Chapter 4: Rivals and Rising Stakes

Liang Wei leaned against the wall of his rundown apartment, Yunhai City's neon skyline taunting him through the window. The Destiny's Dividend System glowed in his vision, its golden interface—visible only to him—still pulsing from the last task's success: spending 503,000 yuan on Lin Xia's art school tuition had netted 1,509,000 yuan. But Old Liu's loan—400,000 yuan, with 600,000 due in a month—hung like a blade, and Zhou Ran's threat at Moonlit Brew Café lingered: Cross me, and you'll lose everything. The system's new task flashed: Spend 2,000,000 yuan on a collective cause with favorability 60+ by tomorrow midnight. Reward: Fivefold return (10,000,000 yuan).

"Two million?" Liang Wei muttered, heart pounding. His account held 1.5 million, leaving a 500,000-yuan gap. The system chimed: Task success has upgraded system to Destiny's Dividend 2.0. New features: Dual-Host Mode, Wealth Multiplier, Penalty Safeguard. The upgrade felt like a surge of power, but "Penalty Safeguard" hinted at risks he couldn't ignore. Sincerity had carried him this far—Lin Xia's favorability (80) proved it—but Zhou Ran, the billionaire who'd profited from Liang Enterprises' collapse, was a growing shadow.

At Moonlit Brew Café, Lin Xia was wiping tables, her warmth a contrast to the city's chill. Two new faces caught Liang Wei's eye: Mei Ling, a sharp-eyed university student sketching in a corner (favorability 62), and Su Yan, a poised office worker sipping tea (favorability 65). Both had noticed his café stunt, their glances curious but guarded. The system tagged them as potential allies, but Lin Xia's trust was his anchor.

"Hey," Liang Wei said, approaching Lin Xia. "That scholarship idea—let's make it bigger. A program for art students like you. Two million yuan."

Her eyes widened. "Two million? Liang Wei, you're insane."

He grinned, hiding the system's role. "Insane's my style." The system chimed: Lin Xia's Favorability: 82. Collective task recommended: Yunhai Art Academy scholarships.

Before she could reply, the door swung open. Zhou Ran strode in, his tailored suit screaming wealth, flanked by bodyguards. His platinum watch gleamed as he tossed a card on the counter. "Coffee, now," he barked, then turned to Lin Xia, his smirk predatory. "You're wasted here, sweetheart. Ditch this dump and work for me—name your price."

Lin Xia stiffened, her favorability for Zhou dropping to 15 in Liang Wei's private view. "I'm fine, thanks," she said, voice cold.

Zhou's gaze shifted to Liang Wei, venomous. "Still playing hero, Liang? She's out of your league—stick to begging." The system flashed: Zhou Ran. Favorability: 8. Hostile intent escalated.

Liang Wei's fists clenched. "She's not for sale, Zhou. Back off."

Zhou laughed, stepping closer. "I buy what I want—businesses, women, futures. You're nothing." He leaned toward Lin Xia. "Think about it, darling. I can make you a star." He left, his cologne lingering like a threat.

Lin Xia shuddered. "He's disgusting. How do you know him?"

"Old rival," Liang Wei said, jaw tight. Zhou's interest in Lin Xia wasn't just business—it was personal, a jab at Liang Wei's pride. The system's Dual-Host Mode flickered: Designate co-host for task efficiency. Liang Wei glanced at Lin Xia. "You up for pitching the scholarship to the art school dean? I need a partner."

She nodded, fierce. "Let's do it. But Zhou… he's trouble."

At Yunhai Art Academy, they met Mei Ling again, now a student volunteer. "I heard about your café thing," she said, her sketchbook open. "You're funding scholarships?" Her favorability ticked to 65. Su Yan, visiting as an alumna, overheard. "That's generous," she said, her gaze appraising. "What's your goal?" Her favorability rose to 68.

Liang Wei pitched to Dean Wu, a stern woman (favorability 60). "Two million yuan for scholarships," he said. "For students like Lin Xia and Mei Ling." The system chimed: Dean Wu's Favorability: 65. Sincerity confirmed.

Wu agreed to draft a contract, but Liang Wei needed 500,000 yuan. A text from Old Liu hit his phone: Pier 8, 7 PM. Bring my money. The system warned: Penalty Safeguard activated. High-risk encounter.

Lin Xia touched his arm. "You're tense. We're in this together, right?"

He met her gaze, her favorability glowing 85. Mei Ling and Su Yan's interest added pressure—Zhou Ran wasn't his only rival for influence. "Yeah," he said. "Together." With Liu's goons, Zhou's schemes, and a 2-million-yuan task, Liang Wei was playing a dangerous game. But Lin Xia's trust, and the system's power, kept him fighting.