Chapter 8 – The First Day That Shouldn’t Be Mine

Chapter 8 – The First Day That Shouldn't Be Mine

Ding!

A chime rang in Chen Yunran's mind the moment his eyes cracked open. He groaned, rubbing his face as the system's ever-annoying notification appeared.

[Mission Update: Begin Your First Day at Work]

[Objective: Learn the basics of your new job without getting fired.]

[Rewards: +2 Intelligence, Skill Unlock – 'Multitasking']

Chen Yunran let out a deep sigh. "I really signed up for this, huh?"

Dragging himself out of bed, he stretched his still-sore body. The effects of his previous injuries had mostly faded, but a dull ache remained in his muscles. At least he wasn't moving like an old man anymore.

A quick shower, a slightly more presentable outfit than yesterday's, and a rushed breakfast later, he was out the door, dressed in a crisp white button-up and dark slacks. The outfit was deceiving—it made him look like a functional adult. If only his life matched the image.

Arriving at TechLink Solutions

The company's headquarters was a towering glass-and-steel building, gleaming under the morning sun. Employees streamed into the entrance, dressed in various levels of corporate attire. Some looked enthusiastic, others like they'd rather be anywhere else.

Chen Yunran adjusted his collar, feeling slightly out of place.

[Reminder: This is your first legitimate job. Try not to mess it up.]

Before he could roll his eyes at the system's commentary, his attention was drawn to a figure standing at the main entrance.

She was… stunning.

A woman stood near the glass doors, her presence effortlessly commanding attention. She had a poised, elegant posture, yet there was a sharpness in her gaze that suggested she wasn't someone to be taken lightly.

Long, silky black hair cascaded down her back, neatly tied into a low ponytail that gave her an air of professionalism. Her features were striking—high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes that were a deep shade of violet under the sunlight, and full lips pressed into a neutral expression.

She wore a tailored dark-blue business suit, the blazer fitting snugly over her slender frame, accentuating her curves without being overly revealing. A silver watch adorned her wrist, and a small TechLink Solutions ID badge was clipped neatly onto her blazer.

Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she checked her phone, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping against the screen with practiced ease. Everything about her screamed competence and control.

Chen Yunran instinctively straightened his posture. It wasn't every day he encountered someone who exuded this level of refinement.

Then, as if sensing his gaze, she glanced up.

Their eyes met.

A moment of silence.

Then—

Ding! Goddess detected.

[Name: Xu Meilin]

[Occupation: Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at TechLink Solutions.]

[Skills: Corporate Strategy, Cybersecurity Mastery, Advanced Coding, Ruthless Efficiency.]

[Warning: Making a bad first impression will reduce favorability!]

[Danger Level: Low (For Now)]

Chen Yunran blinked. "Wait, why am I being warned?"

The system didn't answer.

She slightly furrowed her brow, and before he could decide whether to nod or look away, she spoke.

"Are you lost?" Her voice was smooth, composed, and had the faintest edge of amusement.

Chen Yunran blinked. "No, just… taking in the corporate experience."

The corners of her lips twitched as if suppressing a smirk. "First day?"

"Yeah."

She tilted her head, scrutinizing him for a moment. "New hires are supposed to check in at the front desk. But considering how aimlessly you're standing there, I'm guessing you didn't know that."

[New Side Quest: Gain Xu Meilin's Favor]

[Hint: Impress her with your competence or make her laugh. Either works.]

Chen Yunran sighed. "Why do I feel like my life just got more complicated?"

Xu Meilin nodded toward the front desk before stepping toward the elevator. "Good luck. You'll need it."

And just like that, she was gone.

Status Update

[Host: Chen Yunran]

[Race: Human (Ascended – Sealed)]

[Physique: Weakened Cultivator Body (Suppressed)]

Stats:

Strength: 7 (You can now lift groceries without looking pathetic.)

Agility: 6 (Slightly better than a couch potato.)

Stamina: 7 (Congratulations, you can now walk up stairs without gasping for air.)

Perception: 8 (Your instincts are sharper. Still not enough to dodge Zhao Lei's food theft.)

Intelligence: 10 (You're actually starting to sound smart. Don't get used to it.)

Qi Reserves: Sealed (Try harder.)

Innate Skills:

— Perseverance (From First Life): Your refusal to die makes you a cockroach in human form.

— Fast Learner (From First Life): Your ability to analyze and adapt to new knowledge is significantly enhanced.

— Survival Instinct (From First Life): Your gut feeling warns you of danger before it happens.

— Cultivation Techniques (From Second Life): You possess advanced knowledge of Qi techniques, martial arts, and energy refinement.

— Body Refinement Mastery (From Second Life): Your body was once indestructible. Even weakened, you recover faster than normal humans.

— Pill Creation (From Second Life): You retain expertise in concocting powerful medicines, poisons, and enhancement elixirs.

— Stealth Mastery (From Second Life): You were a master of concealment and infiltration techniques, allowing you to move undetected.

— Weapon Proficiency (From Second Life): You have instinctive mastery over various weapons, even improvised ones.

— Technical Aptitude (From System): You now have a solid understanding of computer systems, coding, and digital security.

[Sealed Skills:]

— Transformation (Locked. Will unlock upon first employment.)

Next Mission:

[Workplace Survival Mission: Complete your first day at TechLink Solutions.]

[Rewards: +2 Intelligence, Skill Unlock – 'Multitasking']

Chen Yunran took a deep breath, bracing himself before stepping forward.

This was just the beginning.