Chapter 12: The Villain of Destiny
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[Chen Family Villa]
[ Northern Outskirts of the city, Near Xuanhu Lake ]
The Chen family villa was a symbol of traditional Chinese elegance, with its sweeping roofs and intricate woodwork. Situated in the exclusive, billion-yuan high-circle area near Xuanhu Lake, it was a place only the exceptionally wealthy could afford.
The villa featured numerous carefully manicured gardens and serene koi ponds, exuding an air of tranquility and grandeur.
Inside one of the main halls, a young man stood dressed in a golden cultivator's robe with intricate purple embroidery. His silky hair framed an exceptionally handsome face, and his eyes radiated an arrogance that seemed to encompass the whole world.
With a chiseled physique that exuded strength and confidence, he was a striking figure. He wore a pendant around his neck, a ring on his finger, and held in his hand an otherworldly phone that seemed like it didn't belong to him.
At this moment, he was engrossed in painting, his brush moving with impressive precision to capture every muscle and sinew.
His passion for the craft was evident in every stroke, as he brought the image to life with remarkable skill and enthusiasm.
He was none other than Chen Mu, the esteemed and notorious young master of the Chen family!
With another stroke, he called out, "Xiao Mei, come here and take a look."
A young woman named Xiaomei approached, her steps hesitant. Her beauty was striking, far beyond what one would expect of a mere maid.
In truth, she had not been a maid from the beginning; circumstances had forced her into this role.
She was destined to be the heroine for a certain protagonist, but fate had taken a cruel turn after his mysterious death, leading her to be captured and held captive by demon Chen Mu.
"Y-yes, young master?"
Chen Mu took a step back from the easel and motioned towards the artwork.
"How do you perceive my artistic creation? Hmm... you look skinny. Didn't I give you the delicious meat of your fiancé? Seems you haven't eaten it... anyway, look here," he said, his voice carrying a subtle threat as his left hand extended towards her face.
Xiaomei quivered as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, trembling with apprehension at his touch.
Xiaomei stared at the painting, her heart racing constantly. She had never been skilled in understanding art, and on top of that, this man had killed her future husband and fed his remains to her.
In a way, this man had made her life a living hell, full of suffering, but she still did not have the courage to retaliate. Because no matter what she said or how much she pleaded, she was fated to be his plaything for life.
"It's… it's very nice, young master," she stammered. "A very nice… donkey..."
The room fell silent. Chen Mu's eyes darkened with anger.
"A donkey?" he repeated, his voice icy. "You think my horse looks like a donkey?"
Xiaomei realized her mistake immediately. She stepped back, trembling.
"I'm so sorry, young master. I didn't mean—"
Chen Mu's voice cut through her apology. "Silence! You insult my art and then offer worthless apologies? Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Without another word, he turned to another servant, a sturdy man named Dao Feng.
"Dao Feng, sixty lashes for this insolent maid," Chen Mu commanded. "Let her learn the price of disrespect."
The servant bowed. "As you wish, young master."
Xiaomei's eyes filled with tears as Dao Feng took her arm. "Please, young master, I beg you. I didn't mean it. Please forgive me!"
Chen Mu turned away, his voice cold. "Take her away."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for punishing the heroine without cause. You have satisfied the evil dao. 1000 villain points will be credited to your account.]
"Tsk... only one thousand! System, how much longer until I can consume the luck of this world? I don't want to stay here forever."
[System cannot provide an exact timeframe, but it will unfold soon. Moreover, there are already a few newly emerged protagonists. The host can enhance his luck with their assistance.]
Yes! Chen Mu was the sinister villain of destiny in this lower world, an absolute nightmare for the children of luck and their allies.
Originally, he was a socially awkward individual from blue planet who one day found himself transported into this fictional world as the villain Chen Mu.
Due to his past experiences as an outcast and his deep-seated resentment towards the world, he held a grudge against society, believing that it had treated him unjustly.
In his previous life, he was unable to cause any harm due to his own weakness, but now, with the help of a system, he desired to dominate and dismantle the very foundations of the world.
Seventeen years have passed since his arrival, and at the age of 37, he has accomplished numerous feats, albeit ones that are morally reprehensible.
