NOVEL WEB Chapter 93:
Chapter 93: Free of Charge! The Heroine’s Plan Backfires! The Trap Tightens:
[Ding! Li Xiao is filled with resentment, emotional value +753…]
Of course, Xu Hao was aware of the protagonist Li Xiao, but he deliberately chose to ignore him.
Today was a special day for him and the heroine.
He was focused on enjoying the tender moments with her, leaving the protagonist to be dealt with later. Xu Hao had no intention of creating trouble for Li Xiao right now.
However, Li Xiao wasn’t willing to be ignored.
Both recent plot changes were connected to Xu Hao, and he felt compelled to investigate further. He needed to find out just how close Xu Hao and Xiao Wanling had become. The thought of the heroine getting involved with a fifty-year-old man like Xu Hao was unbearable for him. If their relationship hadn’t gone too far yet, he was determined to intervene.
Meanwhile, tonight’s dinner was planned by Xiao Wanling. She had decided to make a romantic gesture since she had resolved to deepen her bond with Xu Hao. She arranged a candlelight dinner at a Western restaurant and chose a quiet window seat, believing the atmosphere in the main lobby was more romantic than a private room.
When Xu Hao was led to their candlelit table adorned with flowers, Xiao Wanling’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“Uncle Xu, do you like it?” she asked, nervous that he might not appreciate her efforts.
“I didn’t expect you to enjoy such settings,” Xu Hao replied with a smile. “Is this what girls like these days?”
Xiao Wanling rolled her eyes playfully.
“And what do you think girls like, Uncle Xu?”
Feigning deep thought, Xu Hao opened his mouth as if to answer, but Xiao Wanling quickly placed her hand over his mouth, her face flushed with embarrassment. She glanced around to make sure no one was watching before letting go.
“Don’t say it!” she pleaded.
She knew he was teasing her. Xu Hao’s playful smile confirmed it.
“Uncle, you’re terrible!” she scolded.
“I can be worse,” he whispered, leaning closer. His breath tickled her ear, making her heart race.
Blushing, Xiao Wanling averted her eyes. She had planned this romantic evening and wasn’t about to let it slip away.
“Let’s eat first.” She said, sitting down to distract herself.
[Ding! Li Xiao gritted his teeth, emotional points +741…]
Watching from a distance, Li Xiao felt his heart sink. Xiao Wanling had arranged a candlelight dinner with Xu Hao and seemed genuinely happy. When he saw them cheek to cheek, there was no sign of fear or distress on her face—only shyness and affection. This shattered his belief that she was being coerced. How could she fall for someone so much older?
Desperate to find an explanation, Li Xiao convinced himself that Xu Hao must be using manipulative tactics. Surely, Xiao Wanling wouldn’t fall for wealth and status alone; she was a strong, independent woman. He resolved to save her from Xu Hao’s clutches before it was too late.
Pretending to be just another diner, Li Xiao took a seat nearby, determined to watch and intervene when necessary. But what he saw made him increasingly uncomfortable.
Xiao Wanling cut a piece of steak and held it out to Xu Hao.
“Uncle, try this.” She said warmly, about to place it on his plate.
Instead, Xu Hao opened his mouth, clearly expecting to be fed. Xiao Wanling hesitated but then smiled and placed the steak into his mouth.
Li Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was this the same mature, elegant woman he knew? She was feeding Xu Hao with such tenderness. His image of her shattered.
[Ding! Li Xiao is furious, emotional points +952…]
[Ding! Li Xiao’s mentality collapses, emotional points +963…]
As the dinner continued, Xiao Wanling opened a bottle of red wine.
“Uncle Xu, would you like some wine?” she asked.
“Do you think I’m out of touch, Wanling?” Xu Hao teased.
While speaking, he reached for her hand under the table, and she barely reacted, choosing to smile instead.
Their laughter and closeness tore at Li Xiao. From his angle, he could see Xu Hao’s hand resting comfortably on Xiao Wanling’s leg. He seethed with rage.
This hypocritical old man was playing everyone, and yet, Xiao Wanling seemed blissfully unaware.
[Ding! Li Xiao’s rage intensifies, emotional value +987…]
Li Xiao forced himself to finish his own meal, all while pretending to be calm. Every affectionate gesture from Xu Hao made him grind his teeth. He was determined to find an opportunity to confront Xu Hao and expose his true nature.
Meanwhile, Xu Hao continued to enjoy the meal, knowing full well that Li Xiao was watching. He relished every bit of emotional turmoil Li Xiao experienced, as shown by the system notifications. This dinner alone had netted him tens of thousands of emotional points.
