Life Is Like Playing a Game

That lunch was one of the most satisfying meals Xu Bin had ever had. He had never thought stir-fried eggplant and celery vermicelli could taste so good. Not only did he finish off the portion left by Zhong Yu, he also polished off both dishes completely. Even the leftover sauces were soaked up with rice. Normally, he didn't care for ginger or garlic, but today he didn't even notice—he just shoveled food into his mouth, each bite more delicious than the last.

After lunch, Xu Bin didn't get the chance to prolong his lingering with Zhong Yu. A loyal client had come in for a manicure, and the shop was bustling with customers picking out accessories. It was the weekend and the universities were on break, so plenty of students were out shopping. With an entire day to themselves, they wouldn't skip even the smallest of boutiques—it was practically a rule.

Meanwhile, Xu Bin resumed his post-fame busyness on the other side of the store. Every now and then, he'd send off a group of customers, and during quieter moments, he'd refurbish a phone. He snacked on high-calorie treats while working. Compared to home appliances, mobile phones were more frequently refurbished, smaller, and easier to conceal and control. He could hunch over his workstation, and when he sat up again, a seemingly brand-new phone was in hand. People assumed he had incredible skills, never questioning his methods. If not for the tasks involving home appliances, he might have abandoned them altogether—too bulky and not very profitable. But every time that thought crept in, Xu Bin would pinch himself hard: Forget the tasks? Just because the profit's small? What about the time you were chased through the streets by security? Or when you couldn't afford next month's rent? Now that you're earning, you're already looking down on small profits? You haven't even succeeded yet—don't forget where you came from.

This kind of self-motivation and inner discipline was like those inspirational books sold at roadside stalls—tales of how to succeed, business strategies, rags-to-riches stories. They always highlighted the glamorous parts or overly simplified struggles. But they could provide a mental jolt, a surge of motivation: I'll work hard too! A billionaire future awaits me!

Those who overthink often excel at comforting themselves and at constantly setting spiritual or material goals.

Thinking about how he might win over a city-chic girl like Zhong Yu, and about how he might transform from a struggling youth to a wealthy, attractive man, Xu Bin felt reinvigorated. The system was like a top-tier chef—it started you off with tasty home-cooked meals, and when that no longer satisfied, it introduced gourmet dishes step by step, luring you in deeper and deeper.

That afternoon, which could've been a great time to consolidate and advance his pursuit, saw both Xu Bin and Zhong Yu each busy in their own section of the split store. Each worked hard—for life, for their future, and for independence. When they finally looked up, the sun was already setting. In front of Xu Bin were neatly lined refurbished phones, an overflowing trash bin of packaging, and a belly stuffed to near bursting—but none of that mattered.

"Shuangquan, let's get a drink tonight."

Maybe because Xu Bin had taken the initiative to reach out a few times, Ji Peng appeared at his shop, twirling his car keys. He casually tossed Xu Bin a cigarette and invited him out for a good time.

"Sure, no problem. Hey beauty, wanna have hotpot tonight?"

Xu Bin knocked on the glass window and called out to Zhong Yu.

Often, when slightly introverted or inexperienced couples try to spend time alone, things can get awkward. But with a friend around who jokes and teases, unexpected progress can happen. Ji Peng wasn't dumb—he noticed the subtle change between Xu Bin and Zhong Yu even before dinner. His playful teasing and loud encouragement acted like a catalyst, even forcibly nudging the two closer. No longer did they sit with the two guys on one side and Zhong Yu alone on the other; now, Xu Bin and Zhong Yu sat side by side.

After dinner, Ji Peng tactfully excused himself, saying he had things to do. As he left, he smirked and said, "There's a good movie on tonight."

So they ended up sitting next to each other at the theater, sharing a bucket of popcorn. Although the movie held most of their attention, by the time they left and walked together through the dark streets, both could feel a subtle shift in their relationship—things were heating up.

"Xiaoyu."

