Three weeks had passed since that fateful encounter with the mysterious old man, and my life had completely transformed into a regimented routine that I never thought I'd be able to maintain. Every morning at 5:30 AM, my alarm would pierce through the darkness, and instead of hitting snooze like the old me would have done, I'd spring out of bed with an energy that surprised even myself.
The system had become my constant companion, its gentle chimes and notifications guiding me through each day like a digital conscience. As I laced up my running shoes in the pre-dawn darkness, I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed.
[Daily Task Progress: Day 21][Current Weight: 89kg (Started at 105kg)][Daily Earnings: 500 Yuan][Total Earnings: 21,500 Yuan]
Twenty-one thousand yuan. It was more money than I'd ever had in my life, and I was earning it by doing something that was making me healthier and happier. The irony wasn't lost on me—I was literally being paid to improve myself.
My morning jog had become almost meditative. The quiet streets of our neighborhood, the gradual lightening of the sky, the rhythmic sound of my footsteps on the pavement—it all combined to create a peaceful start to each day. I no longer needed to stop every few hundred meters to catch my breath. My stamina had improved dramatically, and I could now complete the full 10km route without feeling like I was going to die.
[Current Progress: 7.5/10km][Excellent pace! Keep it up!]
"Thanks for the encouragement," I muttered to myself, earning a strange look from an elderly man practicing tai chi in the park. I had gotten into the habit of talking to the system, even though I knew it was just a program. Somehow, it felt more real that way.
As I rounded the corner toward home, I noticed a familiar figure ahead of me. Zhao Ruoxi was walking briskly toward the bus stop, her school bag slung over her shoulder and her long hair swaying with each step. She was wearing her university uniform—a crisp white blouse and navy skirt that somehow made her look even more elegant than usual.
For a moment, I considered changing my route to avoid her. Our interactions had always been minimal and somewhat awkward, with her barely acknowledging my existence beyond the occasional sarcastic comment about my weight. But something had shifted in me over the past few weeks. The old Li Tianyu might have hidden in shame, but the new me felt... different.
"Good morning, Ruoxi," I called out as I jogged past her.
She stopped and turned, her eyes widening in surprise. "Tianyu? What are you doing up so early?" She looked me up and down, taking in my workout clothes and the obvious signs that I'd been exercising. "And why are you... running?"
"Daily exercise," I replied, slowing to a stop but jogging in place to keep my heart rate up. "I've been doing it for a few weeks now."
She studied me with new interest, her head tilted slightly. "You look... different."
"Different how?" I asked, genuinely curious about her perspective.
"Smaller," she said bluntly, though not unkindly. "And you're not out of breath from talking to me, which is new."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks for the honest assessment."
For the first time in the years I'd known her, Ruoxi smiled at me—not a mocking smile, but a genuine one. "I'm impressed, actually. Most people talk about getting in shape, but you're actually doing it."
"Thanks," I said, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with exercise. "I should finish my run. Don't want to be late for class."
"Right," she said, still looking at me with that new expression of interest. "See you later, Tianyu."
As I jogged away, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had just happened. Ruoxi had never spoken to me with anything approaching respect before, and certainly never with what seemed like genuine interest.
[Side Task Completed: Gain respect from family members][Bonus Reward: 2000 Yuan][Note: People are starting to notice your transformation!]
I grinned as I completed my final kilometer. The system was right—people were definitely starting to notice.
Back at home, I went through my morning routine with practiced efficiency. A cold shower to wake up my muscles, a healthy breakfast of oatmeal with fruits instead of my usual instant noodles, and then a review of my study materials before heading to the university for my modular classes.
The campus looked different in the morning light. The prestigious Yunhua University, with its modern architecture and manicured lawns, no longer felt like a place where I didn't belong. My improved fitness had given me more than just a better physique—it had given me confidence.
I was early for my Economics module, so I found a quiet spot in the library to review my notes. The library was one of my favorite places on campus, with its towering shelves and the soft murmur of students studying. It was here that I felt most at home, surrounded by knowledge and the promise of a better future.
"Li Tianyu?"
I looked up to find Gu Yuxuan standing beside my table, a stack of books in her arms and a bright smile on her face. She was wearing a simple blue dress that somehow made her look even more beautiful than I remembered.
