Life, as it currently stood for Xu Bin, could truly be described as comfortable. With the system supporting him like a sky above, surprises showing up from time to time, and now a girlfriend in his arms every day, life was carefree. With no immediate worries, everything tasted sweet and soft, and if this didn't qualify as comfort, he genuinely didn't know what did.
After completing the weekly task of fixing nine washing machines, the mobile phone task arrived on his system. Xu Bin finally let out a small sigh of relief. He had promised to help Boss Niu with his machines, which could easily drag on for days, but his own tasks needed to be completed on time—there was no room for missing the system's deadlines.
For two peaceful days, he fully enjoyed the sweetness of a new relationship. Young couples are always like this: when they've just gotten together, they crave each other's hormones, clinging together 24/7 and still feeling like time isn't enough. Everything becomes more exciting simply because it's shared. For example, on boring nights, lying on the floor mattress cuddling, doing nothing but listening to each other's heartbeat, they wished that moment could last forever.
They worked together during the day, and by night, entertainment didn't matter—they just lay quietly, maybe fiddling with their phones or watching light shows. Even that felt blissful and relaxing. They dreamed of living like this forever—not seeking riches or fame, just guarding this little shop and continuing this lifestyle.
But harsh reality always finds a brutal way to shatter illusions. What you want most is often what you're denied.
When Boss Niu's batch of machines arrived at the shop, Xu Bin's period of busyness began. Two loaders/drivers were stationed full-time at the door. The back alley, wide enough for two cars, was now dominated by a massive delivery truck. Other shop owners nearby had no complaints—Xu Bin had watched the intimidating Dongzi bring around four or five men to visit each store. When the truck wasn't in use, it simply parked there, near the pedestrian street, without blocking any access.
Fridges, TVs, washing machines, and even high-end range hoods—Boss Niu brought not only used goods and parts but also professional refurbishers. The two loaders were apparently also part of his refurbishing team. Some of their repairs seemed beyond technical explanation. Xu Bin kept silent about it, while Boss Niu offered them a sharp response: "Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't. What you think is impossible is only because your skills aren't good enough."
Xu Bin, being a technician himself, made an effort to blend in with his peers. To better disguise his real capabilities, he began requesting parts—motor copper wires, inner components—anything he could plausibly use. What wasn't needed could be hidden and later sold off.
If he hadn't owed Boss Niu such a huge favor, he would never have allowed others to linger around his shop hoping to steal his techniques. He knew well that the more he concealed, the more mysterious he seemed, which only reinforced the illusion of superior craftsmanship. Just like elite soldiers—can you comprehend their ability to break bricks with one hand? It's not impossible, just impossible for you.
As summer deepened, they kept the shop doors open. On Zhong Yu's side, colorful curtains with cute pendants dangled, making pleasant jingling sounds with every movement. Xu Bin's side focused on staying clean and dust-free.
After the two began sharing a room, the smaller one was completely transformed into a repair lab—even phone repairs were moved inside. Zhong Yu had said, "An electronics store should look like one," aiming for a clean, modern aesthetic with room for showcasing new appliances rather than looking like a dingy repair shack.
The space inside was ample—one desk for phone repairs, a large table for TV repairs, and appliances like refrigerators and washing machines repaired directly on the floor. The main shop now featured sleek display cases. According to Zhong Yu's fashion-savvy guidance, the layout emphasized layering and spatial aesthetics. Even trendy young women doing their nails wouldn't frown at the interior.
Boss Niu's strength was fully revealed during this refurbishing campaign. Xu Bin spent three to four days finishing one truckload, only to see a second one arrive that same afternoon.
Upon seeing it, Xu Bin nearly collapsed. Although the thirty-some items in the first truck earned him close to ten thousand yuan—at a fixed rate of 300 yuan per unit regardless of size or type—it was exhausting. Thanks to his glutton physique, energy wasn't a problem, but pretending to be normal was. He had to open up the machines, swap out obviously worn parts, clean and polish with oil and agents. Each machine took at least an hour to "resurrect." Even if he napped instead, he couldn't leave, lest someone discover his "miracle touch." He had to deliberately leave subtle signs of repair only noticeable to professionals—minor scuffs that customers might think came from handling.
It was brutal. If not for the money and system rewards, he didn't know if he could keep going.
Now technically above the poverty line, and with a clingy girlfriend by his side, any normal person would want to relax and enjoy life. From struggling to pay rent with a few hundred yuan to now earning tens of thousands per month—the transformation could easily make any poor soul abandon ambition and embrace contentment.
"Boss Niu, I'm not a robot," he said during a call—not to complain, but to test the waters and build rapport. With the second shipment came not only another batch of machines, but also the payment for the first. Boss Niu was not short-sighted—he preferred clear business terms until it was certain Xu Bin was fully under his wing.
"Haha, Xiao Xu, good work. You really saved my neck. Don't rush—the truck stays put, and those two lads will bring you a few units each morning. Call them when you're done."
"Perfect timing, Boss Niu. My girlfriend's already grumbling I'm not spending time with her."
They ended the call with cheerful laughter. Since that day they met Yi-ge, Lao San and his crew had completely disappeared from Xu Bin and Zhong Yu's lives. Zhong Yu quietly asked around and learned that Yi-ge had ordered them away to other assignments.
Shuangquan Appliance Shop's reputation was booming. People now knew Xu Bin had connections with Yi-ge from the train station. Many vendors from nearby phone and second-hand markets began sending units here—some for repairs, others for resale.
As phones took over, the home appliances from Li Jiuren and Han-ge became obsolete in Xu Bin's store. They were no longer rare resources but occasional side projects when time allowed.
By the time the second shipment was completed, Boss Niu scaled back. The third delivery was just a small truck—dual-door fridges and large-screen TVs. He even invited Xu Bin and Zhong Yu to a high-end dinner at one of the province's best hotels, spending thousands on just three people.
Over dinner, Boss Niu brought up mobile phones. Xu Bin, now shifting focus toward phones, agreed. The terms were generous—still 300 yuan per unit, with screens, shells, and parts provided. Xu Bin just needed to refurbish.
By golden September, Shuangquan Appliance Shop had been open for two months. Xu Bin hadn't calculated exact revenue, but after daily expenses, inventory, and food, his bank account held 60,000 yuan. After completing the second month's system task, the third month required 50,000 in earnings. He was already two-fifths of the way there. Overall, he'd earned 90,000 yuan in two months, spent 20,000, and invested 10,000 in inventory. His stock wasn't even premium—otherwise, people might think he dumped all his profits into goods.
60,000 yuan—an unbelievable number for Xu Bin. For Zhong Yu, it confirmed she had found the right man. With him, her future was secure and happy. The shop's hectic pace had already pushed her accessory store aside, and now she only did nail art for a few loyal clients. She was even considering hiring help.
In just two months, Xu Bin's life had undergone a total transformation, thanks to the system. Spending five to six thousand a month on food alone used to be unthinkable. Once, he believed earning that much in a month would be a dream come true.
Money was only part of it. Within the system, he also reaped huge rewards. Xu Bin was no longer the scrappy kid running from security guards. His clothing, demeanor, and aura had all evolved.
And his reputation? The word had spread. People in the industry now knew of this Xu Bin, a master repairman with unmatched skills. Many wanted to be his apprentice—but were all rejected.