At The Beginning Of The Novel, The Villain Forced The Protagonist’s Step-Mom To Bear His Children

Chapter 81: The Stepmother Introduces the Sisters! Xu Hao Takes Advantage of Her Kindness and Repays Her Generosity:

Li Kun froze in place, as if struck by lightning. His face turned pale, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably. He finally realized why Xu Hao had been testing him. In his panic, he had confessed everything about Xu Hao’s crimes and even revealed where he had hidden the evidence.

Thinking about Xu Hao’s ruthless methods, Li Kun was filled with fear, and his future seemed bleak.

“You’ve done well. You’ve completely sold me out.” Xu Hao said coldly, his tone mocking.

Now that the evidence was found, Xu Hao had nothing to worry about. He only found the situation amusing. The fact that Li Kun dared to betray him meant he deserved to experience true despair.

Suddenly realizing what was happening, Li Kun began to struggle desperately, but the ropes binding him were too tight. His skin was already marked with bloody cuts.

“No… Mr. Xu, please listen to me!” Li Kun begged.

“I’m listening,” Xu Hao replied, his eyes playful and his tone icy. “Go ahead, explain.”

Li Kun’s heart pounded violently. His plea for an explanation was purely natural, but he knew a betrayal was a betrayal. What was the point of explaining? He quickly changed his approach.

“Mr. Xu, I was wrong. Please forgive me this time,” he pleaded. “I swear, it won’t happen again. I’ve worked for you for so many years, maybe not perfectly, but with a lot of effort. Please don’t kill me…”

Tears streamed down Li Kun’s face as he begged for his life, his heart filled with regret. Despite being an adult, he cried like a helpless child.

Xu Hao, however, remained unmoved, his expression cold. He had hoped to see Li Kun’s regret and desperation, but now he found the scene boring.

With a calm indifference, Xu Hao stood up slowly, casting a glance at Li Kun.

“Forgive you?” he repeated, making Li Kun tremble with hope. But before he could feel relief, Xu Hao added coldly, “In your next life.”

Li Kun felt like ice-cold water had been poured over him, freezing him to the core. He watched in horror as Xu Hao turned to leave the room. Just before exiting, Xu Hao spoke lightly, “For the years of service, don’t make it too quick for him.”

Those final words sealed Li Kun’s fate, showing how ruthless Xu Hao could be. This was the price of betrayal.

As Xu Hao stepped out of the basement, the glow of the setting sun bathed half of his face, adding a mysterious aura to him. He glanced at his watch. It was already past five o’clock. Su Wanqiu was probably still at the beauty salon.

Xu Hao instructed Bai Ling to drive him to the Late Autumn Beauty Salon. Standing at the entrance, he couldn’t help but admire Su Wanqiu’s business skills. This beauty salon, located in the city center, was upscale and luxurious, catering to wealthy women and young ladies from prestigious families.

Ironically, Xu Hao had financed the salon when he first met Su Wanqiu, seeing her as nothing more than a tool to maintain his appearance as a successful man. His billionaire status required him to keep up appearances, so he had given Su Wanqiu the money to start her business.

The salon had since become a high-end establishment, known for its exclusive customers. Only the wives and daughters of the rich and powerful could become members. Ordinary women wouldn’t even be allowed through the doors. This was Xu Hao’s first time visiting since the salon had opened, and he was curious.

Finally, Xu Hao reached the boss’s office. Without knocking, he turned the handle and walked in. Su Wanqiu was sitting at her desk, busy with paperwork. The sound of the door opening made her frown, and a hint of authority filled the air.

Since the salon’s opening, no one had dared to enter her office without knocking.

Who would dare?

Su Wanqiu raised her head and was momentarily startled to see Xu Hao walking toward her.

“Xu Hao, why are you here?” she asked in surprise.

“Because I missed you,” Xu Hao replied, stepping closer and pulling her into his arms. The familiar scent of her perfume filled his senses.

Although Xu Hao had shared many intimate moments with Su Wanqiu and they had explored various “interesting” activities together, this was her place of business. Employees and customers were around, and she didn’t want to lose her dignity in front of them.

