"Master, how's business lately?"
That afternoon, Xu Bin took a stroll through the secondhand market and picked up an old Phoenix-brand bicycle. He found a quiet alley, transformed it into a brand-new model using the system, and deliberately rode it through a muddy puddle—just to make it look used.
Compared to those fancy mountain bikes, these old-style Phoenix bikes were actually more comfortable for long rides. The ergonomic handlebars made a huge difference—you didn't feel sore in your palms like you would with a mountain bike. Lighter, smoother, and simply better suited for casual use.
After the ride, Xu Bin made a decision: it was time to visit his old appliance repair master. Sure, going solo was safe and steady—but what if he couldn't meet the system's demands? Partnering with his former mentor could open up new channels.
No risk, no reward.
His former master, Li Jiuren, was in his late 30s. Slightly tanned with a handsome face, he was a village boy who had built a life in the city—bought a secondhand apartment, married a local girl (well, technically a suburban one), had a kid, and settled into a stable rhythm. After over a decade in appliance repair, he still made a reliable living through long-time customers and small-time flipping.
Despite his unusual name, once you met his rural-dad-style father, it all made sense.
Over the years, Li Jiuren had taught many apprentices. Some succeeded and opened their own shops, keeping in touch and exchanging gigs for a referral fee. Others quit early, or worse—became scalpers who didn't even repair appliances, just earned from connecting jobs.
Xu Bin was one of his favorite students. Though he left early, he kept sending jobs his way and visited often, so their relationship had warmed again.
"Same old," Master Li grunted.
"Yo, Xu Ge."
"Senior!"
Li Jiuren's "shop" was literally a garage—cramped, oily, filled with junk parts, broken machines, and the ever-present smell of motor oil. The three apprentices were lounging inside playing cards, surrounded by old fridges and washing machines. Xu Bin had come for one reason—to tap into his master's acquisition pipeline and build up his raw inventory.
He lit a cigarette and passed it around. It was Furongwang—high-end stuff—so everyone, whether they smoked or not, took a puff.
Li Jiuren raised an eyebrow. "Doing well, eh? Even smoking the good stuff now?"
Xu Bin chuckled. "Nah, a client gave it to me after a job."
In their line of work, getting a smoke or drink as a tip wasn't unusual.
Master Li didn't pause the game, and one of the apprentices even offered Xu Bin a hand of cards. He waved it off.
"It's getting harder, you know," Master Li said. "Big brands have warranties now. Appliances are more reliable, and when they break, people just replace them. You managing your own shop at your age? Respect."
Xu Bin knew this speech. He'd heard it before. But despite Master Li's stingy and straight-laced ways, Xu Bin trusted him. If he was going to flip goods quickly and quietly, this was the guy.
"I've got a money-making idea," he said.
Li Jiuren tossed his cards and turned, instantly serious. "Talk."
The apprentices grumbled—the card game had just gotten good—but they knew business came first. Some stayed to listen. Others stretched and wandered outside.
Xu Bin had rehearsed his pitch on the way over.
"Master, this is between us—don't go spreading it around, okay?"
That made Master Li even more interested. In his mind, this was probably a big gig, and he was already calculating how to get a cut.
"Two deals, actually," Xu Bin began. "Figured you might be able to help me handle them both in one go."
He'd intentionally split one scheme into two parts. That way, even if they looked related, they wouldn't seem like one giant secret.
"First, I've got a cousin in my hometown. He opened a secondhand appliance store in a rural county. People there are poor, so demand's high. The only issue's sourcing. But they have their own logistics—cheap shipping back. I figured: you've got connections, you can help me source old but not ancient units—stuff rural folks would actually buy."
Master Li frowned. "With your skills, you really think it's worth it? Not much profit. Maybe thirty, twenty yuan per unit after transport. Barely pocket change."
"That's why there's a second part," Xu Bin said. "I was introduced to a girl through my family. Didn't work out, but we became friends. Her family runs a refurbishing business. Like, top-notch stuff. Almost indistinguishable from new."
Li Jiuren leaned forward. "Seriously? That good? Are the internal parts reused?"
Xu Bin grinned. Hook, line, and sinker.
"You'll have to see for yourself," he said. "I've got one TV and two fridges at the shop. Oh, and if you don't mind—can I grab that fridge of yours? The one with the busted compressor? Looks pretty new on the outside."
Master Li was confused. "The compressor's toast. Why do you want it?"
"I've got a spare," Xu Bin replied nonchalantly. "Learned a few tricks while visiting that girl's place."
Master Li was skeptical but sold it to him cheap—75 yuan total, including 15 yuan for delivery. Xu Bin handed over the cash, telling the apprentice nicknamed "Lightbulb" to keep the delivery fee.
Later, when Master Li opened up the refurbished appliances, he was stunned.
Inside and out, he could find no trace of wear or previous use. "Are you sure this didn't come straight from the factory?"
Xu Bin just smiled and said, "Heh… who's to say?"
That vague remark was enough. It could mean anything—leftover stock, factory backdoor deals, even inside jobs. Master Li's imagination ran wild. Xu Bin had learned from the best—now he was using the same tricks on the best.
So this brat's keeping secrets, huh? Probably scared I'll steal his supplier. Smart kid… but now that I've seen this stuff, I'm definitely getting my share of the pie.
Xu Bin could read his master's mind. He knew exactly how this man thought—he'd studied him like a textbook during his apprentice days. Cold winters, long hours, even tagging along unpaid just to watch and learn.
Go ahead. Take your cut. I'm playing a volume game now. As long as I flip fast, I win. I'll flood the system with quantity, not premium pricing.
The only risk? Eventually, Master Li might notice the products' model consistency—that could raise suspicions. But Xu Bin planned to source some variation from that old contact "Han Ge" to keep things balanced.
He sold Master Li one TV and two fridges for 1,100 yuan. The cost for those three was only 400 total. 700 yuan profit, clean.
Three TVs: 720 profit. Three fridges: 780 profit. Two days: 1,500 yuan.
Waving the cash around, Xu Bin sang:
"Fifteen hun-dred in the poooocket!"
Celebrating with two bars of Dove chocolate and half a Coke, he let out a burp, chewed on some beef jerky, and refurbished the fridge from Master Li.
"Weekly Mission Complete: Refurbish 4 Refrigerators. Reward: Attribute Wheel Spin."
Excited beyond belief, Xu Bin rolled up his sleeves and stared at the massive Attribute Wheel. So many options. So many possibilities.
Come on, gimme something good…
DING.
The wheel stopped.
Xu Bin stared at the pointer.
And froze.
He wasn't sure whether to laugh… or cry.