Once dinner was over, Xu Hao and Xiao Wanling left the restaurant and strolled down the street together, chatting and laughing. Li Xiao trailed behind, consumed by fury and confusion. Something had to be done.
“Are these two inseparable? At least go to the bathroom!” Li Xiao thought as he watched Xu Hao and Xiao Wanling stay close, giving him no chance to approach her.
The duo walked ahead, while he trailed behind, silently enduring the heartache of watching their apparent closeness.
Time passed slowly, over an hour of him just observing.
Finally, Xu Hao spotted a love hotel not far away and paused. Turning to Xiao Wanling, he spoke, “Wan Ling, since you treated me to dinner, I have a gift for you.”
“A gift?” Xiao Wanling’s eyes lit up with excitement. She was thrilled that Uncle Xu could surprise her with such thoughtful gestures. She was already looking forward to whatever he had planned.
“But before that,” Xu Hao continued with a teasing smile, “let me show you a magic trick.”
“Magic?” Xiao Wanling’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She was already charmed by the idea of receiving a surprise, and now, a little game beforehand made it even better.
Xu Hao extended his hand. “See, nothing here?” he asked as she inspected his hand carefully, nodding to confirm it was empty.
With a practiced motion, Xu Hao “produced” an exquisite gift box, seemingly out of thin air. Of course, it was thanks to his system’s abilities, but he kept that a secret. To Xiao Wanling, it seemed like pure magic.
“Wow!” she gasped, eyes wide with amazement. She had checked thoroughly and was genuinely stunned at how he managed such a trick. This man was full of surprises—mastering calligraphy, piano, tea art, and now magic? Her admiration for Xu Hao deepened.
“Is this for me?” she asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
“Of course.” Xu Hao replied, smiling.
Eagerly, she opened the box to reveal a delicate ring. The craftsmanship was exquisite, clearly the work of a master. The gem sparkled beautifully, and Xiao Wanling recognized it immediately—it was a Cartier supreme model worth over 18 million yuan.
“Oh my god, Uncle Xu… this is too much!” she whispered, overwhelmed.
“Do you like it?” Xu Hao asked.
She nodded, but quickly added, “It’s too expensive. I can’t accept it.”
“If you refuse my gift, I’ll be hurt.” Xu Hao said, his tone soft but firm. Before she could protest further, he took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger.
Her hands were like jade, and the ring added a touch of nobility and elegance. This was his way of binding her closer. Xiao Wanling felt an indescribable warmth in her heart. It wasn’t just the value of the ring—it was the significance behind it.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at Xu Hao, unable to contain her emotions. She threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly.
Xu Hao smiled to himself. Tonight was going exactly as planned. A wealthy and independent woman like Xiao Wanling wouldn’t be impressed by ordinary gifts. But this level of extravagance made her completely open her heart. He was confident that she would now be fully his.
Blushing, Xiao Wanling lowered her head, suddenly shy.
Was she too forward? Did she seem desperate?
[Ding! Xiao Wanling’s heart is racing, emotional value +888…]
“Wanling,” Xu Hao said gently, “let me take you somewhere.”
“Where?” she asked, curious but trusting.
She soon found out as Xu Hao led her toward the nearby love hotel. Her heart pounded wildly, but she didn’t resist. She let him guide her forward, every step filled with nervous excitement.
Meanwhile, Li Xiao finally snapped back to reality.
Seeing Xu Hao lead Xiao Wanling into the love hotel made his blood boil. He needed to act. He had waited too long and now had to stop this. If he didn’t intervene, it would be too late.
He cursed himself for being distracted earlier. He should have acted sooner.
Watching Xu Hao put a ring on Xiao Wanling’s finger and seeing her kiss him made his heart feel like it was being torn apart.
Was this truly happening?
The proud and noble Xiao Wanling, reduced to this?
Li Xiao clenched his fists, furious.
He had to expose Xu Hao’s true colors to save her, even if it meant risking everything. He would confront Xu Hao and reveal his schemes, no matter the cost. If Xu Hao retaliated, he’d involve Chu Xiong and expose Xu Hao’s dealings with his sister-in-law Yao Xinrui. But just as he moved, a cold, imposing figure blocked his path.
A woman with an icy demeanor stood before him. It was Xu Hao’s driver, and her presence sent shivers down his spine. He realized how powerful she was, far beyond what he’d anticipated.
While Li Xiao was frozen with fear, Xu Hao and Xiao Wanling disappeared into the hotel.
There was nothing more he could do but simmer in helpless rage.