Li Jianrong's nature all too well—simple, traditional, and stubbornly principled. She would sacrifice everything for her loved ones, yet she disliked taking advantage of anyone's goodwill. That strength of character was what had once allowed her to complete high school, even when the Li parents had done everything they could to force her to drop out.
Half an hour later, Li Jianfang left for the restaurant in her Rolls-Royce Phantom VII. A few days ago, Li Ziqing had summoned a personal chauffeur through a [Summoning Coupon 2.0]. Among the three exceptional candidates, only one was a woman—An Lizi. Naturally, Li Ziqing had appointed her to drive her mother.
Once her mother left, Li Ziqing realized the house was quiet, with only her uncle and younger brother at home. It was the perfect moment to visit the land the system had rewarded her with yesterday. Li Zian was holed up in his room, busy on his laptop. The spacious five-bedroom apartment gifted by Feng Zhaotian had given each of them their own private world.
Knocking on her uncle's door, Li Ziqing entered and found Li Jianping scrolling through his phone.
"Uncle, would you mind driving me somewhere?" she asked.
Li Jianping looked up immediately, his expression brightening. "Of course. In fact, I was getting bored myself. But where exactly do you want to go?"
Li Ziqing handed him the property deed she had discreetly taken out of the system's inventory earlier. "Here. I recently acquired this property in the outskirts of Wuhan for Huiheng Group."
Li Jianping's brows furrowed. "In the outskirts? Why not in the city? That would be far more feasible." His eyes swept across the document, and then he froze. "Sixteen… thousand acres?" His voice rose in disbelief. "A Qing, what exactly are you planning?"
Li Ziqing smiled faintly, though there was a trace of helplessness in her tone. "That's precisely what we're going to plan today. Someone else will also be joining us there, so let's head out first."
Li Jianping studied her expression, then nodded. "This address… it's near Wuhan International Airport. Actually, it isn't that far from the city at all."
Within minutes, the pair were on the road in a gleaming blue metallic Porsche Panamera Turbo. The sports car glided through the streets like liquid silver, drawing countless envious glances, but neither uncle nor niece paid them any mind.
An hour later, the dense concrete sprawl of Wuhan's southern districts began to thin. High-rises gave way to stretches of greenery. In the distance, mountains loomed under the morning sun, their slopes covered in thick evergreen forest. The sight was breathtaking.
Back in 2006, these mountains had not yet been carved into luxury villa districts. Standing at the edge of that untouched wilderness, Li Ziqing suddenly felt a pang of emotion. The lush green expanse seemed alive, and for a fleeting moment she thought, I can't allow this beauty to be destroyed. Whatever we build, it must coexist with the forest, not erase it.
At last, they reached the location. A tall perimeter fence and a reinforced gate marked the boundary. From the look of it, the land was already secured to prevent wild animals from wandering inside.
As they stepped out of the car, Li Ziqing noticed a Maybach already parked nearby. A man in a gray tailored suit leaned casually against its hood, his posture exuding quiet authority.
Li Jianping's eyes widened in recognition. "That's Feng Zhaotian."
Li Ziqing's lips curved into a smile. She walked forward with measured elegance. "Uncle Feng, apologies for being late."
Feng Zhaotian straightened and returned her smile warmly, shaking her hand. "You're not late—I'm just early. Truth is, I couldn't control my curiosity. When you mentioned needing my help with this land, I was… shocked."
"Shocked?" Li Ziqing tilted her head in confusion.
Feng Zhaotian's gaze deepened. "Don't you know? Many major players were fighting for this land. Even my Hongtian Real Estate was among them. When the Forest Protection Bureau announced the auction, the entire Hubei business circle went into frenzy. Outskirts or not, this land sits between the airport and Wuhan city. Its potential is limitless."
Li Ziqing's heart stirred. So the system handed me a treasure everyone else fought for? She silently thanked the heavens. Without the system, she would never even have known of its existence.
