Chapter 2: Exploding Skills

Watching the [Habit Cultivator] shining brightly in the mall seemingly within reach yet actually far away, that sense of frustration dilutes the joy of obtaining the system by half.

Three thousand dollars isn't much for Alex. In eleven days, he could save it up by himself. But now there are only eight hours left. Alex is truly at a loss.

Alex's mother has around 100,000 yuan in savings, but there's no reason to borrow it. Even if there were a reason, it would be too late to withdraw it.

Moreover, she doesn't have online banking. Among his classmates, only Ellie and Paul can take out 30,000 yuan at any time, but Alex isn't familiar with them.

Otherwise... Should I ask Ellie if she needs any services? After much thought, there's really no way out. Alex has to turn off the system and stop thinking about it. Maybe this thing isn't meant for him. He'll wait for the next item...

He needs to find something to do to ease his mood. Alex tilts his head and thinks. Then he opens Taobao again and plans to research air conditioners.

This year, the temperature in the central region is very abnormal. There was almost no snow in winter, and there's no rain in summer.

The high temperature of 35 degrees Celsius has lasted for nearly a week. It is said that in the next few days, the highest temperature will approach 40 degrees.

Alex's parents are reluctant to buy an air conditioner because they are worried about the cost. Alex thinks that before going to college, he must install one for them.

Otherwise, it will be too uncomfortable to sleep at night. When he has more money in the future, he will buy them a house and support the family.

Then he can consider showing off by spending money extravagantly. Otherwise, he will always feel guilty.

But it's not easy to find an excuse... Just thinking about explaining where the money comes from to his parents gives Alex a headache.

It feels even more tormenting than the college entrance examination.

While he is worrying, there is a sudden noise from the next door's yard. Soon, a young man in his twenties passes by the wall. He is Alex's neighbor, Jack.

"Jack, why are you back so early today?" Alex greets politely.

"Oh, Alex, why didn't you go out and play?"

"With today's temperature, going out is not enjoyable at all." Alex complains.

"That's true. This weather is ridiculously hot!"

Jack nods and takes off his white shirt and wrings it. Sweat flows down in a stream.

"Alex, wait a moment."

Jack rushes into the house, takes out half a watermelon from the refrigerator, inserts two spoons, climbs over the wall and comes to Alex. He puts the watermelon on the table.

"Here, have some watermelon!"

Alex is not polite and takes a spoon and digs a big piece.

Jack is not an outsider. He is a relative of Alex's family who is just outside the fifth degree of kinship. According to seniority, Jack even has to call Alex "uncle."

But after living in the city for a long time, everyone doesn't pay much attention to such seniority. Jack still calls Alex's father "Third Master," but he and Alex address each other informally.

After taking a couple of bites of the watermelon, it is sweet and cool. The summer heat on Alex disappears immediately, and he feels very comfortable.

"Ding! You have tasted delicious watermelon and triggered a mysterious reward."

"You have obtained a skill and thus opened the personal panel."

Wow! Alex has never bought a lottery ticket in his life. He didn't expect himself to be so lucky! This surprise is so sudden that he can hardly believe it. With a 1% chance, he hits it. Can you believe it?

With such luck, could this be a skill that can bring him 30,000 yuan? Alex quickly opens the personal panel. In an instant, a 3D mini Alex appears in the new interface.

"Host: Alex"

"Basic attributes: Strength 64, Constitution 63, Agility 68, Intelligence 65"

"Skill: Gourmet Intuition"

Gourmet Intuition is a very interesting skill. But it has nothing to do with money. Alex is a bit disappointed. But as he continues to read, he gradually becomes happy again.

The annotation is: Passive skill. You can vaguely sense the quality of ingredients and pick out the best ones.

Alex ponders for a while and realizes that in the future, he won't have to worry about picking an unripe watermelon. It must be thin-skinned, juicy and taste good. Isn't it amazing?

Although it has nothing to do with money, Alex is still very happy. After all, making money is ultimately for enjoying life. Having a gourmet skill is so enjoyable!

Jack Ma is rich, right? If you throw a truckload of watermelons at him and ask him to pick the best one, can he do it? Hehe, definitely not, right?

Alex is a person who is easily satisfied. He feels that he has obtained a skill that can beat all the rich people in the world. The previous frustration disappears immediately.

