Chapter 3: The Weight of Trust

Liang Wei stood outside Moonlit Brew Café, Yunhai City's neon skyline a bitter reminder of his shattered empire. The Destiny's Dividend System flickered in his vision, its golden interface—visible only to him—displaying a daunting task: Spend 500,000 yuan on someone with a favorability of 60 or higher by midnight. Reward: Triple the amount (1,500,000 yuan). Warning: Failure incurs penalties. His account held 103,000 yuan from the previous task, far short of the mark. The system's cryptic "penalties" and the sting of his ex, Cai Lin, abandoning him after Liang Enterprises' collapse fueled his resolve. Failure wasn't an option.

Last night's 50,000-yuan gesture at the café had doubled his money through Lin Xia's favorability (now 70). Her quiet warmth had sparked something in him, but 500,000 yuan felt like scaling a skyscraper with no rope. His credit was maxed, and his former high-society contacts had ghosted him when his family's real estate empire crumbled. The system's call for "sincerity" pressed on him—cash alone wouldn't cut it; it had to mean something.

He checked the Favorability Tracker, unseen by others. Uncle Zhao, his family's old driver, glowed at 75. Lin Xia held steady at 70. A few former associates hovered around 60, but none felt safe after Cai Lin's betrayal. Lin Xia's mention of art school—400,000 yuan for tuition—kept circling in his mind. Could he make it work? He needed 397,000 yuan more.

Inside the café, Lin Xia was wiping down the counter, her ponytail bobbing. She looked up, her smile soft but guarded. "You're back? No more buying out the place, I hope."

Liang Wei forced a grin, the system's interface flickering privately. "Just here for a latte. You ever say how much art school costs?"

She paused, cautious. "About 400,000 yuan a year. Why?"

His pulse quickened. The system chimed in his mind: Opportunity detected. Sincere investment in Lin Xia's aspirations may fulfill task requirements. "Just curious," he said, testing her reaction. "If someone offered to help, would you take it?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I don't do charity, Liang Wei. What's this about?"

"Believing in someone," he said quietly. The system noted: Lin Xia's Favorability: 72. Sincerity detected. He needed funds—fast. Uncle Zhao's auto shop came to mind. The old man had connections from his days driving for the Liang family, maybe even loan sources.

Liang Wei caught a bus to Zhao's garage, a grimy lot on the city's edge. Uncle Zhao was tinkering with a car, his gray hair tied back. "Young Master Wei?" he said, grinning. "What brings you to my corner of the world?"

"Need a favor," Liang Wei said, voice low. The system tagged Zhao's favorability at 78. "Know anyone who'd loan 400,000 yuan, no questions?"

Zhao's grin faded. "That's serious cash, kid. You in deep?"

"Not trouble—a chance," Liang Wei said, thinking of Lin Xia's dream. "I want to help someone who deserves it."

Zhao nodded, a glint of respect in his eyes. "You've changed. There's Old Liu, runs a pawn network. Shady, but he's got money. You'll owe him, though."

Liang Wei's gut churned. A loan shark was a last resort, but midnight was closing in. "Set it up," he said. Zhao made a call, and Old Liu arrived—a lean man with a predator's smirk, clutching a briefcase. "400,000 yuan," Liu said, sliding a contract across the car hood. "Repay 600,000 in a month. Sign."

The system flashed: Warning: High-risk action. Sincerity must guide spending. Liang Wei gripped the pen. A triple reward—1.5 million—could erase Liu's debt and more. He signed, taking the cash—400,000, plus his 103,000 to hit 503,000.

Back at Moonlit Brew, Lin Xia was locking up, the café dark. "You again?" she said, eyeing the briefcase. "What's going on?"

He set it down, heart pounding. "Art school's 400,000. This covers it, plus extra for supplies." He added his 103,000, reaching 503,000. "No strings, Lin Xia. I believe in you."

Her jaw dropped. "Liang Wei, this is crazy. You can't—"

"It's not a handout," he said. "It's a bet on your future." The system chimed: Lin Xia's Favorability: 80. Sincerity confirmed. Task complete! 503,000 yuan spent. Reward: 1,509,000 yuan. Check your account.

His phone showed 1,509,000 yuan, credited from "D.D. System." Relief surged, but a shadow loomed. A man in a tailored suit entered—Zhou Ran, a billionaire real estate tycoon who'd grown richer by pillaging Liang Enterprises' ruins. His sneer dripped venom. "Liang Wei," Zhou said, tossing a platinum card on the counter. "Playing saint with pocket change? You're a nobody now."

Liang Wei tensed. The system tagged: Zhou Ran. Favorability: 10. Hostile intent detected. "Just buying coffee," Liang Wei said, voice steady. "You?"

Zhou's laugh was icy. "I buy power. Cross me, and you'll lose everything—again." He strode out, leaving a chill.

Lin Xia frowned. "Who was that?"

"Trouble," Liang Wei said, the system's glow his secret. With Liu's loan, Zhou's threat, and 1.5 million in hand, the stakes were skyrocketing. Lin Xia's trust was his lifeline, but midnight felt like a turning point.