C1 The Heavendefying Superpower

Liu Gaang was taken aback as he examined the dark red circular mark on his wrist. Just after returning from outside, a peculiar old man had grabbed his wrist, spouting a torrent of oddities, and then this mark had appeared.

The mark looked as though it had been seared into his skin, yet it seemed unremarkable on the surface. Inside, however, he could sense a swirling gray mist enveloping it.

After scrutinizing the enigmatic mark for quite some time to no avail, Liu Gaang booted up his computer, intending to consult Baidu for any clues.

But the moment his finger grazed the power button, an eerie voice echoed.

"Computer case, brand: Angda, manufactured on October 12, 2014, by Huawei Electronics in Shen Chuan City, quality: medium."

Simultaneously, the gray mist within the mark on his wrist seemed to dissipate slightly.

'What in the world? Where is that voice coming from?'

Perplexed, Liu Gaang scanned the room; he was alone, with only the bold letters "Angda" emblazoned on the computer case before him. He slid the case out from the desk's cabinet and checked the label on the back: indeed, it was made on October 12, 2014. Whether it was a product of Shen Chuan Huawei Electronics remained a mystery.

Completely baffled, Liu Gaang wondered if he was experiencing a haunting. A dark red mark had inexplicably materialized on his wrist, followed by the bizarre voice.

By chance, his finger brushed against the computer's power supply, and the strange voice returned.

"Computer power supply, brand: Gold Bull, manufactured on June 9, 2014, by Gold Bull Electronics in Huinan City, quality: medium."

Could there be a connection to the odd mark on his wrist? Mulling it over, Liu Gaang gave the mark another thorough inspection. It remained unchanged, yet the murky mist seemed to have thinned out somewhat.

Liu Gaang straightened up and reached for the mouse, prompting the voice once more.

"Mouse, brand: Twin Swallows, manufactured on December 18, 2014, by Twin Swallows Electronics in ShenChuan City, quality: superior."

"Keyboard, brand: Twin Swallows, manufactured on December 18, 2014, in ShenChuan City by Twin Swallows Electronics, exceptional quality.

"Monitor, brand: Champion, produced on June 15, 2014, in Huinan City by High Tech Electronics, average quality."

...

After several tests, Liu Gaang could confirm that the strange sound was connected to the mark that had appeared on his wrist. Whenever his fingers made contact with an object, the gray mist within the wrist mark would stretch to the touching finger, and the object's information would automatically fill his mind.

However, with each use, the mist within the mark diminished. After testing, it had already reduced by half, leaving Liu Gaang feeling somewhat drained.

Despite the fatigue, Liu Gaang's spirits soared. With this newfound ability, if he could authenticate antiques, then perhaps he could...

The thought of the bustling Antique Street brought two words to his mind: jackpot... ha!

Stepping out of his room, he could hear his parents' conversation clearly, as if his new skill had enhanced his body in other ways too, like his now-sensitive hearing. The house had excellent soundproofing; before, he would never have been able to eavesdrop.

"How's it going? Did the bank approve our loan?" his mother inquired.

"No, we've approached several banks we do business with, but they're all aware of our current predicament and unwilling to extend a loan," his father replied, sounding dejected.

"What about your business friends?"

"Friends... Hmph!" His father scoffed before continuing, "This ordeal has opened my eyes. So-called friends vanish when trouble arises."

"Should I try to reach out to them?"

"You mean them?"

"Yes."

"No way, absolutely not," his father stated resolutely.

"Sigh! We've got only two days left. If we can't come up with the money, we'll have to declare bankruptcy and put the house up as collateral," his mother sighed, casting a pall over the room.

Liu Gaang's fists clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug into his palms without him noticing. After graduating from a third-tier university, he hadn't sought employment like his peers. Relying on his family's comfortable financial situation, he had lived a life of ease among the second-tier wealthy youth of Pingnan, becoming quite the character in those circles.

Yet, all of that changed just half a month ago.

Liu Lei, my father, had a solid friendship with Qian Yuvwei, and his leather factory sourced nearly half of its materials from Qian's establishment. Unfortunately, Qian's factory was stuck with a surplus of unsellable leather and was deep in debt to numerous clients who were all pressing for repayment. Aware of my father's honorable nature, Qian concocted a scheme, introducing a shell company to him and placing a massive order.

True to his character, my father, seeing the size of the order, purchased all the leather from Qian's factory in one fell swoop, thinking it would also settle a personal debt of gratitude.

Then came the fallout.

The leather bags were ready, but sales were nonexistent. When my father confronted Qian, he was unceremoniously shown the door. Fuming yet powerless—since evidence rules in these times—he had to face the music.

With customers defaulting on payments and workers awaiting wages, my father was forced to liquidate the bags at a loss and mortgage the car to cover payroll.

But the outstanding debts remained unresolved!

In two days, the deadline to repay the loans looms. Without the funds, the factory faces bankruptcy, and our home is at risk of being mortgaged.

"Don't worry, Mom and Dad. I'll earn the money we need to pull through this hardship," Liu Gaang vowed silently before stepping out into the world.