The first light of dawn broke across the city,spilling pale gold across glass skyscrapers and wet streets. The city was awake to a new day and not long everywhere started becoming bright as time passed. Business started opening, buses and trains were also moving, it was at this time that Lin Feng awoke after a very long time, he could not remember the last time that he had enjoyed his sleep for that long.
Because all he knew since he was born is hustling he hardly sleep for 6 hours a day yet nothing to show for it, he signed that's in the past now everything is different.
With the help of the system everything becomes easy you just need to work hard.
Lin Feng walked alone through the narrow alleyways, his steps measured, almost silent. The cold wind tugged at his coat, but he didn't notice the chill. His mind was elsewhere, replaying fragments of a past that had shaped him into the man he was today.
The betrayal from Xiao Yan and Chen Rui was still raw, still a pulse that throbbed painfully in his chest. But beneath that pain, another, quieter realization had begun to take hold: he had no one to rely on but himself. No one to protect him, no one to fight for him.
Lin Feng's gaze drifted to the old apartment buildings lining the streets. Some windows flickered with life, families beginning their day, children running through hallways, parents scolding, laughing, living. He clenched his fists.
I never had that…
Lin Feng's mind wandered to the days long before he met Xiao Yan, long before betrayal had darkened his life. He had grown up without a father. His mother… had been kind, warm, but fragile. When he was very young, she had fallen ill. The doctors had done what they could, but her body couldn't fight anymore. Lin Feng had been left alone at the age of twelve, an orphan in a world that showed no mercy.
He remembered the cold nights, curling up under thin blankets in a cramped apartment, the loneliness pressing down like a physical weight. He had scavenged small jobs to survive, delivering goods for local stores, helping neighbors carry groceries, anything that brought a few coins and enough to eat. Every day had been a battle—every day, a reminder that the world did not care about him.
But that hardship had forged something within him. A resilience, a fire that refused to be extinguished. Lin Feng had learned quickly that kindness often had a price, and weakness invited exploitation. And so he had grown, sharpening not just his body, but his mind. Every alley he ran through, every job he took, every time he fought off a bully or took a beating to protect a younger child these were the lessons that had shaped him.
He remembered the first time he had learned martial arts. It had been a retired instructor living in the neighborhood, a gruff man who had seen the world take everything from him. Lin Feng had begged for lessons, offering the only thing he had: hard work and determination. The man had scowled at first, but something about the boy's spirit had reminded him of his younger self. And so he had taught Lin Feng the basics—balance, stance, movement, the flow of energy through the body.
Even then, Lin Feng had been different. Where other children had practiced for fun, he practiced with focus, imagining threats, imagining scenarios where he had to survive. The teacher had often said:
"Strength without purpose is wasted. Learn to see, learn to think, and then your body will follow."
Lin Feng had remembered those words every day since.
Now, standing in the modern city, he realized that those lessons were still his lifeline. The betrayal had shaken him, but he refused to be broken. He needed stability. He needed a new start. And the first step was simple: he needed work. A job would provide structure, opportunities, and, more importantly, access to the people and information he would need to rise above the life he had been handed.
He know for start money is important, he doesn't want to steal to get it he wants to work for it, he have never been a thief .
A new beginning is all he wants, A beginning that is devoid of suffering a beginning of success in all areas and a work that will also give him time to practice his new system ways, he needs to train he needs to get stronger faster that way he can fight those who hurt him. But he know it won't be long .
He wandered toward the district known for small enterprises and start-ups, scanning the office buildings for opportunities. One sign caught his attention: "Luminare Fashion Co." The sleek glass façade glinted in the morning light, and the modern logo hinted at a creative, professional environment.
He entered the lobby and was greeted by a receptionist, a young woman whose beauty was subtle but striking. Her dark hair framed a kind face, and her eyes seemed to radiate warmth and intelligence. She dressed professionally wearing a navy blue suit, her smile was so welcoming and beautiful that even Lin Feng could not help but feel shy.
"Good morning! How can I help you?" she asked politely.
"I… I'm here looking for a job," Lin Feng replied, keeping his voice steady despite his nerves.
She smiled slightly. "Our company, it have not been long it was established, and we have workers in all areas now except in design reviewer that's the only where that we are lacking someone. I don't know your capability for the job but if you can and If you're interested, I can schedule an interview with the boss."
Lin Feng nodded. Fashion reviewer? It wasn't what he expected, but it was a start of a foothold into a new life. It also fell into the category of job he wanted the one that he will work lesser hours and also have enough time to practice his martial arts. He thanked her politely and followed her into a small waiting area.
After a short wait, Lin Feng was led into a sleek office. Behind the desk sat a young woman, her presence commanding yet graceful. She was stunning: high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with intelligence, long hair that shimmered under the sunlight, and a figure that radiated elegance without being ostentatious. Her curves are perfectly accentuated , she was dressed simply but impeccably, and every movement she made was precise, confident, and captivating.
"You must be Lin Feng," she said, her voice calm but carrying authority. The one that is interested in applying for the design reviewer in the company?
Yes I am, Lin Feng replied forcing out a little smile, he have little knowledge about fashion but with the system's help is easy master one master all.
I want to see your judgment and taste. I'll give you a selection of clothes. Review them carefully, tell me your thoughts."
Lin Feng took a deep breath. This was unfamiliar territory, but he understood instinctively that first impressions and attention to detail mattered here. He picked up the first piece a designer shirt and examined the fabric, the stitching, the design. He considered the colors, the style, the potential for wearers to enjoy it.
He spoke slowly, articulating his opinions carefully: "The fabric is breathable and durable. The design is modern, but some adjustments to the sleeve length could improve its comfort. The color contrast is bold, which works well for evening wear but may not appeal to casual buyers."
We must try to make it a little durable and also adjust the sleeve length to get it nice and selling.
The boss watched him intently, her eyes flickering with interest. Lin Feng continued, moving through the selections, offering precise, honest, and thoughtful evaluations.
After he finished, she leaned back, a smile forming on her lips. "Very good. You clearly have a keen eye and attention to detail. I'm impressed. You'll start on Monday. Today is Saturday, so take the weekend to rest. Welcome to Luminare Fashion Co."
Lin Feng's chest tightened, but he forced a calm smile. Finally. A start.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lin Feng sat on the roof of his modest apartment, overlooking the city he had chosen to navigate. The lights shimmered, the distant hum of traffic filling the night. He flexed his fingers, thinking about tomorrow's first day at the fashion company.
This is just the beginning, he told himself. Every step, every move, every connection—I will use them to grow. I will rise. And one day, everything I've lost… everything they've taken from me… I will reclaim.
The fire inside him burned brighter than ever. The world had tried to break him, but Lin Feng had learned long ago: strength was earned, not given. And he would earn it, no matter the cost.