Heavenly Ranking

Chapter 1 Floating
The Great Commercial Federation.

Chuzhou, Xingguang City, Hexie Huayuan Residential Community.

"Jingle Bell!"

A ringing phone woke Ji Fuyou from his bed.

"So close! We almost turned the tables this time!"

There was still a sharp edge in his eyes.

As the phone continued to ring, it seemed to bring him back to reality, and the sharpness in his eyes gradually dissipated.

After glancing at the number displayed on his phone, Ji Fuyou answered the call.

"sister."

"Why so long?"

A crisp sound came from inside.

Ji Fuyou got up and dressed: "I overslept."

He glanced at the mirror on the table beside the bed.

The reflection showed a handsome, slender man of about twenty-one or twenty-two years old with a refined and gentle demeanor.

At this moment, her eyes were sunken and she had thick dark circles under her eyes, making her look inexplicably tired.

"Pack your things, let's leave early, and I'll take you out for dinner in the suburbs tonight to discuss your onboarding."

"clear."

Ji Fuyou responded.

The phone hangs up.

He let out a long breath.

I had another nightmare.

In my dream, I couldn't see any direction; everything around me was shrouded in a mist.

A terrifying monster will burst out of the mist and devour him alive.

Four years have passed, and the nightmare has continued intermittently for four years.

He hadn't paid much attention to it before because it was too bizarre—things like star-devouring monsters and Titan behemoths were unrealistic.

But this month has been different.

The dream became incredibly clear and incredibly real.

The panting from his frantic run, the leaden weight under his feet, the stench of the monster rushing towards him, and the pain, fear, and agony of his flesh, bones, and nerves being bitten and crushed bit by bit when his head, arms, and body were bitten—all these images kept flashing through his mind.

It's so real, so unforgettable.

This left him with a deep psychological trauma related to sleep.

If he continues to not get rest, he fears he might die suddenly.

"call!"

Ji Fuyou shook his head and went to the washroom.

Whether he lives or dies, we'll talk about that later.

Now, he needs to take good care of himself and work hard to make a living.

The current job market is extremely poor. International trade is disrupted, military exercises are being conducted on the border every day, and the unstable situation has led to a national economic recession. It is not easy to find a suitable job.

God knows how many resumes he's sent out since his senior year.

"What a failure. A time traveler, four whole years, and accomplished nothing."

Ji Fuyou mentally muttered a complaint.

What's the most frightening thing about time travel?
The story takes place in a similar era to the past, but leans towards the future, though not as much. In particular, social classes are more rigid, capital monopolizes almost all industries, and all upward mobility is blocked.

Writing songs based on past life experiences?

In an era where traffic is king and AI is prevalent, this ability is already outdated.

So much so that he had to rely on his family for help to find a job.

After tidying himself up, Ji Fuyou left the old house with a rent of 600 yuan and rode his newly bought electric scooter downstairs to the address sent by his sister Ji Qingqing.

"Boom!"

As soon as I stepped out of the residential area, a roar came from overhead.

Ji Fuyou looked up and saw more than a dozen armed helicopters in tactical formation, roaring as they swept over the city and flew out of the city with murderous intent.

“Spectacular”.

He glanced at it curiously a few times.

At the same time, it was somewhat unexpected: "Starlight City is not a coastal city or a border city, so it is not common to see a dozen or so helicopters like this."

Although it's not a common sight, he just watched for the spectacle, and after the helicopter flew away, he went about his business.

A dozen minutes later, the electric scooter stopped in front of a building with neon signs for Flash Culture Media Company.

In 2031, an era where poverty is mocked but prostitution is not, and money is wildly worshipped, everyone will have long abandoned morality and shame.

People will stop at nothing to make money.

In other industries, job positions are passed down from generation to generation, and social classes have long been solidified.

For ordinary people, becoming an internet celebrity who entertains the masses is the most promising path to changing their fate, attracting countless people to join the field.

Ji Qingqing is a top streamer with 200 million followers under Flash Culture Media, and has considerable influence, which is why she thought of introducing her younger brother to get a job here.

Upon arriving at the company building, Ji Fuyou sent a message to Ji Qingqing.

"Wait a minute."

Ji Qingqing replied to the message.

It took Ji Fuyou, who was scrolling through fighting and training videos, a full half hour to receive her message.

He walked a few steps to the road in front of the company.

Soon, a white Trident sedan stopped in front of him.

With her makeup still on and wearing silver hoop earrings, Ji Qingqing, who exuded the air of a sophisticated urban woman, rolled down the car window and nodded, saying, "Get in the back."

Ji Fuyou opened the car door and got in.

As it turned out, besides her, there was another tall woman in the car wearing a white sundress.

She leaned against the car window, her milky white skin glossy in the sunlight, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, draping over her slender neck and smooth white shoulders. The patterned collar of her dress was slightly open, revealing a rose gold feather pendant worn in the hollow of her collarbone, which brushed against the lace at the edge of the V-neck as she breathed.

Suddenly, Ji Fuyou's breathing seemed to slow down by half a beat.

