The Time-Travel Investment: Bitcoin Gamble

Ye Chen stared at the glowing text on the screen, his breath hitching as he read it again.

Traveling Card (Bronze):

Allows travel to the past within the last 10 years.

Can be used twice, with a maximum duration of 24 hours per trip.

After 24 hours, the user will automatically return to the present.

Warning: The card must be used within 24 hours or it will disappear.

His fingers tightened around the mouse. "A time-travel card? In a newbie gift pack? This luck is insane!"

Most people dreamed of going back in time—to correct mistakes, seize lost opportunities, or change their fate. Some wished to return to the 70s, others to the booming 80s or 90s. But Ye Chen knew exactly when and where he wanted to go.

"Bitcoin…" he murmured, his mind racing.

In 2009, Bitcoin was practically worthless. Even in 2010, it was still just a few cents. But a few years later? It skyrocketed to $20,000 per coin. The thought made his pulse quicken.

"If I go back and buy as much as possible... I'll be set for life."

But there were problems.

Money. The cash he had now wouldn't exist in the past.

Identity. How would he open an account?

Access. Could he even buy Bitcoin in large quantities?

Just as he was about to despair, a mechanical voice rang in his head.

"Ding! Host does not need to worry. The system will automatically provide a valid identity and ensure funds are accessible in the past."

Ye Chen's eyes widened. "Damn, this system is amazing!"

He exhaled sharply, excitement coursing through him. "Alright, I'll sleep early. Once I travel, I won't have time to rest."

---

The next day, Ye Chen woke up late, feeling refreshed. There was no rush—no stress. He ordered takeout, watched a movie, and killed time with short videos.

At exactly 7:00 PM, he grabbed his laptop bag and stepped out. Finding a secluded alley, he took a deep breath and summoned the time-travel card.

A shimmering card materialized in his palm.

"Alright… let's do this."

He whispered, "Use."

"Ding! Time-travel card (Bronze) activated. Please select a target date."

Ye Chen had already done his research.

Bitcoin launched in October 2009, but back then, mining was more profitable than buying. In November 2010, its price hit $0.50, making bulk purchases harder.

But August 2010 was perfect.

That month, Bitcoin suffered a severe security flaw that allowed infinite coins to be created, temporarily crashing its value. A golden opportunity to buy in bulk.

"Target date: August 15, 2010."

"Ding! Time-travel confirmed. Initiating transfer."

A wave of dizziness washed over him. The world spun, and then—

Silence.

Ye Chen opened his eyes.

The alley was different. The buildings looked newer, less worn by time. Streetlights had an older design, and the shops bore unfamiliar names. The air smelled different, less polluted.

A man in slightly worn-out clothes brushed past him, muttering about the stock market crash.

Ye Chen clenched his fists. "I really traveled back…!"

His heart pounded.

He had 24 hours.

It was time to act.