As Chu Ge finished speaking, silence fell over the office.
Ye Feng initially doubted his ears, but the mocking expression on Chu Ge's face confirmed he was being toyed with.
"Is this some kind of joke?" Ye Feng's voice was ice-cold, his face unnaturally calm. Those who knew him recognized this as a sign of his deepest anger.
"As expected, you're just like your boss – despicable," Ye Yao spat, glaring at Chu Ge with contempt.
This bodyguard was clearly in the pocket of that woman, who used her wealth to manipulate men.
"As a professional, I can't be bought by the enemy. It goes against my ethics," Chu Ge declared. "Bringing me before your boss is bold, but doubling my salary? I doubt you can afford it."
"Isn't that right, boss?" Chu Ge turned to Liu Yanru with a wink and a hearty laugh.
He had assumed he'd be safe with the protagonist, able to use them for his own ends. But he hadn't expected the system to present him with direct options.
While [???] million might seem significant to most, for Chu Ge with his system, it was negligible.
The +100 villain favorability seemed beneficial at first glance. There were many protagonists, but also many villains. Gaining their favor could prove useful against the protagonist.
If he was going down the path of villainy, he might as well commit fully.
"You're absolutely right," Liu Yanru smiled warmly at Chu Ge, her eyes conveying a hint of admiration.
Something about Chu Ge's words struck her as particularly masculine, and she found herself drawn to him. Even his comment about being a stepfather didn't repulse her.
"Boss, shall I remove these two? They seem to be interfering with your work," Chu Ge offered, flexing his muscles.
"Remember, there's always someone stronger. Don't get cocky just because you have some skills," Ye Feng warned coldly, shielding his sister.
He regretted bringing Ye Yao into enemy territory. Alone, he wouldn't have to worry about her safety.
"Get rid of them. This world has no place for naivety or ignorance," Liu Yanru declared, no longer holding back.
"There's 5 billion in this card. The PIN is attached. I, Liu Yanru, owe the Ye family nothing," she continued, hurling a bank card at Ye Feng.
"What did your father marry me for, if not my beauty? Too bad he died before getting what he wanted."
Liu Yanru's words were the last straw for the siblings.
"Brother..." Ye Yao whimpered, clinging to Ye Feng's arm.
"You dare insult our father? Woman, you're asking for trouble. Don't think being female will save you," Ye Feng snarled, his expression fierce.
"I swore never to let my sister be wronged again."
In a flash, Ye Feng charged forward like a raging beast.
"You're courting death," Chu Ge growled, meeting Ye Feng's attack head-on.
Their fists collided with tremendous force. Despite Ye Feng's strength and killing intent, Chu Ge proved more formidable than expected, easily deflecting his strikes.
"Is dodging all you can do?" Ye Feng taunted, hoping to provoke a mistake.
But Chu Ge remained impassive, giving Ye Feng no openings.
Realizing his provocations were futile, Ye Feng grew more serious. Who was this guy? How could he, the Soldier King, be so evenly matched?
In that brief exchange, Chu Ge had assessed Ye Feng's capabilities. Not bad, but nothing special.
"Quite a workout, isn't it?" Chu Ge smirked. "My turn now."
With lightning speed, Chu Ge switched from defense to offense. As Ye Feng's punch missed, Chu Ge's fist found its mark in his abdomen.
The impact left Ye Feng reeling, his insides churning. He stumbled back, gritting his teeth against the searing pain.
Ye Feng was shocked. Not only had his attacks failed to damage Chu Ge, but the bodyguard had effortlessly defended and counterattacked.
A twinge of frustration gripped Ye Feng. The strength he'd relied on abroad now seemed inadequate.
Seeing Ye Feng's silent struggle, Chu Ge couldn't help but laugh.
"Hurts, doesn't it? Call me 'stepdad' and I'll let you off easy," he taunted, then turned to Ye Yao. "I wonder if your delicate sister could withstand even one of my punches."
He raised his fist menacingly, causing Ye Yao to shrink back in terror. She'd never faced such a situation before.
Though Chu Ge was playing the villain, he had no intention of actually harming the girl. It was the siblings' aggression that truly impressed him.
"You're dead!" Ye Feng roared, reason abandoned to rage as he charged at Chu Ge.
"Some Soldier King you are. Pathetic," Chu Ge scoffed, easily reading Ye Feng's wild attacks. He drove his knee into Ye Feng's stomach once more.
This time, Ye Feng's pained grunt was audible, bringing a satisfied nod from Chu Ge.
"Brother!" Ye Yao cried out, torn between fear and the desire to help.
Chu Ge wasn't finished. Grasping Ye Feng's arms, he yanked them violently, dislocating both shoulders.
"If you've got the guts, kill me. Otherwise, you'll pay dearly," Ye Feng snarled through bloodied lips, his fierce gaze unwavering despite his injuries.
"Brother, please, let's just leave. It's not worth it," Ye Yao pleaded, her world crumbling as she watched her invincible brother rendered helpless.
Ye Feng's heart sank as he remembered his sister's presence. He'd carelessly led her into danger.
"Well done," Liu Yanru thought, secretly pleased to see Ye Feng's aggression turned against him.
[Choice 1: Show mercy and avoid future troubles. Reward: A chance for romance.]
[Choice 2: In the adult world, only interests matter. Extract maximum value from your opponents. Reward: A capable female secretary.]
Chu Ge found the rewards odd. Did he really need help with romance? The system clearly misunderstood him. But a competent secretary... now that could be useful.
To truly help his boss and become untouchable, he'd need to break the aristocratic families' grip on power. To him, they were like a cancer on society.
"You're not worth dirtying my hands over," Chu Ge sneered. "Get out of here, trash. I'll let you go this time, but if there's a next time, think of your sister's safety."
Chu Ge saw no need to eliminate Ye Feng yet. The protagonist's unexpected visit could be useful in dismantling the aristocratic families. He'd dispose of Ye Feng once his usefulness was exhausted.
"You'll regret this," Ye Feng hissed, shooting Chu Ge a venomous glare before leaving with his tearful sister.
After they left, Chu Ge reflected on his actions and the system's rewards. He felt relieved; it seemed the protagonist's plot armor held no sway over him.
"Was it wise to let him go? What if he attacks you when you least expect it?" Liu Yanru worried, having noticed Ye Feng's parting glance.
That sinister look reminded her of a venomous snake lying in wait.