"Xiao Ai, let's test out the system's capabilities!"
Ethan Chen threw on his clothes and glanced around his room, eager to put the so-called "Huaqiangbei System" to the test.
"Let's see... how about starting with my phone?"
"Beginning scan, acquiring technological data..."
Holding the smartphone in his hand, Ethan saw a translucent progress bar appear in front of his eyes—visible only to him—and it was filling up rapidly.
1%, 11%, 21%...
In just moments, it reached 100%.
He had the phone in his hand, after all, so the system had full contact with the device.
"Apple 11 Pro. Technological acquisition is complete."
"All relevant data for the Apple 11 Pro has been analyzed and is ready for reproduction," Xiao Ai reported in her usual calm tone, though the sheer ease of it made Ethan feel like he was dreaming.
Wait a second—analyzing the latest iPhone's full technology in less than a minute?
That's terrifying!
"Uh... let's try manufacturing it," Ethan said, swallowing nervously.
"Confirmed. Please choose production options. You can monitor progress in real time."
A floating screen appeared in front of Ethan, filled with production options for the phone—color schemes, materials, component choices. It was a bit overwhelming.
"No need for customization. Just produce the original version."
He wasn't particularly interested in the phone itself—he just wanted to see how powerful the production capabilities of this system really were.
"As you wish."
Xiao Ai went quiet, as she usually did when not being prompted or questioned.
"Check production status."
As soon as he said it, a new interface popped up showing a real-time progress bar.
1%, 2%...
"So fast..."
Ethan was surprised. At this rate, it wouldn't even take a full minute to make the phone.
"Is the system's production capability really this strong?"
He smacked his lips, a bit stunned.
"Production speed varies depending on the complexity of the item," Xiao Ai explained. "Simpler items are produced faster. However, your personal production space can only manufacture one item at a time. You can't rely on this alone to accomplish the revival of China."
True. No matter how incredible the production space was, it wouldn't be enough to revive a nation on its own.
"Which means I'll need to build real-world manufacturing lines."
Ethan nodded. That made sense.
"Production complete. Would you like to retrieve the item?"
While he was still thinking it over, the progress bar had already maxed out. Ethan snapped back to attention.
"Already? That fast?"
"Retrieve."
A flash of light—and a brand-new Apple 11 Pro phone appeared before him.
The Huaqiangbei System had taken only about two minutes to reproduce the latest Apple phone. And even though it was technically a knockoff, it was identical to the original in every way!
What's more impressive—this wasn't just a cheap clone. Ethan now had access to all the technical data behind the phone!
"My God, this system is amazing!"
He turned on the device and was stunned by how smooth it was. The interface, the response time—it was all identical to the original. Even the operating system looked like the real iOS.
"The relevant data can be exported and provided to other factories for mass production," Xiao Ai stated flatly, though her words carried serious implications.
If patent issues didn't exist, this system could bankrupt every tech giant on Earth.
"But just mass-producing knockoffs isn't the goal. That'll only cause trouble, and it's not sustainable…"
Which led him to the next step.
"Can you begin technological R&D on the Apple phone?"
"Of course."
Another progress bar appeared—this one labeled "Scientific Research In Progress"—but the speed was noticeably slower. It showed 1%, and then... nothing. It didn't move for quite some time.
Interesting. So the system can conduct analysis, scientific research, and production all at once?
"Correct. But each function can only run one task at a time."
"Got it. Alright then—continue analyzing."
He shifted his focus to the rest of his room, scanning everything he could.
Laptops, laser TVs, air conditioners, even smart light bulbs—all were quickly analyzed by the system. Each device only took about a minute.
"Oh wait, how could I forget... Iron Man!"
In Ethan's inherited memories, this version of Earth contained many familiar Marvel elements, including one of his idols—Tony Stark. Even in China, Tony was famous.
A genius, a billionaire, a playboy, and a superhero—basically the dream model for every rich young guy.
Ethan wasn't immune to that admiration either.
But according to the memories he'd inherited, Tony Stark hadn't become Iron Man just yet.
Meaning his tech was currently out of reach.
"So... what point in time is this world currently at?"
Curious, Ethan turned on his computer to search for news about Tony Stark.
"Tony Stark, heir to Stark Industries, blah blah blah... Here it is!"
He found an entry.
"Tony Stark was attacked in Afghanistan three days ago and is currently missing..."
That's it! That's the beginning of Iron Man 1!
Ethan rubbed his temples. This was the turning point in Tony's life—the moment when he changed from a cocky weapons manufacturer to a genuine hero.
And that transformation was essential.
"Ah, never mind. That has nothing to do with me... yet. Since Iron Man hasn't debuted, I don't need to pay attention to him for now. I'll just keep developing and find a way to approach him later."
He glanced at the research progress bar, which had finally ticked up to 2%.
For now, what he needed to focus on was increasing his own power.
Thankfully, his family owned a small factory—something he could definitely make good use of.