The net present value $($NPV$)$ increases when cash inflows are received earlier because NPV is determined by discounting future cash flows to their present value using a discount rate. Due to the time value of money, a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future. Therefore, receiving cash inflows sooner enhances their present value, leading to a higher NPV as the discounting effect is minimized.An investor should not proceed with an investment if the NPV is negative. A negative NPV indicates that the present value of future cash inflows is less than the initial investment cost, suggesting that the investment would lead to a net loss when accounting for the time value of money, thus making it financially unwise.

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