Chapter 1: The Invitation from the Dragon Institute
“Congratulations, Brother Chen, on your promotion to manager! I’ll toast to you, my brother! Cheers!”
“Brother Chen is amazing! Only a few years in the company and already a manager. We’ll be counting on you from now on!”
“Brother Chen, I won’t say much—everything’s in the drink!”
In the VIP private room of Shenghao Residence in the East Market, the atmosphere was thick with flattery and sycophancy directed at Chen Wei.
Jiang Jin’s heart churned with mixed emotions as he watched Chen Wei bask in the admiration.
It had been over a month since Jiang Jin had crossed over into this world. No golden finger, no advantage—just the bitter sight of the original owner’s nemesis climbing the ranks with a raise.
What a miserable start this was!
Chen Wei’s face glowed with a triumphant smile as he loudly declared, “Thanks, everyone! Hahaha! I wouldn’t be a manager without your support. Come on, let’s all drink together!” Raising his glass, he clinked cups with those around him in celebration.
Yet, when his gaze landed on Jiang Jin, a sly smile curled at the corner of his mouth as he continued, “Hey, Jiang Jin, we’ve been brothers for so long. Now that I’m your boss, shouldn’t you come over and toast me?”
As he spoke, Chen Wei looked at Jiang Jin with a mocking sneer.
The other colleagues gazed at Jiang Jin with pity or derision.
The battle for the managerial position between Jiang Jin and Chen Wei had been intense. Jiang Jin, a high achiever with solid work capabilities, had earned the department manager’s favor.
But unexpectedly, Chen Wei’s divorced cousin had gotten cozy with the company’s CEO. Riding on the whispers from his cousin, Chen Wei stepped over Jiang Jin at the last moment to seize the promotion.
Faced with Chen Wei’s provocation, Jiang Jin’s expression darkened.
He clenched his fists tightly, suppressing his anger, replying coldly, “Sorry, I don’t feel like drinking today.”
Chen Wei’s face immediately twisted in displeasure upon hearing Jiang Jin’s refusal. He glared fiercely and threatened, “Did I hear you right, Jiang Jin? I’m your boss. If your boss tells you to drink and you refuse, I take it you don’t want the job anymore!”
[Alert: Host’s anger at the injustice of fate has reached a critical point. Supernova Technology System binding in progress...]
[Alert: Supernova Technology System successfully bound. Initial mission released...]
[Mission: Deal with the damn boss.]
[Mission objective: Publicly splash Chen Wei’s face with white wine.]
[Mission reward: Unlock X Alloy production line (production capacity 1kg/24h), 3kg of X Alloy samples, automatic buyer matching for host.]
A system?!
This was the fast track to the pinnacle of life!
Jiang Jin’s face flushed with excitement.
After more than a month, the system had finally arrived!
Chen Wei’s eyes glinted with provocation, a faint cold smile tugging at his lips as he said, “Jiang Jin, why the red face? Either toast me or resign. Don’t pretend to be mute here!”
Jiang Jin ignored him and silently poured a glass of white wine.
Chen Wei glanced at the cup with disdain.
“I thought you had some backbone? Is that all you got?”
The colleagues shook their heads quietly.
“See? These days, money’s the real boss. What’s backbone worth nowadays?”
“But, come to think of it, that’s at least three taels of white wine! Jiang Jin’s really trying hard to smooth things over with Chen Wei.”
Jiang Jin held the glass, silently calculating the angle for the splash.
Chen Wei curled his lips in contempt and said slowly, “That’s more like it. A small role should know its place.”
Before he finished speaking, Jiang Jin flung the wine in Chen Wei’s face.
“What kind of boss are you? Screw you!”
After the harsh words, he smashed the cup on the ground, feeling a wave of clarity and relief.
[Alert: Congratulations, host, initial mission accomplished. Rewards being delivered...]
[Alert: Congratulations, host, X Alloy production line unlocked (1kg/24h), produced alloy will be stored automatically in system warehouse.]
