The morning sun poured through Zhang Wei's grimy apartment window, but he barely noticed it. His mind was still racing from last night—the holographic wallet glowing, the coins multiplying in his hand, the system's calm voice echoing in his mind. 500 coins. Just like that, he had erased days of hunger, debt, and helplessness.
But the system had said one thing he couldn't shake: "Be careful—others will notice."
He sat at the edge of his bed, staring at the wallet. Unlike last night, he wasn't content with small gains. Street hustles and petty interventions could only take him so far. He needed something bigger—something that would mark the start of real influence.
The system's interface flickered, then displayed:
Daily Mission: Achieve 2,000 coins in one day.
Suggested Actions:
1. Underground betting – Moderate risk
2. Business opportunity scouting – High potential, low probability
3. Corporate challenge – Extreme risk
Zhang Wei leaned back, swallowing hard. 2,000 coins. That could cover months of living expenses… maybe even buy him a small property. But it was no longer just about survival. It was about ambition.
He touched the wallet. The system's calm voice guided him:
"Recommended choice: Underground betting hall, nearby. Probability of success: 65%. Risk: Medium. Strategy assistance enabled."
Zhang Wei's pulse quickened. The city streets around him suddenly felt alive with opportunity. The system highlighted a narrow alley a few blocks away. He followed it, ignoring the stares of people going about their ordinary lives, each step taking him closer to a world he had only seen from the outside.
At the end of the alley, a low, unmarked door led into a dimly lit basement. Inside, the smell of smoke, money, and tension hit him instantly. Around a long table, several men and women tossed stacks of cash onto cards and dice. The underground betting hall buzzed with quiet intensity, like a storm ready to break.
"Who are you?" one of them asked, eyeing him.
Zhang Wei hesitated, but the system prompted: "Confidence 100%. Outcome: Successful entry."
He straightened his back, smiled faintly, and said: "I'm here to play. Let's see what the odds have for me."
The group exchanged glances, then shrugged. He was allowed in. The system immediately displayed:
Target table: Dice game. Minimum stake: 200 coins. Suggested action: Bet 200 coins on double six. Probability of success: 60%.
Zhang Wei took a deep breath. He had 500 coins from the previous night. Betting 200 on a single roll felt insane—but the system's calm guidance gave him courage. He placed the coins.
"Roll," one of the men said.
The dice clattered across the wooden table, echoing in the silent room. Zhang Wei's heart pounded. The dice spun, bounced… and came to a stop. Double six.
A hush fell over the room, then erupted into murmurs. Zhang Wei had won 1,200 coins in a single roll. His heart raced. The system's voice chimed:
"Mission progress: 1,200 coins acquired. Remaining target: 800 coins. Suggested next action: Observe high-stakes poker table. Probability of success: 50%. Risk: Medium-High."
Zhang Wei didn't hesitate. The poker table was intimidating—three seasoned players, hundreds of coins on the line, their expressions sharp and calculating. But the system highlighted patterns, probabilities, and tells in real time. It felt like he could see their next moves before they even acted.
"Join the game," he whispered to himself.
The players paused, but the dealer nodded. Zhang Wei sat, shuffling his own stack of coins. The first round began. He watched carefully. The system highlighted a female player, showing a 70% probability she would fold if he raised aggressively.
He followed the guidance perfectly, raising just enough to push her out of the hand. Coin by coin, round by round, the system's predictions proved accurate. By the end of three rounds, Zhang Wei had 2,500 coins in total—more than double his initial mission.
He felt a rush unlike anything he had ever experienced. It wasn't just money—it was power. The system's holographic interface floated above him:
"Congratulations, user. Daily mission complete. Investment function unlocked. Warning: Rival entities may now detect your abilities. Caution advised."
Zhang Wei exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from his body. Around him, the room felt alive, dangerous, electric. He had succeeded, yes—but he also knew something had changed. People in the hall were no longer indifferent; some eyes lingered on him with curiosity, others with subtle calculation.
The system flashed a new menu:
Investment Function:
1. Observe potential partners for profit
2. Influence events to create financial gain
3. Stake coins in strategic opportunities
Zhang Wei's mind spun. With this function, he could multiply his wealth exponentially—help businesses, manipulate trades, even control smaller fortunes like chess pieces. But every action had consequences. One wrong move could destroy him completely.
He left the betting hall with his wallet heavier than ever, heart pounding with adrenaline. The city streets now felt different. Each passerby was a potential ally, competitor, or opportunity. Every alley, every café, every office building could hide a chance to grow—or a trap waiting to snap.
That night, Zhang Wei sat on the steps of his apartment again, coins jingling softly in the wallet. He reflected on the system's warning: "Rival entities may now detect your abilities."
For the first time, the thrill of the game was coupled with a sense of danger. His journey to unimaginable wealth had begun—and already, he felt the eyes of the world on him.
The system pulsed gently in his hand. A message appeared:
"Yan Wei, tomorrow will present your first major rival. Prepare wisely. Opportunities will be disguised as risks. Choose your path carefully."
Zhang Wei smiled. Fear and excitement collided inside him. He had tasted power. And now, he was ready to take the next step—into a world where money wasn't just survival, but a weapon.
And as the city lights stretched out before him, he knew one thing for certain: the Money King was just beginning to rise.
To be continued...