Chapter 15: Expanding Horizons

Lin Chen had a rare moment of peace as the morning sun filtered through the shop windows. With no customers in sight, he seized the opportunity to upgrade his shop. He accessed the system interface, excited about the potential enhancements.

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**System Interface:**

- **Current Wealth Points:** 49,910,000 WP

- **Upgrade Cost for Shop:** 10,000 WP (base cost, doubles with each upgrade)

- **Upgrade Options:**

1. Basic Inventory Expansion (200,000 WP)

2. Advanced Inventory Expansion (400,000 WP)

3. High-Tech Inventory Expansion (800,000 WP)

4. Enhanced Security Features (1.6 million WP)

5. Private Stock Trading Room (3.2 million WP)

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Lin Chen's eyes caught on the last option, "Private Stock Trading Room." He was intrigued. How could a stock trading room be relevant to a shop that sold everything from food to weapons? He read the system's explanation:

**Private Stock Trading Room:**

- **Function:** Allows the host to acquire up to 20% shares of any selected company once a month in exchange for system points.

- **System Points:** Earned through completing missions assigned by the system.

Lin Chen's excitement grew. This feature opened up vast new opportunities for accumulating wealth and power. If he could acquire shares in some of the world's largest corporations, his influence would expand beyond his wildest dreams. However, he noted the caveat—only once a month, and he needed to earn system points, which wouldn't be easy.

He continued upgrading the shop, each upgrade doubling the cost of the previous one. After five upgrades, he had enhanced his inventory significantly and added several new features to the shop.

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**Upgrade Summary:**

1. **Basic Inventory Expansion:** 1 million WP

2. **Advanced Inventory Expansion:** 2 million WP

3. **High-Tech Inventory Expansion:** 4 million WP

4. **Enhanced Security Features:** 8 million WP

5. **Custom Tailor Shop:** 16 million WP

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After the fifth upgrade, Lin Chen reviewed his status and resources. His current wealth points had decreased significantly, but his power level had increased to Tier 5, making him one of the most formidable individuals in this world.

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**System Interface Update:**

- **Current Wealth Points:** 6,600,000 WP

- **Power Level:** Tier 5

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One of the most intriguing new features of his shop was the "Custom Tailor Shop." The system described it as a high-end addition that allowed customers to order custom-made clothing and accessories, crafted to their exact specifications.

"Custom Tailor Shop?" Lin mused aloud. "That's an interesting addition."

He could see the potential. In a world where status and appearance mattered greatly, offering bespoke clothing could attract a wealthy clientele. However, he also realized that his shop was becoming increasingly conspicuous. It was growing rapidly in both size and complexity, which could draw unwanted attention.

The system seemed to anticipate his concern. A message appeared on the interface:

**System Notification:**

- **Memory Adjustment Protocol Activated:** The system will alter the memories of individuals as needed to maintain discretion. No one will question the growth or existence of the shop.

Lin Chen felt a wave of relief. The system's assurances meant he could continue expanding without fear of discovery or suspicion. The future looked bright, and he was ready to embrace whatever challenges and opportunities lay ahead.

As the day came to an end, Lin Chen stood in his now-expanded shop, filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. He was on a path to unprecedented power and wealth, ready to tackle new missions, and excited to see what the next day would bring.