Then he looks at the basic attributes again. The system has an annotation -

For adult males over eighteen years old, the average attribute value is 60 points, and the limit is 100 points. 60 points is average.

Above 70 points is excellent. Above 80 points is genius. Above 90 points is a prodigy.

Seeing this, Alex has a headache. He is really ordinary. None of his attributes are below the passing line, but none of them reach the excellent standard.

In fact, according to the normal distribution, people like Alex are the majority. Because the evaluation of each attribute is very complex and strict.

Some people have good memories but are slightly weak in logic or spatial imagination, so their total intelligence score is not high.

Some people have excellent cardiopulmonary endurance but are average in other aspects, so their constitution is not high.

In short, everyone has their own advantages and disadvantages. The world is mainly composed of ordinary people. A prodigy comes along only once in several hundred years. Just think about it.

...

Alex takes another big spoonful of watermelon and suddenly has an idea.

"Jack, I remember you work at a loan company, right? What's the specific situation?"

Jack doesn't even raise his head and says casually, "Credit small loan. Haven't you heard of it?"

"No." Alex shakes his head. But in his heart, he becomes more and more interested and asks eagerly, "Brother, tell me about it."

Since he has nothing to do anyway, Jack treats it as a chat and tells Alex about it.

Credit loan is a loan that doesn't require collateral or guarantee and uses personal credit as the repayment guarantee.

The lending range of small credit loans is generally between 5,000 and 100,000 yuan.

With the liberalization of financial reforms, small credit loans are developing rapidly across the country.

Alex usually doesn't pay much attention to things outside. He only has some impression of small loans because he occasionally sees some news about campus loans on the Internet.

After listening to Jack's explanation, Alex finally understands. This can be described in nine words: Low-threshold and black-hearted usury.

Doubling the interest in three years is considered conscience. For companies with higher interest rates, it can double in two years.

"This is so ridiculous... There are actually people borrowing this kind of loan?"

Alex doesn't understand. Jack scoffs and says, "There are quite a lot of people borrowing it! Some people have poor credit and are short of money.

If they don't borrow this kind of money, where else can they get it?"

"Credit report?"

"It's the personal credit report issued by the People's Bank of China, showing whether you have loans, defaults, etc.

After you graduate, when you buy a car or a house and apply for a loan, you need a good credit report."

Alex suddenly realizes: "Just like Alipay's Sesame Credit Score, right?"

"Yes." Jack nods.

"Our small loan company only checks the credit report but doesn't report to the credit system.

After borrowing money, even if you don't repay it, at least it won't affect your personal credit report and won't affect your future formal loans."

Alex is surprised: "Then won't there be many people defaulting?"

"Why do you think the interest is so high? It's to cover bad debts with high interest rates!

Certainly, there are people who don't repay, but as long as the bad debt rate is controlled, the company can still make a lot of money."

"The company makes a big profit, and we follow and make a little money. Haha!"

Jack smiles and holds up one finger: "Last month, I earned this amount!"

Alex's eyes light up and blurts out: "Brother, lend me 30,000 yuan!"

"What are you going to do?"

Jack widens his eyes and looks at Alex up and down.

"If Third Master needs money, I won't hesitate. But if you need it, you have to give me a reason and inform Third Master."

Reason?! I want to buy three good habits! This is really absurd... Hello? Is this the Qingshan Psychiatric Treatment Center? Please come here!

Alex gives an embarrassed smile and says casually, "I was joking... What do I need so much money for..."

"Rascal! Are you teasing your brother?"

Jack scolds with a smile and continues to eat watermelon.

Alex really wants the money, but he knows Jack definitely won't give it to him. He is on the verge of tears but doesn't want to be noticed, so he has to continue chatting.

Jack is in a very good mood today and is very talkative. He talks about industry insider information endlessly.

Alex is not very interested, but he is very responsible in chiming in and actually understands 90% of it.

The whole process is not complicated. The required things are very clear, and there are verification measures for each link.

But still, there is no guarantee that there won't be any problems. After all, it's only 2015, and the industry has just started developing.

Alex casually asks, "Jack, have you helped customers with this kind of loan?"

Jack takes out a cigarette, lights it up, and holds up one finger ambiguously: "For one customer, we can earn at least this amount!"

