C1 Miraculous App

In the blistering heat of August, the sun mercilessly scorched the pedestrians on the street. Zhang Yang was incessantly wiping away the sweat on his face as he anxiously awaited the bus, acutely aware that he was cutting it dangerously close to his interview time.

A salary of 4,000 RMB with room and board was an excellent offer for a recent graduate like him. Moreover, his funds were running dangerously low. If he didn't land this job, he'd be facing the grim prospect of homelessness.

Soon enough, bus number 312 rolled up slowly. "Thank goodness, I can still make it on time!" Zhang Yang silently rejoiced, relieved to be at the front of the queue, his anxiety momentarily eased.

But to his dismay, as the bus approached the station and the driver noticed the crowd, he deliberately drove a few meters past the stop. Zhang Yang was caught off guard and hurried toward the bus door, only to find that those behind him had reacted quicker, completely blocking the entrance.

It took a while, but Zhang Yang finally managed to squeeze his way to the front, just in time for the doors to abruptly shut right before his turn!

"Damn it, I'm rushing to an interview!" Even the typically even-tempered Zhang Yang couldn't help but let out a curse.

"The bus is full, wait for the next one!" The driver was indifferent to his plight, humming a tune as he drove off, leaving a group of frustrated people in his wake.

With no other choice, Zhang Yang prepared to wait for the next bus, only to find that his spot had been snatched up, forcing him to queue up all over again.

As if things couldn't get any worse, the company he was interviewing for called him. "Hello, is this Zhang Yang? There are less than 15 minutes left until your interview. Why haven't you arrived? Don't you value the opportunity we've offered you?"

"It's not that at all. I'm currently en route, but the bus was too crowded and I missed it," Zhang Yang explained.

"I'm not interested in excuses. If you're not here in 15 minutes, don't bother coming at all." With that, the caller hung up, leaving no room for Zhang Yang to clarify.

Panic set in for Zhang Yang. After a long search, he had finally found a job that provided room and board. He couldn't just stand by and watch this chance slip through his fingers.

The next bus wouldn't arrive for at least another ten minutes, and time was definitely not on his side. What to do?

Just then, he caught sight of a shared bicycle tucked away in the corner.

"Guess I've got no choice but to give it a shot."

He approached the bicycle and pulled out his phone to scan the QR code.

But instead of the expected interface popping up, his phone screen glitched out.

"Damn, is this really happening to me right now?"

Zhang Yang was on the verge of a meltdown. What kind of day was this?

But shortly thereafter, the phone screen went white, and a message appeared, "Congratulations, you have entered the Dream Wealth System."

Before Zhang Yang could make sense of it, his phone switched to a shopping interface complete with a tutorial.

"Peach Blossom Wealth System: Earn Achievement Points by cycling on the shared bike. Redeem these points for anything in the mall or convert them directly into cash bonuses."

Zhang Yang let out a resigned sigh. When had his phone picked up a virus?

Yet, at that moment, the bike lock clicked open, and his phone automatically switched to a list interface, chiming with a notification.

"New user bonus: 10 Achievement Points awarded."

The list featured items like an accelerator, beauty services, a free pass, and a cash prize of ten thousand yuan, all laid out like products in a catalog.

With a wry smile, Zhang Yang mounted the shared bike and casually selected the accelerator option, prompting a confirmation dialog box to pop up.

"People these days have too much time on their hands to create pranks like this."

He hit the confirm button.

"Accelerator + Automatic Cruise Package successfully activated. Thank you for your business."

Before Zhang Yang could process what had happened, the shared bicycle took off, speeding down the bike lane.

Terrified, Zhang Yang clung to the handlebars, afraid he'd be flung off the speeding bike.

In under five minutes, the bike had whisked Zhang Yang past three stops and right up to the entrance of the Union Building.

"Ding! You've earned five Achievement Points on your first bike ride, which have been credited to your account."

The bike came to a halt, but Zhang Yang was still reeling from the experience when his phone chimed yet again.

He picked up his phone and noticed that his account's Achievement Points had dropped to 12—the accelerator package had cost him three points.

Staring at his phone in disbelief, he struggled to accept the reality of what had just transpired.

Just then, the interviewer called again, inquiring about his absence.

Zhang Yang quickly replied that he had arrived and was on his way up.

With no further thought for his phone, he dashed into the elevator.

Upon reaching the 23rd floor, he was led by the receptionist into the conference room.

A middle-aged man with a receding hairline sat inside, looking somewhat displeased. "You're nearly late by a minute. Quite punctual, aren't you?"

Zhang Yang scratched his head and offered an embarrassed smile as he handed over his resume.

"An average university, no advanced certifications, no internship experience..." The interviewer listed off Zhang Yang's shortcomings with a chilly tone, each one a sting to his heart.

Then, with a dismissive gesture, he tossed the resume back at Zhang Yang, sneering, "With credentials like these and such a nonchalant demeanor, I was expecting someone more impressive."

Yang Ming silently reclaimed his resume from the table, gripping it tightly. They should have reviewed his resume during the application process. It was clear now that the interviewer was just looking for a reason to give him a hard time.

He sighed, ready to make his exit.

"Ding!"

Out of the blue, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Zhang Yang listlessly retrieved his phone, intending to check the message, but instead, he saw a popup from the app he'd used earlier.

"Hello, user. Given your current predicament, we recommend you redeem a Career Package. For just ten Achievement Points, you can exchange for a high-paying job."

Zhang Yang eyed the message warily. The memory of the bike-sharing incident was still fresh in his mind. The app was definitely odd, but how could it possibly secure him a high-paying job now?

Deciding there was no harm in trying, Zhang Yang followed the prompt and redeemed the package.

No sooner had he confirmed the transaction than a statuesque woman in high heels strode in, her PRADA attire accentuating her figure impeccably.

Upon her arrival, the interviewer promptly stood, greeting her with deference, "Good to see you, Director Bai."

"What's good? Have you found the person I asked for? It's been days," Director Bai said, her brows knitted in apparent frustration.

"Director Bai, your standards are too high; no one has even come in to apply."

"I don't want to hear excuses," Director Bai retorted with a cold snort, clearly displeased with the interviewer's response.

Shortly after, her gaze landed on Zhang Yang. "And what about this young man?"

"He's here to apply for the clerical position."

"Fine, he'll do. Tell him to start tomorrow."

"But, Director Bai, this fellow..."

"Enough. If I don't see him here tomorrow, you can pack your bags!"