Morning sunlight reflected off the glass buildings of Hangzhou.
Chen Mo walked along the university road, hands in his pockets.
The city moved normally around him.
But the system interface quietly opened in his vision.
[Emotion Evolution System]
Anger: 75%
Regret: 32%
Envy: 60%
Fear: 28%
Emotion points were increasing faster now.
The ripples he created were spreading.
Chen Mo stopped at a traffic light.
His phone vibrated.
[Capital Authority Module]
Daily Quota Reset: ¥500,000
Current Market Influence: 25%
He studied the numbers calmly.
Yesterday's investment in Hangzhou Beverage Logistics had already affected multiple milk tea stores.
Supply routes changed.
Delivery priority shifted.
Small changes.
But very effective.
Across town, confusion continued.
Several shop owners noticed Sweet Time Milk Tea receiving supplies earlier than others.
Some deliveries were even delayed for competing shops.
The complaints had already begun.
The system responded instantly.
[Emotion Detected — Multiple Sources]
Envy +17
Frustration +21
Regret +12
Chen Mo nodded slightly.
Competition created emotions naturally.
And emotions meant growth.
He entered a small café near campus.
Opening his laptop, he reviewed the local beverage market again.
One name caught his attention.
Crystal Leaf Tea Company.
A mid-sized supplier trying to expand in Hangzhou.
Chen Mo leaned back in his chair.
A new ripple could start here.
He transferred ¥200,000 into the company through a small investment firm.
The system confirmed.
[Capital Deployment Successful]
Market Influence Increased: +8%
The move was quiet.
Invisible.
But the network of influence continued expanding.
Chen Mo closed the laptop.
Outside, the city looked the same.
But beneath the surface, the currents were getting stronger.
And very soon…
Someone would notice.