"10,000 yuan?" Alex is startled.

Jack nods and then sighs helplessly: "Good customers are hard to find..."

Alex finds it hard to understand: "If you guys fake it and the customers don't repay, won't the company go crazy looking for them?"

"Look for what!"

Jack scoffs and curls his lips.

"This kind of thing is common in the industry now. Everyone knows it but doesn't say it. As long as you don't get caught, it's fine. Don't go around blabbing, you know?"

"Don't worry, I know."

Alex has always been a steady and trustworthy child. Otherwise, Jack wouldn't have told him so much. 

Thinking about it, Alex feels that there seems to be only one problem left in the whole process and asks it casually.

"How do you handle 回访 (return visits)? Isn't it very strict?"

Jack smiles as if to say: How naive.

"The store visits are not that strict. No salesman would make things difficult for himself."

"And in our industry, there is a special company that answers calls on behalf of others. When we encounter special customers, we will find such a company to pretend to be the customer's contact person."

"They are very proficient and never make mistakes. They even sell well-cultivated mobile phone numbers."

Alex is surprised: "So powerful?"

Jack proudly throws out a new term: "Industrial chain, understand?"

Don't understand. The big shots are amazing!

Alex just wonders: How high a profit must there be to give birth to such a strange industry?

Just as he is about to ask for more details, Alex's parents come back.

Old Alex looks at his son who seems to be in good spirits and asks in confusion, "Alex, what did you do today? Did you have a good time playing with your classmates?"

Alex smiles and says, "I didn't go out. I was chatting with Jack. It was quite interesting."

Mother Mary tells Jack, "Jack, go and get a bucket of ice water. We'll eat cold noodles today!"

The family starts to prepare dinner.

The chilled cold noodles are filled with shredded cucumbers, tomato slices, pickled cowpeas, spicy cabbage, a sliced egg, and a few slices of beef jerky soaked in it.

It's cold, sweet and sour, appetizing and refreshing. It's extremely comfortable.

Unfortunately, there is no "European Emperor's critical hit."

After eating, Jack leaves to play billiards at the village head's place. Old Alex goes to play mahjong for 10 cents. Mother Mary goes to dance in the square. They all leave home.

Alex has nothing to do, so he goes out to play games at an internet cafe with his friends and has a great time playing "Childhood Zed."

He is criticized until after 10 o'clock and then goes home to sleep.

The next morning, when Alex is just a little awake with sleepy eyes, he immediately opens the panel.

Looking at it, he breathes a sigh of relief.

Well, the system is still there. It's not a dream!

Just as he is about to close the panel, his eyes suddenly widen and he is fully awake.

In the system mall, there is an item lying there neatly - the Habit Cultivator!

Oh my!

Why hasn't it refreshed?

Asking the system directly, he gets the explanation that since the system mall is opened for the first time, the refresh function will only be officially activated after a complete natural week.

So humanized!

In other words, the [Habit Cultivator] will stay in the mall for a full week and will only be refreshed at zero o'clock next Monday.

Alex is extremely happy. After dancing for a while, he suddenly pauses.

Wait!

Money!

With the second-level system, even though it distributes more than 2,700 yuan a day, it still takes 11 days to save up 30,000 yuan!

Oh my!

Finally, there is another chance. This time, it must not be missed!

Anxiously pacing around, Alex suddenly thinks of his chat with Jack yesterday and has an idea.

Small loan!

As long as he can get it approved, one sum of money will be enough!

And there is plenty of time. Under smooth circumstances, he can get the money the next day or even on the same day!

Alex immediately rushes back to his bedroom, picks up a notebook and a pen, and sorts out the process.

After listing one, two, three, four, and five, Alex realizes that the biggest problem is... age and identity.

According to Jack, no company will lend money to high school graduates.

Although it is said that 18-year-olds are eligible, in fact, it is basically impossible for those under 20 years old to get a loan.

And one must have a formal job. Civil servants and public institutions are preferred. For ordinary jobs, at least three insurances and one housing fund are required.

So, Alex's own ID card is definitely not going to work.

Unless...

Alex's eyes flash with excitement. He immediately rushes into his parents' bedroom and finds an ID card from the junk drawer.

