The First Grand Gift from Checking In During Garbage Time

Su Jin stood before a floor-to-ceiling window on the eightieth floor of China World Trade Center Phase III, clutching a credit card bill that had been crumpled and smoothed out again.

Outside was the capital's most bustling skyline after nightfall. Traffic converged into rivers of light beneath her feet, and Guomao Bridge lay motionless like a gigantic, illuminated trilobite-the evening rush hour hadn't entirely cleared.

Her face was reflected in the glass. She was twenty-four, her skin a little dull from staying up late writing proposals for so long. Most of her lipstick had rubbed off on coffee cups during the afternoon meeting, leaving only a rather undignified ring of residue.

The figure on the bill was 67,342.80 yuan.

It wasn't money she owed, but the amount she'd charged this month-she'd bought her cheating ex-boyfriend an Omega watch he'd coveted for ages as a breakup gift. In her words, she was "seeing the god of plague off with dignity."

When the saleswoman respectfully placed the watch in its velvet case, Su Jin had felt like a Yi Shu heroine possessed her: carefree, decisive, and clear about where she stood.

Standing here now, all she could think was that the heroine probably couldn't afford a studio on the East Fifth Ring Road with a monthly rent of 5,300 yuan.

"Dignity." Su Jin sneered at her reflection. "You really know how to make a drama out of things."

Her phone vibrated. She looked down-it was a minimum payment reminder from the bank.

Instead of opening it, she turned her phone over and placed it screen-down on the window ledge.

In the distance, China Zun lit up floor by floor, like some kind of silent countdown.

She suddenly wanted a cigarette, but she didn't smoke. The thought came purely because the scene was so perfectly suited to one-in Wong Kar-wai's films, when a woman stood alone on high overlooking the city, she always had to have something between her fingers.

"Miss, your window table has been waiting for twenty minutes. Would you still like to-"

A server's tentative voice came from behind her. Su Jin turned around and forced a standard "I'm fine, I'll be right there" smile.

She was here for her college roommate's birthday dinner, booked at a French restaurant on the hotel's top floor that required reservations two weeks in advance. The per-person cost was the equivalent of three days' worth of her usual work lunches.

Her roommate had sent the location to their group chat with the caption "Meet at the usual place," as if they really came to a place like this all the time.

Just as she was about to turn and head inside, her phone vibrated again.

This time, it wasn't the bank.

The moment the screen lit up, a round, golden thing with a pair of little wings forced its way out of the screen-or, strictly speaking, out of the air above it-like an overstuffed mint squeezed forcibly from a tube of toothpaste.

It hovered thirty centimeters in front of Su Jin, its wings fluttering so fast they buzzed like a bee's.

[Ding-congratulations, Host! You have stood out among thirty-seven million people to become the only lucky person chosen this year!]

Su Jin didn't move.

[System number: 9527. Function: Tycoon Development System. Mission: help the Host become a top tycoon in every field. Service philosophy: any problem money can solve is no problem for this system-because the one thing this system has in abundance is money.]

Su Jin still didn't move.

Little Golden Egg seemed a little anxious and edged forward, nearly pressing against her nose.

[Host? Host, are you listening? This is the moment your fate changes! The instant your life turns around! This is-]

"You're a scammer, aren't you?" Su Jin finally spoke, keeping her voice low so passing servers wouldn't mistake her for someone with a mental illness.

"Is scamming this competitive now? You're even using holographic projections?"

[It's not a projection! This system is real! A crystallization of cross-dimensional technology! It's-]

"All right, all right." Su Jin waved a hand and stepped back, dodging the little thing bobbing around in front of her.

"First, tell me again what kind of system you are. A tycoon system? Then tell me, what makes you so 'super'?"

Little Golden Egg froze, its wings stopping for a moment.

[Uh...]

"And where's the 'wealth'?"

[Well...]

"How much money do you have? Can you bring it out and show me? Don't give me a number with a string of zeros. My ex-boyfriend was always telling me 'the future is full of promise,' too." Su Jin folded her arms and looked the little thing calling itself a system up and down.

