Chapter 9: CH: 9 Because the host said that Shen Lan is an emotional idiot!
{Chapter: 9 Because the host said that Shen Lan is an emotional idiot!}
"Mom!" Yan Ruyue called out, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"Thank you, Aunt, that's so thoughtful of you. Actually, if you and Ruyue were seen together, people might mistake you for sisters." Lin Yuan replied with a smile.
He wasn't buttering her up; Song Xuan, though forty, looked no older than twenty-seven. It was clear that her natural beauty and good self-care had kept her youthful. Standing next to her daughter, it was easy to believe that Song Xuan was actually the younger of the two. She wore a suit that projected an aura of maturity and intelligence, a contrast to Yan Ruyue's more youthful appearance.
"Aunt, if it's alright with you, I'll take my leave now," Lin Yuan said, glancing at his wristwatch after their brief conversation.
"Alright, I won't keep you any longer. I'll always remember your kindness. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be more than happy to help," Song Xuan said, her tone sincere.
"Thank you," Lin Yuan nodded, acknowledging her offer. He understood that Song Xuan meant what she said—her gratitude was genuine. In the future, it might be possible to call upon the entire Yan family conglomerate to assist him, all in exchange for today's kindness.
"Yue'er, Xiao Yuan is leaving, go see him off," Song Xuan called to her daughter, who had been sitting beside her.
"Okay!" Yan Ruyue muttered under her breath as she reluctantly stood up and followed Lin Yuan.
Lin Yuan, unconcerned, simply said his goodbyes, stood up, and left the room. Yan Ruyue quickly followed.
As she watched him leave, she found herself perplexed by Lin Yuan. His behavior was hard to read. He had once been openly affectionate toward her, almost to the point of obsession, which had made her uncomfortable. But now, he seemed indifferent. When he visited today, she had dressed with the hope that he would notice her, but he barely acknowledged her. He seemed far more engaged with her mother, only mentioning her in passing during their conversation. And then, there were his extraordinary medical skills. When had he developed them?
Yan Ruyue couldn't help but feel like Lin Yuan was a puzzle—one that she couldn't quite solve. A strange sensation stirred within her, one she had never quite felt before.
Lin Yuan climbed into the Lamborghini, which the security guard opened for him with respect. As he prepared to start the car, Yan Ruyue hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Thank you, for treating my mother today."
"No need," Lin Yuan replied briefly, before stepping on the accelerator and driving off.
The only trace left behind was a cloud of exhaust, and the sound of the engine as he sped away.
Yan Ruyue couldn't help but bite her lip, watching his departure. She had made an effort to thank him, yet he left almost immediately after saying only two words.
For the first time in over a decade, Yan Ruyue questioned her own allure.
"But… it doesn't seem so bad…" she thought to herself.
---
[Ding! The first heroine, Yan Ruyue, has decreased her hostility toward the host by 50 points! Counterattack points: +200!]
Lin Yuan heard the system prompt in his mind, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
[Host has displayed impressive aloofness, responding with a mere two words to the heartfelt gratitude of the icy beauty.] Shen Lan, the system, commented.
"Why else? Should I have been more like a lapdog?" Lin Yuan said with a casual chuckle.
[Shen Lan prefers not to comment further, as it has already been established that the host considers Shen Lan a fool in matters of romance.] Shen Lan retorted.
"At least you know your place," Lin Yuan replied with a grin.
[However, I do understand the logic behind 'strike while the iron is hot.' Why not seize the opportunity now? You've gained 200 counterattack points, and you could have easily exchanged 20 million yuan for the same amount!] Shen Lan suggested.
"Relax. There will be plenty of chances to interact with the Yan family after today. Saving Song Xuan has set a solid foundation. The icy Yan Ruyue will eventually warm up," Lin Yuan said with confidence, his laughter reflecting his determination.
"Oh, by the way, I just remembered that in the novel, Song Xuan was saved by the protagonist Ye Feng. If I rescued her first, doesn't that mean I've stolen his chance? Why didn't I get a reward for that?" Lin Yuan asked, curious.
[Indeed, you have stolen the opportunity from the original protagonist. The reward is being processed, but it takes time.] Shen Lan clarified.
[Ding! The host successfully saved Song Xuan, and with her gratitude, the host has earned the favor of the entire Yan family conglomerate! As a result, the host receives 500 counterattack points!]
Lin Yuan received another prompt, and after checking his attribute panel, he smiled.
[Host: Lin Yuan]
[Counterattack points: 700]
[Wealth: 5 billion]
[Attributes:]
[Strength: 103, Speed: 105, Reaction: 104, Charisma: 150, Physique: 110]
[Skills:]
[Medical skills: Divine level, Car skills: Intermediate level, Violin: Intermediate level, Calligraphy: Intermediate level, English: Elementary level, …]
He was surprised by his wealth—5 billion seemed like a massive jump.
"It looks like that villa Aunt Song gave me is worth at least 300 million yuan," Lin Yuan mused, laughing.
"Compared to the average person, my attributes and skills are certainly strong, but when you compare them to the protagonist of a romance novel, I'm still far behind. I need to keep earning counterattack points."
[By the way, according to the plot, the original protagonist will arrive in Jiangbei City in three days. That's when the conflict between you two will begin, since your role is that of the villain.] Shen Lan reminded him.
"Alright, let's get moving."
[Where to?]
"International Trade District!"
---
The International Trade District was one of the busiest and most prosperous areas in Jiangbei City. By the time afternoon arrived, the streets were alive with activity, bustling with people coming and going, their movements a blur as they navigated the crowd.
Outside a clothing store, a person dressed in a bear mascot costume was busy handing out flyers to the passing pedestrians…
*****
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