The morning sun filtered through the blinds of my new apartment, casting golden rays across the polished hardwood floor. I stood in front of the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the person staring back at me. The reflection showed a man I had only dreamed of becoming—tall, lean, with defined muscles visible through my fitted black t-shirt. My face had transformed completely; the round, puffy cheeks were gone, replaced by sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline that could have belonged to a model.
[System Status: Final Transformation Complete][Original Weight: 105kg → Current Weight: 75kg][Original Height: 5'5" → Current Height: 6'5"][Physique: Aesthetic (God-tier)][Strength: 85/100][Stamina: 88/100][Durability: 80/100][Intelligence: 75/100][Charisma: 90/100][Total Earned: 847,500 Yuan]
Five months. Five months of relentless dedication, discipline, and transformation had led to this moment. I ran my fingers through my newly styled hair—thick, dark, and perfectly tousled—and couldn't help but smile at the irony. The system had delivered on every promise, and more.
My phone buzzed with a text from Gu Yuxuan: "Can't wait to see you at the awards ceremony tonight! I'm so proud of you ❤️"
The awards ceremony. I was receiving the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for my research paper on "Economic Innovation in Developing Markets." The same paper that had caught the attention of several major companies and investment firms. The old Li Tianyu could never have imagined such recognition.
Yuxuan and I had been dating for four months now, and what started as study sessions had blossomed into something beautiful and real. Unlike my relationship with Qin Yuxi, this felt genuine—built on mutual respect, shared interests, and authentic connection. She loved me for who I was becoming, not what I could provide her.
I grabbed my jacket and headed out of my apartment—a modest but comfortable place I'd been able to afford thanks to my system earnings. The transformation had been more than physical; I'd invested wisely, started a small consulting business, and had been building my reputation in academic and business circles.
The campus looked different now, not because it had changed, but because I had. Students turned to look at me as I walked across the quad, some with obvious admiration, others with curiosity. The whispers followed me everywhere these days.
"Is that really Li Tianyu?" "He used to be so fat and awkward..." "He's like a completely different person..."
I had learned to ignore the chatter, but I couldn't deny that part of me enjoyed the attention. After years of being invisible or mocked, being noticed for positive reasons felt surreal.
"Tianyu!"
I turned to see Zhang Wei jogging toward me, his face lit up with his characteristic grin. Over the past five months, he had become one of my closest friends, and his fitness group had become my second family. We'd been through countless workouts, hiking trips, and late-night conversations about life and goals.
"Ready for tonight's ceremony?" he asked, falling into step beside me.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied. "Thanks for helping me with my speech preparation."
"Man, you don't need my help with anything anymore," he laughed. "You've become this confident, articulate guy who can handle any situation. Remember when you were too nervous to do a single pull-up in front of the group?"
I chuckled at the memory. "That feels like a lifetime ago."
"Because it was a lifetime ago," Zhang Wei said seriously. "You've become someone completely different. In the best way possible."
We walked in comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke again. "I've been meaning to ask you something. There's been talk around campus about you possibly dropping out. Please tell me that's just a rumor."
I stopped walking, my stomach suddenly tight. Zhang Wei didn't know about the system, of course. Nobody did. But the system had been hinting at something big for weeks now, and I had a feeling I was about to find out what.
"I'm... considering my options," I said carefully.
"Tianyu, you're literally the smartest person I know. You're about to graduate with top honors, you've got companies already interested in hiring you, and you're receiving academic awards. Why would you even think about leaving?"
Before I could answer, the familiar chime echoed in my mind, and the translucent yellow screen appeared in my peripheral vision—invisible to everyone else but crystal clear to me.
[Major System Update Available][Congratulations! Physical Transformation: COMPLETE][Unlocking: BUSINESS EMPIRE FUNCTIONALITY][New Mission Available: The Foundation of Power]
"I... I need to think about some things," I told Zhang Wei. "Can we talk about this later? I should get to class."
He looked concerned but nodded. "Of course. Just... promise me you'll think carefully about whatever you're considering. You've got too much going for you to make any rash decisions."
"I promise," I said, though I wasn't sure I could keep that promise.
I found a quiet corner of the library and focused on the system interface. The screen expanded, revealing information that made my heart race.
[BUSINESS EMPIRE SYSTEM - LEVEL 1][Objective: Build a business empire that will make you one of the most powerful men in the world][Phase 1: Foundation][Quest: Drop out of college and commit fully to your entrepreneurial journey][Reward: 1,000,000 Yuan][Bonus Reward: Complete knowledge download - Business, Technology, Finance, Marketing, Management, Innovation][Warning: This decision cannot be undone. Choose wisely.]
One million yuan. More money than I could have imagined just five months ago. But more than that, the promise of complete knowledge in business and technology—the kind of expertise that took decades to acquire—was almost too tempting to resist.