Sensing his intentions, Su Wanqiu panicked. “Xu Hao, it’s almost time to close. Why don’t we head home?”

She bit her lip nervously, trying to keep her composure. Yet, she couldn’t stop her emotions from rising.

[Ding! Su Wanqiu’s emotional points increased by +996…]

Meanwhile, Yao Xinrui, having just finished her makeup session, was about to leave the salon when she remembered to say goodbye to her good friend, Su Wanqiu. She headed toward the office, raising her hand to knock. But just before her knuckles touched the door, she froze.

She could hear faint sounds coming from inside.

Yao Xinrui’s expression shifted as she realized what was happening. Her face showed a mix of surprise and awkwardness.

Time passed quickly.

With a soft click, the office door opened from the inside. Su Wanqiu had composed herself, adjusting her clothes, though her flushed face and slightly misty eyes gave away what had just happened.

Su Wanqiu was mortified, her embarrassment overwhelming. If anyone at the salon had heard what happened, she wouldn’t be able to face her employees again. Just as she was about to step out, a figure stumbled forward, falling right at her feet.

Her mind went blank in an instant.

She had just managed to contain herself, only to be caught in an even more awkward situation.

The next moment, someone appeared. It was obvious she had been eavesdropping at the door for quite some time.

[Ding! Su Wanqiu feels embarrassed. Her emotional points +888…]

Su Wanqiu’s mind went blank as she looked at the figure standing in front of her. She asked in confusion, “Xinrui, why are you here?”

She knew the woman well—their temperaments and appearances were quite similar. Su Wanqiu used to be just a client at her beauty salon. She would frequently visit, and over time, they became close friends. They bonded over shared experiences, sympathized with each other, and naturally became friends.

“Well… Wanqiu, I came by to say goodbye after finishing my beauty treatment,” Yao Xinrui said. “Don’t worry, I just got here. I didn’t hear anything.”

Su Wanqiu forced a smile. “Before saying that, you might want to check how you look. Your face is red, and your breathing is uneven. Were you really just passing by?”

After a moment of panic, Su Wanqiu quickly calmed down. Luckily, it was just her friend who overheard, and not the employees. She had shared personal things with this friend before, so it wasn’t a big deal. However, Yao Xinrui knew what she had heard, but even she wasn’t fully convinced by her own words.

Noticing Xu Hao standing nearby, Yao Xinrui changed the subject. “Wanqiu, who is this?”

Since Xu Hao looked younger, she didn’t immediately recognize him. Su Wanqiu rolled her eyes and replied, “Who else but my husband, Xu Hao?”

“Your husband?” Yao Xinrui’s eyes widened in disbelief. She knew her friend’s stance on marriage—disgusted by the very thought of it. Yet, here she was, calling this man “husband” so sweetly. From the looks of things, it was clear they had just been intimate.

Hadn’t Su Wanqiu said this was her first time? How could it happen so fast?

Understanding her friend’s shock, Su Wanqiu quickly explained, “My husband and I have reconciled… Let me introduce him. This is my husband, Xu Hao, the chairman and CEO of the Xu Group. You know this already. Husband, this is my client and good friend, Xinrui.”

Yao Xinrui, still processing the surprise, simply nodded without extending her hand for a handshake. Due to her own experiences, she avoided physical contact with men, and that hadn’t changed.

The only reason she had been so interested earlier was out of curiosity about how her friend, someone who had been so averse to this kind of thing, could end up in such a situation.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Su Wanqiu gave Xu Hao a pleading look, hoping he wouldn’t take offense. Xu Hao simply smiled and glanced at Yao Xinrui, revealing a virtual panel before him:

…

Name: Yao Xinrui

Identity: CEO of Xiongba Electronics Co., Ltd., “Urban Flower Protector Heroine”

Charm: 92/100

Strength: 10/10 (for an average person)

Physique: 11/10

Spirit: 12/10

Favorability: -30

Wow, her favorability was at “-30.”

“Good guy, my favorability is at negative thirty. Where did that come from?” Xu Hao thought to himself, surprised. Aside from the protagonist’s stepmother and her daughters, this was the first time a girl had such a low opinion of her.

