NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 96:
Chapter 96: The Protagonist’s Incompetent Rage! The Lights Stayed On All Night! The First Heroine:
Zheng Feifan returned home feeling utterly defeated. He prepared a quick meal, took a bath, and stepped out just as dusk was settling. Hoping for some sense of closure, he stepped onto his balcony for one final glance at Xiao Wanling’s house in the distance before catching up on his much-needed sleep.
Despite having the stamina to stay awake for days due to his strong physique, the psychological toll of waiting for Xiao Wanling had worn him out. But as he looked out, his eyes widened in shock.
There she was—Xiao Wanling—standing by her door as if waiting for someone. Moments later, a car approached, and Xu Hao stepped out.
Without hesitation, she ran toward him and embraced him tightly.
“Xu Hao.” Zheng Feifan muttered through clenched teeth, his rage barely contained. His hands clenched into fists, nails digging painfully into his palms.
He didn’t even notice.
[Ding! Zheng Feifan is furious, emotional points +839…]
As Xu Hao caught sight of Zheng Feifan’s glare from afar, he smirked inwardly.
How convenient for the protagonist to show up just as he’d exhausted all his emotional points.
Xu Hao’s lips curved into a sly grin as he gave Xiao Wanling a playful pat.
“Did you miss me, baby?” he teased.
“Uncle Xu!” Xiao Wanling blushed and quickly pulled away, glancing nervously around. After making sure no one else was around, she shot him an exasperated look. “You’re so annoying! I’m still sore, you know.”
“My bad,” Xu Hao chuckled. “Still hurting? Come here, let me make it better…”
He reached out for her, but Xiao Wanling stepped back quickly. “Don’t even think about it!”
“Then at least tell me you missed me.” Xu Hao pressed, his eyes glinting with amusement.
“Fine, I missed you,” she relented, pouting. “I’ve been thinking about you ever since I got home.”
“Say it again.”
The two of them entered her house, their laughter and playful banter echoing faintly, leaving Zheng Feifan behind, seething with helpless rage.
[Ding! Zheng Feifan is furious and livid, mood value +986…]
Once inside, the aroma of food filled the air.
Xiao Wanling, anticipating Xu Hao’s visit, had prepared dinner despite still being sore. She wanted to show her appreciation.
“Uncle, I cooked this myself. I hope you like it.” She said nervously, her eyes filled with hope.
“Wanling, anything you make, I’ll love.” Xu Hao assured her.
“Don’t just say that to make me feel better. Try it first,” she insisted, leading him to the dining table.
She served him rice, vegetables, and a bowl of chicken soup, making sure everything was perfect. Xu Hao took a sip of the soup, finding it surprisingly good—on par with what his daughters would cook. Seeing him enjoy her food made Xiao Wanling beam with joy.
“Eat more, Uncle Xu,” she urged, filling his bowl again and piling on more vegetables. Watching him savor every bite filled her with pride and happiness. After their meal, they spent some time in affectionate conversation before heading to bed.
Entering Xiao Wanling’s bedroom, Xu Hao took in the cozy atmosphere. Books lined the shelves, and a tea set sat ready on a nearby table. It was clear she enjoyed the finer things in life. As she closed the door behind them, Xiao Wanling grew anxious. She couldn’t handle another night like the one before.
“Uncle, I’m still recovering.” She pleaded softly.
Xu Hao noticed her apprehension. He knew he’d pushed her limits the night before, but he had a solution. With a flick of his wrist, he revealed a Marrow Cleansing Pill. He handed it to her.
“What’s this?” she asked, intrigued by the faintly fragrant pill.
“It’ll make you feel brand new.” He said with a reassuring smile.
Understanding dawned on her, and her cheeks flushed. If she didn’t take it, Uncle Xu wouldn’t relent.
Despite her curiosity, she trusted him.
Without hesitation, she swallowed the pill.
Soon, a warm sensation spread through her body as it dissolved, making her feel light and rejuvenated. But soon, she noticed a layer of dirt on her skin and a strong odor. Horrified, she bolted for the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
After more than half an hour of scrubbing, Xiao Wanling emerged, stunned by her reflection.
Her skin was luminous, her hair silkier than ever, and she felt stronger and more energetic. The pain was gone. She marveled at the transformation.