These include committing acts of sexual assault against over 30,000 women, engaging in the exploitation of countless underage girls, enslaving impoverished nations, instigating religious conflicts, and even orchestrating the creation of the belko-virus to claim millions of lives.
Most significantly, he has managed to gain control over half of the Chinese government and media.
All of these atrocities were made possible by his wicked mindset, the assistance of the system, and the ambitious plans of his immortal family.
This was also the reason Chen Mu wasn't lustful towards heroines; instead, he preferred to sell them to brothels to cause greater despair and earn more villain points.
At that moment, Chen Mu was deep in thought when a sudden interruption broke his concentration.
"Master, Miss Yan Rong and Warrior Zhai request an audience with you," announced a maid with a slight bow.
Chen Mu's expression remained stoic, his demeanor unruffled by the news. In his eyes, these individuals held little significance, mere pawns in his schemes. But Yan Rong was different; this mysterious witch was destined to play a crucial role in his future.
"Very well, lead the way," he replied with calm authority.
Moments later, Yan Rong and Warrior Zhai were ushered into the study hall, where Chen Mu sat behind an imposing mahogany desk. His piercing gaze fell upon them, scrutinizing their every move.
Not far away on the sofa, Yan Rong and Warrior Zhai were seated.
Here's a revised version:
Warrior Zhai, the sniper who had shot the bullet to prevent Long Aotian from escaping, used to be a man accused of raping his own mother.
However, Young Master Chen Mu, out of compassion, and a kind heart, aided in his release from prison.
This choice was also influenced by Zhai's remarkable skills as an Olympic medalist and expert in long-range weaponry.
From that point on, he carried out numerous assassinations of individuals who opposed Young Master Chen Mu, earning him the highest level of trust among Chen Mu's followers.
"Young Master Chen," Yan Rong hesitated, "we've encountered a problem. Someone alerted the police about that man, and this slave girl couldn't complete her task for you."
Yan Rong spoke with a sad and guilty tone, her eyes sparkling at the sight of her favorite man, though Chen Mu showed no interest in developing anything with her at this time.
Chen Mu's eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued. "A setback? Explain it, Madam Rong."
Warrior Zhai stepped forward, his posture tense. "Master Chen, our attempt to kill Long Aotian was unsuccessful. I aimed for his heart, but a sudden change in the wind's trajectory caused my shot to miss. Otherwise, I would have offered his head to Young Master."
Chen Mu's expression darkened imperceptibly. "That's expected."
Chen Mu wasn't bothered. With 17 years of experience in killing protagonists, he understood the challenges involved. If killing destiny's chosen ones were as easy as fishing in a frozen lake...he would have conquered the world long ago.
At this moment, Yan Rong stepped forward, her hand placed gently on Chen Mu's chest.
"Young Master Chen, you know how unpredictable these situations can be. But regardless, now that this little girl has failed... I can't help but wonder if you, Master, have any plans to... punish this disobedient slave girl?"
Chen Mu understood the kind of punishment she was implying. However, he didn't wish to engage in such activities with her just yet; there were other matters he needed to attend to first, and preserving her virginity was important to him. Besides, he had already enslaved her mind, so there was no rush; she couldn't betray him in this lifetime.
He leaned back in his chair, observing her carefully. "Not now, Yan Rong. Don't mention this again, or else I'll have your limbs cut off and fed to the dogs. I wonder how it feels for a beauty like you to be torn apart and eaten alive... ohh... quite pleasurable, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Yan Rong was terrified. She didn't doubt a single word from Young Master, despite some people outside the Chen family speaking ill of him, calling him brainless or moody. Only those close to him knew how terrifying he truly was.
Warrior Zhai hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.
"Master Chen, Long Aotian has been apprehended by the authorities. His arrest was successful, although the commissioner doubted the credibility of the information. Someone else also called the police, but unfortunately, I couldn't track down who it was."
Chen Mu's expression remained unchanged, though a glimmer of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. "Is that so? Good work, Warrior Zhai. I've prepared four fresh cabbages for you; eat them well."
"I thank Young Master for his consideration," Zhai Lu bowed enthusiastically. It had been days since he had savored fresh 'cabbages', and he felt the urge to defile their tender flesh.