Name: Liu Dapeng

Age: 22 years old 

(Place of origin and ID number omitted.)

Yes!

Liu Dapeng, now named Liu Yupeng, is Alex's cousin and the only son of his aunt.

Liu Yupeng is in the special economic zone. For some reason, he changed his household registration. His name and address have all changed.

At that time, it was a chaotic period of household registration management. It was done through acquaintances.

As a result, the old ID card that should have been invalidated was not taken back and has been with Mary. Moreover, it can be used normally.

When Alex didn't have an ID card, he secretly went to internet cafes to surf the internet using Liu Yupeng's ID card and never had any problems. 

The biggest problem is solved! 

In theory, borrowing a small loan has a chance of success. 

Next, he needs to carefully plan every detail and make solid preparations to turn possibility into victory! 

Alex's mood is both excited and nervous. He is so excited that his whole body is trembling. 

A high school graduate who has just put down his books knows almost nothing about things other than study. 

Although he always talks about "society," which high school student really knows which way the door of society opens? 

Yesterday he was still carefree playing games. Today he has to face such a big thing. How can he not be excited! 

At the first moment, Alex wants to ask Jack for help. 

But then he thinks: No way! Will Jack accompany me in this nonsense? He will definitely tell my parents! 

Well, he can only rely on himself. 

Alex is fearless like a newborn calf. Realizing that he can only rely on himself, he immediately calms down and starts to make plans. 

As his thoughts become clearer, Alex's attitude becomes more and more firm. 

He must do it! 

There are three reasons. 

First, the [Habit Cultivator] must be obtained. 

Although Alex is completely ignorant and only has a vague understanding of the power of habits, there is always a sense of urgency in his heart: Don't miss it!

 The mystery and power of the system make Alex firmly believe that the so-called habit cultivation is definitely not as simple as washing hands before meals! 

Second, he can upgrade the system in advance. 

If he can get the loan in two or three days and immediately upgrade the system, then he can slowly repay the loan with his "breathing salary." 

Just in the early stage, he can save 10 to 12 days instantly. Just the "breathing salary" can earn an extra 30,000 to 40,000 yuan, which can completely cover the loan interest. 

This is equivalent to consuming future wages and getting a promotion and a pay raise in advance. 

This method is not applicable to ordinary people because every penny is earned through hard work. Not only is there no benefit, but also one has to bear such a high interest rate. Isn't it stupid? 

Only in Alex's extremely special situation, not only is he not afraid of high interest rates, but he can also make a profit. It's truly amazing.

Using other people's money to upgrade his own system. Is there anything more awesome than this?

There isn't!

Third, it's a form of training for himself.

Just because one gets a tycoon system doesn't mean one will immediately become a tycoon.

As a poor student full of a poor person's aura, if not train himself now, then when?

If it succeeds, there are benefits. If it fails, there is no impact. It's full of challenges yet without any danger...

How interesting?

...

One, two, three. The reasons are so sufficient. Do it!

So, first of all, he needs to perfect every detail.

Alex takes Liu Yupeng's old ID card and rushes into the bathroom.

The two brothers look alike as they both take after their mother. Originally, they look five points alike. With a little grooming, they can look about seven points alike.

A seven-point resemblance in a ID photo is sufficient.

ID card obtained√

Let's go!

After a simple tidying up, Alex goes out. He first goes to get a pair of plain glasses, then buys a set of clothes that look decent enough.

After that, he takes a taxi and heads straight for a public institution in Xiawa District.

Getting off at a small intersection nearby, he strolls in. After walking more than two hundred meters into an alley, he finds a three-story building.

The building is very old. It might be a building from thirty years ago. There is a sign at the entrance that reads: Xiawa District Office.

This office is a subordinate institution of a certain public institution. Alex doesn't know the exact difference between them. But he knows that this office is a public institution with staffing.

Because his aunt Mary works here.

The small building is never exposed to sunlight. As soon as one enters, a coolness hits. The summer heat disappears immediately.

Alex goes up to the third floor and knocks on an office door according to his memory. Meeting his aunt's surprised gaze, he walks in.

"Oh, you naughty kid. Why did you think of coming to see your aunt? Come here. Are you thirsty?"

"Thank you, aunt. I'm not thirsty."

