System: Building A Tech Empire

A murmur of interest rippled through the classroom. Scholarships were a hot topic, especially for students from less affluent backgrounds.

"The top scorer in our province," Xu Qing continued, her eyes gleaming with pride, "will receive a full scholarship to any university in the country, along with a generous living stipend."

A flicker of interest sparked in Lin Yun's eyes. The weight of forgotten memories had pushed the rewards for the top scorer from his mind.

In his previous life, achieving the national top spot had come with a hefty reward – 100,000. It was more than enough to purchase a decent computer and launch his dream business.

Ding Dong!

The bell buzzed, jolting Lin Yun back to the present. The hum of conversation filled the classroom as students shuffled papers and notebooks. Xu Qing smiled warmly at the class.

"Alright, that's all for today," she announced. "Remember, don't let the exam stress consume you. Take care of yourselves, get a good night's sleep, and come prepared for my class tomorrow. We'll be delving into some advanced calculus concepts."

The homeroom session came to an end. Xu Qing packed up and left.

Lin Yun thought for a moment and reached for a stack of textbooks. Although he was a top student in the past and present, he needed to restudy hard if he wanted to get the top spot.

"Are you heading to the Capital City, Brother Yun?" Pan Wei inquired.

Lin Yun shook his head. "No. I'm torn between Far East City and West Lake City. I don't want to stray too far from home."

Pan Wei's eyes lit up. "Perfect! My grades are… well, average. Only a local university is in the cards for me. This way, we can hangout more often!"

A smile tugged at Lin Yun's lips. "Let's aim for a top university together then. I'll guide you through it."

Pan Wei offered a rueful smile. "Forget it, Brother Yun. I don't think I'm cut out for that level."

Lin Yun squeezed his friend's shoulder. "We have this one shot, Fatty. Why not push yourself? Besides, your dad secured you a good spot regardless. There is no pressure here."

Pan Wei, unable to resist Lin Yun's infectious enthusiasm, took a fortifying breath and met his friend's gaze with newfound determination. "Alright, alright! Let's do this!"

A triumphant chuckle escaped Lin Yun's lips. "Excellent! Now, where were we? Ah yes, the wonders of differential equations."

He deposited the math textbook with a satisfying thud on Pan Wei's desk.

Pan Wei's smile faltered, replaced by a grimace that spoke volumes. With a resigned sigh, he unearthed a notebook from his bag and cracked it open, bracing himself for the onslaught of mathematical knowledge.

The next class soon started and in the blink of an eye, the entire morning class had passed.

Ding Dong!

The bell marking the end of class echoed through the halls, a sweet melody to Pan Wei's ears.

"Finally…" Pan Wei let out a long exhausted sigh. Under Lin Yun's pressure, he didn't distract in the slightest today. It was, undeniably, the most productive day of studying Pan Wei had ever experienced. 

Lin Yun shouldered his bag, casting a glance at Pan Wei. "Let's go. I'm a bit hungry."

"Yeah." Pan Wei responded tiredly.

Di Di!

Suddenly, a shrill ringtone pierced the quiet classroom.

Pan Wei fished out his phone, his voice heavy with exhaustion as he answered, "Dad?"

"Son," Pan Yuan's voice crackled through the receiver, laced with a hint of fear. "There's a real problem with sanitation at the factory. Thankfully, Little Lin mentioned it timely, otherwise things could've gotten disastrous."

Pan Wei's eyes snapped open, a jolt of shock coursing through him. He whipped his head towards Lin Yun, a cold sweat instantly slicking his forehead. If it hadn't been for Lin Yun, the factory, his family's livelihood, would be facing ruin.

Lin Yun, while maintaining a composed exterior, couldn't help but feel a tremor of surprise run through him. So, it seemed the past, at least for those around him, remained largely unaltered.

A pang of worry settled in his gut. His parents... the accident they were fated to meet a decade later... did their destinies remain unchanged as well?

Pan Wei's call ended with a flurry of relieved exchanges. He looked at Lin Yun with a newfound respect shining in his eyes. "Brother Yun," he began, his voice thick with gratitude, "you're our family's savior!"

Lin Yun patted Pan Wei's shoulder and said. "Just a lucky coincidence, really. I'm glad things didn't blow up."

A flicker of worry, however, danced in his eyes. This close call was a stark reminder of the fragile timeline he was trying to alter.

Pan Wei, however, wouldn't hear of it. "No, you're a hero to us! Please, come with me. My father insists on treating you to a meal."

Lin Yun pondered for a moment. "Let's make it tomorrow. I have something to do today," he finally replied.

"Deal!" Pan Wei readily agreed, a wide grin splitting his face.

Lin Yun and Pan Wei immediately headed to the canteen.

As they stepped into the brightly lit canteen, the enticing aroma of stir-fried dishes and steaming rice filled the air. Students, chattering and laughing, filled the long tables, their faces a mix of hunger and anticipation for the midday break.

Lin Yun and Pan Wei navigated the crowded space, their eyes scanning the food stalls for something to satisfy their appetites. The canteen offered a wide variety of options, from regional specialties to familiar comfort foods.

Lin Yun's gaze settled on a stall selling stir-fried noodles. The chef, a jovial middle-aged woman, deftly tossed noodles in a sizzling wok, flames licking the sides, creating an appetizing spectacle.

"Two servings of stir-fried noodles, please," Lin Yun said, handing over a crumpled bill.

The chef nodded, her practiced hands moving with lightning speed. Moments later, two steaming plates of noodles, garnished with fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, were placed before them.

Lin Yun and Pan Wei found an empty table and settled down, their stomachs growling in anticipation.

As Lin Yun took his first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The familiar taste of stir-fried noodles, a staple of his school days, transported him back to a simpler time.

However, as he chewed, a subtle difference registered on his palate. The noodles were springier, the vegetables crisper, and the overall flavor more nuanced than he remembered.

The quality of the ingredients was undeniably better than anything he'd tasted in his past life.

"Oh, I forgot." Pan Wei put down the chopsticks and walked away.

A moment later, he returned with two bottles of mineral water.

"Here, Brother Yun." he said, handing the bottle to Lin Yun.

Lin Yun accepted the bottle, a smile playing on his lips. "Thanks."

He twisted the cap and took a long swig, the cool water quenching his thirst. The taste was clean and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the sugary drinks that had dominated the market in his previous life.

"It's good," he commented, nodding in approval.

Pan Wei looked at Lin Yun in puzzlement. He couldn't understand what was so special about the mineral water they drank daily.

As they finished their meal, a sense of contentment settled over Lin Yun. 

He looked at Pan Wei and asked. "Fatty. What do you want to do after graduation?"