"Yuxuan! Hi," I said, quickly standing up. "Please, sit down."
She set her books down and took the seat across from me. "I've been thinking about our conversation last week. How's your fitness journey going?"
"Really well, actually," I replied, trying to keep the pride out of my voice. "I've lost about sixteen kilograms so far."
Her eyes widened. "Sixteen kilograms? In three weeks? That's incredible!"
"It's been a lot of hard work," I admitted. "But I'm seeing results, so it's worth it."
"I can definitely tell," she said, her gaze moving over my face and shoulders. "You look so much healthier. And happier, too."
"Thanks," I said, feeling that familiar warmth again. "What brings you to the library so early?"
"Research for my International Relations project," she said, gesturing to her books. "I'm writing about economic development in Southeast Asia. It's fascinating but incredibly complex."
"That sounds interesting," I said, and I genuinely meant it. "I'm taking Economics modules this semester. Maybe I could help with the economic analysis part?"
Her face lit up. "Really? That would be amazing! I'm struggling with some of the financial development theories."
We spent the next hour going through her research materials, with me explaining economic concepts and her sharing insights about political developments in the region. I found myself genuinely enjoying the intellectual exchange, something that had been missing from my relationship with Qin Yuxi.
"You're really smart, you know that?" Yuxuan said as we packed up our books. "I had no idea you were so knowledgeable about economics."
"I've always been good with numbers and analysis," I replied. "It's just that people tend to focus on... other things about me."
"Their loss," she said firmly. "Intelligence is so much more attractive than superficial things."
As we walked out of the library together, I couldn't help but notice how different this felt from my interactions with Yuxi. There was no pretense here, no feeling like I had to be someone else to earn her attention. Yuxuan seemed genuinely interested in me as a person, not just tolerating my presence.
"Would you like to grab coffee sometime?" I asked, surprising myself with my boldness. "I mean, to continue our discussion about your project."
"I'd love that," she said, her smile widening. "How about tomorrow after your classes?"
"Perfect," I said, feeling like I was walking on air.
[Achievement Unlocked: First Real Connection][Reward: 3000 Yuan][Note: Building meaningful relationships is part of true success!]
The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and study sessions. My Economics professor, Dr. Chen, commented on my improved participation in class discussions. My Literature professor mentioned that my analytical essays had become more insightful. Even my normally stern Mathematics professor nodded approvingly when I solved a complex problem on the board.
It wasn't just my physical transformation that was changing—my entire mindset was shifting. The discipline required for my daily workouts was spilling over into other areas of my life. I was more focused, more confident, more willing to take risks and speak up.
After classes, I headed home for my afternoon workout session. The system had recently introduced strength training to my routine, and I was using a small gym that I'd found near the university. It was nothing fancy—just basic equipment in a converted basement—but it was affordable and usually empty during the afternoon hours.
As I worked through my set of push-ups, I noticed someone watching me from across the gym. It was a muscular guy about my age, with the kind of build that suggested years of serious training. He had been coming to the gym around the same time as me for the past week, but we'd never spoken.
After I finished my set, he approached me. "Hey, I'm Zhang Wei," he said, extending his hand. "I've been watching your progress over the past few weeks. Pretty impressive transformation."
"Thanks," I said, shaking his hand. "I'm Li Tianyu. I'm still pretty new to all this."
"Could have fooled me," he said with a grin. "Your form is good, and you're consistent. That's more than most people can say." He paused, studying me. "You know, I run a small fitness group that meets in the evenings. We do outdoor workouts, hiking, that sort of thing. You should join us."
"I don't know," I said hesitantly. "I'm not exactly at your level yet."
"That's exactly why you should come," Zhang Wei said. "We've got people at all fitness levels. Besides, you've got something that's more important than current ability—you've got dedication."
I considered his offer. The old me would have declined, too embarrassed to work out with a group of fit people. But the new me, the one who was earning money from a mystical system for improving himself, felt different.
"Okay," I said. "I'll give it a try."
"Great! We meet tomorrow evening at 7 PM in Riverside Park. Just look for the group doing calisthenics near the old bridge."
As I walked home that evening, I reflected on how much my social life had changed. Three weeks ago, I had no real friends, no romantic prospects, and no confidence. Now I had a potential date with a beautiful, intelligent girl and an invitation to join a fitness group.