Alex waves the book in his hand and gives the excuse he had prepared long ago: "I came here to escape the heat. It's too hot at home. I can't read."

Mary grabs Alex's hand and smiles so widely that her mouth can't close. "Okay. Then you can stay in my office. At noon, aunt will take you to eat something delicious."

That won't do.

Alex has come prepared. Usually, he rarely lies to his elders. But today, he acts so naturally.

"I don't want to disturb you here. The room is already small, and there are people coming and going...

Hey, aunt. Aren't there many empty offices on the second floor? Give me the innermost one. It's quiet."

Mary has never refused Alex's requests. Immediately, she says, "Then I'll go find the key for you."

Soon, Mary comes back with the key and opens the innermost office on the second floor.

Alex looks up and sees the sign hanging above the office door. It says Logistics Department.

Walking in, at a glance, he sees the office phone on the table. Almost bursting with joy.

"Aunt, there's a landline in the room? What's the number?"

"The first four digits are the same as in my room. It's either 1123 or 1124 at the end." Mary casually explains. "If you want to make a call, use this one. Feel free to talk."

Next, Alex starts chatting with his aunt. He keeps chatting until someone comes to look for her.

Only then does he move on to the next step.

There is a file cabinet in the office. There are many discarded files inside. Alex casually pulls out a file with an official seal and flicks it with his finger.

Next, it's time to go and do a field investigation to test the waters.

Not far from Xiawa District is a financial street. On both sides of the front are various banks and insurance companies.

In the alleys leading in, there are small loan companies of various sizes scattered around.

Alex, with salespeople handing out flyers and soliciting customers all over the street, strolls around. He finds the storefront of Lake Sea Company and nervously walks in.

According to Jack, Lake Sea is a large company with strong capital, good management, and strict risk control.

In the small loan industry, it ranks first or second together with Anping. As long as one can pass the risk control of Lake Sea, one can definitely pass the risk control of other companies.

As soon as he enters, he is warmly intercepted by the female salesperson on duty. She immediately asks: "Sir, do you need a loan?"

"Yes." Alex nods.

Next, it completely becomes the female salesperson's show. Until Alex is pulled upstairs and sits down, he doesn't find a chance to interject.

Dazedly looking down, there is an application form in front of him and a carbon pen in his hand.

"Sir, please fill out the form. I will guide you." The female salesperson smiles brightly. But Alex feels ashamed and self-blaming.

He feels a bit sorry for the system. Other people are all tycoons, throwing money at girls everywhere. Why is he so pathetic?

He can't even get a word in when borrowing a small loan...

In fact, Alex is very clear in his heart that he is still very inexperienced. Just graduated from high school, he hasn't figured out how to deal with people and things yet.

He can handle himself in front of his relatives, but outside, he is just a newbie in society! Precisely because of this, he needs to take this opportunity to train himself well.

Putting down the pen, Alex leans back on the chair and pretends to be calm. Although there is still some uneasiness in his heart.

"I won't fill out the form for now. Please tell me what other materials are needed."

The female salesperson starts to explain. Alex listens carefully and quickly gets familiar with the process.

One of the key points is - the mobile phone number must have been in use for more than half a year.

There must be a communication password. Currently, it is allowed that the mobile phone number is not in one's own name.

Alex nods silently. He knows that this is the last hurdle. Using his own real mobile phone number to apply for a loan is absolutely impossible.

So, if he can buy a number that has been in use for more than half a year, he can continue. Otherwise, he can only give up.

After understanding all the situations, Alex starts to fill out the form.

When filling in the unit, the female salesperson's eyes light up and her tone becomes more enthusiastic: "Sir, you are from a public institution? Your loan interest rate will be much lower than normal."

Now Alex knows why she is so excited. A good unit means a high possibility of loan approval. Her commission is guaranteed.

When filling in the contact person column, Alex stops writing and stands up.

"I'll think about it again.I'll take the form. You leave me your contact information. When I've made up my mind, I'll contact you."

The female salesperson is a bit disappointed but still tries to persuade him a few more times. But

Alex hasn't got a mobile phone number yet. How could he waste time with her? Soon, he leaves under her reluctant gaze.

Field investigation completed√

There is absolutely no problem with feasibility. Now only the most crucial thing is missing - a mobile phone number!