Seeing the negative impression, Xu Hao didn’t even think of offering a handshake to avoid making things more awkward. It was clear that a good relationship between them wasn’t meant to be.

Noticing Xu Hao’s gaze, Yao Xinrui frowned and turned to Su Wanqiu, saying, “Since you’re fine, I’m leaving.” With that, she gracefully turned on her high heels and walked away.

“Xu Hao, don’t take it personally. That’s just how she is,” Su Wanqiu began to explain. “She didn’t used to be like this…”

“Oh? What happened? Tell me more.” Xu Hao asked as they continued walking.

Su Wanqiu explained that Yao Xinrui had gotten married, but it was only in name—a mere agreement. To put it simply, it was a marriage on paper, and they both lived their own lives. Initially, Yao Xinrui resisted, but her husband threatened to bankrupt her business. After applying pressure, he offered her a large sum of money if she agreed to the marriage.

Eventually, Yao Xinrui had no choice but to accept. Su Wanqiu paused and glanced at Xu Hao. “Her situation wasn’t too different from mine.” she added quietly.

Xu Hao raised an eyebrow and rubbed his chin. “Her husband sounds ruthless. And yet, she’s quite attractive. Why did she agree to the marriage?”

Su Wanqiu hesitated, a bit embarrassed. “She once mentioned that after they got married, her husband never touched her and never got involved with other women. That’s why she agreed.”

Xu Hao nodded thoughtfully. “Interesting…”

Su Wanqiu smiled softly, her eyes drifting to Xu Hao. She and Yao Xinrui had become close friends because their situations were similar. At first, she had thought poorly of Xu Hao, assuming he only married her to help care for his daughters. But now, she saw him differently—he was powerful and capable.

Suddenly, an idea flashed in Su Wanqiu’s mind. Maybe Yao Xinrui was also overwhelmed and could use someone to rely on. After all, they were both around the same age, and like her, Yao Xinrui likely needed a man’s care and affection. She thought that women in their thirties were in their prime. Su Wanqiu herself had transformed, her skin glowing, her energy renewed. The difference between having a man and not having one was striking.

However, she knew Yao Xinrui’s personality had changed—she had grown wary of all men. It wouldn’t be easy to approach her. But still, Su Wanqiu thought, how would she know if she didn’t try?

“Xu Hao,” Su Wanqiu asked, turning to him, “what do you think of Yao Xinrui?”

Xu Hao looked at her, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Do you like her?” Su Wanqiu pressed.

Xu Hao was caught off guard. “What? Are you serious, Wanqiu?”

Su Wanqiu had once hinted that she was looking for a close companion, and now it seemed she was considering Yao Xinrui as a potential candidate.

Xu Hao couldn’t help but wonder if Su Wanqiu was truly serious.

“As long as you can convince her, I don’t have a problem,” Xu Hao finally replied, feeling confident. After all, he had already won over his wife, so he wasn’t worried.

As they continued walking through the company, they were noticed by several female employees. Many whispered as they passed.

“Is that Mr. Xu Hao? He looks so young!”

“Isn’t he 50 years old? How does he look like he’s in his thirties?”

“Wow, my boss is so lucky. She married a handsome and rich man, and he treats her so well!”

Hearing these whispers, Su Wanqiu would have been sad and expressionless in the past. Xu Hao hadn’t been a kind husband—more like a tyrant. The Xu family had felt like a prison to her. But now, she smiled brightly, feeling happy.

When they got home, their three daughters had already prepared dinner. Throughout the meal, Xiao Wanling shot Xu Hao a few frustrated looks, upset that he hadn’t taught her the art of tea making that afternoon.

Later that night, Xu Hao drove Xiao Wanling home. She had been quiet and looked a little down. As they reached her house and she prepared to get out of the car, Xu Hao grabbed her wrist.

“I brought you home. Shouldn’t you thank me?” he teased.

“Thanks.” Xiao Wanling said reluctantly.

“That’s not enough. I don’t want just words,” Xu Hao replied with a smile, tapping his cheek.

Blushing, Xiao Wanling glanced around nervously. She leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek, but at the last second, Xu Hao turned his head, and their lips met in a sudden kiss.