Chapter 4: A Step into the Unknown

The streets of Kanpur were alive with the scent of street food, the chatter of vendors, and the distant honking of rickshaws. Rishi walked with purpose, his mind set on his plan. He needed money, and he needed it fast. The first step was understanding the current business landscape.

He made his way toward the bustling marketplace, observing the movement of goods, the exchanges of money, and the businesses that thrived. His memories of modern economics told him that small investments in the right industry could yield exponential returns. But he had to find the right opportunity.

As he passed by a newspaper stand, something caught his eye—an article on India's booming textile exports. The country's growing population and increasing global demand for fabrics meant that textiles were one of the few industries with steady growth.

A plan began to take shape in his mind. His family still owned some land, though neglected. If he could acquire raw cotton, manufacture basic textiles, and supply local merchants, he could create a revenue stream to support Verma's Delight.

But he needed seed money.

[Business System Activated]

A translucent blue screen appeared before him.

Mission: Secure Initial Investment

Objective: Convince an investor to provide seed funding for your textile venture. Reward: Business Strategy Skill +1, Market Analysis Upgrade. Penalty: Loss of credibility, fewer future investment opportunities.

Rishi took a deep breath. This was his first real test with the system. He couldn't afford to fail.

His feet carried him to Chowk Bazaar, an area known for wholesale goods and moneylenders. If there was one place to find investors, legal or otherwise, it was here. However, he knew the dangers—loan sharks thrived in these parts, and a wrong move could put him in deeper debt than he already was.

"Babuji, looking for something?" A gruff voice interrupted his thoughts.

Rishi turned to see a man in his late 40s, dressed in a simple white kurta but with a sharp, calculating gaze. Madan Lal, a well-known financier and moneylender. He had a reputation for being ruthless but fair.

"I need an investment," Rishi said confidently.

Madan Lal raised an eyebrow. "An investment? From a zamindar's son? I thought your kind only sold land these days."

Rishi smirked. "Times change. I'm looking to start a textile business. Small-scale, for now, but with high returns."

The moneylender studied him for a moment before chuckling. "Bold words, but words don't buy cotton, beta. What collateral do you have?"

[Skill Activated: Persuasion Level 1]

Rishi had anticipated this. He needed to make this deal sound too good to refuse.

"A partnership," Rishi offered. "You provide the seed money, and I ensure the profits. We split the earnings until the debt is repaid, plus interest."

Madan Lal leaned in, intrigued. "And how do I know you won't fail?"

Rishi met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "Because I know what's coming. This industry is going to boom, and if you invest in me now, you'll be part of something far bigger than a small-time loan."

A notification flashed before him.

[Persuasion Successful: Investor Interest Increased]

The older man studied him before letting out a low chuckle. "I like your confidence, boy. Come to my office tomorrow. We'll discuss terms."

[Mission Updated: Secure Final Terms]

Rishi nodded. This was the first step. If he played his cards right, this investment would be the foundation of his empire.

As he walked back toward the mansion, the weight of his new path settled on him. There was no turning back now. He wasn't just trying to survive—he was building something far greater.