But Zhang Wei was right. I had everything going for me here. I was on track to graduate with honors, I had job offers from prestigious companies, and I was building a reputation in academic circles. Dropping out seemed like madness.
[Additional Information: The knowledge transfer includes:][- Advanced business strategy and market analysis][- Cutting-edge technology development and innovation][- Financial engineering and investment strategies][- Global market dynamics and economic forecasting][- Leadership and organizational psychology][- Emerging technologies: AI, blockchain, quantum computing][- International business law and regulations]
I stared at the list, my mind racing. This wasn't just about money—it was about gaining knowledge that could take me decades to acquire through traditional means. The system was offering me a shortcut to expertise that most people never achieved in their entire careers.
But at what cost?
My phone buzzed with another message from Yuxuan: "Professor Chen is looking for you. Something about a graduate program recommendation?"
Graduate school. Another path forward, another conventional route to success. I closed my eyes and tried to think clearly about what I really wanted.
The truth was, I had never felt fully satisfied with the traditional academic path. Yes, I was good at it, but it felt... limiting. Like I was following someone else's blueprint for success rather than creating my own.
I made my way to Professor Chen's office, my mind still churning with the system's offer. The hallways seemed different now, as if I was seeing them through the lens of someone who might soon be leaving them behind forever.
"Ah, Li Tianyu!" Professor Chen looked up from his desk with a warm smile. "Please, sit down. I have some exciting news."
I settled into the chair across from his desk, trying to focus on the conversation despite the system notifications that kept appearing in my peripheral vision.
"I've been in contact with several top-tier graduate programs," he continued. "Harvard Business School, Stanford, MIT—they're all interested in your research and academic performance. With your recent transformation and newfound confidence, you'd be a perfect candidate for their programs."
Harvard. Stanford. MIT. Names that represented the pinnacle of academic achievement, schools that would guarantee me a place among the elite of the business world.
"That's... incredible, Professor," I said, trying to inject enthusiasm into my voice. "I'm honored that you'd recommend me."
"There's more," he said, leaning forward. "I've also been approached by several companies who are interested in hiring you directly. Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, even some tech startups in Silicon Valley. Your combination of analytical skills and—I must say—your remarkable personal transformation has caught a lot of attention."
Job offers from the most prestigious companies in the world. A guaranteed path to wealth and success. Everything the old me had dreamed of.
So why did it feel like I was being offered a golden cage?
"Professor, can I ask you something?" I said. "Do you think there's value in taking unconventional paths to success?"
He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, what if someone decided to skip the traditional route—graduate school, corporate jobs—and try to build something on their own?"
Professor Chen leaned back in his chair, studying me carefully. "That's a very risky proposition, Li Tianyu. Yes, there are success stories of college dropouts who became billionaires, but for every Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates, there are thousands of failures we never hear about."
"But it's possible?"
"Possible, yes. Advisable? That depends on the person and the circumstances." He paused. "Li Tianyu, you're not thinking of doing something rash, are you? You have guaranteed success ahead of you. Why would you risk that for uncertainty?"
I stood up, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. "I appreciate everything you've done for me, Professor. I really do. But I need some time to think about my options."
"Of course," he said, though he looked concerned. "Just remember, opportunities like these don't come around often. Don't let pride or overconfidence cloud your judgment."
As I left his office, the system chimed again.
[Time Limit Added: Decision must be made within 24 hours][Note: The window for maximum growth potential is limited]
Twenty-four hours. I had less than a day to decide between the safe, conventional path to success and the risky, uncertain journey the system was offering.
I walked across campus, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and possibilities. Students continued to stare and whisper as I passed, but I barely noticed. My transformation had given me confidence, charisma, and opportunities I never could have imagined. But it had also given me something else—the hunger for something more than just fitting into someone else's definition of success.
I found myself at the campus coffee shop where Yuxuan and I had our first real date. She was already there, sitting at our usual table by the window, her laptop open and textbooks scattered around her. She looked up as I approached, and her face lit up with that radiant smile that never failed to make my heart skip.
"You look troubled," she said, closing her laptop and giving me her full attention. "What's wrong?"
I sat down across from her, struggling with how much to reveal. "I've been offered some opportunities. Different paths I could take after graduation."
"That's wonderful!" she said, reaching across the table to take my hand. "What kind of opportunities?"
"Graduate school at Harvard, Stanford, MIT," I said. "Job offers from Goldman Sachs, McKinsey..."
Her eyes widened. "Tianyu, that's incredible! Those are dream opportunities. You must be so excited."
"I am," I said, though my voice lacked conviction. "But I'm also considering... other options."
"What kind of other options?"
I hesitated. How could I explain that a mystical system was offering me a million yuan and instant expertise in exchange for dropping out of college? How could I tell her that I was considering abandoning everything I'd worked for to chase an uncertain dream?
