Chapter 63

Chapter 063: Lurking

Curled up in his chair.

Yan Cang held the [Fate Wheel Mirror], eagerly flipping through the group chat records of the "Special Task Force for the Chief."

Starting from the earliest entries, it felt like reading a curious diary about how others were studying him.

His eyes swept quickly, and he soon noticed some interesting details.

It turned out that the title [Chief]—now a name that thundered across the Fate Net and had almost become his alias—

had its very origin in the codename proposed by this special task force for internal use.

The records showed that during the task force's first meeting, someone had also suggested codenames like [Fate Master] and [Net Master].

Later, Yu Jing made the final decision to adopt [Chief].

It then gradually spread through the information team's personnel as they gathered intel on the Fate Net.

"So that's how it is!" Yan Cang muttered to himself.

In his heart, he actually felt more of a connection to the title [Fate Master], but back then, he hadn't displayed much fate-related ability.

In comparison, [Chief] was clearly more fitting; otherwise, it wouldn't have spread so widely overnight.

This one wasn't bad either.

At least it was better than being called [Net Master]—that sounded like a network administrator.

Yan Cang continued reading and came across the early discussions in the group chat about identifying his identity.

The records showed that in the first two days after the task force was established, the information team did find a middle-aged man with the exact same name as him.

He was about forty-five years old and, on Earth, was a senior executive at a medium-sized company.

After listing this person's resume details, personality traits, and posts on the Fate Net Forum in detail...

Due to a severe mismatch in behavioral logic, they quickly ruled him out as a possibility.

At this point, the search for the true identity of [Chief] came to a standstill.

Yan Cang wasn't bothered by this; he just found it novel: "Oh? So there really is someone with the same name as me!"

He had originally thought there wasn't.

After all, the surname Yan wasn't very common.

His gaze moved down, and he saw the records regarding the quiet launch of the [Food Zone] late at night.

Yu Jing had quickly issued orders for the logistics team to coordinate and organize the state banquet chefs to join.

Chef Song was the first, as his status was good.

After that came the discussion records about his reply to Chef Song with a "thumbs up" emoji.

At the time, Yan Cang had just casually tapped it to show he was satisfied with the taste of the food.

He never expected that this simple emoji would be subjected to lengthy, in-depth analysis by several task force members in the group chat:

[Based on emoji usage habits, the Chief may not like to talk much, but when he approves, he gives clear positive feedback.]

[The thumbs up is a universal symbol of praise. Combined with his anonymous status, it might suggest he values substance over reputation and has a pragmatic personality.]

[It cannot be ruled out that this emoji itself carries some meaning we have yet to decipher. It is recommended to continue monitoring for any special actions...]

Just a thumbs up, and they could analyze it into a whole bouquet of flowers?

"The power of overthinking is just too strong!"

Yan Cang muttered a complaint before recalling, "Wait, didn't I reply with 'absolutely brilliant' back then?"

But clearly, since it wasn't posted immediately, it didn't get much attention.

Shaking his head, he continued reading.

Then, he saw the reports on the successful openings of the remaining seven "State Banquet Restaurants," along with the record of him placing orders for all of them that morning.

Yu Jing stated in the group chat that this was 【Our gesture of goodwill has been received by the Chief and preliminarily acknowledged】.

"Oh, this..."

Yan Cang's expression turned a bit awkward. "Could it be that I just wanted to order some food?"

Sure, the setup of those eight restaurants was a bit deliberate, but he really hadn't thought much of it!

At the time, he was just craving food and ordered from all of them on a whim.

He never expected it to be so misunderstood, even being reported as a significant achievement.

Watching Yu Jing in the group chat use this to inspire everyone, followed by a string of replies like "Received," "Understood," and "Keep up the effort."

And then, Team Leader Zhuang even chimed in with an encouraging statement.

Seeing all this, Yan Cang found it hard to hold back: "If I didn't know this task force had no budget to scam, I'd think you guys were just stringing along the higher-ups!"

Yet, watching a group of highly intelligent professionals analyze and discuss him and these trivial matters, he didn't feel offended or surveilled.

Instead, he found it oddly amusing, like playing an immersive role-playing game where he was the ultimate target everyone was guessing about.

It was actually quite thrilling.

As for the core mission of the Special Task Force—investigating the Chief's identity?

Yan Cang's mindset on that was even more detached.

A subtle feeling even arose in his heart: "Sitting on an invisible throne, calmly observing the worship."

But as soon as this thought surfaced, he cut it off himself: "A bit cringey... stop, stop!"

Yan Cang quickly shook off that slightly embarrassing notion and continued flipping through the group chat with great interest.

After skipping past the records about investigating the Chief's identity, there wasn't much left.

Soon, he saw that not long ago, Yu Jing noticed the Cantonese cuisine order had been sitting unclaimed for a long time. She decisively instructed the logistics team to contact the restaurant to reheat and keep it warm, with a detailed process recorded.

"Although Yu Jing's arrangement to have the restaurants opened had some ulterior motives, judging by actions rather than intentions..."

Yan Cang only cared about the result. "Anyway, in the end, I got to eat hot and delicious food."