Yan Rong, standing closer to Chen Mu now, leaned in slightly with a playful smile. "Young Master Chen, I was worried I had disappointed you. But I'm relieved to hear that Long Aotian's capture was part of the plan. What should we do with those four stupid tigers who were most likely arrested by the authorities?"
Chen Mu's gaze softened slightly as he met her eyes. "You have blossomed into such beauty, Lily. There's no need to fret; one call is enough to get them out. Wait, only four? Aren't they five?"
Yan Rong blushed faintly at the praise, her heart fluttering as Chen Mu spoke, momentarily disregarding his earlier threats. It was akin to how pets, when praised and petted by their master, would eagerly wag their tails in happiness.
At this moment, the system, which had been silent for a long time, beeped with energy and malice.
"Ding! Congratulations, host! You're diving deep into the chaotic evil path. There's a new son of destiny in town: Zhang Yuchen, Age 23, luck's at rock bottom, and future? Meh. Your luck is way better than his. Shall we kill him directly and grab his soul?"
Chen Mu fell silent for a moment, Zhang Yuchen's unsettling image flashing through his mind. A cold gleam intensified in his already icy eyes.
"Hahahaha! Ahahaha! The dog I cared for and fed well turns out to be a protagonist... Such Betrayal..."
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( End Of This Chapter )
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"I wanted this chapter to sound great, but it turned out all messed up."
Chapter 13 - Ambitious boss Shang Yueli, Long Shiqian stalked, Zhang Yuchen seeks quick progress.
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While Chen Mu was busy plotting sinister schemes against various protagonists, the rest of the city remained calm and unaware.
Not far from Business Street stood the towering structure of Startheft Design. Its modern yet humble architecture was a symbol of innovation.
On the third floor, past the creative bustle, was a glass-walled office exuding authority.
This was the domain of Miss Shang Yueli, the young head of Startheft Design. Inside, a stunning woman in her late teens sat on a chair with her hands folded together.
Shang Yueli was a captivating presence. At just 19, her porcelain skin had a soft, inviting warmth. Her deep brown, almond-shaped eyes, framed by long lashes, held a captivating intensity.
Her full, naturally rosy lips promised sweetness and a passionate smile.
Her long, black hair flowed in luscious waves down her back, contrasting seductively with her slender neck and graceful collarbones.
She wore a tailored white shirt that subtly accentuated her bust, and a skirt that emphasized her narrow waist and full hips, creating a breathtaking silhouette.
In short, she was irresistibly cute and seductive, while carrying herself with a reserved and authoritative aura, which is hard to gain without years of experience.
In the office, she was known as the cold-blooded beauty who wouldn't spare words unless necessary.
Yet, she showed no attitude towards the woman standing across from her, who was looking at herself—this woman, of course, was Long Shiqian.
Yes, this was also Long Shiqian's office where she worked as an intermediate designer. Ever since her son had left, she had been searching for a job to sustain her life.
This opportunity was presented to her by Shang Yueli, an equally frustrated girl at the time, who was still a school student.
Shang Yueli's mother used to operate the company, but Shang Yueli eventually became the head of the office
"Sister Shiqian, please have a seat. Oh my god... You look absolutely gorgeous, even more beautiful than before... and why are mine so small? But why do you have these dark circles under your eyes? Tell me, Sister Long..." Yueli said playfully, gesturing to the chair opposite her desk.
In the past, Shiqian had unwittingly rescued Yueli from a potential molester. Back then, Yueli was naive, mistaking the man for a piano teacher.
This incident not only led to Shiqian securing a job in Yueli's company but also stirred up a mix of complex emotions in Yueli towards this beautiful big sister.
Shiqian sat down, trying to steady her nerves. "Thank you. I wanted to talk to you about something... Actually, I need to take leave for at least four days."
Long Shiqian had always been an enthusiastic workaholic because her work helped her forget the pain in her life. However, what happened a few days ago was devastating. She blamed herself for not seeking help from the company, underestimating how far the thugs would go.
There was something else weighing heavily on her mind. Yesterday, she received a call from a man with the moniker "Evil Spirit." In a hoarse voice, he said her son would be meeting her soon. The problem was, he sounded like a kidnapper.
"Is it possible that my son was kidnapped when he went to America? Is that why he hasn't called or spoken to me for so long?" she wondered, her mind racing.
Frightened, Yueli stood up from her chair, her eyes wide with concern.
