Lian Wei's heart pounded as he and Xiao Lan stood under the Night Market's flickering lanterns, her hand still warm in his. The *Fortune's Gambit* system's latest quest glowed in his vision: **Power Play – Spend 1,000,000 yuan on a high-Favorability network (80+) to unlock a city-wide opportunity. Reward: 500% cashback + 1,000 Fortune Points.** With 421,000 yuan in his account and 200 Fortune Points, Wei was riding high after funding Xiao Lan's mural project, but a million-yuan spend was a stratospheric leap. The promise of 5,000,000 yuan in cashback and a "city-wide opportunity" was intoxicating, yet Kang's parting threat—*"That money's not yours yet"*—echoed like a warning shot.
Zara, the purple-haired street artist, stood nearby, her tablet buzzing with messages from the Night Market Collective. Her Favorability held at 70, a solid foundation for an ally. "You really dropped 100,000 yuan on Lan's mural?" she asked, her tone half-impressed, half-skeptical. "The Collective's gonna love you. But that suit—Kang? He's bad news. Eclipse Corp's been sniffing around our turf."
Xiao Lan's grip tightened, her Favorability steady at 90. "Wei, you don't have to fight my battles. Or Zara's. What's Eclipse got on you?"
Wei's system pinged: **Opportunity Detected: Share a calculated truth to solidify alliances. Cost: 20 Fortune Points for +5 Favorability to Xiao Lan and Zara.** He burned the points, leaving him with 180, and chose his words carefully. "Eclipse Corp ruined my family's business. Now they're watching me, probably because I'm… making moves again." He flashed a grin, masking the fear Kang's presence stirred.
Xiao Lan's Favorability hit 95, and Zara's climbed to 75. "Moves, huh?" Zara said, smirking. "Well, stick with us. The Collective's got your back—if you're as legit as you seem."
The system updated: **Quest Progress: 10%. Leverage the Night Market Collective as a high-Favorability network (current average: 82). Suggested Action: Fund a major Collective project to meet the 1,000,000-yuan requirement.**
Wei's mind raced. The Collective was his ticket—a network of artists, vendors, and influencers who could amplify his reach in Xinshou City. Funding a major project, like transforming the Night Market into a cultural hub, could hit the million-yuan mark. But with only 421,000 yuan, he needed a miracle—or the system's help.
"Let's head to the Collective's HQ," Wei said, glancing at Zara. "I want to hear their pitch. Something big."
Zara nodded, her eyes gleaming. "You're speaking my language. Follow me."
The trio navigated the market's winding alleys to a converted warehouse, its walls plastered with murals and pulsing with bass from a hidden sound system. Inside, a dozen Collective members—artists, techies, and entrepreneurs—lounged around a holo-table projecting plans for a "Night Market 2.0": a high-tech art district with interactive installations, global livestreams, and premium vendor spaces. The budget? Exactly 1,000,000 yuan.
The Collective's leader, a wiry man named Chen with a Favorability of 60, sized Wei up. "Zara says you're funding Lan's mural. You serious about backing us too?"
"Dead serious," Wei said, his Charm (still boosted at 85 for another hour) carrying the room. "I'll cover the million for Night Market 2.0—full funding, my terms. I want a stake in the profits and a say in the creative direction."
Chen's Favorability jumped to 70, and the room buzzed with excitement. Xiao Lan whispered, "A million? Wei, you're insane."
The system pinged: **Quest Progress: 50%. Secure the 1,000,000-yuan investment to complete Power Play. Warning: Insufficient funds detected.**
Wei opened the **Fortune Store**, his 180 Fortune Points a lifeline. A new option glowed:
- **Capital Infusion: Receive 1,000,000 yuan (no cashback, repay within 72 hours) – 150 Fortune Points**
It was a gut-punch, but the 5,000,000-yuan cashback would cover the debt and catapult him into wealth. Wei activated the infusion, his phone buzzing as his balance surged to 1,421,000 yuan. His Fortune Points dropped to 30, and a warning flashed: **Debt: 1,000,000 yuan due in 72 hours. Failure to repay may result in system lockout.**
"Deal," Wei said to Chen, transferring 1,000,000 yuan to the Collective's account. The room erupted in cheers, and Xiao Lan's Favorability hit 98, her eyes shining with awe. Zara's reached 80, and the Collective's average Favorability climbed to 85.
The system blared: **Quest Complete! Power Play fulfilled. 5,000,000 yuan deposited. +1,000 Fortune Points. City-Wide Opportunity Unlocked: Xinshou Cultural Council Membership (Grants access to city elites and policy influence). New Quest Unlocked: Titan's Challenge – Spend 10,000,000 yuan on a high-Favorability coalition (90+) to unlock a national-level asset. Reward: 600% cashback + 5,000 Fortune Points.**
Wei's phone confirmed his balance: 5,421,000 yuan after repaying the 1,000,000-yuan debt. His Fortune Points soared to 1,030. The numbers were surreal, but 10,000,000 yuan? That was beyond comprehension, even with 60,000,000 yuan in potential cashback.
Chen clapped Wei's shoulder. "You're one of us now. Night Market 2.0 launches in a month. Stick around for the planning party."
As the Collective celebrated, Xiao Lan pulled Wei aside, her voice soft. "You're changing lives, Wei. Mine, theirs… I don't know how you're doing this, but I'm glad you're here."
Before he could respond, the warehouse's doors slammed open. Kang strode in, flanked by four suited enforcers, their Eclipse Corp logos stark. The room fell silent, and Wei's system flashed: **Critical Alert: Hostile incursion. Influence disparity critical (Kang: 90/100). Recommended Action: Use Fortune Points to leverage Collective support.**
"Very clever, Lian," Kang said, his smile venomous. "Funding street rats to rebuild your name? Eclipse owns this city's future. That money you're flashing? It's ours."
Zara stepped forward, her Favorability spiking to 85 with defiance. "This is Collective turf. Get lost."
Kang ignored her, his eyes locked on Wei. "You're a glitch in the system, kid. Hand over your access, or we'll take it."
Wei's blood ran cold. Access? Did Kang know about the *Fortune's Gambit* system? He glanced at Xiao Lan, her Favorability holding at 98, and the Collective, their support palpable. With 1,030 Fortune Points, he had options. The system offered:
- **Influence Spike: +30 Influence for 1 hour – 500 Fortune Points**
- **Allied Surge: Boost Collective Favorability by +10 – 300 Fortune Points**
Wei burned 300 points for Allied Surge, and the Collective's average Favorability hit 95. The room rallied, members stepping forward to back Wei. Chen growled, "You heard Zara. Out."
Kang's smirk didn't waver. "You're betting on the wrong horse, Lian. Eclipse doesn't lose." He retreated with his enforcers, but his parting glance promised trouble.
Xiao Lan grabbed Wei's arm. "What did he mean, 'your access'? Wei, what's going on?"
Wei forced a smile, his mind on the 10,000,000-yuan quest and Kang's cryptic threat. "Just a ghost from my past. Ready to plan a mural that'll shake this city?"
The system's golden text glowed: **Fortune's Gambit is a battlefield. Build your empire, or lose it all.**