The Tycoon System: I Have a Universal Land

"System, do you think this watch is legit?" Shang Yunyan asked, holding up the newly acquired timepiece.

"The system has scanned it. Yes, it's real. Honestly, it's just an average watch, but it'll do for tomorrow's auction. In the future, the system will provide you with far superior options. For now, just treat this overpriced trinket as a decorative accessory to hang on your chest."

"Hey, System, why do you sound so disdainful? It cost 61 million! That's a ton of money!"

"Is it? You have billions."

"But you gave me that money! Without the system, I wouldn't even have tens of thousands, let alone billions. I'd be scraping by for years just to save up a few hundred thousand!"

"Hmph, at least you're self-aware." The system sounded pleased with Shang Yunyan's humility. It had been concerned that after acquiring the system's resources, Shang Yunyan might grow lazy and indulgent. The fact that he hadn't gone to work in the past two weeks had only added to its worries. But his honest acknowledgment of his past limitations reassured the system. Perhaps Shang Yunyan wasn't as hopeless as it had feared.

"Mr. Shang has completed the payment!" the associate announced, handing over the invoice, receipt, and purchase contract. "Manager, Assistant Manager, we can now release the 57260 to him."

"Excellent!" The staff meticulously cleaned the watch, ensuring no fingerprints remained, then repackaged it with care. They even suggested hosting a watch-purchase celebration party in Shang Yunyan's honor.

"Stop right there!" Shang Yunyan cut them off with a polite but firm wave. "No parties. I'm on a tight schedule. Just hand me the watch—I've got other things to do."

"Mr. Shang," the store manager interjected, "since your purchase meets the criteria for police escort eligibility, would you like us to arrange for that? It can be done immediately."

"There's no need for that. It's just a watch. Let's not trouble the police over something like this. Besides, I'll wear it now—who would suspect the watch on my chest is worth anything?"

The room fell silent. Everyone in the Vacheron Constantin store was stunned. Most buyers of the 57260 would lock it away in a vault, too afraid to even display it, let alone wear it casually. Yet here was this twenty-something young man, planning to wear it right out of the store. He didn't seem the least bit concerned about scratches or wear and tear.

"Uh... of course, Mr. Shang. The watch comes with five straps, all custom-made by Shenhua Company. You can choose one that suits your taste, and we'll attach it for you."

Shang Yunyan opened the luxurious wooden gift box. The box was adorned with ornate carvings and engraved blessings, but he barely glanced at them. Reaching inside, he casually picked up the watch.

"Mr. Shang!" the manager exclaimed, pained. "We have gloves if you'd like to use them for handling the watch!"

"Gloves? No thanks. Wearing gloves makes everything clumsy. Why are you looking at me like that, though? Did I do something wrong?"

"Ha! Don't worry, Young Master," Duan Yurou laughed, shooting the manager a sharp glare that silenced him. "You do what you like—it's your watch."

Shang Yunyan looked at his suit, then selected a brown leather strap to match. He attached the strap to the pocket watch and hung it on his chest.

"Not bad. A bit heavy, though, and the watch itself is kind of bulky. Looks a little silly, but whatever. I'll get a better one later. Thanks for your help, everyone. Goodbye!" With that, Shang Yunyan walked out of the store.

Duan Yurou and Xue'er followed, carefully gathering all the purchase documents before heading back to the villa.

On the way home, Shang Yunyan tapped the watch on his chest and said to Duan Yurou, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, "See? I told you no one would think this watch is expensive if I wear it like this. No one's following us either."

"As long as you're happy, Young Master," Duan Yurou replied with a smile.

For a moment, she wondered about Shang Yunyan's age. Despite spending so much time together, they'd never discussed such personal details. To Shang Yunyan, asking a lady her age was impolite, while Duan Yurou felt that sharing something as private as ID numbers or birthdates could wait until they knew each other better.

The next morning, Shang Yunyan finished breakfast while skimming the news and newspapers. Reports on Tianji Development dominated the headlines. The company was facing dire financial straits, and if it couldn't sell its remaining land at the upcoming auction, it would likely be delisted. Years of massive losses had caused banks to cut off its loans, and a devastating fire had further sealed its fate.

"System, transfer the money from my Universal Land account to my bank card."

"Ding! Request received. Funds are being transferred. Ding! 5.86 billion yuan successfully deposited."

Moments later, a notification buzzed on Shang Yunyan's phone, confirming the deposit. He glanced at the string of zeros—too many to bother counting. He trusted the system wouldn't make an error.

"Bzz! Bzz!" His phone vibrated with an incoming call. Squinting at the screen, he saw it was an unknown number.

Shang Yunyan pressed the answer button.