"And who designed your look? An egg with wings? I thought you'd be some cold metal sphere or a mysterious antique compass or something, and this is what you look like?"

Little Golden Egg's wings drooped, and its entire spherical body seemed to dim a little.

[Host, it hurts this system's feelings when you say things like that.]

"Hurts your feelings?" Su Jin couldn't help laughing. "You have quite the range of emotions, don't you?"

[Of course. This system is a product of advanced intelligence. An emotion module comes standard.] Little Golden Egg perked up again and drifted aside to dodge a server carrying a tray past them.

[Besides, this appearance was generated automatically by the system, based on the Host's subconscious aesthetic preferences-which means that deep down, Host, you like things that are round, cute, and approachable.]

Su Jin was silent for two seconds.

"Gee, thanks."

[You're welcome. So, can we bind now?]

"Wait." Su Jin raised a hand to stop it.

"All that money, property, and status you mentioned-what do I have to give up in return? Don't tell me pies fall from the sky. These days, even a free sample at the supermarket requires you to scan a code and follow an official account."

Little Golden Egg spun in the air, as though considering how to answer.

[Let's put it this way, Host. The dimension this system comes from has observed a severe imbalance in the distribution of resources in your world.

Some people possess far more wealth than they actually need, while others-like you-have to worry about a 67,000-yuan credit card bill.

This system's task is to make a certain degree of... adjustment.]

"Adjustment?" Su Jin raised an eyebrow. "That's a nice way of putting it. Don't you just want me to spend money?"

[Yes!] Little Golden Egg gave an excited hop.

[Spend money! Spend it like crazy! Spend it elegantly! Spend it with taste!

Take those numbers lying in accounts gathering mold and put them into circulation, stimulate consumption, boost domestic demand, create jobs, and give back to society!]

The string of parallel phrases made Su Jin laugh.

"So I'm a tool person?"

[How can you call yourself a tool person?] Little Golden Egg spoke with righteous conviction. [The Host is an executor, an agent, this system's partner on this plane! And-] It edged closer, lowering its voice as if sharing a secret.

[This system has observed you for a long time, Host. When you bought that watch, you looked very good swiping your card. You're well suited to spending money.]

"...So that's why you picked me?"

[Of course not!] Little Golden Egg denied it at once.

[It's also because when you saw your roommate send the location in the group chat, you replied "On my way" even though the cost pained you; because you worked overtime until three in the morning to finish a proposal and still showed up in the meeting room on time the next day; because after your ex-boyfriend cheated, you didn't cry or make a scene or cling to him. You paid the bill with dignity and walked away.]

Its tone became unusually serious. [This system observed 3,700 people, and only you, surrounded by so many upsetting things, could still maintain that little bit of... how should I put it, that little bit of poise.]

Su Jin said nothing.

The night outside had grown darker, and China Zun was fully illuminated now, standing there like a crystal pillar glowing from end to end.

In the distance, neon outlined the "Big Pants" silhouette of the CCTV Headquarters. Traffic flowed silently beneath her feet, and the city's night was as bustling and indifferent as ever.

"So what happens after we bind?" she asked, her voice a little softer than before. "What do I have to do every day?"

[It's simple.] Little Golden Egg grew lively again, its wings fluttering more cheerfully.

[Every day at midnight, the system automatically checks in and issues the day's grand gift. The gift is random. It could be assets, equity, real estate, luxury goods, scarce resources, or perhaps a certain status, a skill, or a ticket into a particular circle.

All the Host needs to do is-]

It deliberately paused, then spoke each word distinctly:

[Spend. It. Well.]

"Every day?"

[Every day.]

"What if I can't spend it all?"

[The system will be very unhappy.] Little Golden Egg looked at her seriously.

[This system's philosophy is that money has value only when it flows. If the Host fails to meet the spending target for three consecutive days, the system will activate a punishment mechanism.]