"What? Are you sick, Sister? Why didn't you tell me sooner? We should go to the doctor right away. If something happens to you, then who am I going to... We can't let that happen, big Sister."
She reached out to touch Long Shiqian's forehead, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary, and in that moment, she blushed slightly.
"I've been feeling... overwhelmed lately," Shiqian lied.
She didn't want to talk about her son now, knowing Yueli used to hate him for abandoning his own mother, so she choseher words carefully.
"The projects have been demanding, and I haven't had much time for myself. I was hoping I could leave a bit earlier today and take a few days off, just to catch my breath and calm down."
Yueli observed her for a moment, her eyes now filled with a tender, loving gaze. This big sister of hers rarely took time off and was a diligent worker, but most importantly, she was special to Yueli.
She even dreamed of running the company together with this big sister as... more than just 'friends'.
"Sister Shiqian, you've been one of our most dedicated designers. Your work is exceptional, but I can see the dark circles around your eyes. You deserve some rest... and in a few days, I'll come by to give you a nice, relaxing massage."
"Thank you, Yueli... but there's no need to trouble yourself. I just need a little rest. It's getting late, so I should be leaving," Shiqian said.
Soon ...Long Shiqian stood up, eager to leave. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, primarily fixated on her adopted son. The possibility that he might have been kidnapped was both terrifying and strangely comforting; if he had been taken, then he hadn't abandoned her out of hatred.
"Wait, Sister Shiqian? What happened with those thugs who were threatening you? You said you didn't need my help then. How about I drop you home?" Yueli suggested, unwilling to part ways.
Shiqian blushed slightly, a rare sight. "No need to worry, Yueli. Someone helped me."
Yueli's curiosity turned into a worried frown. "Who? Tell me! Was it a man? No, my sister isn't like that."
Shiqian laughed softly, shaking her head. "I need to leave early, Yueli. I'll tell you another day."
Yueli pouted playfully. "Wait, Sister, just a minute."
Yueli's thoughts raced with jealousy and concern at the idea of a man saving Shiqian, fearing she might fall for him. But she trusted that Shiqian was stronger and wiser than that. Despite her desire to stop her, Shiqian left swiftly, not giving Yueli a chance to intervene.
---
Two hours had passed since Long Shiqian had evaded Shang Yueli's relentless questioning. Now, she found herself wandering aimlessly through the bustling vegetable market near her building, her mind still tangled in the events of the previous day.
She felt a shiver of fear as she remembered the terrifying ordeal of being harassed by thugs. The fear was still fresh, and now she was plagued by a new worry: the possibility that her son hadn't abandoned her but had been kidnapped under unknown circumstances.
In great anxiety, she recalled her promise to her savior from yesterday, Zhang Yuchen, even though his intentions and gaze were dishonest and ambiguous. Nevertheless, she had pledged to prepare a delicious meal for him as a gesture of gratitude for saving her.
Currently, market was alive with the sounds of vendors calling out their prices and customers haggling for deals. Long Shiqian weaved through the aisles, selecting fresh fruits and vegetables, but her mind was elsewhere. An unsettling feeling crept over her, and she couldn't shake the sensation that someone was watching her.
She hurriedly picked out some ripe tomatoes, her heart pounding as the feeling grew stronger. Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of danger, but all she saw was the usual throng of shoppers. Trying to dismiss her fears as mere paranoia, she quickly paid for her items and left the market.
The cool evening air did little to calm her nerves. Clutching her bags tightly, she glanced over her shoulder repeatedly, her pulse racing. At last, she reached her building and sighed with relief. Just as she was about to enter, she collided with someone.
Startled, she looked up and found herself face-to-face with a man—none other than Zhang Yuchen himself. The sudden impact caused her head to bump into his chest, and the bags in her hand scattered, sending fruits and vegetables rolling across the cement floor.
"Ouch! Mr. Yuchen... you," she exclaimed, her voice a blend of surprise and relief.
"Mrs. Shiqian, it's nice to see you again," Zhang Yuchen replied with a warm smile. "Are you alright? You seem a bit flustered."
Zhang Yuchen himself was weighed down by his own troubles. He had experienced a day filled with unsettling events, from an ominous encounter with the protagonist to meeting a suspiciously cute girl in a café and realizing he had landed on the Destiny villain's hit list, none other than his boss.
