"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

Monday morning came with a light drizzle and a soft chill in the air. Jin left the house wearing his old hoodie, faded but warm, and tucked a small notebook in his bag — his "vision book," something the system had encouraged him to start last week.

> "System Tip: 'A dream written down with a date becomes a goal.'"

Inside it were rough sketches, notes, and lists:

3-month savings plan

Ideal tenant profile

Long-term goal: Buy a second property before turning 20

They were small scribbles. But to Jin, they were sacred.

---

In class, Jin sat at the back as usual, half-listening, half-reviewing market updates from the system's internal feed.

> [Micro Market Digest – Simplified for Beginners]

USD/JPY rising due to strong economic reports

Philippine real estate prices increasing in semi-urban zones

"Buy low, hold stable. Don't rush."

It wasn't real-time like professional apps, but it was enough for someone just starting.

His professor began calling on random students to answer questions about Java syntax. Jin's hand reflexively reached for his notes — not because he wanted to stand out, but because he refused to fall behind.

When his name was called, Jin answered smoothly. No stutters, no panic.

After class, a classmate leaned over.

"Hey… you're Jin, right? You explained that thing about variables better than the teacher."

Jin just nodded with a quiet smile. "I try to keep it simple."

And with that, he slipped away. He wasn't ready to stand in the spotlight. Not yet.

---

That afternoon, he visited the property again, bringing along a mop and a small tool kit. He didn't hire anyone today. No system shortcut. He wanted to clean it himself — to feel it.

It wasn't glamorous.

He scrubbed walls, wiped windows, and cleaned the floor until his hands ached.

When he finally sat down on the wooden bench by the door, drenched in sweat and dust, a system notification blinked.

> "Manual Effort Detected – Bonus XP: +150"

"System Insight: 'You respect your foundation. The system respects you.'"

"Passive Buff Applied: +1% resale value on this property (Cumulative)"

He didn't expect that.

But it made him smile.

---

Later that night, back home, Jin lay on his thin mattress, flipping through the worn pages of his vision book. One phrase stared back at him:

> "Don't wish for it. Work for it."

His room was quiet, save for the distant sound of traffic outside. His siblings were asleep. His dad had come home late from welding again. The TV was off. The lights dim.

And Jin — Jin was awake, planning.

> "Tomorrow: Start looking for a tenant."

He would make sure the next phase went well. Quietly. Efficiently. Without fanfare.

Because this wasn't just about success.

It was about freedom — not just for him, but for his entire family.

End of Chapter 14