"Sister Jing, what a good person!"

He mentally handed her a "good person card."

But as soon as this thought arose, he felt a bit odd: "I just removed the 'Bad Woman' label from Sister Jing because of the Light Body Nine-Segment Guiding Technique."

"And now, because of the reheated food, I'm giving her a good impression... Am I being a bit fickle?"

Yan Cang reflected: "Lack of firm stance?"

"No! This shows I'm objective and judge things on their own merits! It's true to my nature!"

"Exactly!"

He nodded to himself in self-affirmation and continued reading.

The latest chat record showed that after the Fate Net update announcement was released, Yu Jing had @-mentioned the representative of the Information Analysis Team in the group chat, making a clear and concise request:

【Regarding the newly launched Good Fortune Coin System on the Fate Net, the preliminary data summary and impact assessment report produced by the information team must be shared with the Special Task Force as well; we need to grasp the relevant developments as soon as possible to better understand the Chief’s movements and potential intentions.】

The representative of the Information Analysis Team quickly replied: 【Received, Team Leader Yu. A dedicated person has been assigned to follow up. Once the report is compiled, it will be synchronized to this group immediately.】

The group chat messages paused there for the moment, clearly indicating that the information team was still busy collecting data.

The report had not yet been released.

"Perfect timing!" Seeing this, Yan Cang’s eyes lit up with renewed energy.

Among the three newly updated features, his current focus was naturally on the actual effects and market reaction of the Good Fortune Coin System.

Originally, following his old habits, he planned to observe the Fate Net Forum and various chat channels.

Or, more directly, use the power of Comprehension from the Fate Wheel Mirror to spot-check some people’s usage records in real time.

Now, with a ready-made analysis report, he could simply sit back and enjoy the results.

Moreover, this would be far more detailed and intuitive than the boastful forum posts.

"The report hasn’t been shared yet, but I can go straight to the raw data."

Not wanting to wait idly here, he followed the trail of the information team representative in the group chat.

With ease, he accessed the work group of the Information Analysis and Strategic Assessment Team where that representative belonged.

Once inside, he saw messages refreshing at lightning speed, with various task assignments constantly popping up.

The pace was noticeably faster than the Special Task Force group.

Yan Cang skimmed through the content.

He quickly noticed that, to obtain the most accurate sample data, the information team wasn’t relying solely on collecting secondhand information from the public Fate Net Forum.

They were coordinating with the Logistics and Organization Department to conduct a rapid survey among certain personnel within the official system.

They had even tapped into internal reserves of Fate Points, with specific individuals stepping forward to exchange Good Fortune Coins of different tiers, from Auspicious Fortune to Heavenly Fortune, organizing small-scale internal tests.

The goal was to obtain the most authentic, interference-free first-hand effect data.

"Efficient and rigorous in approach." Yan Cang nodded to himself.

As expected of an official team—they had a methodical way of doing things.

Casually flipping through the records, he felt this group was far more reliable than the Special Task Force he had just been in.

But then again, that task force had only been established a few days ago and was still a makeshift operation.

As for the Cantonese feast Yan Cang had just devoured quickly and deliciously, it had taken him just over twenty minutes.

But adding the time he spent reading the chat records earlier, nearly an hour had passed.

Given the organization and execution capability the officials maintained in the Trial Ground, that was enough time for them to complete preliminary data collection and small-scale testing.

"Timing is just right. The report should be coming out soon, right?"

Just as he thought this, as if by telepathy.

Or perhaps, by sheer luck?

Buzz.

In the information team's group chat channel, a new message pinned and labeled as [Preliminary Summary] popped up, accompanied by a document that had just been compiled.

Seeing this, Yan Cang's eyes lit up.

He also subconsciously glanced at the Fortune-Bearing Golden Mother on his right wrist, its golden light warm and gentle.

"Ah Yun, are you at work again?"

But this time, he didn't dwell on whether it was another subtle coincidence under the constant effect of Good Fortune or simply good timing.

In any case, the result was pleasing.

Yan Cang gladly accepted this preliminary data summary report, which seemed to have been delivered right to his doorstep:

Report on the Preliminary Testing and Impact Assessment of the "Fate Net - Withdrawal System (Good Fortune Coin System)" (Internal Express Report v0.1)

Submitted to: Decision Group, Relevant Special Task Force

Time: Day 6 of the Trial Ground, approximately 13:46 (estimated based on the Supply Box Refresh Countdown)

Overview: The Fate Net updated and launched the "Withdrawal System" this afternoon. Users can exchange Fate Points for a physical currency called [Good Fortune Coin] (a one-time consumable Mysterious Artifact), which is said to temporarily enhance fortune.

The information team immediately organized an internal controlled test and obtained preliminary data as follows:

I. Basic Properties of Good Fortune Coins:

The coins are round with a square hole, resembling ancient copper coins. They are divided into five tiers: [Constant Fortune, Auspicious Fortune, Grand Fortune, Heavenly Fortune, and Fate], priced at 10, 100, 10,000, 1,000,000, and 100,000,000 Fate Points respectively.

