Three years later, Xinyu's research on neural network optimization had attracted widespread attention. At twenty-five, he was the youngest project lead at Shanghai Tech's Advanced Computing Institute, managing a team developing predictive algorithms for market behavior. Although many models had been created, none had achieved such high yields across both traditional stocks and the vast array of crypto tokens available globally.
During her regular check-ins with her mother, Xinyu noticed she was weakening with each passing week. Her mother never admitted it, but it was becoming harder and harder to hide. What began as mild arthritis had worsened into a complex autoimmune condition, one that could only be treated with expensive medications and surgery.
"We have options," Dr. Zhao said during their consultation. "Do you have health insurance?"
Xinyu shook his head. As time went on, just staying afloat, owning property, and even surviving, became increasingly rare. With global warming accelerating and natural resources running out, wealth inequality had become more visible than ever before.
Dr. Zhao glanced at his monitor and continued. "In that case, there's a clinical trial at Meridian Pharmaceuticals. It could cover her treatment costs, although the treatment is experimental."
Xinyu applied immediately, using his university connections to secure his mother a place. She was accepted, and treatments were scheduled to begin the following month.
One week before her first session, Xinyu received a call from the hospital. His mother had collapsed at work. The restaurant owner had insisted she complete a double shift despite her deteriorating condition.
Rushing to her side, Xinyu found her conscious but weak, her hands swollen.
"I told them I needed to rest," she whispered. "But Mr. Zhang said he'd find someone else if I couldn't work."
Xinyu held her fragile hand, rage and helplessness burning inside him.
The next day, he received another call, this time from Meridian Pharmaceuticals.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Li," the administrator said, without emotion. "Your mother's spot in the trial has been reassigned."
Xinyu hyperventilated for a moment. "Reassigned? But she was already approved."
"A priority candidate became available. The daughter of an important investor. I'm really sorry, but we had to proceed with her."
Xinyu couldn't believe it. He pleaded, he threatened, he even offered his research data as compensation.
"The decision is final," the administrator replied before hanging up.
Desperate, Xinyu approached his university mentor, Professor Wen, hoping he could connect him with the university president.
Wen sighed and removed his glasses. "This is how the world works, Li. Merit matters less than connections. Your mother's slot went to someone with more influence. This was not the first time something like this has happened, and it won't be the last."
"But the trial was her only chance."
"And the other girl has the same condition. The difference is that her father can fund the company's next three research projects."
Slowly, Xinyu began to accept reality. He was about to lose his mother, just like he had lost his father. His brilliant achievements meant nothing when compared to the power of one of the many oligarchs who ran the city.
Two weeks later, Xinyu sat beside his mother's hospital bed as her organs failed, one by one. The doctors had done all they could with what Li's paychecks could cover, but they were only able to extend her life by a few weeks.
In her final moments, she squeezed his hand. "Promise me you'll live a good life, Xinyu. Be kind."
But as the monitor flatlined, something inside Xinyu fractured. When his mind reassembled, it was missing something vital. Compassion. Kindness. Both had disappeared.
At the modest funeral, which lacked anything that could truly honor his mother's life, Xinyu stared at her portrait on the simple altar.
That evening, Xinyu, nearly overdosing on Adderall, successfully hacked into Meridian Pharmaceuticals' servers. He discovered that the girl who had begun treatment that very day was already experiencing the immediate benefits of proper medical care. As he stared at the video footage, his thoughts spiraled. He imagined what he might do to that girl, not out of hatred for her, but as a way to ruin the lives of her powerful parents.
In a fleeting moment of clarity, emerging from his neurotic haze, Xinyu initiated the download of several unencrypted files. Moments later, he passed out in his library chair.
Grief consumed him for a long time, but in the end, it hardened him. The world had taught him its harshest truth. Power is not earned through brilliance or hard work. It is taken by those willing to sacrifice others.
He would never forget that lesson.