Her smile softened, carrying both humility and determination. "Uncle Feng, even though I acquired this land, I can't develop it alone, no matter how much capital I have. But just because Hongtian Real Estate didn't purchase it doesn't mean we can't collaborate. Huiheng welcomes partners."
Feng Zhaotian chuckled, the admiration in his eyes unmistakable. For the third time since meeting the Li family, he felt as though fortune itself had guided him to them. A project on this scale would involve no less than a hundred-million-yuan investment.
Soon, an off-road vehicle pulled up, carrying an official from the Forest Bureau. Together, Li Ziqing, Li Jianping, and Feng Zhaotian climbed aboard, ready to survey the vast expanse of land that could shape the future of Huiheng Group.
The off-road vehicle bumped gently along the rugged trail, the tires crunching over gravel and patches of wild grass. Beyond the dirt path stretched an endless sweep of evergreen forest, not overly dense, but filled with tall pines, slender firs, and an occasional maple that painted the scene in soft hues of green. A narrow stream ran parallel to the road, glinting silver beneath the late afternoon sun. The sound of water trickling over smooth stones mingled with the crisp whisper of leaves, carrying with it a tranquility that seemed untouched by time.
Li Ziqing sat in the back seat, her eyes fixed on the landscape outside. Her fingers pressed lightly against the windowpane as though she could hold onto the peace of this place.
"This land…" she murmured, her voice low, almost reverent. "It feels alive."
The officer from Forest protection bureau who was driving the vehicle glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Miss Li, these sixteen thousand acres are now yours. Most investors would already be calculating where to lay the foundations for factories, resorts, or commercial estates. You're… very quiet."
Li Ziqing did not answer immediately. Instead, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, letting the forest's scent—clean earth, resin, and distant rain—wrap around her. Her heart should have been light at the thought of owning such a vast property. Instead, it was heavy.
Finally, she spoke, her tone tinged with conflict.
"If I keep this land untouched, it's of no use to anyone. But if I open it for development… it'll destroy everything I'm looking at right now. The streams, the trees, this serenity… all gone, replaced by steel and glass."
Feng Zhaotian seated beside her, frowned slightly. "But Ziqing, isn't that the purpose of land ownership? To create value from it?"
She gave a small, almost bitter smile. "Value," she echoed. "Tell me, Uncle Feng, what value can compare to the sound of water running free, or the air so pure it clears your lungs with one breath? Can money replicate that?"
He hesitated, unsure how to answer.
Her gaze returned to the rolling forest, where shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy like golden arrows. She felt the ache of her dilemma more sharply than before. For a woman building a business empire, logic dictated one choice. But for a soul who had just fallen in love with this untouched beauty, her heart begged for another.
Her voice grew softer, almost as if she was speaking to herself.
"I don't want to destroy it… but I also understand that I can't keep it locked away forever, either. What kind of owner does that make me?"
The silence that followed weighed heavy in the vehicle, broken only by the crunch of tires over gravel and the murmur of the stream outside.
Her heart was clouded, yet at that moment a sudden realization struck her. This land wasn't merely property—it was a test. A crossroad fate had placed before her, one she couldn't ignore.
A spark lit in her mind. She remembered something—the system's other reward. The Guiding Light Coupon.
Her pulse quickened. Its purpose… wasn't it exactly this? To guide me when I stand at a crossroad?
Without hesitation, she summoned the system in her mind. System, activate the Guiding Light Coupon.
At once, a golden light flashed across her eyes, so brief and subtle that no one else noticed. To everyone, she looked the same. But within Ziqing's vision, the world shifted.
A cascade of images flickered through her mind. Her breath caught. Inspiration surged through her like lightning, filling every corner of her mind. She almost gasped aloud, almost leapt in delight, but forced herself to remain composed.
Li Jianping noticing her sudden shift in emotions tilted his head slightly, curious. "A Qing? Did you think of something?"
Ziqing's lips curved faintly, a spark of determination flashing in her eyes. She had her answer now.
"No," she said softly, though her voice carried a quiet strength. "I didn't just think of something… I finally see it."