They are one-time consumable Mysterious Artifacts. Upon use, the coin turns into golden light and disappears.

II. Actual Test of Good Fortune Effects:

After activating a Good Fortune Coin, the user clearly feels a positive psychological suggestion and mild physical sensation of "everything going smoothly and wishes coming true." This feeling lasts for the duration of the Good Fortune Blessing Period; the boost ends when the sensation dissipates.

1. Significance of Effect: The blessing effect of Good Fortune is significant, most intuitively demonstrated in the action of "Opening Supply Boxes." The test used this as an example.

2. Tiered Test Results:

Constant Fortune Coin (10 Fate Points): No improvement in chest quality (almost always Black Iron), but the user has a high probability of obtaining the Expected Type of Supplies, avoiding useless items.

Auspicious Fortune Coin (100 Fate Points): The user has a high probability of obtaining a Bronze Chest and the Expected Type of Supplies; a small probability of getting relatively better supplies for that tier from a Black Iron Chest.

Grand Fortune Coin (10,000 Fate Points): The user has a high probability of obtaining a Silver Chest and the Expected Type of Supplies; a small probability of obtaining "extraordinary" supplies from a Bronze Chest.

Heavenly Fortune Coin (1,000,000 Fate Points): Few test samples, but existing data shows the user obtains a Silver Chest 100% of the time, and has a high probability of obtaining supplies that are "significantly better in quality and higher in value" compared to the same tier.

Fate Coin (100,000,000 Fate Points): No test samples due to the high cost.

III. Sample Size for This Actual Test:

Constant Fortune Coin: Approximately 100,000 participants (Internal Census)

Auspicious Fortune Coin: Approximately 1,000 participants (Internal Small-Scale Test)

Grand Fortune Coin: Approximately 100 person-times (specialized testing)

Heavenly Fortune Coin: Approximately 10 person-times (high-level special approval, extreme testing)

Fate Coin: 0 person-times (budget constraints)

IV. Important Notes and Expert Recommendations:

1. Sample Limitations: The total data volume from this test is relatively limited and cannot be used as a final conclusion, only as a reference for overall trends. Subsequent efforts must continuously expand the sample size and observe long-term usage effects and potential volatility.

[Appendix 1: Qian Wenjing (Academician) Comment and Suggestion]: The sample size is a bit small, but there's no helping it. Everyone was in a hurry to open their chests at noon, haha! The current data can be used as a reference, but we need to consider whether 'drug resistance' might appear in the future.

2. Scope of Effect: The current testing is concentrated on 'opening chests.' Whether this good fortune is equally applicable to other scenarios, such as prolonged combat, danger warnings, negotiations and transactions, or exploration and discovery, has not yet been verified.

[Appendix 2: Wang Guoxing (Academician) Comment and Suggestion]: How long does the good fortune status granted by the coins last? Does it only take effect during a specific period after activation? Or does it persist until the good fortune is used up? Next, we should design multi-scenario controlled experiments based on this.

3. Stacking Usage: Can using multiple low-tier coins simultaneously achieve an effect close to that of a high-tier coin? This hypothesis remains to be verified and may involve cost-effectiveness and rule limits.

[Appendix 3: Shao Jingye (Scholar) Comment and Suggestion]: Have you tested the effects of stacking multiple coins of the same or different types? For example, could using two Constant Fortune Coins simultaneously increase the probability of obtaining a Bronze Chest? I suggest trying this multiple times to develop a method for reducing costs and increasing efficiency!

4. Future Prospects: Can the good fortune status granted by the coins bring more inspiration to scientists? Can it reduce the failure rate of high-precision mechanical engineering? These questions have yet to be verified, but if feasible, their strategic value would increase exponentially.

[Appendix 4: Guo Hongyuan (Academician) Comment and Suggestion]: Good fortune, this kind of thing... if used in synthesizing new materials or advancing scientific research projects, its value goes without saying; but under the current circumstances, it can indeed only be used for opening chests, so I won't add to your troubles.

5. Others Omitted: Various testing hypotheses proposed by other experts and scholars, including but not limited to: use on non-living objects, use at fixed points in time, and use by multiple people at the same time and place.

V. Preliminary Impact Assessment:

1. Impact on the Materials Market: It is expected that the total output of high-demand survival materials will see a significant increase; the prices of related materials in the Trading House will face downward pressure in the short term, which is beneficial for reducing the survival costs of all trial participants and is generally favorable for the faction.

2. Impact on the Fate Point System: Fate Points have gained an unprecedented, high-demand hard currency outlet; their value will receive solid support, liquidity will increase, and potential inflationary pressure is expected to be significantly alleviated or even reversed; the core position and possible evolution of 'Fate Points' within this new economic system must be highly regarded.

3. Impact on Social Behavior: The public's enthusiasm for topping up Fate Points will greatly increase; the resource acquisition strategies and risk management concepts of individuals and teams may undergo changes due to the inclusion of good fortune.

4. For existing organizations (such as the People's Union Association): The model of complete reliance on private donations may face short-term funding diversion challenges, requiring observation of long-term adaptive adjustments.

(End of report)

……