The Heavenly Circle group chat was buzzing with conversation about an ultra-luxury penthouse that had just hit the market. Lin Feng scrolled through the messages lazily until a particular comment caught his eye.
[Yan Xiaoyu: Tsk, not just anyone can buy a place like this. You need more than just money—you need status.]
A slight smirk played on Lin Feng's lips.
[Lin Feng: Oh? And what status would that be?]
[Yan Xiaoyu: The kind where you don't need to ask.]
The chat erupted with laughter, the usual arrogance of high society dripping from every message.
[Zhao Rui: Hahaha, bro, you're new here, right? You think you can just walk in and buy a high-class penthouse? Stick to rented apartments, man.]
[Chen Hao: Imagine thinking money alone is enough. The real elite don't just buy—they're invited to buy.]
Lin Feng yawned, unimpressed. The system's voice chimed in, dripping with sarcasm.
[System: Oh no, Lin Feng! They don't think you have status! How will you ever recover from this devastating insult?]
He chuckled and dialed the real estate agent listed in the group. The moment his call connected, his tone turned casual but firm.
"I'll take the penthouse. Full payment."
The other end of the line went dead silent for a few seconds before the agent stammered, "S-Sir, are you serious?"
"Do I sound like I'm joking?"
A rustling sound, hurried whispers, and then the agent's voice returned, now dripping with respect. "Right away, sir! We'll prepare the paperwork immediately."
Lin Feng leaned back in his chair, waiting. Within minutes, the chat exploded.
[Zhao Rui: No way. He's bluffing.]
[Chen Hao: What kind of idiot flexes like that?]
[Yan Xiaoyu: Sure, let's see the receipt then.]
A notification popped up in the chat.
[Luxury Real Estate Agency: Congratulations to Mr. Lin Feng for purchasing the Imperial Sky Penthouse. Transaction complete.]
Silence. Then—
[Zhao Rui: …Wait, what?]
[Chen Hao: He actually bought it?!]
[Yan Xiaoyu: …]
The system let out a mock gasp.
[System: Gasp! Lin Feng, you absolute madman! You just broke a bunch of egos in real-time!]
Lin Feng smiled. "Not just that."
He typed another message.
[Lin Feng: Since Yan Xiaoyu seems so interested in my status, I'll gift it to her. Let's see if she's elite enough to own it.]
Yan Xiaoyu, who had been sitting in a café sipping her imported coffee, nearly choked.
The entire chat lost its mind.
[Zhao Rui: HE JUST GAVE AWAY A PENTHOUSE.]
[Chen Hao: Bro, are you actually insane?!]
[Yan Xiaoyu: …I need a moment.]
She finally replied.
[Yan Xiaoyu: I don't accept gifts from random men.]
Lin Feng grinned.
[Lin Feng: Then buy it from me for 1 yuan. That way, you're not accepting a gift. You're just making the most cost-effective purchase of your life.]
There was a long pause. Then—
[Yan Xiaoyu: …You're interesting.]
[System: Oh-ho? Favorability +5%. Looks like someone likes bold moves.]
Lin Feng stretched, satisfied. Just another day in the life of a man who spent money to make money.