NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: Everything Has Been Planned!
Shen Zeming glanced down at his smartphone screen, the bright display illuminating his chiseled features. The caller ID boldly displayed "Butler" in bold letters, causing his brow to furrow ever so slightly. Without a second thought, he swiped his finger across the screen to answer, bringing the device closer to his face.
"Young Master?" The voice on the other end was deep and formal, laced with the respectful deference of a seasoned butler.
"Yes?" Shen Zeming replied curtly, pressing the speaker button.
"Apologies for disturbing your evening, but may I ask—did you just make a withdrawal from the family bank account?" The butler's tone remained politely inquisitive, while Shen Zeming's expression hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line.
"Yes, is there a problem?" This time, he deliberately made his voice sounded irritation as he exhaled deeply, nostrils flaring slightly.
"No, it's just unusual for you to do so. I apologize for the disruption. This old butler simply wanted to confirm that it was indeed you who withdrew the money." The man spoke slowly, carefully choosing his words.
Shen Zeming remained silent, his steely gaze fixed on the call screen which showed their conversation had lasted nearly a minute. The faint ticking of an antique clock punctuated the tense quiet.
"Well then, I shall excuse myself. Have a good night." The butler's voice began to fade as he prepared to end the call.
"Wait," Shen Zeming interrupted sharply. "Can I withdraw the same amount again in the future?" His eyes narrowed to slits as he stared intently at the screen, awaiting a response.
The butler's hesitation was palpable, a brief silence stretching between them.
'Well, the butler's reaction was expected; it was natural to question a young master who had never asked for large sums of money before. He might be concerned that the heir was being scammed,' Shen Zeming's thoughts inwardly.
But...
It struck him as peculiar that a mere butler, not an accountant, managed the illustrious Shen family's finances. Drawing upon the original Shen Zeming's memories, he vaguely recalled the butler suggesting, or perhaps enforcing, the practice of the heir not regularly accessing the family's coffers directly.
At last, the butler cleared his throat. "Of course, yes, you are the heir of the Shen family." His words were measured, careful. "However, any withdrawal or transfer is recorded in the log, so it would be wise for Young Master not to spend recklessly."
Shen Zeming's lips curved into the faintest of smirks as he replied with a curt "I understand, thank you, Uncle." Without further ado, he ended the call, the screen going dark.
Flat on his back atop the plush king-sized bed, Shen Zeming's piercing gaze fixed upon the enormous crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. The intricate play of light and shadow danced across his chiseled features as his mind began piecing together the revelations about his family's circumstances.
So the memories were accurate, and his theory proven correct...
'The Shen family was more than just my parents. It was a tangled web of cousins and distant relatives. Any one of them could potentially be named the heir,' he thought inwardly, eyes narrowed contemplatively.
It was only natural for a family with assets reaching into the billions, if not trillions, to rigorously select the next family patriarch.
'System, open the stats,' Shen Zeming commanded inwardly.
[Host: Shen Zeming]
[Villain Points: 0]
[Wealth Points: 1.2 billion yuan]
[Attributes:]
[Power: 5, Speed: 8, Reaction: 8, Endurance: 8, Charisma: 10]
[Skills:]
[Martial Arts Skill: Intermediate Level]
'Convert 700 million yuan to points.'
[DING!] Converting 700 million yuan to points!
[DING!] Congratulations to the Host for gaining +7,000 villain points!
[Host: Shen Zeming]
[Villain Points: 7,000]
[Wealth Points: 500 million yuan]
[Attributes:]
[Power: 5, Speed: 8, Reaction: 8, Endurance: 8, Charisma: 10]
[Skills:]
[Martial Arts Skill: Intermediate Level]
A self-satisfied smirk played across Shen Zeming's lips. 'Good. System, if I upgrade my martial arts skill, will it also sync with my physical attributes?' he inquired mentally.
[DING!] Yes! A high-level martial arts skill cannot be paired with a weak body! Once the Host chooses to upgrade the skill, the body will adjust to match the level of your martial arts skill!
'Including charm?' Shen Zeming asked inwardly, knowing full well the power of beauty privilege in this life as in his past life. Even villains were afforded leniency if sufficiently attractive!
[DING!] No! Martial arts skills have no relation to charm, as they focus on attacking and defending against opponents, not charming or bewitching them!
Shen Zeming's brow furrowed slightly at the system's response, a flash of disappointment crossing his aristocratic features. 'What a pity.' He paused, considering his options. 'Then upgrade my martial arts skill,' he commanded inwardly.
[DING!] Consuming 1,000 points to upgrade Martial Arts skill: Intermediate Level -> Expert Level. Confirm Y/N?
1,000 points for expert level...that's acceptable, Shen Zeming mused, his lips curving upward.
[DING!] Beginning the upgrade!
In an instant, a transparent screen flashed before Shen Zeming's eyes, and an overwhelming surge of knowledge flooded his mind. The pain was searing, reminiscent of when he first transmigrated into this body - as if a thousand white-hot knives were piercing his brain simultaneously.
But the onslaught didn't stop there. Shen Zeming's body began to move of its own accord, muscles twitching and convulsing as he abruptly stood. His legs slid into a solid horse stance, body lowering as he kicked out with precision, slicing through the air.
…
For over an hour, Shen Zeming's form flowed from one intricate pose to the next in a dizzying dance of martial prowess. Sweat beaded along his brow, dampening his once-pristine navy gilet and crisp dress shirt until the fine fabrics clung to his toned physique. His artfully tousled dark locks fell across his eyes, partially obscuring his vision.
At last, chest heaving, Shen Zeming bent forward, bracing his hands on his knees as he stared at the immaculate floor in disbelief.
[DING!] Congratulations to the Host for upgrading your Martial Arts skill to Expert Level!
[Host: Shen Zeming]
[Villain Points: 6,000]
[Wealth Points: 500 million yuan]
[Attributes:]
[Power: 45, Speed: 48, Reaction: 48, Endurance: 48, Charisma: 10]
[Skills:]
[Martial Arts Skill: Expert Level]
Just as Shen Zeming was reeling from the staggering increase in his stats - nearly four times stronger than ordinary people - another transparent notification window appeared.
[DING!] The first heroine, Wei Feng, has improved her impression of the Host!
[DING!] Current relationship value with Wei Feng: -90 -> -80!
[DING!] Congratulations to the Host for successfully improving the heroine's impression, gaining +100 villain points!
A wolfish grin spread across Shen Zeming's sweat-slicked face at the notification. 'Did her 'friend' finally tell her the truth?' he wondered inwardly.