"Sister Xiaoyu?"

"Xiaoyou."

The woman smiled and moved aside, saying, "Come sit down."

"it is good."

Ji Fuyou got into the car and sat down somewhat awkwardly.

Yu Xiaoyu.

Ji Qingqing's best friend.

She was twenty-three years old, two years older than him.

Compared to her older sister Ji Qingqing, who only knows she's pretty but doesn't really appreciate it, Yu Xiaoyu is almost perfectly suited to Ji Fuyou's aesthetic standards in terms of figure, appearance, and temperament.

but……

She is too beautiful, too dazzling, and her physical attributes are too outstanding.

Even though he was so outstanding that he was mediocre and accomplished nothing, he felt a sense of inferiority and shame when he stood in front of her.

So much so that when he sat next to her, he felt awkward and unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.

"After appearing on my videos over the past few months, Xiaoyu has gained a certain amount of popularity and has also signed an A-level contract with Flash."

Ji Qingqing glanced at her best friend through the rearview mirror in the car.

Her milky-white skin seemed so delicate and smooth that it looked like you could squeeze water out of it: "Her fan base is growing much faster than mine. In just a few months, she's already reached 43."

"I can't compare to you, Qingqing. We all know how much of my fans are fake."

"The main problem is that your field is too competitive, and most people use beauty filters so much that they can't even recognize themselves. But now that you've started streaming, with your exceptional talent, you're sure to become famous quickly."

"It's not that easy. I don't have your high EQ, Qingqing. Even if I start streaming, I can't keep people watching. I'm already very satisfied with 43 fans."

Yu Xiaoyu said this, not caring much about her image.

Firstly, you don't need to put on airs in front of acquaintances anymore.

On the other hand, she knew her own limitations.

Aside from his figure and appearance, he has no redeeming qualities.

"He graduated from a top-tier university, it's not as exaggerated as you say."

"What's wrong with graduates from top-tier universities? In today's job market, there are plenty of graduates from top-tier universities who can't find jobs. Of course, this excludes those who have completely lowered their standards and have no requirements for jobs or salaries."

Yu Xiaoyu leaned back lazily: "Besides, even if I find a good job, can working my whole life really make me financially free? Can it help me achieve upward social mobility?"

"Your group broadcast yesterday was so successful, with an average of over 2 viewers online and over 10 in tips. Keep up the good work, and financial freedom is not out of the question. That's why I'm planning to have Xiaoyou become the head of the atmosphere team for you, so we can get on your good side as soon as possible."

Ji Qingqing chuckled and said, "Let's go to Yunmengju outside the city to find Manager Wang in the operations department and ask him to give Xiaoyou 50 high-authority accounts to increase the popularity of your live stream. At the same time, we'll train him on sales techniques to guide viewers to spend money."

"What kind of atmosphere-setting team leader?"

Yu Xiaoyu perked up: "If I really become famous, I'll have Xiaoyou be my assistant!"

"An assistant? He's a man..."

"So what if he's a guy? What's our relationship? Would I not trust Xiaoyou?"

As Yu Xiaoyu spoke, she glanced at Ji Fuyou with a smile: "Besides, men are strong and can do the work. Xiaoyou is also good-looking, so it won't be embarrassing to have him by my side. He also looks very honest. I really think he's a good match."

"You really don't shy away from these things at all."

Ji Qingqing covered her forehead.

"Why would I be shy about talking to Xiaoyou? We're so close," Yu Xiaoyu said casually.

Upon hearing this, Ji Fuyou understood that Yu Xiaoyu probably really thought that way.

Without any reservations.

He was too ordinary.

He accomplished nothing.

Whether it's Yu Xiaoyu herself or the circles she moves in...

Even Ji Fuyou herself felt that anyone who knew her even slightly would not believe that someone like her, who was so good at showing off and was just waiting to achieve upward social mobility through marriage, would choose such an ordinary person as him.

"Forget it, don't let it affect your career."

Ji Qingqing said.

She was also worried that if her younger brother spent too much time with Yu Xiaoyu, his aesthetic standards would rise and he would lose sight of his own place in the world.

Young people shouldn't meet amazing people too early.

Even a vase that is merely pretty.

He doesn't deserve it.

"What kind of career? Finding a powerful mentor? It's not easy to find a mentor who can make me financially independent all at once."

Yu Xiaoyu spoke lazily, not insisting on having Ji Fuyou as her assistant.

As the vehicles traveled into the suburbs, traffic suddenly increased, and some vehicles could be seen turning back.

Ji Qingqing, puzzled, slowly drove forward for a while. A traffic controller shouted through a loudspeaker from afar: "A landslide has occurred on Fulong Mountain ahead. Do not go up the mountain."

"There was a landslide on Fulong Mountain even though it didn't rain?"

Yu Xiaoyu was confused.

"Should we call Manager Wang and ask about the situation?"

"They were just sending messages in the group chat a minute ago, and they were drinking right now."