"Entrepreneurship," I said finally. "Starting my own business instead of working for someone else."
Yuxuan was quiet for a moment, studying my face. "That's... a big risk, Tianyu. Especially when you have such amazing guaranteed opportunities."
"But what if the risk is worth it?" I asked. "What if playing it safe means settling for less than what I could achieve?"
She squeezed my hand. "I've watched you transform yourself in ways that seemed impossible. If anyone could succeed as an entrepreneur, it would be you. But..." She paused. "But I also care about you too much to not point out that you're talking about giving up sure things for maybes."
"I know," I said. "That's what makes it so difficult."
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching students hurry past the window. Finally, Yuxuan spoke again.
"Whatever you decide, I'll support you," she said. "But promise me you'll think carefully about this. Don't let your confidence—as wonderful as it is—make you overestimate your abilities or underestimate the risks."
I nodded, though I wasn't sure I could make that promise. The system had never steered me wrong before. Everything it had promised during my physical transformation had come true. Why would this be different?
That evening, I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, preparing for the awards ceremony. The formal suit I wore fit perfectly, highlighting my transformed physique. I looked like a different person—confident, successful, powerful. But inside, I felt like I was standing at a crossroads that would define the rest of my life.
[18 hours remaining]
The awards ceremony was held in the university's grand auditorium, the same place where I had watched Qin Yuxi choose another man over me six months ago. The irony wasn't lost on me as I walked across the stage to receive my award, the applause washing over me like a wave.
"Li Tianyu has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and personal growth," the dean announced as he handed me the crystal trophy. "His research on economic innovation has garnered attention from prestigious institutions worldwide, and his remarkable personal transformation serves as an inspiration to students everywhere."
I stood at the podium, looking out at the sea of faces in the audience. I spotted Yuxuan in the front row, her smile radiant with pride. Zhang Wei and my fitness group friends were there too, cheering loudly. Even Aunt Zhao and Ruoxi had come, and I could see tears of pride in Aunt Zhao's eyes.
But as I began my acceptance speech, I noticed another face in the crowd that made my stomach tighten. Qin Yuxi was there, sitting in the back, her expression unreadable. She had tried to reconnect with me several times over the past months, but I had politely declined each time. Seeing her now, I felt nothing but a mild curiosity about why she was there.
"Six months ago, I was a very different person," I began, my voice carrying clearly through the auditorium. "I was overweight, insecure, and convinced that I was destined for mediocrity. But I learned something important during my transformation—that the only limits we have are the ones we accept."
The audience was captivated, hanging on every word. I had become a skilled public speaker, another gift from my transformation.
"Success isn't just about following the prescribed path," I continued. "Sometimes, it's about having the courage to create your own path, even when that path is uncertain and risky."
As I spoke those words, I realized I was talking to myself as much as to the audience. The system chimed softly in my mind:
[12 hours remaining]
After the ceremony, I was surrounded by congratulations and networking opportunities. Business cards were pressed into my hand, job offers were made, and graduate program representatives tried to schedule meetings with me. It was overwhelming and exhilarating at the same time.
"Tianyu," a familiar voice called out behind me.
I turned to see Qin Yuxi approaching, her expression nervous but determined. She looked beautiful, as always, but there was something different about her—a vulnerability that hadn't been there before.
"Congratulations," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your speech was incredible."
"Thank you," I replied politely but distantly.
"I wanted to apologize," she said, stepping closer. "For everything. For choosing someone else over you, for not seeing your worth, for being so shallow and materialistic."
"You already apologized," I said. "And I already forgave you."
"I know, but..." She took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about what you said that night in the park. About learning to value yourself. You were right, and I've been trying to change."
I studied her face, seeing genuine remorse there. "I'm glad you're working on yourself, Yuxi. That's important."
"Is there any chance..." she began, then stopped. "No, never mind. I can see how happy you are with Yuxuan. I just wanted you to know that I realize what I lost."
She turned to leave, but I called out to her. "Yuxi?"
She looked back, hope flickering in her eyes.
"I hope you find what you're looking for," I said. "But make sure you're looking for the right things this time."
She nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. "Thank you, Tianyu. For everything."
As she walked away, I felt a chapter of my life closing. The old me had been defined by her rejection, but the new me had moved far beyond that pain.
Later that night, I walked Yuxuan back to her dorm, my arm around her shoulders as we strolled through the quiet campus. The evening air was cool, and the stars were visible above the glow of the streetlights.
"I'm so proud of you," she said, leaning into me. "You've come so far from where you started."
"We both have," I replied. "You've been part of my transformation too, you know. You helped me believe in myself."
She stopped walking and turned to face me. "Whatever you decide about your future, I want you to know that I believe in you completely. Whether you choose graduate school, a corporate job, or entrepreneurship—you'll succeed because of who you are, not because of the path you choose."
