Rebirth: The Villainous Young Master in a Novel

Chapter 12: Who’s the Protagonist?

———

“As the old saying goes, when a woman takes charge, the house falls apart. With the backbone gone, Fenghua Group is now in complete disarray. Ji Jing, that woman, is nothing but a tough temper. Her abilities are lacking, and she’s been a stay-at-home mom for so long. Now that she’s been pushed to take over, it’s like forcing a duck to climb a tree. She can’t even maintain the status quo, let alone make progress. As for that good-for-nothing playboy, Song Shicheng… Hmph, with this pair of orphans and widows, their relatives and shareholders have long been restless. Plus, the government is cracking down hard on the real estate industry. I’d say it won’t take more than three to five years before the Song family collapses.”

This was Shen Guotao’s exact words in his office earlier. In just a few sentences, he laid bare the internal and external troubles plaguing the Song family.

Since their old ally was on the verge of collapse, Shen Guotao naturally had no obligation to suffer alongside them. As for the previous marriage alliance, it was time to reconsider.

Thinking about her father’s upcoming plans, Shen Yixian still felt a pang of unease.

But perhaps this was for the best. She wouldn’t have to get married for now and could continue living freely.

As for the Song family’s fate, that wasn’t her concern.

In this era where profit reigns supreme, human relationships are cheaper than a piece of toilet paper.

Glancing at Song Shicheng’s delicate and fair skin out of the corner of her eye, Shen Yixian thought that if the Song family really fell, it might be quite amusing to keep a fallen nobleman as her pet.

—

At the elevator entrance on the top floor, after instructing the staff to take the disheveled Jessica away, Shen Guotao issued a warning: “I hope everyone here forgets what happened today. Otherwise, the new psychiatric hospital I just opened still has plenty of beds available.”

Hearing this, everyone quickly bowed in fear, not wanting to be labeled as mentally ill.

After the crowd dispersed, Ma Jinbiao put on a smile, ready to apologize again.

“Mr. Ma, should I take care of your two subordinates’ medical expenses for the rest of their lives, or will you handle it yourself?” Shen Guotao said slowly, but his words were laced with menace.

Ma Jinbiao’s eye twitched slightly. He knew Shen Guotao was demanding an explanation. Realizing he was indeed at fault, he turned to his two loyal bodyguards and said, “Go find a big case and turn yourselves in to the police. I’ll take good care of your families. Once you’re out of prison, I’ll make sure you’re settled.”

The two bodyguards wanted to plead for mercy, but seeing Ma Jinbiao’s cold expression, they knew that if they refused, not only would they be severely punished, but their families would also suffer. In the end, they could only nod in resignation.

“Mr. Shen, are you satisfied now? How about we move somewhere else to discuss business?” Ma Jinbiao said with a forced smile.

“Today, I have important matters to attend to and won’t be able to entertain you, Mr. Ma. Please excuse me.”

Shen Guotao remained unmoved. He turned and walked away without a second glance, ignoring Ma Jinbiao’s furious expression.

Although he had been strict with Shen Yizhu earlier, Shen Yizhu was his only son. If he turned around and acted friendly with the man who had just humiliated his son, where would his dignity be?

Moreover, he was well aware of Ma Jinbiao’s intentions.

First, Ma Jinbiao likely wanted him to mediate and persuade the Song family to drop the lawsuit against Ye Tian.

Second, he wanted to drive a wedge between Shen Guotao and the Song family, pulling Shen Guotao over to the Ma family’s side.

Shen Guotao had no interest in getting involved in the petty disputes between these youngsters, but he was very interested in collaboration.

However, for any collaboration to happen, the other party needed to show sufficient sincerity. By playing hard to get and keeping Ma Jinbiao on edge, Shen Guotao could maximize his gains from any future deal.

For now, he would let Ma Jinbiao stew. Only when the other party was desperate would Shen Guotao have the chance to feast on the spoils.

As for whether the spoils came from the Song family or the Ma family, that was irrelevant.

—

In the blink of an eye, it was time for Song Shicheng to be discharged from the hospital.

Early in the morning, after washing up, Song Shicheng changed into a brand-new outfit and stood in front of the mirror, admiring himself.

It had to be said that, aside from digging his own grave, he had also left himself some perks.

For example, his current appearance was quite impressive. Following the typical traits of a villainous young master in cliché novels, Song Shicheng had been described as a classic tall, rich, and handsome man. With this high-end attire, he truly had the aura of a Korean drama heartthrob.

“This suit, shoes, and belt were all personally chosen by your mother. We’ve thrown out all the old stuff—it’s bad luck.”

Ji Jing walked over and helped her son adjust his clothes, a satisfied smile on her face. “My son is so handsome. Walking out like this, you’re bound to charm countless girls.”

“Well, that’s all thanks to your excellent genes.”

Song Shicheng smiled. During his time in the hospital, he had experienced Ji Jing’s meticulous care, filling the void of loneliness from his previous life. His cold heart had gradually begun to accept all of this.

As for whether Ji Jing was a villain or what her true character was, that didn’t matter. What mattered was that this woman, connected to him by blood, genuinely cared for him.

“Such a smooth talker,” Ji Jing said with a look of doting and pride.

“Chairman, everything at home has been arranged. We can leave now,” Ye Wensheng reminded from the side.

Ji Jing nodded and was about to leave with her son when Shen Guotao walked in with Shen Xiaoyan, announcing cheerfully, “I’ve reserved a private room at a nearby hotel. Let’s have lunch before you go.”

“We’re all so familiar with each other. There’s no need to be so polite,” Ji Jing replied with a smile, subtly exchanging a glance with Ye Wensheng.

Lately, she had also noticed the Shen family’s ambiguous attitude, which was why she hadn’t informed Shen Guotao about picking up her son from the hospital today—to test his reaction.

But now, it seemed Shen Guotao was as amiable as ever, at least on the surface.

“It’s necessary. Although this hospital is mine, I sincerely hope you won’t have to visit often. This meal is to wash away any bad luck and wish Ah Cheng good health so he won’t have to come back here again, haha.”

Shen Guotao’s words were as smooth and pleasant as ever. After Ji Jing agreed, he turned to Shen Xiaoyan and said, “Xiaoyan, go change into something nice and join us to accompany your Aunt Ji.”

“Uh… okay,” Shen Xiaoyan replied, surprised and even a little flattered. In her memory, her father had never brought her into such a public setting before.

Clearly, due to her less-than-glorious background, Shen Guotao had been reluctant to put her in the spotlight.

Hearing this, Ji Jing frowned but didn’t say anything.

While Shen Xiaoyan went to change, the group headed downstairs to the parking lot, where two unfamiliar but luxurious extended luxury cars were waiting.

Just as everyone was about to get into the cars, a black sedan pulled up and parked in the opposite spot. A rather plain-looking young man stepped out of the car. His appearance and height were so average that he would easily blend into a crowd.

When Song Shicheng saw him, the young man also looked over. In that moment, their gazes met in mid-air, as if sparking a five-cent special effect: sparks flying!

Ye Tian!

Song Shicheng instantly knew the answer.