Chapter One: The Knocking of Fate

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The bustling city of A was ablaze with lights; towering skyscrapers loomed like indifferent beasts under the night sky. Delivery rider Xu Yunchuan weaved through the streets on his electric bike, the biting wind whistling past his ears, steam rising from the food container in his hands. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he glanced down at his phone: just one last order.

“Three kilometers away, estimated arrival in ten minutes,” the navigation’s mechanical voice echoed in his ear. With a soft sigh, he quickened his pace.

Xu Yunchuan had not always been like this. He was a top student at a prestigious university, excelling in every subject and even winning national awards. But two years ago, a scandal involving alleged cheating forced him to withdraw, plunging his family into deep debt. His parents’ reproaches and the cold stares of relatives transformed the once ambitious youth into a marginalized figure in society.

An Unexpected Order

The navigation led him to an old residential complex. Looking up, he saw a seven-story building with no elevator; the dimly lit stairwell was gloomy. Frowning, he tightened his grip on the food box and climbed the stairs.

“Knock, knock, knock”—the sound echoed down the silent corridor.

After a few seconds, the door opened. An elderly man with a head full of white hair greeted him. His gaunt face was deeply lined, but his eyes were sharp as knives.

“Delivery has arrived, please sign,” Xu Yunchuan said with a professional smile, handing over the meal.

The old man took the box, his voice hoarse but firm. “Young man, could you do me a favor?”

Xu Yunchuan hesitated for a moment. “Yes, sir?”

“I’m old, and my water heater is broken beyond repair. I see you have a tool bag—perhaps you can fix it?” The man gestured toward the bathroom.

Though this order didn’t cover extra services, Xu Yunchuan did some part-time repair work. Seeing the man’s helpless expression, he nodded. “I’ll give it a try.”

Half an hour later, the water heater was fixed. The old man smiled approvingly. “Not bad, young man, you have skill.” He pulled out a hundred-yuan note. “This is for you.”

Xu Yunchuan waved it off. “No need, just a small favor.”

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The old man narrowed his eyes as if appraising him, then said meaningfully, “Good people will be rewarded.”

Xu Yunchuan smiled but dismissed the remark.

The Beginning of Fate

The next day, Xu Yunchuan went about his deliveries as usual, only to find his account inexplicably frozen. Panicked, sweat pouring down his face, he was at a loss for the cause.

“A system error?” He called customer service but was told his account was frozen due to “suspicious activity.”

Just as he was despairing, the old man’s call came through.

“Young man, come to my house when you’re free. I have something to discuss.”

Driven by curiosity and unease, Xu Yunchuan returned to the old man’s home. The man sat calmly on the sofa, sipping tea.

“Your account was frozen because I arranged it,” the old man stated, startling Xu Yunchuan.

“What do you mean?” Xu Yunchuan frowned.

“Don’t worry,” the old man smiled, sliding a document toward him, “I just want your help. Sign this agreement, and I’ll unfreeze your account and help solve your debt.”

Xu Yunchuan looked down— it was a confidentiality agreement stating: “Accepted tasks assigned by the client must not be disclosed; violators will pay ten million yuan in damages.”

“Ten million?!” He nearly jumped. “Are you joking?”

The old man didn’t answer immediately but pulled out another paper from a nearby folder. “This is your mortgage statement. In three months, the bank will repossess your home.”

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Xu Yunchuan’s heart sank.

“I know you’re smart. Agree to my terms, and you won’t suffer losses,” the old man said calmly, with an unmistakable authority.

“What if I refuse?” Xu Yunchuan asked coldly.

“You can try other means,” the old man chuckled, “but for an ordinary person like you, how many chances to turn your life around exist in this city?”

Xu Yunchuan fell silent. He knew this man was no ordinary old man—his background was likely unfathomable. Yet, he had no choice.

“Fine, I’ll sign,” Xu Yunchuan said deliberately.

The Beginning of the Mission

After signing, the old man nodded with satisfaction. “Good, I knew you were the right one. Your mission is to infiltrate the Shen Group and become my informant.”

“The Shen Group?” Xu Yunchuan’s eyes widened. The Shen family controlled A City’s top conglomerate, grasping the lifeblood of its economy. Ordinary people couldn’t even enter their gates, let alone become insiders.

“Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything. You only need to use your mind and gather the information I need.” The old man stood and headed to his study. “From today, your life begins anew—unusual and extraordinary.”

Xu Yunchuan watched his retreating figure, his heart a tumult of emotions. He knew this might be his only chance to change his fate, but it also meant stepping onto a path fraught with thorns.

“Xu Yunchuan, good luck,” he silently told himself.