[Alert: Congratulations, host, 3kg X Alloy samples added to system warehouse.]
[Alert: Congratulations, host, buyer located. Please await contact.]
[Alert: Congratulations, host, new main mission available.]
[Mission: X Alloy series mission two.]
[Mission objective: Accumulate spending of 1 million.]
[Mission reward: Full ownership of East Market Special Materials Co., production speed of X Alloy increased to 10kg/24h, 1000 system points.]
Jiang Jin thought to himself, once this mission was completed, he could become the company’s owner.
At that time, not only would Chen Wei be beneath him, even the CEO who connived with Chen Wei’s divorced cousin would have to bow before him!
Now it all depended on how much the X Alloy could sell for!
After a moment’s shock, the other colleagues finally reacted.
“Holy crap! Jiang Jin, are you crazy?”
“Brother Chen, are you alright?”
The private room erupted into chaos.
“Jiang Jin, how dare you splash me with wine? Hold him down, I’m going to finish him!”
Chen Wei wiped his face, his expression wild with rage and vengeance.
Just then, a tall, stunning woman pushed open the door and entered the room.
She wore a white blouse and a black pencil skirt, appearing to be in her twenties. Her face was flawless, framed by flowing long hair, exuding a cold aura.
Standing about 170 cm tall, her figure was graceful—just the right balance, neither too thin nor too full.
Her legs, clad in black stockings, were long and captivating, commanding the gaze of everyone present.
Behind her followed six men dressed in black suits and sunglasses.
Chen Wei froze in surprise, then greedily asked, “Beautiful lady, who are you looking for?”
The other colleagues also stared in awe, their breaths slightly quickened.
The black-stockinged beauty scanned the room before fixing her gaze on Jiang Jin.
“You’re Jiang Jin, right?”
Chen Wei and the others looked at Jiang Jin in utter confusion.
(What the hell? This outrageously beautiful woman is here for Jiang Jin?)
Jiang Jin smiled calmly at the woman and replied, “Yes, I am Jiang Jin. Who might you be?”
Her face remained expressionless as she said coldly, “Someone wants to meet you. Come with me.”
Jiang Jin felt no panic, only composure. He nodded, “Alright, I’ll go with you.”
(The system just said the buyer has been found. This black-stockinged beauty must be the buyer’s representative for contact.)
At this moment, Chen Wei couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, did Jiang Jin get into trouble?”
The other colleagues instantly understood.
“These people look fierce. They’re either from a powerful department or bodyguards of some big shot.”
“Jiang Jin must have either messed up or offended someone serious!”
Jiang Jin smiled inwardly. Messed up, my ass—I’m about to reach the peak of life!
He didn’t want to explain. After completing the mission, returning as the company’s owner would speak louder than any empty words.
“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t.”
The black-stockinged woman shot Chen Wei a glare, then turned and led Jiang Jin out of the room.
Outside the restaurant, Jiang Jin was ushered into an Audi A6, escorted by two Passats in front and behind, heading straight for Jiangnan Airport.
Half an hour later, they boarded a Gulfstream G300 private jet.
After over two hours of flight, the plane landed at the Imperial Capital Airport.
Upon disembarking, Jiang Jin boarded an Audi A8, flanked by two Audi Q7s, and drove into the gates of the Longguo Research Institute.
Could the mysterious buyer be some big shot from Longguo Research Institute?
Thinking of this possibility, Jiang Jin’s heart leapt with excitement.
Longguo Research Institute was the nation’s premier scientific research institution, with hundreds of academicians alone!
Cooperating with such an institution meant no fear of being cheated or undermined.
The A8 drove into the faculty dormitory area and stopped steadily in front of a two-story building.
“We’ve arrived. Get out.”
Jiang Jin took a deep breath, opened the door, and followed the black-stockinged woman into the building.
“Director Liu, Jiang Jin is here.”
After ringing the doorbell, the woman spoke into the intercom.
Jiang Jin’s heart stirred slightly—Director? Could it be the director of Longguo Research Institute?