Financial Independence through Cracked Apps-Chapter 67: The Man in the Dream

"..."

Lin Shen carefully read through the update log for [GoGo Maps 2.0].

In short, it had expanded from a map-based app for checking in at fun places in version 1.0 to an industry-focused app that provided business information in version 2.0.

That was a pretty big change!

Lin Shen tried entering the keywords "Modu" and "pet" again to see if the industry analysis had changed from GoGo Maps version 1.0.

Instantly, a deluge of information flooded his phone, leaving him dumbfounded.

Not only did it provide industry names and rates of return like before, but it even expanded to include development paths and required investment amounts!

Lin Shen tried tapping the first entry.

[Name: Warm Claw Nest Cat Cafe]

[Location: Xuhui]

[Area: 62㎡]

[Required Investment: Rent 150,000, Renovation and Equipment: 250,000, Initial Inventory: 200,000, Staff Salaries: 150,000, Marketing and Miscellaneous: 200,000, Total: 950,000]

[Net Profit: 40,000/month]

[ROI: 50%]

[Future Development: Add veterinary partnerships (profit-sharing model), pet insurance agency services, replicate community stores to build a chain, and develop a private label brand.]

[Summary: Transition from Cat Cafe to pet store. Stable cash flow and easily scalable.]

So impressive!

After carefully reading the plan provided by the industry analysis, Lin Shen was in awe of its capabilities.

Based on his three years of experience in the pet industry, this could actually work!

Besides, it was zero-risk!

The money would all come from the internal startup fund within [GoGo Maps]. Even if he lost it all, he could just wander around and accumulate more.

Lin Shen was starting to get excited. He was rubbing his hands together, eager to give it a try.

Once the biggest investment risk—losing money—was completely removed, all he had to do was charge forward!

Lin Shen took a screenshot and saved it. Just then, two figures suddenly blocked the sunset.

"Excuse me."

?

Lin Shen looked up toward the voice and saw the high school couple who had walked into his shot earlier.

The boy looked a bit reserved, clearly nervous.

"I saw you with the camera. Are you a photographer?"

"I am."

Seeing Lin Shen nod, the boy gathered his courage and asked.

"How much is it for a photo? Could we ask you to take a picture of us?"

"Of course."

Lin Shen remembered the next upgrade mission for his [Camera and Album] app and smiled.

"It’s free. How do you want to pose?"

"Anything is fine."

The boy led the girl to the edge of the lake, put his arm around her shoulder, and flashed a peace sign in front of his chest, his smile incredibly bright.

The girl, on the other hand, looked a little shy, but her sideways glance remained fixed on the boy’s profile, her eyes shimmering.

Seeing this, Lin Shen decisively captured the incredibly beautiful scene. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

’Isn’t the innocent love of high school the best interpretation of "youth"?’

"What do you think?"

"It’s beautiful! You’re such a pro!"

The boy leaned over to look at Lin Shen’s camera and couldn’t help but praise him.

The girl beside him nodded eagerly, obviously loving the photo.

Seeing their joyful expressions, a sense of accomplishment welled up inside Lin Shen.

"Add me on WeChat. I’ll export it and send it to you when I get home."

"Okay, thank you so much!"

The boy and girl both shook Lin Shen’s hand and bowed in thanks. Their politeness made him smile.

"You’re welcome."

Watching their backs as they walked off into the sunset, Lin Shen suddenly felt a wave of emotion, remembering the Moonlight of his high school crush.

’It’s been so many years. I wonder how she’s doing now?’

Lin Shen gradually pulled himself from his memories and opened the [Camera and Album] app.

[Upgrade Mission: Take a photo with the theme of "youth" (Completed).]

[Reward: Camera and Album Lv. 3 → Lv. 4]

[Photography Skill Enhanced by 40%-50%]

[Base Reward: Random Item x1]

[New Upgrade Mission: Take a photo with the theme of "animal"]

[Evaluation: In the photo, bathed in the light of the sunset, they seem to stand at the crossroads of youth. This love will become a precious treasure on their path to growth, a testament to their journey from innocence to maturity.]

[System Score: A (150%)]

[Final Reward Calculation: Vitality Body Milk x1]

?

This final reward was not what Lin Shen had expected.

He thought it would be attribute points like before, but instead, he got an item.

’Looks like a lower score doesn’t give attribute points, but a special item related to the theme instead.’

Lin Shen mulled it over and decided to investigate the specific use of this [Vitality Body Milk] when he got home.

"What a great haul today!"

Lin Shen stood up, stretched, and gloated inwardly.

Completing three missions in one go—he’d maxed out his efficiency!

Lin Shen put his camera away and was about to head home when he suddenly received a message from Qin Yuenan.

[Qin Yuenan: How are you? Feeling any better?]

[Lin Shen: Much better, thanks for your concern, Nan.]

[Qin Yuenan: I’m off work. Let’s go to the gym together. Wait at home, I’ll come pick you up.]

Huh?

Qin Yuenan’s sudden invitation to the gym caught Lin Shen completely off guard. He quickly replied.

[Lin Shen: No need, Nan. I can go by myself.]

[Qin Yuenan: It’s the evening rush hour now, the subway will be packed.]

[Lin Shen: I got my car.]

[Lin Shen: photo.jpg]

After Lin Shen sent the picture of his Jaguar XFL to Qin Yuenan, the chat window went silent for a long time.

A moment later, she typed her reply.

[Qin Yuenan: Congrats on the new car. That Jaguar XFL costs over 400,000, right? Don’t tell me you spent all the money you’ve saved over the years on it? I’d recommend keeping some savings for emergencies.]

[Lin Shen: Don’t worry, Nan. I still have savings.]

Lin Shen’s words made Qin Yuenan fall silent again. It was a moment before she replied.

[Qin Yuenan: Let’s talk when we see each other.]

[Lin Shen: Okay.]

Lin Shen put away his phone and camera, left the park, and drove home first. After packing his gym clothes, he headed to ZB Fitness.

7:30 PM.

As evening fell, the bustling city began to light up with brilliant neon.

Lin Shen entered the gym, went to the locker room to change into his quick-dry clothes, and then messaged Qin Yuenan.

[Lin Shen: I’m here.]

[Qin Yuenan: I’m in the cardio area.]

Lin Shen walked over to the cardio area and immediately spotted Qin Yuenan among the crowd, walking on an inclined treadmill.

After all, her bouncing ponytail and gorgeous side profile were especially captivating.

However, unlike usual, she wasn’t wearing a small tank top and yoga pants. Instead, she had on a looser, ice-silk short-sleeved shirt and long pants, as if intentionally hiding her exquisite, graceful figure.

Lin Shen found this a bit strange and walked up to greet her.

"Hello, Nan. You got here early!"

"Mhm."

Qin Yuenan glanced at Lin Shen before quickly looking away, her expression a little flustered.

It was because she was remembering last night’s dream.

In the dream, Lin Shen had been forward and domineering, intensely aggressive. He had teased and toyed with her in all sorts of ways, his body radiating a potent, masculine energy.

But in reality, he was modest and polite, with a gentle smile.

’Which one is the real him?’

’Or... do I want him to treat me in that rough way from the dream?’