Chapter 3

In a daze, Bai Xiaofei felt a jolt and opened his eyes, only to find himself lying on the back seat of an old car.

"Sir, you're finally awake!"

The speaker was a young man in a gray zip-up hoodie. He looked to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, holding an old-fashioned camera in his hand. He was sitting in the passenger seat, turning his head to speak to Bai Xiaofei while adjusting the camera lens to film him.

"Hey, sir, are you okay?"

The driver was a sunny-looking young man, also around seventeen or eighteen years old. Upon noticing Bai Xiaofei had woken up, he explained, "We were driving by and found you unconscious on the street. No matter how we called out to you, you wouldn't wake up. We were worried something might happen to you, so we carried you into the car. We're taking you to the hospital now!"

Bai Xiaofei sat up, staring blankly at the two foreigners, dumbfounded.

The two spoke very standard American English, but Bai Xiaofei understood them without any difficulty. Although it wasn't as good as his native language, it was far better than his previous level of English.

Moreover, these two foreigners gave Bai Xiaofei a very familiar feeling.

Most importantly, where was he?

Wasn't I playing on my phone in the company dormitory? How did I suddenly end up in a car with two foreigners? Could it be kidnapping? But it doesn't seem like it!

"Sir, are you okay?"

The boy with the camera, seeing that Bai Xiaofei hadn't spoken for a long time, asked again.

Bai Xiaofei finally came to his senses, shook his head, and said, "I, I'm fine, just a bit hungry. Thank you for saving me. My name is Bai Xiaofei, and you are..."

As he spoke, Bai Xiaofei was once again shocked. He had used standard American English!

When did my English get so good?

The boy with the camera smiled at Bai Xiaofei and said, "Bai Xiaofei? You're from China? Cool! Nice to meet you, I'm Andrew! This is my cousin, Matt!"

Matt, who was driving and couldn't turn around, waved at Bai Xiaofei in the rearview mirror and said with a smile, "Hi, Mr. Bai, are you hungry? I'm a bit hungry too. Since that's the case, let's go get something to eat!"

"Sure, let's go eat!"

Bai Xiaofei responded, but at this moment, a tidal wave of thoughts surged in his mind: Andrew? Matt? Damn! Aren't these the two main characters from the movie 'Chronicle'? No wonder they looked familiar! And the sudden influx of knowledge about combat, firearms, and languages in his mind, could it be...

Thinking of the mysterious "Time Travel" app on his phone, Bai Xiaofei's eyes gradually lit up with excitement. Time travel was actually real!

Bai Xiaofei quickly searched his body but couldn't find his iPhone 6 Plus. Instead, he found a U.S. green card, a Chinese passport, and a global credit card in his wallet.

Damn!

Where's my phone?

Bai Xiaofei panicked, not because he was worried about the phone or money, but because the Time Travel app was installed on it!

Without it, what would he do?

Would he have to die in this world? No way!

Just as Bai Xiaofei was in a panic, a cold voice suddenly sounded in his mind: "Ding! Host, don't worry. The time travel device is already bound to you and won't be lost! During the mission, the device will automatically hide within your body. If you have any questions, you can contact the time travel device for consultation."

Bai Xiaofei was stunned. The time travel device had self-awareness?

He then asked in his mind, "Um, I want to ask, why did I faint on the street? Is this really okay? Isn't it a bit too much?"

"The host fainted because your physical condition was too weak, and your brain couldn't handle the large amount of knowledge being input, causing a system crash! This device is only responsible for executing the program and is not responsible for other matters!"

"Um... At least give me some preparation! You just suddenly transported me here. Aren't you afraid I might die?"

"Host, the beginner mission is very simple and almost risk-free! Moreover, this device has already provided you with a time travel starter pack, which includes basic application skills and funds. Completing the mission should be easy. As long as you don't do anything reckless, there should be no danger to your life!"

"Finally, this device kindly reminds you to seize the opportunity of the beginner mission and quickly familiarize yourself with the rules of time travel. After the beginner period, you will no longer enjoy any benefits!"

"..."

The time travel device fell silent.

Bai Xiaofei, in shock, gradually understood that the Time Travel app could indeed transport him through endless dimensions, acting as a gateway to various worlds.

