Chapter 1 : Rebirth

Chapter 1: A New Life, A System of Wealth

Pain.

Bai Zhi felt as though her entire body had been crushed and reassembled by an amateur sculptor. Her head throbbed, her limbs ached, and her stomach…

Was that hunger?

For someone who once commanded billions, hunger was a foreign concept. Yet, here she was, curled up in a tiny, damp wooden shack, her stomach twisting with emptiness.

Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the cracks in the walls.

Where am I?

Then it hit her. She had died.

One moment, she had been in a towering glass office, finalizing her latest corporate takeover. The next, a sudden explosion—fire, screams, and then… darkness.

So this is the afterlife?

No. The rough straw mattress beneath her, the musty smell of rot and damp wood—this was real.

A rush of foreign memories flooded her mind, making her head spin.

This body belonged to Bai Zhi, a 16-year-old orphan in a world where wealth determined everything. Her parents had died in debt, leaving her to fend for herself. The original Bai Zhi had worked tirelessly, but starvation and illness had taken her life in this very shack.

And now… Bai Zhi, the ruthless billionaire, had taken her place.

Just as she was piecing things together, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in her mind.

[Ding! Money-Spending System Activated!]

Bai Zhi stiffened.

System?

Before she could react, a translucent blue screen appeared before her.

[MONEY-SPENDING SYSTEM]

User: Bai Zhi

Wealth: 0 copper coins

Spending Power: 0 (Unlock perks by spending money!)

Current Perks: None

Starter Gift Pack Available! (Claim Now? Y/N)]

Bai Zhi stared. Then blinked. Then laughed.

A system? A money-spending system?

In her past life, she had built an empire worth billions. If spending money could make her powerful in this world, then—

"This is perfect," she whispered, lips curling into a slow, dangerous smile.

She mentally selected 'Yes.'

[Starter Gift Pack Opened!]

+100 gold coins

+Basic Beauty Enhancement (Smoother skin, brighter eyes, enhanced aura!)

+Beginner's Guide: How to Dominate the Economy

The moment she accepted, a warm sensation washed over her.

Her skin tingled as a mirror appeared before her. The reflection that stared back was no longer the malnourished, dirt-covered girl from before. Her skin glowed, her dark eyes sparkled, and her frail frame gained a hint of elegance.

Even with just a basic enhancement, she was already noticeably more beautiful.

Bai Zhi smirked.

This is only the beginning.

Then, her eyes flickered to the 100 gold coins.

Her fingers twitched with excitement. Spending money gave her power.

Which meant—

Time to start spending.

A Loyal Friend

Just as Bai Zhi stepped outside, she heard a soft gasp.

"Zhi-Zhi? You—what happened to you?!"

A thin girl with wild brown hair and bright green eyes stared at her in shock. Her clothes were patched, her shoes nearly falling apart.

Bai Zhi's newly enhanced memory quickly filled in the gaps.

This was Xia Qian, her only friend in this miserable world.

The original Bai Zhi and Xia Qian had grown up in the slums together, struggling to survive. Xia Qian was clever, fiercely loyal, and an excellent talker, though her mischievous streak often got them into trouble.

In the original timeline, Xia Qian had stolen a loaf of bread for Bai Zhi and been beaten nearly to death by the shopkeeper.

That wouldn't happen this time.

Bai Zhi smiled. "Qian-Qian, I got lucky."

Xia Qian's eyes widened. "You look like a noble lady! How—?"

Bai Zhi took out a gold coin and placed it in Xia Qian's hand.

Xia Qian's jaw dropped. "Zhi-Zhi, this is… this is a gold coin! Are you crazy? Where did you get this?!"

Bai Zhi grinned. "I told you. I got lucky."

[Ding! 1 Gold Coin Spent! +1 Spending Power!]

[+Minor Charisma Boost! People will find you slightly more attractive and trustworthy.]

Bai Zhi felt the familiar rush of power.

She clapped Xia Qian on the shoulder. "We're getting out of the slums, Qian-Qian. But first, we need to eat."

Xia Qian still looked stunned, but she grinned. "You're buying, right?"

Bai Zhi laughed. "Of course."

A Plan for Domination

After a hearty meal at the best street vendor in the area (paid for with another gold coin—and another Spending Power point), Bai Zhi listened to the gossip of the city.

The most interesting piece of news?

"The Zhao Merchant Guild is holding an auction today. They say a rare investment opportunity is available."

Auction? Investment?

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed.

In her past life, she dominated stock markets, crushed competitors, and turned failing companies into multi-billion-dollar empires.

If this world had business opportunities, then she was more than ready to make her move.

She had 97 gold coins left.

Xia Qian nudged her. "Zhi-Zhi, I know that look. You're up to something."

Bai Zhi grinned. "Let's just say… we're about to get a lot richer."

Grabbing Xia Qian's hand, Bai Zhi strode confidently toward the merchant guild—completely unaware that her lavish spending, newfound beauty, and bold attitude had already caught the eyes of several powerful figures.

Chapter 2: The First Investment (Expanded to 3000 Words)

A City of Opportunity

Bai Zhi and Xia Qian strolled through the bustling marketplace, their eyes scanning the vibrant chaos of merchants calling out their wares, beggars seeking alms, and noblewomen dressed in silks stepping out of extravagant carriages.

The scent of roasted meat, sweet pastries, and fresh herbs filled the air. The stone streets were alive with the sound of clinking coins, bartering voices, and the occasional scuffle between pickpockets and guards.

Xia Qian leaned in, whispering, "Zhi-Zhi, are you sure about this? The Zhao Merchant Guild is a place for the rich. If we walk in there looking like beggars, they'll throw us out!"

