Chapter One: A Borrowed Life

Lin Yan became the man blamed for “improper disclosure.” He lost the lawsuit, his job, and any path back into the industry. He stopped beneath the awning of a luxury photography gallery. In its window hung an enormous image: an infinity pool above the sea, champagne on a silver table, and a white yacht floating in the gold of sunset. A brass plaque named the photograph After You Own Everything. Lin Yan stared through the rain until the image became absurd. “If there really is some god or magic system listening,” he murmured, “don't give me a lottery ticket. Give me one chance to see how rich people lose. If I can save them, let me keep a piece.”