Dusk approached. After Su Chen woke up, the sky had gradually darkened. Though the character design of the female lead had slowly started to crumble, the system hadn't announced a stop yet. Su Chen felt compelled to continue the act, like a dedicated actor who doesn't stop performing until hearing the director's "cut."
He quickly reached for his phone and dialed his best buddy, also known as his top henchman, Fang Han. In a brief moment, Su Chen managed to gather a large group of individuals, all street bosses with exceptional skills. "That jerk is near the auction house; he's done for this time," Fang Han said with a murderous look, a hint of joy evident in his eyes. Indeed, with just a single call, Su Chen could summon countless thugs. "Today, we'll teach this arrogant kid a lesson," he declared.
Originally, as per the script, Su Chen was humiliated at last night's banquet. Being the grand young master, how could he swallow such humiliation? Of course, he had to seek revenge. Yet, his profound affection for Lin Qingyan meant he didn't want to harm her directly. So, the focus turned to Qin Yu for punishment. This was all part of the intense climax of the story "The Return of the God of War". At the auction, both Su Chen and Qin Yu would be present. A painting titled "Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," which Lin Qingyan deeply admired, would be up for bid. Su Chen wanted it but would be outwitted and outbid by Qin Yu.
Additionally, a new female lead would emerge at this auction and choose to collaborate with Qin Yu. After the auction, a furious Su Chen would confront Qin Yu. The encounter, unsurprisingly, would result in Su Chen getting badly beaten up. Hence, Su Chen now prepared his manpower, not wanting a repeat of being continuously defeated like in past scenes. Su Chen realized unless the female lead falls for him, the system allows the general story to proceed without disruptions.
"Su Chen, let me tell you, I found a real treasure today," Fang Han suddenly appeared behind Su Chen, wearing a smug smile. "Treasure?" Su Chen's mind raced to the script. His gaze followed Fang Han's direction and landed on a familiar silhouette. Spotting Zhao Menghan, Su Chen immediately perked up. Everything was falling into place. Even if the last scene went slightly awry, the current auction scene would undoubtedly go as planned since Zhao Menghan had arrived.
"Let me tell you, Zhao Menghan is a rare gem I stumbled upon. Not only is she beautiful, but her combat abilities are off the charts," Fang Han whispered, "How about this, I gift her to you?" Su Chen nodded in agreement. After all, she was one of the main female leads in the story. In the future, he would die by her hand for the sake of the plot. For now, Su Chen could only begrudgingly keep Zhao Menghan close. "She can be both a bodyguard and a wife," Fang Han teased. "Stop being so fixated on Lin Qingyan. Being the grand Su Chen, with a mere gesture, you can have many more women even more beautiful than her."
Fang Han hoped that Su Chen would give up on Lin Qingyan. In his eyes, given Su Chen's abilities, he wouldn't be able to hold onto her. "Get lost. In my heart, there's only Lin Qingyan," Su Chen stated righteously, feeling a surge of irritation within. After all, these leading ladies were all out to get him!
"Whatever," Fang Han exclaimed. "I don't see what's so great about Lin Qingyan anyway." He continued loudly, "But, what happened last night was truly bizarre. Lin Qingyan surprisingly agreed to the marriage and seemed rather eager. It's completely unexpected. But you, on the other hand, chose to delay the wedding. It seems you are well aware of the great lengths and resources Uncle Su has exhausted for this."
Su Chen merely glanced at him and chose not to respond. Though aware that Fang Han meant well, his character dictated that he couldn't respond. Turning his attention to Zhao Menghan, Su Chen feigned interest, "Beautiful, what's your name?"
"Zhao Menghan," she replied with an indifferent tone, the very essence of the elite assassin's demeanor she had cultivated from a young age. However, as Su Chen approached her, a blush spread across her stunning face, suggesting a hint of shyness. She concealed it well, preventing anyone from noticing.
Su Chen nodded approvingly and grinned, "Excellent. From today on, you're with me. I promise you a prosperous future." Though the original Su Chen from the story was a spoiled young master, he treated his subordinates well and considered them friends. He genuinely felt happiness in that moment. Despite Zhao Menghan being a dangerous woman, she was essential for the mission's success.
Zhao Menghan, on the other hand, kept her head lowered, avoiding direct eye contact with Su Chen, trying not to let her emotions show. She whispered, "Thank you, Young Master Su. I promise to serve you loyally from now on." Her words genuinely came from the heart, and this time, she was determined not to betray Su Chen's trust.