Apart from time travel and mission assignments, everything else was up to him!

He was currently a beginner with certain benefits, simple missions, and no danger, but the future was uncertain!

Therefore, he must quickly become stronger to handle the various challenges and dangers that might come his way!

Understanding his situation, Bai Xiaofei began to recall the plot of the movie 'Chronicle'.

The movie tells the story of three teenagers who unexpectedly gain superpowers (telekinesis). However, the main character, Andrew, gradually loses control of his powers, leading to conflicts with his friends (Matt and Steve) and ultimately a superpower battle.

Bai Xiaofei had always been a fan of superpower movies and had contributed to the box office of many foreign films.

He often fantasized about suddenly gaining superpowers, not to become a superhero, but to change his miserable life and achieve success.

Now, Bai Xiaofei's dream of superpowers was finally coming true!

The superpowers in this movie, suspected to be telekinesis, were versatile and powerful, with great potential and comprehensive development.

Most importantly, the way to obtain them was simple—just follow the three main characters!

Mission 1, obtaining the power crystal, was easy to complete. What worried Bai Xiaofei was Mission 2, changing Andrew's fate.

Andrew, like most introverted young men, was shy, poor at socializing, and had mild social anxiety. His poor family, the abuse from his alcoholic father, and his mother's illness without the means to treat it made Andrew wary of the world.

Andrew's only hobby was photography, and he was a complete photography enthusiast, hiding behind the camera to escape the hopeless reality.

A weak person suddenly gaining powerful superpowers would naturally experience psychological distortion, leading to loss of control and posing a threat to the world.

Changing someone like Andrew would be challenging!

After some thought, Bai Xiaofei decided to stay close to Andrew and look for every opportunity to help and change him.

...

"Xiao Bai, we're here!"

"The food at this restaurant is amazing. Trust me, Xiao Bai, you'll love it!"

Bai Xiaofei snapped out of his thoughts and found the car had stopped in front of a fast-food restaurant. Andrew and Matt had already gotten out and were calling him.

Bai Xiaofei quickly got out of the car.

Inside the restaurant, the three found a seat by the window.

The food arrived quickly, and as they ate, they chatted and got to know each other better.

Learning that Bai Xiaofei was new to the city, had no family, and no place to stay, Andrew and Matt were very surprised.

Matt looked at the sky and said, "Xiao Bai, it's almost dark. How do you plan to solve your housing problem?"

Bai Xiaofei pretended to be troubled and shook his head. "I don't know. You two are my only friends in this city. I don't want to stay in a hotel; it's too lonely. That lonely feeling is really annoying! How about... I stay at your place? I'll pay rent!"

Matt's eyes twinkled, and he said apologetically, "Xiao Bai, it's not that I don't want to help, but I'm currently staying at Steve's place..."

Matt was lying. He wanted to leave this "money-making" opportunity to Andrew.

Although Andrew's room was small and he would have to sleep on the floor, with Andrew's company, this Chinese Bai wouldn't feel lonely.

Matt nudged Andrew and gave him a meaningful look, signaling him to seize the opportunity.

Unfortunately...

Andrew was as dense as a wooden head and didn't understand Matt's meaning. He just kept filming with the camera, as if it had nothing to do with him.

Bai Xiaofei, seeing that Andrew wasn't taking the bait, immediately put on a sincere face and said to Andrew, "Andrew, besides Matt, you're my only friend. I hope you can let me stay for a few days. The size of the room doesn't matter. I can sleep on the sofa or the floor. I'll pay you rent. How about $100 a day? If that's too little, I can pay $200 a day..."

Andrew was stunned.

Bai Xiaofei's offer was too high. $200 a day was enough to stay in a luxury hotel!

"Deal!"

Before Andrew could respond, Matt eagerly agreed for him. "Xiao Bai, you'll stay at Andrew's place for $200 a day! Andrew, Xiao Bai will stay with you for a few days!"

"But..."

Andrew tried to say something, but Matt interrupted, "No buts! We're all friends. If Xiao Bai isn't bothered, why should you be? It's settled. Let's go, I'll take you home now!"