The pressure was quite immense, and he wanted to complete his system tasks and grow stronger without attracting unwanted attention, which now seemed almost impossible. He felt like a lamb on the verge of slaughter, desperate for a way to calm his nerves. Unexpectedly, his path had crossed with destiny heroine Long Shiqian.
"I... I'm fine, just a little tired from work and the market," she said, trying to compose herself. She had planned to surprise him with a meal tomorrow, nothing extravagant, but a gesture of gratitude.
She thought it might be wise to maintain a friendly relationship with this gangster, even though she had no intention of betraying her late husband.
"Let me help you with those," he offered, bending down to pick up the scattered items. They collected everything together, but one apple still lay on the floor, shining in the streetlight.
Unaware, she bent down to pick it up, and at that moment, her hand touched something other than the apple. Her hand was enveloped by a warm, strong grasp. Zhang Yuchen, too, was reaching for the apple, and unknowingly, he committed the forbidden and sinful act of holding hands.
"Thank you, Mr... Yuchen," she said softly, her gaze meeting his green eyes, which were ambitious and dishonest as always. He didn't care that she was a widow; he wanted to see everything. Her cheeks flushed under his intense gaze.
After a moment...
She quickly pulled her hand back, startled by the intimate contact.
"Sorry, Mr. Yuchen... I'm really sorry. I didn't see you," she mumbled nervously.
"It was my fault, Shiqian," he replied, looking into her eyes with a gentle smile. Although he wanted to hold her delicate hand for a little longer, he managed to control himself. It wasn't easy for a man in his early twenties; just being around such a beautiful woman was intoxicating.
A warmth spread through her, but she focused on gathering the rest of the groceries.
"You really don't have to..."
"I insist," Zhang Yuchen interrupted, finishing picking up the scattered items.
Standing up, he noticed her uneasy expression. "Is everything really okay? You seem a bit off."
She hesitated, then decided to share her feelings. "I... I felt like someone was following me from the market. It was probably just my imagination, but it scared me, especially after what happened yesterday."
Zhang Yuchen's expression turned serious. "Do you want me to look around? Make sure no one's lurking?"
Of course, as the system owner, he could feel someone nearby, and most of the warnings he got from the system were screaming at him to be careful. He knew who that was, but for the time being, he wasn't concerned because that thing was blind.
"No, it's alright. I'm sure it was nothing," she said, though she appreciated his concern.
They chatted for a few more moments, then reached the building's main door. She turned to face him. "Thank you again, Zhang Yuchen. You've been very kind to me lately. I deeply appreciate what you have done for me."
"I hate this," he replied, his gaze turning disappointed.
Her smile faded, replaced by a look of confusion and fear.
"What...do you mean? Did I say something wrong, Mr. Yuchen?"
"You're not a kid, Shiqian. I thought I made myself clear enough. Maybe not... You know why I saved you, and since then, you've been putting up a wall between us. I don't want us to be strangers. I want you... It's something I've wanted to tell you for so long, but you always manage to slip away from me, scared of me... I hate this."
Although he felt it was too fast to approach a woman like this, he had no time to care. This world was more complicated than he had thought, and he needed to make quick progress with her. There was no time to waste; he needed to express his feelings as quickly as possible, or risk everything falling apart.
"I... um, could we maybe talk about this over dinner tomorrow?" she stammered, feeling confused and anxious.
Moments ago, they were chatting casually, but his sudden intensity had left her unsettled. She didn't want to lose him. Her first marriage had been arranged by her father, and she hadn't even slept with her late husband.
This lack of dating experience made her feel shy and uncertain.
"Then, goodnight, Mrs. Shiqian," he said, giving her one last smile before turning to leave. Zhang Yuchen himself wasn't interested in a long conversation; he had a lot to figure out.
The three days of the future he had seen were concerning and full of opportunities he didn't want to miss. He also had to ensure that his presence didn't seem threatening to the villain, as it would be impossible to confront him at this stage.
Long Shiqian watched him walk away, feeling a strange mix of security and warmth. She found herself more excited for tomorrow's dinner with him than she had been about meeting her son. But such was life—unexpected, uncertain, complicated, and emotions even more so.
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(End of this Chapter)
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