"Call and organize the thugs to go ahead, Fang Han," instructed Su Chen. "They don't need to come with us. We risk exposure otherwise." Hearing Su Chen's words, Fang Han nodded. Although he had many questions, such as how Su Chen knew that Qin Yu would appear at the auction, he didn't press further, trusting his friend implicitly.
In front of the villa, it was just the two of them. Zhao Menghan had left earlier to make preparations, all according to Su Chen's plan. Fang Han, ever curious, inquired, "Why did you suddenly move? I don't understand why you left the grand Su mansion." Su Chen thought to himself that he didn't get it either.
Suddenly, a figure stealthily approached from behind. Su Xian'er looked at Su Chen's silhouette, feeling a bit elated. It was a love deeply ingrained. "Where are you going? Take me with you!" To Fang Han's astonishment, the Su family's young mistress greeted Su Chen with a radiant smile.
What's going on? Fang Han knew well of the discord between Su Xian'er and Su Chen. So what was the reason behind this newfound concern and joy she displayed?
Actually, Su Chen himself was dumbfounded. What's going on with Su Xian'er? She hasn't gone to work and has been at home all this time? Isn't she a workaholic? Making millions in minutes, and now she's not heading to the company but wants to go out with him? Has the sun risen from the west?
His confusion only grew, but Su Chen quickly pieced it together. This was still part of Su Xian'er's attempts to please him. If they were alone, Su Chen might tread cautiously, afraid of getting hit. But in front of others, he couldn't possibly show her any courtesy.
Su Chen scowled, his tone harsh. "Mind your own business!" he snapped at her. "Look at the time! Shouldn't you be working? Do you not realize that apart from working and making money, you're of no use to our family?" His words left Fang Han speechless and even a little angry. How could this idle young master say something like that without even blushing? Although they were good friends, Fang Han felt quite embarrassed.
In fact, he didn't know that even Su Chen mustered the courage to say such things. Yet Su Xian'er's reaction was truly astonishing. She still wore a bright smile on her face and gently replied, "You're right, I'll get to work right away. Maybe next time we can hang out." Su Xian'er wasn't perturbed by Su Chen's rebuke because she knew that wasn't his true feelings. It was all for the betterment of the Su family. Ever since her rebirth, she'd wanted to be with Su Chen every moment. But if Su Chen had made his decision, she would respect it. She needed to ensure Su Chen grew stronger, to clear all enemies from the Su family's path.
"Hmph!" Snorting, Su Chen quickly got into Fang Han's car, feeling lucky to have dodged a bullet. He was surprised by the lengths Su Xian'er would go for the inheritance of the Su family. She truly was someone capable of great things. "Start the car already, we're going to be late!" he snapped at Fang Han, who was dazed in the driver's seat.
"Oh, right." Fang Han hurriedly started the luxurious car, worth tens of millions. Looking through the rearview mirror, he saw Su Xian'er's tender gaze. It resembled that of a devoted wife watching her husband leave for work, which gave him goosebumps. Honestly, with so many wonderful women around Su Chen, he couldn't fathom why he was so infatuated with Lin Qingyan. As the car moved, Fang Han couldn't help but voice his shock, "Damn, Su Chen! When did you become so bold? That's Su Xian'er! How dare you talk to her like that?" Fang Han was genuinely taken aback.
It seemed as if he had witnessed something that was impossible to occur. In reality, he was quite afraid of Su Chen's younger sister, Su Xian'er. While she wasn't as famous as Lin Qingyan, those in the know understood that Su Xian'er was a woman of terrifying capability.
She was the kind of person who wouldn't rest until she achieved her objectives, which was quite frightening. Every matter in the Su family that she handled was almost perfect. Fang Han's father had specifically warned him never to provoke Su Xian'er. Moreover, when it came to her wastrel of a brother, Su Chen, Su Xian'er never looked at him with kind eyes. Their encounters usually involved scolding or physical chastisement.
But just now, what had he seen? He had witnessed Su Xian'er showing genuine concern for her brother, Su Chen. And what's more, the young and unruly Su Chen had scolded her in return. The most terrifying part was that Su Xian'er didn't even get angry. Fang Han felt as if his entire worldview was collapsing.
"Don't ask unnecessary questions!" Su Chen was frustrated at the moment. He had so many things on his mind that he wanted to share but couldn't come to terms with. Could it be that Su Xian'er's behavior was all an act? You don't understand. The real Su Xian'er is a devil.
Hearing Su Chen's words, Fang Han nodded earnestly. He used to feel a bit of sympathy for Su Chen. But thinking about Lin Qingyan from the previous night and Su Xian'er from today, all he wanted to exclaim was: "Su Shao is awesome!"