"Impressive," Chu Yi murmured, his gaze fixed on the panel's extraordinary data while feeling the newfound power coursing through his veins. For the first time, a satisfied smile curved across his lips.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he picked up the phone and dialed a number.
"Beep… beep… beep…"
Several seconds passed before a familiar voice echoed in his ear.
"Xiao Yi, is there something you need from your old man?"
The voice belonged to Chu Jianguo—Chu Yi's father. A self-made legend who had built a multibillion-dollar empire from just a few thousand yuan.
"Dad, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Go ahead, I'm listening," Chu Jianguo replied, his tone warm and patient.
But inwardly, he chuckled. What could this rascal want now? Probably out of money again.
"It's like this, Dad," Chu Yi said calmly. "I want to transfer schools—from Modu No. 1 High to Modu No. 5."
The request was simple, but behind it lay clear and deliberate intent. If he was to win over the heroines of the original story and defeat Ye Fan, a school transfer was a necessary first move.
Chu Jianguo was visibly surprised.
Why transfer all of a sudden?
He had pulled strings to place Chu Yi in Modu No. 1 High precisely to help him build social connections—especially with the children of the city's elite. Though he was worth billions, in the eyes of Modu's true aristocracy, he was barely a step above a peasant.
Still, after a moment of reflection, he relented.
"If that's what you want, then go ahead," he said. "After all, your old man has enough money for you to coast through life."
"Oh, and by the way, the finance department told me your company is on the verge of bankruptcy."
"…Ah."
Chu Yi's face froze in embarrassment.
The former owner of his body had been too busy indulging in worldly pleasures to care about the company. And since his own rebirth, he had been preoccupied with Ye Fan—leaving the company to drift unattended.
"Well, I've transferred ten million into your account," Chu Jianguo continued, his tone a mix of concern and exasperation. "Don't spend all your time loafing around. Put some effort into managing the company. Otherwise, once your old man is gone, who's going to take over this empire?"
Chu Jianguo's gentle nagging came through the receiver, and Chu Yi responded with a series of respectful affirmations.
He really couldn't complain—his father was just too rich. Tossing out ten million like pocket change… even someone as composed as Chu Yi couldn't help but feel a little dazed.
"Swish."
After chatting a while longer, Chu Yi ended the call. He stepped hard on the accelerator, heading toward what he called "home."
But really, it was merely one of the many properties he owned. He chose this one only because it was close to Modu No. 3 High.
Otherwise, why not book a presidential suite in a five-star hotel? It would be far more luxurious—and affordable too. With a net worth of twenty million, he could reserve one for five years straight without flinching.
Vroom.
His car came to a halt beneath a serene and elegant residential complex. He stepped out, making his way to a high-rise.
This place was nothing like Ye Fan's neighborhood.
It was tranquil, well-located, and near top-tier schools. Even using 2008's market standards, the price per square meter here wouldn't go below 3,000.
Only families with significant financial means could afford such a home.
But for Chu Yi, this was nothing.
After pausing for a moment, he entered the building and rode the elevator to the ninth floor.
Nine for supremacy. He had thought long and hard before choosing this unit number.
Clink.
The sound of a key turning echoed as Chu Yi opened the door and stepped inside.
But to his surprise, he wasn't alone.
A young girl, delicate and fresh as a spring bloom, knelt on the floor of the living room, scrubbing the tiles.
She wore tight denim jeans and a white plumeria blouse. Whether due to sweat or the water nearby, the shirt clung to her figure, revealing her graceful curves.
It was an arresting sight—so much so that Chu Yi felt his throat tighten involuntarily.
Then, realization dawned.
Of course.
When he purchased this place, he had mentioned rarely visiting, and so outsourced the housekeeping.
This youthful, radiant girl must be the cleaner.
Chu Yi walked in casually.
Thud, thud.
He didn't bother softening his footsteps, and the noise startled the girl.
"Ah!"
The sudden cry echoed through the living room, slightly shrill and sharp.
But when Chu Yi got a good look at her face, amusement flickered in his eyes.
He knew this girl.
An Ran.
She wasn't the main heroine—but a supporting female character.
In the original story, she had feelings for the protagonist's former self.
The author, seeking to craft a twisted, dramatic plotline, had Ye Fan "save" her from moral ruin—exposing the original Chu Yi's "crimes" and winning her over to his side.
A contrived but captivating twist.
Now, however, Chu Yi only found the memory repulsive.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Chu. Did I startle you?"
An Ran's voice trembled with embarrassment as she bowed her head in apology.
"You know my name?"
Chu Yi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.