The land was scorched by the blazing midday sun, which seemed to burn everything in its path. There was no wind.
Sweat-soaked, Lu Biao stood outside the Li Group building's entrance, staring at the door. The worry rising in his chest was far worse than the heat that clung to his skin. His mind swirled, each thought more disturbing than the one before it. Why hadn't Zhu Liang left yet after entering with Li Xiner? He couldn't find the solution to the question that kept bouncing around in his head.
He strode back and forth as his gaze was fixed on the entrance, as though he was anticipating Zhu Liang's arrival with Li Xiner at his side. What on earth are they doing in there? His mind darkened. Is the office where they are? On the sofa? On the desk?
The images flooded his head, sending a chill down his spine. He was at his wit's end due to the intensity of his anxiety and jealousy. He would have already broken in if it weren't for the stern looks from the security officers on duty. He raged in silence, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.
With an air of authority, a well-meaning security guard came up to him and suggested that he leave the building. However, Lu Biao was unable to. At the guard's suggestion, he sneered. Go? Are you absolutely insane?
His thoughts was mixed with jealousy and worry, and he was too far gone now. The fire in his veins was stronger than the heat surrounding him, and his heart thumped violently in his chest. Desperate for any movement, he kept his eyes fixed on the entrance.
None of the guards dared to challenge him, but they all observed him with a mixture of interest and worry. They obviously saw people being captivated by their president's "charm" on a regular basis, and today was no exception. Was this really what they had to put up with in order to have the opportunity to work for such a strong woman? A nervous man standing outdoors in the intense heat just to get a peek of the president?
Lu Biao was on the verge of losing patience when a Rolls-Royce came into view. As the car slowed to a stop in front of the barrier, his eyes narrowed and his heart skipped a beat. However, Zhu Liang wasn't the only person in the car this time. No, he was seated next to the figure of Li Xiner, the lady he had formerly referred to as his fiancée.
As Lu Biao watched them, his fist tightened and his breath caught. As soon as they saw the car, the security officers opened the doors without hesitation. Their eyes were blank and unmoved, and they didn't even glance at Lu Biao as they went about their business.
Lu Biao had a lot on his mind. "Li Xiner.... with him?"
He began to follow the car without thinking, his steps getting faster by passing second. His heart was racing with worry and annoyance, and he was driven by a sense of haste. The Rolls-Royce drove slowly.
The vehicle only traveled a few blocks before coming to a stop in front of a five-star hotel. Watching the bodyguard open the door for Zhu Liang and then Li Xiner emerge from the other side, walking quickly behind him, made Lu Biao's heart sink
"Hold on a second" Lu Biao's mind raced. "Shouldn't the male be the one to let the woman in?"
However, no. Without even looking at Li Xiner, Zhu Liang exited and headed for the hotel. Without hesitation, she followed him. Lu Biao would have thought she was just following him like a faithful friend.
He scowled. "Why does she follow him in this manner?" Something felt... off. There was something strange about their behavior, as if it were all a show.
A scathing, unwanted thought came into Lu Biao's mind. This relationship is inverted, right? His eyes furrowed as he saw Li Xiner continue to follow Zhu Liang, seemingly "kneeling and licking" him as if she were a subordinate who followed his every step. It seemed as though Zhu Liang was in charge and gave her all of her orders.
Lu Biao shook his head, attempting to ignore the idea. No, I'm simply thinking too much. This is not what it appears to be. He kept following them covertly, forcing himself to remain composed. He couldn't risk being caught.
The two of them took up table in a corner of the hotel's main hall. Lu Biao observed their interactions with the waiter, who came to collect their orders, with a relaxed manner that suggested familiarity.
Lu Biao relaxed his hold and reminded himself, "Just a regular meal." For a second, he wondered if he was exaggerating. However, his blood boiled at the following scene that appeared in front of him.
Zhu Liang consumed his food first, looking around the room as if he had endless time. He looked at Li Xiner, who was still silently eating her food. Then, almost without thinking, he took a tissue out of his pocket. He held it out to her, silently presenting it to her without saying a word.
Li Xiner glanced at him, momentarily taken by surprise. She took the tissue calmly after her eyes softened. She wiped her mouth, but this time she wasn't as casual as before.
"Is this real?" As Lu Biao observed the two engaging in a private exchange, his thoughts were racing. How could she allow him to treat her in this manner?
Lu Biao's hatred reached its peak upon witnessing Zhu Liang gently wipe Li Xiner's mouth. They were clearly close, as seen by the way Zhu Liang handled Li Xiner as though she were a delicate object that needed to be cared for. Li Xiner, meanwhile, seemed unconcerned.
Anger replaced the uneasiness in Lu Biao's chest. He stood motionless, gazing at the view in front of him.
[Ding... Villain +666... Lu Biao is upset with you. ]
[You are the object of Lu Biao's hatred, Villain +888.]
Zhu Liang raised his brows as his eyes strayed to the system screen. His voice was low and delighted as he laughed to himself. This is how it operates, isn't it? Each time he caused Lu Biao's anger, the system gave him "villain points."
He sensed the points piling up as the hostility of Lu Biao grew. With a sly smirk at his lips, he thought, "This function is a game-changer." Taking the heroine is no longer the only goal. Making the protagonist's life miserable is his second goal.
As Zhu Liang considered how to take advantage of this new function, his thoughts raced. Maybe I don't have to kill him off yet. Instead, he could take advantage of Lu Biao, causing him greater suffering and rage while earning those valuable villain points.
Meanwhile, Lu Biao's rage and envy were at an all-time high. Perhaps, he had reasoned, there was some hope, some rational explanation. The reality, however, was now directly in front of him.
His arms bulged with veins, and his fists clenched tighter.