Lian Wei's pulse still raced as he and Xiao Lan slipped through the Night Market's vibrant chaos, the neon glow of the Circuit Dragon mural fading behind them. The encounter with Kang and his Eclipse Corp goons had left a bitter taste, but the *Fortune's Gambit* system's latest quest burned in his vision: **Empire's Foundation – Spend 100,000 yuan on a high-Favorability target (70+) to unlock a strategic asset. Reward: 400% cashback + 200 Fortune Points.** With 25,000 yuan in his account and 30 Fortune Points after using Charm Surge, Wei was far from the 100,000-yuan goal, but the promise of 400,000 yuan in cashback was a siren call.
Xiao Lan walked beside him, her expression a mix of awe and suspicion. Her Favorability held steady at 75, a green glow in Wei's HUD. "Okay, spill it," she said, dodging a vendor hawking glowing trinkets. "That guy in the coat—Kang? He wasn't here for the skewers. What's your deal, Wei?"
Wei hesitated, his mind split between honesty and strategy. The system pinged: **Opportunity Detected: Share a partial truth to boost Favorability. Cost: 10 Fortune Points for +5 Favorability.** With Kang's threat lingering, he needed Xiao Lan as an ally. He spent the points, leaving him with 20, and took a deep breath.
"My family used to run a tech company," he said, keeping his tone casual but sincere. "It went under, and Eclipse Corp picked up the pieces. Guess they're not done with me yet."
Xiao Lan's eyes softened, her Favorability ticking to 80. "That's rough. But you're not just some washed-up rich kid, are you? That VIP tour wasn't cheap."
Wei grinned, deflecting. "I'm working on a comeback. Speaking of, how about we hit one more stall? My treat."
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're relentless. Fine, but I'm picking this time."
As they approached a high-end dessert stall offering crystalized sugar sculptures, Wei's system flashed: **Quest Progress: 85%. A 100,000-yuan spend requires a bold gesture. Suggested Action: Fund a creative project for Xiao Lan to secure her as a high-Favorability ally.**
The idea hit like lightning. Xiao Lan's dream was to paint murals. What if he funded a small art project—supplies, a rented studio space, maybe even a public showcase? It could hit the 100,000-yuan mark and cement her trust. But 25,000 yuan wouldn't cut it. He needed more cash, fast.
The dessert stall's vendor, a wiry woman with a sharp grin, offered them glowing sugar phoenixes for 2,000 yuan each. Wei paid for two, wincing as his balance dropped to 21,000 yuan. Xiao Lan's Favorability hit 82 as she marveled at the delicate treat, its light casting patterns on her face. "You're gonna bankrupt yourself," she teased.
"Not if I play my cards right," Wei said, his mind on the system. He opened the **Fortune Store**, desperate for a boost. A new option had appeared:
- **Wealth Surge: Receive 100,000 yuan (no cashback, repay within 48 hours) – 20 Fortune Points**
It was his entire Fortune Point stash, and the debt was daunting, but the 400,000-yuan cashback would more than cover it. Wei activated the surge, and his phone buzzed: 100,000 yuan deposited, bringing his balance to 121,000 yuan. The system updated: **Fortune Points: 0. Debt: 100,000 yuan due in 48 hours. Warning: Failure to repay may result in system penalties.**
"Xiao Lan," Wei said, turning to her as they sat on a bench, sugar phoenixes in hand. "You said you want to paint murals. What if I bankrolled your first one? Supplies, a studio, maybe a spot in the Night Market for a showcase. All in."
Her jaw dropped, the phoenix nearly slipping from her grip. "Are you serious? That's… thousands of yuan. Why would you do that?"
"Because I believe in you," Wei said, his Charm (still boosted at 85) making the words sound effortless. "And I'm betting on big dreams."
Her Favorability soared to 88. The system chimed: **Quest Progress: 95%. Finalize the 100,000-yuan spend to complete Empire's Foundation.**
Before Xiao Lan could respond, a new figure approached—a young woman with vibrant purple hair and a tablet tucked under her arm, her jacket covered in paint-splattered patches. Wei's system pinged: **Favorability: 60 – Neutral. Identity: Zara, local street artist. Influence: 40/100.** Her eyes lit up as she spotted Xiao Lan.
"Lan! You're out of the diner?" Zara said, then glanced at Wei. "Who's the fancy guy?"
Xiao Lan blushed, introducing them. "Wei, this is Zara. She's the one who got me into street art. Zara, Wei's… uh, sponsoring my art."
Zara's eyebrows shot up, her Favorability ticking to 65. "Sponsoring? Big money, huh? You should talk to the Night Market Collective. They're looking for funders to turn this place into an art hub."
Wei's system flashed: **Opportunity Detected: Invest 100,000 yuan in Xiao Lan's mural project through the Night Market Collective to complete Empire's Foundation. Bonus: Zara's involvement may unlock a network of high-Favorability allies.**
This was it. Wei stood, his confidence surging. "Zara, set up a meeting with the Collective. I'll fund Xiao Lan's mural—100,000 yuan for materials, space, and a showcase event. Deal?"
Zara whistled, her Favorability hitting 70. "You're serious? Okay, I'm in. Meet me tomorrow at the Collective's HQ."
Xiao Lan stared at Wei, her Favorability spiking to 90. "I don't know what to say. This is… too much."
"Just say you'll paint something epic," Wei said, winking.
The system blared: **Quest Complete! Empire's Foundation fulfilled. 400,000 yuan deposited. +200 Fortune Points. Strategic Asset Unlocked: Night Market Collective Partnership (Grants access to local influence and resources). New Quest Unlocked: Power Play – Spend 1,000,000 yuan on a high-Favorability network (80+) to unlock a city-wide opportunity. Reward locksmith: 500% cashback + 1,000 Fortune Points.**
Wei's phone buzzed, his balance now 421,000 yuan after paying off the 100,000-yuan debt. His Fortune Points sat at 200, a treasure trove for future moves. But 1,000,000 yuan? That was a leap into the stratosphere.
As they left the market, Xiao Lan slipped her hand into his, her touch warm. "You're not what I expected, Wei. Thanks for this."
Before he could reply, a black sedan screeched to a stop nearby. Kang stepped out, his Eclipse Corp logo stark under the streetlights. "Nice move, Lian," he called, his voice dripping with menace. "But you're playing with fire. That money you're throwing around? It's not yours yet."
Wei's system flashed: **Critical Alert: Hostile interference imminent. Use Fortune Points or Collective resources to counter.**
Zara stepped forward, unfazed. "This is Night Market turf, suit. Back off."
Kang's eyes narrowed, but he retreated to his car. "This isn't over, Lian." The sedan sped off, leaving a chill in the air.
Xiao Lan squeezed Wei's hand. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Wei said, his mind on the million-yuan quest and Kang's threat. "Just getting started."
The system's golden text glowed: **Fortune's Gambit is yours to win. Bet big, or lose everything.**