Chapter 1

In August in the capital city, the sun was scorching.

But Lin Dingqiang, standing at the entrance of Starbucks, stood straight despite his 1.85-meter height. One hand was in the pocket of his dress pants, and his sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, scanned the coolness of summer with great interest.

However, the coolness of his eyes could not alleviate the heat of his body.

Unable to bear the intense heat, Lin Dingqiang rolled up his sleeves, revealing a small section of his bronze-colored forearm. His back was already slightly damp with sweat, which clung to his muscular body.

At the age of thirty, Lin Dingqiang was well-dressed, and with his handsome and sunny appearance and humorous and witty demeanor, he had gained a number of female admirers in his company.

But like most white-collar workers who enter and exit office buildings, Lin Dingqiang's monthly salary was almost entirely spent on rent and credit card payments, leaving him with little to spare.

As a result, he had yet to start a family.

However, in Lin Dingqiang's view, some of his past relationships were merely a way to alleviate loneliness.

Now, truly wanting to settle down, his monthly salary of around 30,000 RMB still made it difficult for him to establish a home in the capital city.

About five minutes later, a girl, estimated to be 160 cm tall, approached Lin Dingqiang. She wore a work uniform, had shoulder-length black hair, and her skirt ended just above her knees.

With 5 cm heels, her legs appeared much longer, and overall, her figure was quite good.

The girl compared the photo on her phone with Lin Dingqiang and tentatively greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Lin?"

"Yes, I am." Lin Dingqiang smiled warmly, "Are you the one Aunt Zhang introduced?"

The girl nodded, "I am Zhang Lulu."

Lin Dingqiang gentlemanly opened the glass door for Zhang Lulu and bought two frappuccinos.

After they were seated, Zhang Lulu spoke first, "I have to return to the company soon, so I'll get straight to the point. I am 27 years old and currently work in administration at a foreign company."

"I am 30 and work at an investment bank," Lin Dingqiang replied.

"My parents are retired workers, and they have health insurance," Zhang Lulu continued, "but we still need to show respect during holidays."

Lin Dingqiang smiled, "That's only right. Children should naturally support their parents."

"What about you?" Zhang Lulu asked.

"I am an only child," Lin Dingqiang paused, "my parents passed away early."

Zhang Lulu frowned, surprised by Lin Dingqiang's response, and apologized, "I'm really sorry."

Lin Dingqiang smiled, "It's been a while. By the way, I heard from Aunt Zhang that you have a younger brother?"

"Yes, he is still in school," Zhang Lulu admitted, "he lives on campus, and I give him 1,200 RMB for living expenses every month."

Lin Dingqiang sighed, "You are quite caring for your brother."

Zhang Lulu smiled, "There are only two of us in the family, and our parents are getting older and not in the best health. So I have to take on some responsibilities."

"Are you satisfied with me?" Lin Dingqiang asked.

"Mr. Lin is handsome and has a good demeanor," Zhang Lulu seemed to have found her ideal partner and praised Lin Dingqiang, "I am very satisfied."

Lin Dingqiang smiled confidently, "Do you have any other requirements?"

"My requirements for my future partner are simple. First, a three-bedroom apartment; second, a car worth over 300,000 RMB; third, a Beijing hukou (household registration)." As she spoke, Zhang Lulu raised three fingers.

Lin Dingqiang thought about his situation.

He did have a three-bedroom apartment, but it was shared with two others.

He also had a car worth over 300,000 RMB, but it could seat about 30 people.

The only requirement he could meet was the Beijing hukou.

"Mr. Lin, can you meet these requirements?"

"Partially," Lin Dingqiang smiled.

"Which part?"

"Beijing hukou," Lin Dingqiang replied.

"Do you mean you don't have a car or an apartment yet?"

Lin Dingqiang didn't want to deceive a woman's feelings and spoke frankly, "Not yet, but I will in the future."

Zhang Lulu's expression turned disdainful.

She had thought Lin Dingqiang looked good, and if he had a car and an apartment, he would be the perfect choice.

But life couldn't just be about looks; daily necessities like food, clothing, and shelter were essential.

Zhang Lulu, holding out a last bit of hope, asked, "I heard from Aunt Zhang that your monthly salary is quite good."

"It's decent," Lin Dingqiang admitted, "but our industry has high expenses, many social engagements, and a focus on appearance, so I haven't saved much."

Zhang Lulu's lips drooped, but out of respect for Aunt Zhang, she didn't storm off. Instead, she asked, "I have one more question. Have you ever been in a relationship?"

Lin Dingqiang wasn't foolish. After years in the workplace, he had developed a keen sense of reading people.

Seeing that Zhang Lulu had clearly lost interest after learning about his financial situation, he didn't want to force the issue.

Zhang Lulu, seeing that Lin Dingqiang was taking too long to respond, lost her last bit of patience, and her gentle tone turned sharp, "Mr. Lin? Is this question so hard to answer?"

[The Godly Choice Game is starting]

Suddenly, a voice appeared in Lin Dingqiang's mind, making his eyes light up.

He had read many novels and was always envious of the various godly systems, always lamenting his lack of such luck.

But at the age of thirty, he finally saw a glimmer of hope.

"How does it work?" Lin Dingqiang thought excitedly.

[The system will provide the player with 2-4 choices at appropriate times. The player can only choose one, and will receive the corresponding reward]

"Let's start!"

[Option A: Honestly tell the number of past relationships. Reward: 1 million RMB]

[Option B: Conceal the number of past relationships. Reward: A 2020 Range Rover Sport]

[Option C: End this blind date. Reward: A 10-year lease contract for Beijing Palm Springs International Apartments]

Lin Dingqiang was torn by the three tempting options.

The most direct was the 1 million RMB reward. However, in Beijing, 1 million RMB could only cover the down payment for a one-bedroom apartment, and he would still need to pay the mortgage monthly. Given his salary, it would take at least 25 years.

If he chose the car, it would be a real asset. But Lin Dingqiang would also need to pay for parking, fuel, and annual insurance, adding new financial burdens.

Lin Dingqiang looked at the last option. If he chose the lease contract, although the apartment wouldn't be his, he wouldn't have to worry about monthly rent for 10 years, which would indeed lighten his financial burden.

He quickly took out his phone and checked the rental prices for Palm Springs International Apartments.

According to the lowest monthly rent of 49,000 RMB, Lin Dingqiang could save 588,000 RMB per year, and 5.88 million RMB over 10 years!

Compared to the Range Rover and 1 million RMB in cash, if Lin Dingqiang canceled his current lease, he could save an additional 3,200 RMB in rent each month.

From this perspective, choosing Option C was a clear win.

Since the blind date was likely to fail anyway, continuing would just be a waste of time. He might as well go have a meal.

Lin Dingqiang made up his mind, "C!"

[Your choice has been confirmed. The reward will be delivered in two hours. Please end this blind date as soon as possible.]

PS: New author, new book, please support!