[Daily Task Completed][Streak: 21 days][Bonus Achievement: Social Network Expanding][Reward: 1000 Yuan]
The evening air was cool as I walked through the quiet streets toward home. I was about to turn onto my street when I noticed a familiar figure sitting on a bench in the small park near our house. It was Qin Yuxi, and she was alone.
For a moment, I considered walking past her without saying anything. The last time we'd spoken, she had broken my heart in front of her new wealthy boyfriend. But something about her posture—slumped shoulders, head down—made me pause.
"Yuxi?" I called out softly.
She looked up, and I was surprised to see tears in her eyes. "Tianyu? What are you doing here?"
"I live nearby," I said, gesturing toward Aunt Zhao's house. "Are you okay?"
She wiped her eyes quickly. "I'm fine. Just... thinking."
I should have walked away. Every rational part of my brain was screaming at me to avoid this situation. But the compassionate part of me, the part that had cared about her despite everything, made me sit down on the bench beside her.
"You don't look fine," I said gently.
She let out a bitter laugh. "You always were too observant." She looked at me then, really looked at me, and her eyes widened. "Tianyu, you look... different. Have you lost weight?"
"Some," I said simply.
"You look good," she said, and there was something in her voice that I couldn't quite identify. "Really good."
"Thanks," I said, unsure of where this conversation was going.
"I broke up with Chen Ming," she said suddenly. "The guy you saw me with at graduation."
I felt a complex mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and something that might have been vindication. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"Are you?" she asked, searching my face. "Because I hurt you. I chose him over you because he had money and status, and I convinced myself that was what I wanted."
"What happened?" I asked, though I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
"He wasn't who I thought he was," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He was controlling, possessive. He wanted to own me, not love me. And I realized..." She trailed off, looking at me with an expression I couldn't read.
"Realized what?"
"That I had something real with you. Something honest and kind. And I threw it away for a fantasy."
The silence stretched between us, filled with the weight of unspoken words and missed opportunities. The old me would have been overjoyed to hear this, would have immediately forgiven her and begged for another chance. But the new me, the one who had been transforming both physically and mentally, felt differently.
"I'm sorry you went through that," I said finally. "But I'm not the same person I was three weeks ago."
"I can see that," she said, studying my face. "You seem... stronger. More confident."
"I am," I said simply. "I had to learn to value myself before anyone else could."
"I made a mistake, Tianyu," she said, reaching out to touch my arm. "Do you think... could we try again?"
I looked at her hand on my arm, then back at her face. Three weeks ago, this moment would have been everything I'd dreamed of. But now, sitting here with her, I felt... nothing. No flutter of excitement, no rush of old emotions. Just a quiet sense of closure.
"I don't think so, Yuxi," I said gently. "I'm not angry with you anymore, but I'm not the same person who was willing to accept scraps of affection either."
Her face fell, but she nodded slowly. "I understand. I just... I wanted you to know that I realize what I lost."
"I hope you find what you're looking for," I said, standing up. "But I don't think it's with me."
As I walked away, I felt a strange sense of peace. The system chimed softly in my mind:
[Major Achievement: Emotional Growth][Reward: 5000 Yuan][Note: True transformation includes learning to value yourself!]
That night, as I lay in bed reviewing my progress, I couldn't help but smile. In three weeks, I had lost sixteen kilograms, earned over 30,000 yuan, made new friends, and most importantly, discovered a strength within myself that I never knew existed.
[System Status Update][Weight Progress: 16/50 kg lost][Time Remaining: 5 months, 1 week][Current Status: Ahead of schedule][Next Milestone: 25kg lost - Reward: Enhanced Charisma]
I was ahead of schedule, and for the first time in my life, I was genuinely excited about the future. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opportunities, and new chances to prove to myself that I was capable of more than I had ever imagined.
The broken, heartbroken boy who had stumbled into a mysterious old man three weeks ago was disappearing, replaced by someone stronger, more confident, and more determined. And this was just the beginning.
As I drifted off to sleep, I could almost hear the old man's laughter echoing in my mind, and I had the distinct feeling that somewhere in the heavens, he was watching my progress with satisfaction.
The transformation was working, and I was becoming the man I was always meant to be.