"What punishment?"

[That's a secret for now.] Little Golden Egg blinked-only then did Su Jin realize it actually had eyes.

[In any case, the Host probably won't want to experience it.]

Su Jin fell silent, shifting her gaze from the hovering Little Golden Egg back to the view outside.

Among the brilliant city lights stood office buildings she passed on her daily subway commute, pedestrian bridges she'd walked across when she couldn't get a cab after working late, and the direction she'd once looked up toward, where her ex-boyfriend's company was located.

Twenty-four-year-old Su Jin had just ended a relationship that left her exhausted, just taken on a credit card debt that pained her, and just had her path blocked outside one of the city's most expensive restaurants by a winged golden egg.

Was it absurd?

It was utterly absurd.

But what was even more absurd was that she found herself seriously considering it.

[What are you still hesitating for, Host?] Little Golden Egg moved close to her ear, a hint of temptation in its voice.

[Look at that building-] It pointed a wing at a luxurious apartment building in the distance. [Tomorrow it could be yours. Look at that car-]

It pointed at a Bentley driving past below. [The day after tomorrow, you might find it too understated. Don't you like Yi Shu? You should know better than this system what kind of homes Yi Shu heroines live in and what cars they drive.]

Su Jin turned to look at it.

"How do you know I like Yi Shu?"

[This system told you, it's observed you for a long time.] Little Golden Egg was smug. [That copy of The First Half of My Life in your reading app-you got to page seventy-three, and the bookmark hasn't moved in two weeks. It's not that you don't like it; you can't bear to finish it, right?]

Su Jin didn't speak.

[Bind with me, Host.] Little Golden Egg's voice suddenly softened. [You haven't done anything wrong. Your luck just hasn't been very good. Now your luck has arrived.]

The night was deep, and the city glittered.

Su Jin reached out and touched the hovering Little Golden Egg with her fingertip. It felt warm and smooth, like an egg just taken from a pocket where it had been warmed.

[Binding successful!]

Little Golden Egg cheered, its whole body blazing with golden light so bright that Su Jin could barely keep her eyes open.

[Entering Host information... entry complete.

Current identity: ordinary urban woman.

Current assets: negative (credit card debt of 67,342.80 yuan).

Current skills: working overtime (mastery), saving money (proficient), elegantly swiping a card to pay for a breakup gift (beginner).]

"What the hell is that last one?"

[A comprehensive assessment of the Host's existing skills by the system.] Little Golden Egg was perfectly serious.

[Next, the system will issue the Host's first-day beginner gift package-]

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, Host! You have received: one penthouse apartment in China World Trade Center Phase III (area: 387 square meters, includes a sky garden, market value: 120 million yuan, fully furnished, no mortgage).]

[Congratulations, Host! You have received: one private household service team (seven people in total, including a butler, chef, cleaner, and driver; five years' salaries already paid).]

[Congratulations, Host! You have received: one limited-edition Hermès Himalaya Birkin Bag (30 centimeters, crocodile leather, diamond clasp, estimated market value: 2.6 million yuan).]

[Congratulations, Host! You have received: beginner-level spending allowance (amount available today: 5 million yuan).]

Su Jin watched the system notifications refresh frantically before her eyes. She opened her mouth but couldn't get a word out.

[Today's spending suggestion: since you're already at the French restaurant, why not go in for a meal first?] Little Golden Egg suggested considerately.

[This system checked. The restaurant's signature dish is blue lobster with caviar, and the average cost is 6,800 yuan per person. With the Host's current wealth, you could order the entire menu twice, eat one dish and look at the next.]

"...Are you serious?"

[Of course.] Little Golden Egg blinked.

[By the way, Host, where you're standing now is downstairs from your own home.

That penthouse apartment is on the top floor of this very building. Surprised? Didn't expect that, did you?]

Su Jin raised her head and looked up through the glass curtain wall.

There, an entire floor blazed with light in the night, as though waiting for her to come home.

