Lucifer took a long, appraising look at the man across from him, his brows raising with an amused arch. It was laughable, really, to think of a man like this, one who had been defeated in the original plot by his own cousin—a twist of fate dictated by forces beyond him.
But in this new reality, Lucifer could see Gu Ming for what he truly was: an untapped force, underestimated by everyone around him.
For once, even System 4858 shared Lucifer's opinion. System 4858 thought about the world's protagonists who got beaten by its tyrant host, as it studied Gu Ming, System 4858 couldn't help but question the Lord God's choices. "Why does the Lord God keep favouring these so-called 'lucky sons' who fall to pieces at the first sign of struggle, while those with true strength are overlooked as villains? Tsk."
A slight grin played on Lucifer's lips as he extended a hand. "I'm Lucifer."
Gu Ming grasped his hand firmly, meeting his gaze with a determined fire. "I'm Gu Ming," he replied. The handshake lingered for a beat, a silent exchange of resolve. After releasing Lucifer's hand, Gu Ming placed his hands on his tight and clenched them into fists. The soft feeling was still there.
Just then, the waiter approached, interrupting the silent tension with a polite smile. "Dear guests, your orders."
The plates were set, but as soon as the waiter departed, Lucifer casually tossed a black folder across the table. Without a word, he turned his attention to his meal, eating with quiet elegance.
Gu Ming caught the folder, his brow lifting as he observed Lucifer's calm demeanour. Curiosity pricked at him, and he flipped open the file. At first, he scanned the words with mild interest, but his expression shifted almost immediately as he continued.
The lines on the page carried details that cut deep, exposing layers of his family's secrets and schemes. His amazement turned to a sharp glint in his eyes, which he directed toward Lucifer, but Lucifer, unbothered, continued to savour his food as if nothing were amiss.
With no choice but to keep reading, Gu Ming's expression darkened; every detail brought with it a new betrayal, a new shadow cast upon the people he thought he knew.
Gu Ming's assistant, Hong, stood nearby, watching the changes in his boss's mood with a puzzled frown. Why was Gu Ming suddenly brimming with anger? This was uncharacteristic of his usually composed boss. Hong glanced at Lucifer, whose focused attention on the meal before him seemed almost taunting in its indifference.
Lucifer, enjoying each bite, eventually cast a sideward glance at Gu Ming, noting the deepening furrow in his brow. He could see the questions forming, but he left them to simmer, savouring the silent impact of his revelations.
The file he'd handed over contained the details of the past—Gu Ming's car accident, the very incident that had nearly cost him everything. And as if that weren't enough, it also contained foreboding hints of the future: plans that Gu Ming's cousin, Gu Zixin, had concocted behind his back.
Gu Ming's cousin Gu Zixin was one of the protagonists in the story and he and Lucifer's brother Lu Jing will become close in the story and their relationship will progress and they will become a winner in life.
Of course, now Lucifer is here, the world's plot has already gone astray, the system occasionally looks at the world's plot and sinks in sorrow.
After what felt like a tense eternity, Gu Ming closed the document, his fingers still resting on the cover. He glanced at Lucifer expectantly, waiting for an explanation.
Without a word, Lucifer finally finished his meal and then tossed another folder across the table, this time a red one.
Gu Ming caught off guard, reached for it, eyeing Lucifer with a rare look of helplessness before delving into the new file.
A few pages in, his eyes widened in shock, not because of the expected betrayals or secrets but because this file was full of explosive information about the Lu family itself—data that, in the right hands, could spell bankruptcy for the powerful clan within mere months.
He placed the folder aside, gazing intently at Lucifer, whose silence only added weight to the revelations.
After a moment, Lucifer pushed his plate aside and leaned back, crossing his arms casually. Just as Gu Ming opened his mouth to speak, Lucifer raised a hand, effectively cutting him off.
"I know what you're going to ask," Lucifer began, his tone measured and calm.
"The first file contains everything you need to bring the Gu family under your control within a few months. You probably already knew parts of it. The difference is, that you lack the evidence. I, however, have everything you need."
His calm gaze sharpened, and a smirk played on his lips as he looked at Gu Ming. Assistant Hong, still silently observing, felt a shiver run through him as he began to realise the true depth of Lucifer's resources.
This man wasn't just any businessman or rival—anyone capable of obtaining such sensitive information was someone who wielded a dangerous level of influence and power.
Lucifer didn't care what others thought of him and continued with an air of indifference. "You might be wondering why I gave you such precious information for free, but consider it an advance payment for your work."
Gu Ming, listening in silence, contemplated the significance of the second file containing detailed information on the Lu family. A realisation dawned on him, and he looked at Lucifer in sudden shock, understanding the implication behind such a powerful move.
Lucifer, noticing Gu Ming's expression, flashed a pleased grin. "Looks like you've figured it out. That's right. The second file contains every detail about the Leu family's weaknesses. If that information is exposed and used carefully, they'll be bankrupt within months."
He leaned forward, his pale blue eyes like glacial ice, unwavering and cold. "I want you to ruin the Lu family, to see them fall into misery and financial ruin. And in return, you'll get exclusive information on the Gu family. It's a fair deal, wouldn't you say?"
The room fell silent, and even Lucifer's assistant, Hong, stood there in stunned disbelief, his face ashen. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. This was the first time he had ever witnessed someone openly planning to dismantle their own family's fortune.
Gu Ming also remained silent, absorbing the enormity of Lucifer's intentions. Finally, he found his voice and asked the question burning in his mind. "You are the legitimate son and heir to the Lu family. Why would you go to such lengths to destroy them?"
Lucifer barely glanced at him, his expression one of detached boredom. "The Lu family fortune was built on my mother's back, her dedication and hard work, yet I don't have a single share of it. Since they won't give it to me, I'll make sure they can't have it either." Though he smiled as he spoke, the chill of his words was unmistakable, leaving those listening to feel a palpable unease.
Gu Ming regarded Lucifer with a steady gaze, seeming to evaluate him. He couldn't help but press further. "With your abilities, it would be easy for you to claim everything that's rightfully yours. Why do you want to destroy it instead?"
Lucifer narrowed his eyes thoughtfully before he replied with a trace of amusement. "Do I seem like someone who's lacking in small wealth? The Lu family's wealth isn't enough to entice me. If I took over, I'd have to rebuild it from scratch, and frankly, that's not only time-consuming but boring. I don't want it, and I refuse to let anyone else have it either."
With that, Lucifer raised his hand, his fingers poised in an elegant but commanding gesture. "So, do we have a deal?"
Gu Ming saw no reason to decline, recognizing the unique opportunity in Lucifer's proposal. "Of course. I look forward to our partnership."
Lucifer stood, preparing to leave, but then halted, pivoting back to face Gu Ming with an icy, unyielding stare. The air grew tense, and his warm expression was replaced with a threatening, sharp gaze. "You'd better carry this out properly, or you'll regret ever being born into this world."
The room grew cold, and an unsettling silence filled the air. Those around him felt their hearts pound, wary of making the slightest noise.
Lucifer's cold gaze made people shutter and they dared not to breathe loudly, the atmosphere around Lucifer shifted. It's hard to believe he was the same person who was smiling and laughing earlier.
Observing the stunned and apprehensive faces around him, System 4858 couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction.
After all, only the system knew the full extent of Lucifer's character. ''Tsk, they are already this afraid, the tyrant host hasn't even done anything yet.'