Chapter 4: Hidden Identity, New Discovery

Zhang Wei sat at his desk, staring at the screen of the Flagship Store. His mind was racing, not with thoughts of rocket motors or sales, but with the sudden realization that if his business became successful, he could become a target. He didn't want anyone—especially people like Li Cheng or Xu Meiling—to know where his wealth came from. If they found out, they'd either try to use him or worse, manipulate him like the old Zhang Wei had been manipulated."System," Zhang Wei said, leaning back in his chair. "Can you hide my name and information from the Flagship Store? I don't want anyone knowing it's me who's selling these things."The system responded almost immediately with its signature tone.

Ding! Request acknowledged. Name and identity will be hidden from all users on the Flagship Store. You will appear under a generic company name: Stellar Innovations.

Zhang Wei sighed in relief. That was one problem out of the way. Now, he could focus on making money without worrying about being used or dragged into his old life. He had no intention of becoming the kind of person others could push around. This world was his now, and he was going to make sure his success was on his terms.Later that night, Zhang Wei continued his routine of scavenging for materials. The dumpsters outside the academy were filled with discarded items that most people would consider junk, but to Zhang Wei—and more importantly, to the system—they were gold mines of opportunity.Tonight's haul was different, though.As he lifted the lid of one particularly heavy dumpster behind the academy's storage building, his eyes widened. Lying inside, amid piles of broken equipment, were several military-style assault rifles. Zhang Wei's heart raced as he reached inside and pulled one out. It was worn, clearly used, but still intact.He inspected the rifle more closely. It had been discarded, likely because these models were outdated. With space travel in its infancy and humanity developing newer forms of energy-based weapons, traditional firearms like these were no longer in demand. Still, Zhang Wei knew the value of such weapons in certain circles, especially in developing colonies or on planets where modern weaponry hadn't reached yet."System, what can you do with this?" Zhang Wei asked, holding up the rifle.Ding! Weapon found. Developing blueprint of the assault rifle...Blueprint completed. This model is outdated, but can be produced using cheaper materials, such as scrap metal and cans. Would you like to begin production?Zhang Wei's mind whirled with possibilities. The system could take these outdated rifles and replicate them using cheap materials? That meant his profits could skyrocket with minimal investment."How many rifles are in this dumpster?" he asked.Ding! 38 assault rifles detected. All can be scanned and blueprint applied.Zhang Wei quickly hauled all the rifles out of the dumpster, laying them on the ground in a neat row. There was something exhilarating about this discovery. He wasn't just limited to rocket motors anymore—he could expand his product line."System," he said, a grin spreading across his face, "let's produce a batch of these. But instead of using expensive materials, let's use the scrap metal and cans I've collected."Ding! Beginning production. Estimated cost per rifle: 200 yuan using scrap materials. Final product quality: 85% of original model.Zhang Wei nodded. That was more than enough. Most buyers looking for assault rifles wouldn't need perfection—they'd need affordability. With an 85% match, he could easily find a market for these cheap, durable weapons.He did the math quickly in his head:Cost per rifle: 200 yuanNumber of rifles: 38

Total production cost: 38 x 200 = 7,600 yuan

Zhang Wei still had plenty of money to cover the production.Balance: 298,500 yuanMinus rifle production: 7,600 yuan

New balance: 290,900 yuan

He leaned back, satisfied. The system was working faster than he had ever expected, and soon, his store would offer more than just rocket motors. If he set a competitive price, he could corner the market on affordable weapons for low-level buyers."Set the price for the rifles at 800 yuan each," Zhang Wei instructed the system.Ding! Price set. If all rifles are sold, estimated profit: 38 x 600 = 22,800 yuan.22,800 yuan in profit from just one batch of discarded rifles. Zhang Wei grinned. It wasn't as much as the rocket motors would bring in, but the more products he could offer, the more revenue streams he'd have.As he stared at the screen, Zhang Wei's mind wandered back to Xu Meiling and Li Cheng. The old Zhang Wei had been so desperate for their approval, for someone to notice him. But now, he realized just how much of a waste of time that had been. He didn't need anyone to validate him anymore. He was building something real, something that could change his life and Xiaoyu's life forever.Later that night, as he walked back to his dorm, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had found 38 discarded rifles and, thanks to the system, was able to turn them into something valuable. He glanced at the sky, the stars twinkling brightly above him. Humanity was just beginning its journey into space, and he was going to be part of that future. Not as some overlooked college student, but as the owner of Stellar Innovations, a company that would shape the future of space technology.As Zhang Wei lay in bed that night, he couldn't help but smile to himself. With his identity hidden and his business growing, he was on the path to success. The best part? No one knew it was him. He was free to operate without the baggage of his past life, and that meant he could focus entirely on what mattered: building a future for himself and saving his sister.Tomorrow, he'd go back to work at the café, just like always. But tonight, he could sleep soundly knowing that he was one step closer to his goal.Final Balance: 290,900 yuan