Bai Zhi smirked. "Then we'll just have to look like we belong."

She held up a shiny gold coin, tossing it into the air before catching it effortlessly. The afternoon sun made the coin gleam, drawing the attention of nearby merchants and passersby.

[Ding! 1 Gold Coin Spent! +1 Spending Power!]

[+Minor Luck Boost: Fortunes will slightly favor you.]

A wave of warmth spread through Bai Zhi's body as a subtle shift in fate occurred around her. She could feel it—an invisible push of luck tipping events slightly in her favor.

She grinned. "Let's go make some money."

The Zhao Merchant Guild: Entering the Lion's Den

The Zhao Merchant Guild was an imposing structure with polished white marble floors, towering pillars, and gilded banners displaying the emblem of the Zhao family—a golden dragon wrapped around a pile of gold coins.

Wealthy merchants and nobles strolled confidently through the open hall, discussing trade routes, rare artifacts, and power shifts in the city.

Xia Qian tugged on Bai Zhi's sleeve nervously. "Maybe we should turn back—"

Bai Zhi kept walking. "Too late."

As they reached the entrance, a burly guard in silver armor blocked their path. His expression twisted into one of disgust as he eyed their simple clothing.

"This is a private auction," he sneered. "Entry fee is ten silver coins. If you don't have that, get lost."

Xia Qian bristled. "You—"

Bai Zhi smiled sweetly and flipped a gold coin into the air. The guard caught it, his sneer disappearing instantly.

"That enough?" she asked, her voice dripping with confidence.

The guard's eyes widened. He examined the coin, then straightened immediately. "O-Of course, miss! Please, come inside."

[Ding! 1 Gold Coin Spent! +1 Spending Power!]

[+Reputation Boost: People will see you as a noble-class individual.]

Xia Qian gawked. "You just bribed a guard?"

Bai Zhi chuckled. "I prefer to call it a strategic investment."

They stepped inside, and the grand hall of the auction house unfolded before them.

The Grand Auction Begins

The auction house was magnificent.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the massive space, where lavishly dressed nobles and merchants sat in tiered seating, each holding a numbered bidding paddle.

Bai Zhi's sharp eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the most influential figures in the room:

A silver-haired young man, draped in fine silk, his icy blue eyes sharp as blades.

A middle-aged merchant, his round belly shaking as he laughed obnoxiously.

A mysterious figure cloaked in black, seated alone in the shadows.

Interesting.

A well-dressed auctioneer stepped forward onto the grand stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's exclusive auction!" he announced. "Our first item: a small teahouse in the western district. Recently abandoned, it holds great potential for those with a keen business mind."

A teahouse?

Bai Zhi's fingers twitched.

In her past life, hospitality businesses had been one of her best investments. A failing teahouse could be turned into a luxury establishment with the right branding.

The auctioneer continued, "Starting price: 5 gold coins."

The room fell silent.

Clearly, no one wanted to waste their money on a run-down teahouse.

Bai Zhi smirked. Perfect.

She raised her hand.

"5 gold coins."

Gasps filled the room.

Xia Qian nearly choked. "Zhi-Zhi, are you crazy?!"

The auctioneer beamed. "5 gold coins! Do I hear 6?"

Silence.

"Going once… Going twice… SOLD to the young lady in red!"

A loud ding echoed in Bai Zhi's mind.

[Ding! 5 Gold Coins Spent! +5 Spending Power!]

[+Business Insight Unlocked! Your ability to spot profitable ventures has increased.]

A flood of knowledge entered Bai Zhi's mind.

She suddenly knew exactly how to revamp the teahouse, attract high-paying customers, and turn it into a gold mine.

She grinned.

The Billionaire Goddess had just made her first investment.

A Mysterious Encounter

As Bai Zhi and Xia Qian exited the auction hall, a deep voice stopped them.

"You… are very bold."

They turned to see the silver-haired nobleman from earlier approaching them. His icy blue eyes studied Bai Zhi with amusement.

Bai Zhi raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"

The man smirked. "Someone who is… intrigued. Tell me, what do you plan to do with that teahouse?"

Bai Zhi's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Turn it into the most exclusive business in the city."

The man chuckled. "Interesting. I look forward to seeing you succeed… if you can."

With that, he walked away, his presence lingering like a chilling breeze.

Xia Qian shuddered. "That guy is dangerous."

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed.

That makes him even more interesting.

The Road to Wealth Begins

The next morning, Bai Zhi and Xia Qian stood before the old teahouse.

The building was small, with peeling paint and broken windows. The faded sign above the entrance read "Spring Dew Teahouse."

Xia Qian sighed. "It looks even worse than I imagined."

Bai Zhi smirked. "All the better. The lower we start, the more impressive the rise."

She stepped inside, already formulating a plan.

Phase 1: Renovation.

Bai Zhi pulled out a pouch of gold coins and tossed it onto the counter.

"Let's hire the best craftsmen in the city."

[Ding! 10 Gold Coins Spent! +10 Spending Power!]

[+Aesthetic Bonus: Your establishments will attract more high-class customers.]

Xia Qian blinked. "Are you seriously just spending money like that?"

Bai Zhi grinned. "That's the whole point, Qian-Qian. I don't just spend money—I invest it."

A Storm on the Horizon

As Bai Zhi set her plans into motion, rumors of her extravagant spending began spreading through the city.

A certain powerful figure took notice.

Inside a grand estate, a beautiful woman in luxurious robes tapped her manicured nails against a jade table.

"Find out everything about this Bai Zhi," she ordered her servant. "I want to know who she is, where she came from, and why she suddenly has so much money."

Her red lips curled into a smirk.

"If she's a threat… I'll deal with her personally."

To Be Continued…

In the next chapter