"Then let's not worry about that. I've been to Yunmeng Residence several times and I know a small path. Let's go there. We have important business to attend to."

Ji Qingqing turned the steering wheel.

"Let's do it another day."

Ji Fuyou Road.

"What needs to be done today must be done today. Yunmeng Residence is at the foot of the mountain, there's no need to go up the mountain."

Ji Qingqing glanced at Ji Fuyou: "Xiao You, things are different now. Even the internet is becoming less and less promising due to various regulations. If you don't seize this last opportunity to climb up, you'll never have any hope of turning your life around!"

"I see."

Ji Fuyou had a headache.

He had submitted his resume for so long without asking Ji Qingqing for help, partly because he felt it would be beneath him as a man.

On the other hand, whenever she gets the chance, she'll give him a long lecture.

"Xiao You, you're still young and haven't entered society yet. For us ordinary people, we must seize every opportunity..."

Ji Qingqing has started again, just as expected.

Fortunately, Yu Xiaoyu, who was standing to the side, seemed to have had enough and giggled without any ladylike manners, saying, "I completely agree with Sister Qingqing! In this era, incompetence is the greatest original sin! To paraphrase Sister Qingqing's motto, it's better to be twisted like a maggot than as humble as dust..."

"Nonsense! When did my motto become this?"

"Then what should it be replaced with? You must remember that in your youth you had lofty ambitions, and vowed to be the best in the world."

"Before reading a poem, you should at least be able to read the verses correctly."

"Who cares? As long as I like it."

The two women chatted and laughed, the neon lights shining brightly.

"It's getting foggy."

At this moment, Ji Fuyou suddenly spoke.

"Temperature fluctuations and fog in the mountains in the mornings and evenings are normal."

As Ji Qingqing spoke, she slightly reduced the car's speed.

"But we haven't gone up the mountain yet."

Ji Fuyou looked up.

Mount Fulong, with its low altitude and area of ​​only a few dozen square kilometers, stands quietly in the dark night sky, surrounded by mist, like a terrifying beast hidden in mystery.

After watching for only a short while, Ji Fuyou suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of dread.

The hairs on his body stood on end.

An unprecedented chill swept over my entire body.

"No...don't go!"

Ji Fuyou suddenly said.

He looked a little nervous.

"It's just ahead, only one or two kilometers left."

As Ji Qingqing spoke, she turned on the fog lights and switched to low beams.

"The fog is too thick, don't go any further!"

Ji Fuyou hurriedly said.

His voice trembled slightly.

Ji Qingqing glanced at him through the rearview mirror, her delicate brows furrowing slightly: "Are you nervous? Because of the upcoming interview? It's not a formal interview, what's there to be nervous about? If you don't even have this much composure, how will you handle big occasions?"

"No! I'm not nervous, it's just..."

Ji Fuyou looked out of the car.

Pitch black, dim.

as well as……

A dense, inescapable fog shrouded the surrounding area.

Like.

This scene is so similar to the scene he recently dreamed about.

Although reason tells him that dreams are dreams and reality is reality.

but……

This scene, so familiar it felt like a dream come true, still made his throat tighten involuntarily: "The fog is too thick, it's not safe to drive, I... let's turn back."

"Are you kidding me? The fog will disappear once you turn around?"

Ji Qingqing was clearly unhappy with her younger brother's lack of ambition.

Yu Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Xiao You, being honest and obedient is one thing, but being so timid won't do. Follow me, and I'll protect you."

"Zizi!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the vehicle...

The engine is off.

The surrounding light quickly dimmed.

Under the shroud of fog, not even the lights of some roadside villages and houses could be seen.

It was pitch black all around.

Ji Qingqing paused for a moment, pressed the start button a few times, but there was no response.

At this, Yu Xiaoyu folded her skirt and sat up: "What's wrong?"

"I don't know, it just suddenly shut off."

Ji Qingqing was speechless: "Yunmengju should be just ahead. I'll call the supervisor. I remember Xiao Liu, who was with them, can fix cars."

As she spoke, she picked up her phone.

But above...

No signal.

"What's going on?! No signal at this hour? Little Fish, you..."

"My phone has no signal either."

Yu Xiaoyu raised her phone.

"What should I do?"

Ji Qingqing sighed helplessly, "Should we wait a bit, or just walk over and ask someone for help? It's not far anyway..."

"Don't get out of the car!"

Ji Fuyou suddenly said quickly, "Close the door!"

Seeing the fine sweat on his forehead, Yu Xiaoyu's impression of him dropped a bit.

I used to think he was honest, obedient, well-behaved, and trustworthy, but now it seems...

Being too timid suggests a lack of responsibility.

It was just dense fog and the car stalled.

Even a small accident can send chills down your spine.

This kind of psychological quality.

It's terrible.

"I don't know when the fog will clear up, and we're taking a back road with very few cars..."

Ji Qingqing immediately unbuckled her seatbelt: "I checked, Yunmeng Residence is only a hundred or two meters away. I'll use my phone's flashlight to walk there."

After saying that, she opened the car door.

(End of this chapter)