The moment Wang Yifan stepped inside, the biting cold disappeared.
Replacing it was the warmth of everyday life—the heat radiating from charcoal fires, the sizzling of food cooking in iron pots, and the strong smell of alcohol that filled the room.
The noisy atmosphere made him uncomfortable.
The older men were drinking heavily, their loud voices echoing as they talked about the hardships they had endured working away from home over the past year.
“Someone at our factory had an accident last year. He lost part of his thumb and got over a hundred thousand yuan in compensation.”
“That money wasn’t easy to earn. Only he knows how much pain it caused.”
“That’s true.”
“Last year the tent factory was doing terribly. We only worked four days a week. I came home with almost no money.”
“The economy was bad everywhere. A lot of factories weren’t even hiring.”
“I wonder if things will improve this year. If there’s still no work, my family won’t even be able to make ends meet.”
“It’s the same for everyone.”
“By the way, next week’s village event—everyone should prepare. Especially the college students. Let’s have them perform on the village stage.”
“Sure. I’ll tell my son to get something ready.”
…
Wang Yifan quietly found a corner where no one was paying attention and sat down.
He hadn’t planned to use his phone.
But even after coming home, nobody seemed to notice him, so he took out his phone and continued browsing Douyin.
The moment he opened the app, his mindset changed completely.
In the past, Douyin had simply been a way to pass the time.
Now it was different.
The platform belonged to him.
As soon as he opened it, he felt an inexplicable excitement.
More importantly, watching videos could now earn him even more rewards.
No one else could understand that feeling.
He couldn’t help but sigh.
In the span of just three videos, he had gone from a penniless loser to a wealthy playboy.
Of course…
That was only possible because he had the system.
Sitting quietly in the corner, he scrolled through videos.
The first one that appeared was from an account he followed.
His recommendation algorithm had already been well trained.
As the familiar music began to play, he immediately recognized the creator.
In the video, a beautiful young woman wore a light purple dress with a strapless top and high heels.
Carrying a small handbag, she twirled gracefully in rhythm with the music.
Her username was “Not Called Mosquito.”
She was one of Wang Yifan’s favorite creators.
She had a stunning figure and an attractive face that made her incredibly eye-catching.
But…
Heh.
A smile slowly spread across Wang Yifan’s lips.
Who knew what he was thinking about?
After watching for a while, he swiped to the next video.
This time it wasn’t a beautiful woman.
It was a video about Armor Hero.
Watching the cool transformation sequence stirred something inside him.
If only I could get an Armor Hero transformation belt…
The Emperor Armor would be perfect.
Or the Flame Dragon Armor would be fine too.
I’m not picky.
Unfortunately, he’d already used up this week’s three reward opportunities.
He’d have to wait until next week.
While he was browsing videos, several village women gathered around a brazier and began chatting.
“So, Wang Wei’s mom, when is your son bringing his girlfriend home?”
“I’m not sure,” she replied.
“Baoshan’s mom, your son is the promising one. Not only did he bring home a girlfriend, but he also found such a good job. You’ll be enjoying life soon.”
“Oh, not really. Baoshan didn’t do well in school, but he’s worked very hard. Everything he has now is thanks to his own efforts.”
Then someone turned to Wang Yifan’s mother.
“Yifan’s mom, when is your son bringing home a girlfriend?”
His mother smiled politely.
“The children have their own plans. Whenever he wants to bring her home is fine. We’re not in a hurry.”
Yifan’s aunt shook her head.
“That won’t do. If Yifan isn’t working, then he should at least get married soon. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult for him to find a wife later.”
…
Listening from the corner, Wang Yifan felt increasingly irritated.
It seemed as though he had become some unforgivable sinner.
No matter where he went, people always found something to criticize.
If they knew he already had a girlfriend—and money—they would never dare speak to his mother that way.
Earlier, when Wang Baoshan and the others mocked him, he had ignored them.
But insulting his mother?
That was something he couldn’t tolerate.
He finally spoke up.
“Auntie, that’s not quite right.”
“What do you mean I won’t be able to find a girlfriend?”
“Isn’t Cousin Wang Wei still single too?”
“If he’s not in a hurry, why should I be?”
The moment he said that, Wang Wei’s mother frowned.
“Yifan, don’t take this the wrong way.”
“Your cousin Wang Wei is still working hard. It’s understandable if he waits a little longer before getting married.”
“But you?”
“You don’t have a job, and you don’t have a girlfriend.”
“How can your mother not worry?”
“How do you know I don’t have a girlfriend?”
“Your mother herself said you didn’t.”
“Maybe… even my mom doesn’t know I have one.”
“If you really do, then bring her home!”
She spoke with complete disdain.
She simply couldn’t believe it.
After all, in her eyes, Wang Yifan was unemployed and living off his parents.
“Heh.”
Wang Yifan decided not to argue any further.
No matter what he said, she wouldn’t believe him.
When he got home, he’d ask Zhao Lusi whether she had time to visit.
That would be enough.
…
At eleven o’clock that night, Wang Yifan left his eldest aunt’s house together with his parents.
The night wind was freezing.
It blew across his body, making him shiver.
Under the dim glow of the streetlights, he looked at his parents’ silhouettes.
An overwhelming sense of loneliness washed over them.
He knew they had endured countless cold stares throughout the evening.
And the reason was him.
Because he had accomplished nothing.
Yet despite everything, his parents had never once blamed him.
He was grateful to have such understanding parents.
At the same time, he hated how useless he had been.
But…
Starting today…
Things would be different.
He would make everyone in the village treat his parents with respect.
Wherever they went, people would greet them with smiles.
Tonight would be the last time they ever suffered such humiliation.
Walking behind them, Wang Yifan looked at their slightly stooped backs.
His heart ached.
Just then, his mother’s weary voice drifted over.
“Son… what you said to Wang Wei’s mother earlier…”
“Was it true?”
He didn’t hide anything.
“Mom.”
“I was telling the truth.”
“When we get home, I’ll ask my girlfriend whether she’s free.”
“If she is, I’ll invite her over for dinner.”
The moment she heard those words, the exhaustion vanished from his mother’s voice, replaced by unmistakable excitement.
Even his father, who had been tipsy from drinking, seemed to sober up considerably.