The restaurant manager was French and spoke rather stilted Chinese, but his manner was sufficiently respectful-

Especially after Su Jin produced a copy of the property ownership certificate that had just appeared in her bag, with the owner's name already changed to hers.

"Ms. Su, right this way."

She was shown to the best table by the window. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass lay the entire nighttime view of the CBD, with China Zun so close it seemed she could reach out and touch it. A bouquet of white moth orchids sat on the table, droplets still clinging to the petals.

Candles flickered gently in silver holders, casting a pale golden glow through the champagne in her crystal glass.

The menu had a gold-stamped cover and was as thick as a short-story collection.

Su Jin opened it to the first page.

Appetizer: caviar with Hokkaido sea urchin and lime foam-3,888 yuan.

She didn't even blink.

"This one." She pointed to the dish and told the waiter, "Three portions to start."

The waiter's pen paused, but his professionalism kept him from asking anything. He simply bowed slightly. "Certainly, ma'am. Will three people be dining together?"

"No, just me." Su Jin turned to the next page.

"One to eat now, and two to take away. My fridge at home has been empty for two weeks. I ought to put something in it."

The waiter kept smiling and noted it down in his order pad.

For her main course, she ordered blue lobster-9,988 yuan, served with truffle sauce.

For wine, she chose the 1982 Yquem noble rot wine recommended by the restaurant's sommelier, at 32,000 yuan a bottle.

Because Little Golden Egg whispered in her ear, "This wine is known as 'liquid gold.' A single drop is worth dozens of yuan. Host, you can use it to rinse your mouth."

Rinsing my mouth with it would be a bit much, Su Jin replied in her mind. But I can try it.

While waiting for her food, she leaned back in her chair and looked through the glass at the night view.

From this angle, Guomao Bridge looked like a flowing ribbon of light, headlights strung together and inching slowly forward.

Farther away, the lights of Sanlitun were faintly visible. There, countless young people like her were in bars, restaurants, and shopping malls, spending this month's or next month's wages in exchange for a moment of happiness.

[What is the Host thinking about?] Little Golden Egg's voice sounded in her mind. [Does all this feel unreal?]

"A little." Su Jin picked up her champagne and took a sip. "But strangely enough, it doesn't feel all that unreal."

[Why?]

"Because I've imagined this day for years." She gently swirled her glass, watching strings of bubbles rise.

"I imagined a lot of versions-winning the lottery, marrying into a wealthy family, a rich relative suddenly appearing... I even thought about a novel I wrote suddenly becoming a huge hit. There were lots of versions, but the heart of them was the same: one day, I wouldn't have to count every penny to get by."

She paused, her gaze falling on the brightly lit penthouse apartment that belonged to her outside the window.

"This version... even though it isn't any of the ones I imagined, it doesn't feel half bad."

[That's good.] Little Golden Egg seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. [This system was worried the Host would need some time to adjust.]

"Time to adjust?" Su Jin laughed.

"I've been preparing for this day since I was eighteen-learning how to spend money, how to carry myself with dignity, and how not to look like a nouveau riche after suddenly getting rich.

"Why do you think I spent so many years reading fashion magazines and studying luxury brands?"

[Why?]

"For this very day." She drained the champagne in her glass. "Now, at last, I can put all that knowledge to use."

The appetizers arrived.

Three identical servings of caviar and sea urchin sat on three white porcelain plates, each accompanied by a small piece of edible gold leaf.

Su Jin picked up her fork, scooped up a bite, and put it in her mouth.

The moment the caviar burst on the tip of her tongue, its umami mingled with the sweetness of the sea urchin and the barely perceptible presence of the gold leaf, spreading through her mouth in layer upon layer.

She closed her eyes, chewing slowly and savoring every taste.

[How is it?]

"Worth it." She opened her eyes and spoke to Little Golden Egg in her mind.

"This one bite made all the troubles of my past twenty-four years worth it."

Outside the window, the night was gentle. Inside, a brand-new story had only just begun.