I looked into her eyes, seeing the depth of her feelings there. "What if I choose something that seems crazy to everyone else?"
"Then I'll think you're crazy," she said with a smile. "But I'll support you anyway."
I kissed her then, under the starlight, feeling the weight of the decision that lay ahead of me. In just a few hours, I would have to choose between the conventional path to success and the uncertain journey the system was offering.
[6 hours remaining]
Back in my apartment, I sat on my couch with a cup of tea, staring at the system interface that hovered in my vision. The countdown timer continued its relentless march toward zero, and I knew I couldn't delay the decision much longer.
I thought about Professor Chen's warnings, about the guaranteed success that lay ahead of me if I followed the traditional path. I thought about Yuxuan's support, about Zhang Wei's concern, about all the people who believed in me and wanted to see me succeed.
But I also thought about the hunger I felt for something more, something bigger than just fitting into someone else's definition of success. The system had given me everything it had promised during my physical transformation. Every reward had been delivered, every challenge had been surmountable.
Was I really going to let fear stop me from reaching for something extraordinary?
[Final Warning: 1 hour remaining][This opportunity will not be offered again]
I stood up and walked to my window, looking out at the city lights. Somewhere out there were boardrooms and stock exchanges, laboratories and startups, countless opportunities waiting to be seized by someone bold enough to reach for them.
The old Li Tianyu would have chosen safety. He would have taken the guaranteed path, the prestigious job, the conventional route to success. But the old Li Tianyu was gone, replaced by someone who had learned that the greatest rewards came from taking the greatest risks.
I opened my laptop and began typing.
**To: Professor Chen Subject: My Decision
Dear Professor Chen,
Thank you for all the opportunities you've presented to me. I am deeply honored by the interest from graduate programs and companies. However, after much consideration, I have decided to pursue a different path.
I will be withdrawing from the university effective immediately to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. I know this may seem like a rash decision, but I believe it's the right one for me.
Thank you for everything you've taught me and for believing in me.
Sincerely, Li Tianyu**
I sent the email before I could second-guess myself. Then I turned to the system interface and took a deep breath.
[Quest: Drop out of college and commit fully to your entrepreneurial journey][Accept? Y/N]
My finger hovered over the Y button. This was it—the moment that would define the rest of my life. I thought about all the people who would think I was crazy, all the opportunities I was walking away from, all the risks I was taking.
But I also thought about the man I had become over the past six months. The system had promised me transformation, and it had delivered beyond my wildest dreams. Now it was promising me something even greater—the chance to build an empire, to become powerful beyond imagination.
I pressed Y.
[Quest Accepted][Initiating reward transfer...][1,000,000 Yuan deposited to account][Beginning knowledge download...]
The sensation was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It felt like my brain was expanding, like information was being directly written into my consciousness. Business strategies, technological innovations, market analyses, financial instruments—decades of knowledge and expertise flooding into my mind in seconds.
I saw market opportunities that others missed, understood technological trends that hadn't even fully emerged yet, grasped financial mechanisms that could generate enormous wealth. The knowledge wasn't just theoretical—it was practical, actionable, immediate.
When the download was complete, I felt different. Not just confident, but omniscient. I could see the business world like a chess board, understanding moves and countermoves that would unfold over years.
[Knowledge Download Complete][New Quest Available: Build Your First Company][Objective: Create a technology startup that will serve as the foundation of your empire][Suggested Focus: AI-driven financial technology][Reward: 10,000,000 Yuan and expansion of business knowledge]
I smiled, feeling a surge of excitement unlike anything I had ever experienced. The safe path was behind me now. Ahead lay uncertainty, risk, and the chance to build something extraordinary.
My phone buzzed with a text from Zhang Wei: "Heard you dropped out. Please tell me this is a joke."
I typed back: "Not a joke. I'm starting a company. Want to be employee number one?"
His response came quickly: "You're insane. But if you're serious, count me in."
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in months. This was the beginning of something incredible. The system had transformed my body, my mind, and my circumstances. Now it was going to help me transform the world.
I opened my laptop again and began researching business registration procedures, office spaces, and potential employees. The knowledge the system had given me was already organizing itself into actionable plans.
Within a year, I would launch TechNova Industries, a fintech startup that would revolutionize digital banking. Within two years, I would be worth over a hundred million yuan. Within five years, I would be one of the most powerful business leaders in the country.
But all of that was still in the future. Right now, I was just Li Tianyu, a college dropout with a million yuan, limitless knowledge, and unlimited ambition.
The transformation was complete. The empire was about to begin.
[Welcome to Phase 2: Business Empire Building][Your journey to ultimate power starts now]
I closed my laptop and looked out at the city lights one more time. Tomorrow, I would begin building my empire. Tonight, I would savor the moment when everything changed.
The old Li Tianyu was truly gone. In his place stood someone who would reshape the world itself.