Outside the store stood the same "Old Third" who often came to pick up Zhong Yu. He held his phone, nervously waiting. Seeing Xu Bin and Zhong Yu shoulder-to-shoulder, and recalling how distant she was in her messages earlier, plus how she declined his evening invite—it all added up. Even if he didn't fully get it, now he did. If this were yesterday, he might have gone straight up and punched Xu Bin in the face. But today was different. Though Xu Bin still bore bruises, Old Third had witnessed everything that happened the day before. A little intimidated now, he didn't dare act rashly.

"Xiaoyu, where have you been? I called and messaged, and you didn't reply. I was really worried, you know?"

Xu Bin told himself: Now's the time to be a gentleman. Stand aside and let her make her choice.

But he wasn't that kind of person. This was his first serious pursuit of a girl. If he backed down now and let someone else swoop in, wouldn't that make all his effort pointless?

Zhong Yu glanced at Xu Bin. There was something in her eyes he couldn't quite decipher. He could only watch as she walked into the store with Old Third. From inside, fragments of their conversation floated out, somewhere between negotiation and argument.

"Xiaoyu, what do you mean? You with that guy now? Why him?"

"I don't need to explain anything to you, Old Third. We're just friends. I don't owe you updates on my whereabouts."

"You're too much! What do you take me for? Just because of that guy? Watch how I deal with him!"

Xu Bin heard the footsteps approaching—an argument escalating. He believed a man should step up when needed. He pushed open the door and locked eyes with Old Third. When the bruises on Xu Bin's face caught Old Third's eye, he recalled yesterday's beating. He let go of Zhong Yu's hand, gave a cold snort, and turned back toward his car, reversing out of the alley with a noisy engine.

Zhong Yu looked worriedly at the departing car. "They're troublemakers… hard to deal with. We're going to have problems. Ugh, such a mess."

She went into Xu Bin's store, took out her phone, and made a call. She'd met Old Third through mutual friends. Since he was now being clingy, it was time to ask those friends to help de-escalate things. No one had to lose face—just let the issue fade with time.

Xu Bin stood at the door for several more minutes, eyes fixed on the darkness in the distance. It wasn't until Zhong Yu came over and tapped his arm that he snapped back.

Zhong Yu said seriously, "Don't even think about fighting. If they come, we call the police. Xu Bin, I'm telling you—don't use your fists. Understand?"

In a relationship, a woman's desire to control a man is often stronger than the reverse. Their relationship wasn't even official yet, but Zhong Yu was already taking charge.

Xu Bin nodded, and then the room fell into awkward silence. It was late at night—just the two of them. Zhong Yu got up awkwardly and headed back through the restroom to her side of the store. "I'll go. You should sleep early, and cut back on the snacks."

Watching the tightly closed door of her room, Xu Bin chuckled, then shut and locked both glass doors and pulled down the shutters. His mind churned with thoughts of Old Third and the future. He had to earn more. He still had half of the month's goal to hit. Work hard—only when you have more can you face anything with confidence. Just like earlier—if not for the divine skill helping him teach that car thug a lesson yesterday, would Old Third have backed down so easily today?

Chasing a girl, achieving anything—it always comes with tough challenges. So work hard, young man. Life is like a video game. Each level has a boss, and you only get your reward after beating them.

Motivated once again, mentally fed with his own brand of self-hypnosis, Xu Bin chewed on nuts, sipped Coke like it was Red Bull, and popped chocolate and milk candies like chewing gum. He worked tirelessly until midnight, and the shop was once again spick-and-span.

Zhong Yu didn't come out, but Xu Bin could hear her talking on the phone—clearly, she was trying to resolve the Old Third issue on her own.

In the middle of his work, his 28-year-old online friend messaged again, sleepless as usual. They chatted randomly as he worked. No matter how much they typed, neither ever brought up voice chatting. They were gradually getting to know each other—without ever planning to meet in real life.