Time Travel: Volume 1! Starting from a Small Mountain Village

Lying on the bed with her eyes closed, Long Lifan was communicating with the system in her mind. Today was her birthday. Although others might not know, the system certainly did. Shouldn't it show some appreciation? Long Lifan decided to take advantage of the system.

"Sigh, they're both systems, so why is there such a huge difference!"

Long Lifan lay on the bed, her face filled with a gloomy mood, and sighed with feigned disappointment. She turned over, staring blankly at the ceiling beam, and continued, "I see that when other hosts celebrate their birthdays, the system sends them exquisite gifts. Why don't you give anything in return? It's almost midnight."

Trading system: "..."

Why don't I tell you? Don't you know? You neither sell nor buy anything, so my KPL ranking hasn't improved at all. At this rate, I don't know when I'll be able to upgrade.

Last time it treated its host to ice cream, it used up half of its own savings. How could it not know that today is its host's birthday? It's been unusually quiet all day, afraid that its host might bring it up.

It was impossible to express anything; without the host making a deal with it, nothing could be said. After thinking for a moment, just then, the system suddenly issued a gentle blessing: "Happy birthday, host."

Long Lifan: "..."

Just like that? They just dismissed me like that? How cheap am I to this system?

This left her speechless. She had hoped to get some benefits from the system on her birthday, but she hadn't expected the system to be so stingy. Long Lifan sighed helplessly and complained, "Your system is so unhelpful. You think you can just send me away with a birthday greeting?"

"Sorry, host, since you haven't traded with this system for a long time, I really... have no money, so I can only offer my blessings verbally," the system explained pitifully in Long Lifan's mind.

"Really not?"

Long Lifan asked with a sincere expression, expressing doubt about the system's words.

"No."

The system's answer was resolute; it was determined not to let the host empty its savings. After all, how much did it still have?

Oh, I still have 8.8 yuan left. I originally had more than ten yuan left, but last time I treated the host to an ice cream, which cost me several yuan.

It had planned to use its host as bait, but the host never bought any more, so all its bait was wasted!

Hearing the system's words, a sly glint flashed in Long Lifan's eyes. Knowing she couldn't get any benefits from the system, she said perfunctorily, "Okay, okay, but..." She changed the subject, her eyes darting around, and continued to ask, "Don't your system rules include any discount activities for the host's birthday?"

Upon hearing this, the system secretly groaned. It quickly searched its memory, trying to find relevant regulations, but unfortunately, it found no terms related to the host's birthday discount event.

The system sighed helplessly and said, "Sorry, host, it seems you don't have this either!"

"You guys are so lame! As a trading system, you don't even offer this kind of promotional activity. How can this be acceptable? No wonder your KPL team can't climb the ranks." Long Lifan complained loudly, preparing to go back and start using the PUA system. "I think you should definitely report this to your superiors. Maybe they'll be pleased and think your suggestion is good, and even reward you!"

"Really." Upon hearing the word "reward," the system's previously somewhat dull voice instantly became energetic, and it responded eagerly, "Yes, host, I will report your suggestion to the higher-ups immediately."

Before the words were even finished, the system disappeared. About ten minutes later, the system's excited voice sounded again: "Host, the higher-ups think your suggestion is excellent and have decided to adopt it."

"Today, the host can choose any item from the system shop that costs no more than one hundred yuan as a reward."

Upon hearing this, Long Lifan looked at the dazzling array of goods in the trading mall and was unsure what to choose. After all, the more expensive items weren't free, so she finally decided to choose a smaller cake, not wanting to abandon the tradition she had developed in the past.

Eating the free cake filled her with indescribable joy. Although she had already eaten her fill, she couldn't resist taking a few more bites, savoring this rare sweet moment.

As for next year, she was confident that she would be able to afford it again with discounts. She carefully put the unfinished cake back into her storage space, intending to use it for breakfast the next day. This way, she could save money and still enjoy the delicious treat—a win-win situation.

Hehe, today is indeed a good day. I finally managed to get some benefits from the system.

What Long Lifan didn't know was that the system was even more excited than she was. Since its suggestion had been adopted, the higher-ups decided to upgrade it from level one to level two. If it were based on transaction volume, she didn't know when she would have gotten that upgrade.

Especially since he'd encountered such a "stingy" host, leveling up was even more difficult. However, the thought that his own advancement was thanks to his host gave him a new definition of his host. He couldn't call him a "dog host" anymore; he was counting on his host to help him level up from now on!

That night, Long Lifan slept soundly, well-fed and refreshed. However, for the members of the Dongwan Brigade, it was an unusually noisy night. The unique literacy campaign held that afternoon was unforgettable for many members and educated youth.

Those commune members and educated youth who were present were all extremely excited. Back home, they shared their experiences with those around them, recounting the vivid and engaging teaching methods, as well as the singing performances.

Those who couldn't attend were filled with regret and sorrow upon hearing the descriptions from those who returned. They all expressed their determination to participate in future literacy campaigns organized by the Long educated youth.

That night, the commotion in Dongwan Brigade did not subside with the arrival of darkness. On the contrary, it flowed like a warm current through the hearts of the members, inspiring their hopes for the future. Many believed that they could change their own destiny and make Dongwan Brigade a better place.

Shanghai Machinery Factory Residential Area

The residential area is dotted with brick and tile bungalows, and as night falls, twinkling lights illuminate the quiet night, adding a touch of warmth. However, inside Long Wenhai's family home, the atmosphere is somewhat oppressive.

Dragon Mom was busy in the kitchen, the delicious aroma of the food filling the air, but she kept sighing. Today was her second daughter's birthday, but her daughter was far away in the countryside of G province, unable to come home for the reunion. Dragon Mom was filled with worry for her daughter, wondering if she was eating well and settling in comfortably.

Long Wenhai sat silently at the dining table, his heart heavy with sorrow. He recalled the moment he parted from his daughter at the train station, his eyes reddening slightly. His younger brother, Long, tried to ease the tension, remembering his older sister's parting words. He began recounting amusing incidents from his recent school days, hoping to cheer his parents up a little.

However, this effort did not seem to work, as both Dragon Mother and Dragon Man-hai were preoccupied with their daughter far away.

"I wonder how Second Sister is doing!" Daenerys sighed heavily.