1 Chapter 1: A System

In the heart of Singapore, far from the bustling city center, a young man named Alex found himself standing in front of a humble grocery stall. The neighborhood, despite its unremarkable appearance, held a charm all its own. It was here, in this unassuming corner of the world, that Alex was about to embark on an extraordinary journey.

Just beyond the horizon of youth and full of dreams, Alex had recently completed his education. Many of his friends had settled into predictable routines, but not Alex. He dared to defy convention, and the ambitious gleam in his eyes betrayed his yearning for something greater.

This particular grocery stall was his answer to the persistent voices of doubt that lingered in his life. Some called it foolish; others scoffed at the idea. Why, they asked, would he invest his hard-earned savings in such a seemingly precarious venture?

Alex, however, saw potential where others only saw risk. He believed in the age-old saying that to make money, you needed to spend money. He'd spent six years diligently saving, and now he was ready to take a leap of faith.

The stall had a name, a name that resonated with Alex's belief in his project. It was the "Everyday Essentials Emporium." The previous owner, a friendly elderly man who'd decided to retire, had managed the place with care. Though the sign remained unchanged, Alex envisioned an evolution. He wasn't planning to keep it as it was; this was just the beginning. Success, he believed, would allow for grander prospects.

It was an average afternoon, and the other shops along the street had already opened their doors for business. The sun cast long shadows as it descended toward the horizon. Customer traffic was light, which gave Alex time to acquaint himself with the new environment.

Inside the stall, he found the shelves stocked with an array of everyday essentials. Items like packaged milk, noodles, and household goods sat neatly on display. Alex's first task was to ensure that the products were of the highest quality. He meticulously examined expiration dates and verified that every item was fit for sale.

Pricing was straightforward. Price tags neatly labeled every product, reflecting the modest means of the neighborhood. This was no upscale district. People in this area understood the value of a dollar, and Alex's product offerings catered to their wallets.

While the customers remained scarce that afternoon, Alex took the opportunity to study the previous owner's sales records. The business had not fared poorly, and this reassured him that he was on the right track.

Around 5:00 PM, the first customer of the day walked in. It was a middle-aged man who worked long hours and needed groceries to last him through the week. The man selected items with care—rice, flour, sugar, and a few more provisions. Though not a large purchase, it was sufficient for someone living alone for several days.

The absence of fresh vegetables in the store didn't go unnoticed. The customer inquired, and Alex, with a friendly smile, explained that fresh vegetables would be available the following day. He was determined to provide the best service possible.

With the selection made, the total came to $175, a sum that the customer settled in cash. The smooth transaction was a promising sign.

As the day's business proceeded, Alex looked forward to the possibility of serving the community and making a profit along the way. The stall was his newfound venture, and he was excited about what the future held.

The day wore on, and customers continued to visit the store. Alex busied himself with serving their needs and keeping the shelves well-stocked. While the business wasn't bustling, it was steady, and Alex felt a sense of pride in what he had undertaken.

As evening approached, Alex thought about the promise of fresh vegetables that would be available the following day. It was just one example of how he intended to ensure customer satisfaction.

By the time the clock struck 9:30 PM, he decided to close the stall. Customers had tapered off after 9:10 PM, and it was time to tally his earnings. This small grocery had brought an unanticipated fortune, and the balance in his account had seen a significant boost.

As he settled in for the night, Alex's mind was abuzz with plans for the future. He saw this venture as just the beginning of his journey, and he couldn't wait to see where it would lead him.

*Ding!*

The message appeared in his mind with a distinct chime, a sound he'd never heard before. It was unexpected, and it felt as if the universe itself was sending him a message.

[Ding! Congratulations on activating the 10 Times Cashback Business System.]

Alex was taken aback, not quite comprehending what was happening. He'd read about systems in novels, but he'd never expected to obtain one himself. The message in his mind was both startling and intriguing.

As he took a moment to process it, he couldn't help but wonder about the implications. What did this system mean for his journey in the world of business?

He had no time to dwell on the thought, as the message continued.

[Ding! Your total profit for today is $175. Your account has been credited with $1,750. Your current balance is $1,865.]

Alex couldn't believe his eyes. The system had multiplied his daily profits by ten. His humble grocery stall had just become a portal to unimaginable possibilities.

With an exhilarated heart, he realized that his life had taken an extraordinary turn. The future was filled with potential, and Alex was ready to embrace it.