Walking on the street, bustling with people under the neon lights, Zhang Pingfan felt a sense of daze.
In just two days, his fate had changed. He barely spared a glance at the hotels, restaurants, and high-end malls lining the street, as they felt so distant from him.
But now, things were different. Zhang Pingfan was no longer short of money; he could walk in with confidence.
He entered a steakhouse, his first experience in such a Western restaurant.
He had always seen couples on the internet and TV ordering steak, foie gras, and the like. Zhang Pingfan had always wanted to try it, and today was the day.
However, Zhang Pingfan's worn-out attire caused the server who greeted him to give him an unwelcoming look.
Indeed, his clothes were washed out and faded. He only bought clothes once every few years, and even then, he bought the cheapest from street stalls. Anyone would think he was begging.
"Sir, our restaurant has a minimum charge of 188. Are you sure you want to come in?"
Zhang Pingfan nodded, remaining silent. Wasn't it just 188? He had money now.
Zhang Pingfan looked at his clothes; they really needed changing. Otherwise, no matter where he went, people would look down on him.
Looking at the steak placed before him, Zhang Pingfan picked up his knife and fork and began to cut, mimicking the way he'd seen on television.
"They talked about it so deliciously on TV, I thought it would be that good. Turns out, it's just like this."
Zhang Pingfan was somewhat disappointed. The taste wasn't as good as the dog leg soup he stewed in the game.
"Look over there, dressing so dirty and still having the nerve to come here."
"Clearly malnourished. Is he supplementing his nutrition with blood loss? Such a pauper."
"Look at what he's doing. Have you guys seen the forum? The village chief of Novice Village 88 stole the show today!"
"Who would have thought that in such a popular game, the most talked-about person would be an NPC. The experts from the three major guilds lost face this time."
"That's right, and today they sold equipment at sky-high prices!"
"I'm so envious. Three pieces of equipment sold for 600,000. My dad can't earn 600,000 in a year, and he got it in a day!"
"600,000? You must have forgotten that he's auctioning off a hidden profession tonight. It's estimated to fetch over a million tonight!"
"Incredible. If only that hidden profession were mine. Without five million, there's no way you're getting it!"
Zhang Pingfan listened quietly. After tonight, he would finally shed the label of being poor. He had to thank the system lady for this; he should treat her with more kindness and respect in the future.
Leaving the steakhouse, Zhang Pingfan went to the mall. After all, he was now a millionaire and needed to look presentable.
Half an hour later, Zhang Pingfan arrived at his small rented room, carrying several shopping bags.
The plump landlady, seeing Zhang Pingfan carrying bags from high-end malls, rubbed her eyes in disbelief.
"This kid has struck it rich, or maybe he stole it. How could he afford clothes of this brand!"
"Zhang Pingfan, I advise you to turn yourself in. Stealing and getting caught means going to jail."
The plump landlady said with full confidence. In her opinion, Zhang Pingfan must have stolen these items. How could someone who could barely afford rent afford such things?
Zhang Pingfan said indifferently, "None of your business. I have to turn myself in for spending my own money? You're really making me laugh!"
"You, with your shabby appearance, are you worthy of wearing these clothes? I don't want the police to search my rental property. Go turn yourself in immediately."
Zhang Pingfan glared at the plump landlady and said, "Shut up and get out of here!"
Zhang Pingfan couldn't be bothered to explain. Explaining to someone like her was useless; she was just judging by appearance.
Pushing past the plump landlady, Zhang Pingfan returned to his room. He ignored the landlady's shouting from outside, put on his helmet, and entered the game. Out of sight, out of mind. It was only for these two days anyway.
Upon entering the game, Zhang Pingfan walked out of his small courtyard. Many people had already gathered in the novice village square.
"Look, the village chief is here!"
"The handsome village chief is here, everyone make way quickly!"
"Is the good show about to start? Has the opening finally arrived? I've been looking forward to it!"
"Village Chief, hurry up! I can't wait for the big reveal!"
Zhang Pingfan walked to the front of the novice village square with a smile. The crowd cleared a path for him, treating him like a star.
"Ahem, I didn't expect so many of you to be so enthusiastic. I'm not a shy person. The hidden profession is here with me. Everyone compete based on your own ability; the highest bidder wins. The starting bid is 100 gold coins. Does anyone have any questions?"
100 gold coins as a starting bid might seem terrifying, but it truly reflected the uniqueness of a hidden profession.
"Village Chief, let's begin. I'm already impatient!"
"Village Chief, don't worry, you'll definitely make a fortune tonight!"
Zhang Pingfan nodded with satisfaction. It seemed his pricing wasn't too high; at least no one present seemed to have any objections.
If he hadn't overheard the conversation at the steakhouse, Zhang Pingfan might have only priced it at 50 gold coins. Now, 100 gold coins was just right!
Zhang Pingfan smiled and said, "Since that's the case, the auction officially begins!"
Simultaneously, the forum was live-streaming the auction.
The guild leaders of major guilds and wealthy players who wanted the hidden profession began to prepare themselves.
The first auction of Novice Village 88 officially began.
A member of the Apocalypse Dynasty guild raised their hand and shouted, "Village Chief, Apocalypse Dynasty bids 200 gold coins!"
A member of the Glazed Gate also said without showing weakness, "Village Chief, Glazed Gate bids 300 gold coins!"
Player a: "Damn, adding 100 by 100? Is this still money?"
Player b: "Haven't you seen shareholder auctions? They start from tens of millions. This is nothing. After all, it's the first hidden profession of the server opening, so it's bound to be expensive!"
Player c: "Damn, I only prepared 2.8 million. No, I need to exchange some more!"
Player d: "Rich guy, let's be friends."
The guild leader of Apocalypse Dynasty frowned.
"What does Glazed Gate mean? Are they trying to compete with me?"
He had expected Moon Palace to be his competitor, not Glazed Gate making a move.
Although the guild leader of Moon Palace was a bit surprised, he wasn't too shocked. After all, the three major guilds kept each other in check, and they wouldn't let anyone else have an easy time.
A member of Moon Palace said, "350 gold coins!"
A member of Glazed Gate: "400 gold coins!"
A member of Apocalypse Dynasty said with some displeasure, "Don't you Glazed Gate go too far!"
A member of Glazed Gate: "A joke, can't we Glazed Gate have it?"
A member of Apocalypse Dynasty: "500 gold coins! Come on then!"
"Damn, Apocalypse Dynasty is still domineering!"
"Awesome!"
"Salted fish can only type 666!"
The scene erupted in cheers. 500,000, this was probably an amount an ordinary person couldn't come up with in their lifetime.
Just like that, they easily bought a pile of data.
A member of Glazed Gate spread their hands and said, "I'm not crazy, it's all yours!"
Clearly, Glazed Gate had withdrawn from the competition!
"Guild Leader, we're going to win!"
The guild leader of Apocalypse Dynasty said in a low voice, "It's still too early. Moon Palace and that Tianshan haven't made a move yet, and there are still some other players who haven't acted. This might break a thousand!"
"Hiss!" Those present gasped.