“Uncle Xu, this is amazing!” she exclaimed, running back to Xu Hao with joy. Xu Hao smiled, pleased with her newfound beauty and vitality. The Marrow Cleansing Pill had worked wonders.
Meanwhile, not far away, Zheng Feifan continued his vigil from his rental unit.
His eyes never left Xiao Wanling’s house. He watched as the living room lights dimmed and the bedroom lights came on. Despite not being able to see clearly, he knew what was happening. He vowed not to rest until the lights went out.
The night passed painfully slow for him.
When dawn finally broke and the bedroom lights went dark, Zheng Feifan, now sleep-deprived and exhausted, could only grit his teeth in frustration, his anger boiling over.
One night. All night long. It was more than he could bear.
Thinking about seeing Xiao Wanling that afternoon filled Xu Hao with a rush of excitement.
The thought drove him crazy.
She was the goddess he cherished above all. He treated her with the utmost care, afraid to hurt or let go. He would protect her with his life. But Xu Hao’s care had a cruel edge—it hurt. And Zheng Feifan couldn’t stand it.
Though the early morning air was chilly, he felt none of it. His heart burned with fury and anguish. His hatred for Xu Hao was intense, but even stronger was his sorrow for Xiao Wanling.
Why did she give herself so freely to a man who only used her?
He had tried to protect her, to show genuine care, and yet, she dismissed him and kicked him out of her life.
The harsh reality left him breathless, suffocating with frustration.
[Ding! Zheng Feifan is angry, emotional points +321…]
[Ding! Zheng Feifan is on the verge of madness, emotional points +654…]
[Ding! Zheng Feifan’s emotional breakdown, emotional points +98…]
—
By 1 p.m., the sky was clear and sunny.
“Brother Li, come with me today to discuss a business deal,” Chu Xiaotian said, throwing an arm around Li Xiao’s shoulders. “You’ll get to meet my goddess, a famous ice queen in the Magic City.”
Chu Xiaotian’s excitement was obvious. Li Xiao nodded but inwardly scoffed.
What business deal?
This was clearly a ploy to get close to Lin Chuqing.
Chu Xiaotian had been infatuated with her from the start and tried every means to win her affection, all to be met with rejection.
Yet, he persisted.
This time, he had come up with a business collaboration as an excuse to approach her.
Li Xiao knew what was coming. This was a significant turning point in the plotline.
Chu Xiaotian would seek a meeting with Lin Chuqing to discuss cooperation, only to be humiliated and beaten up by the protagonist, Zhu Fan, who worked as a security guard at Qingtian Electronics. The humiliation would enrage Chu Xiaotian’s elder brother, Chu Xiong, who would retaliate by using the family’s vast business influence to target Lin Chuqing’s company, leaving her vulnerable. Just when all hope seemed lost, the protagonist Zheng Feifan would intervene, using powerful connections to lift the blockade, thus saving Lin Chuqing and earning her respect.
Li Xiao debated his next move.
Should he stick to the plot or disrupt it?
Persuading Chu Xiaotian not to go would spare him from becoming the protagonist’s enemy and give him more time to develop his strength. But tampering with the plot could bring unknown consequences, and Li Xiao disliked losing control.
Following the plotline meant that Lin Chuqing would be suppressed, but he knew how to lift that suppression and could use it to win her favor. Additionally, letting the protagonist clash with the Chu family would give Zheng Feifan the motivation to grow stronger.
Li Xiao also needed to strengthen himself, especially with Xu Hao targeting his sister Li Yunshu.
He couldn’t risk his sister suffering the same fate as Xiao Wanling.
Decision made, Li Xiao decided to follow the plot. Chu Xiaotian would face the protagonist’s wrath, not him. There was nothing to fear.
Later, Li Xiao drove Chu Xiaotian to Qingtian Electronics.
As expected, they were stopped at the entrance by security.
“Do you know who I am?” Chu Xiaotian shouted at a security guard. “How dare you block my way!”
“Of course, we know who you are, Young Master Chu,” one of the guards replied, trying to keep a respectful tone. “But our CEO gave strict orders. We have no choice. Please understand.”
Chu Xiaotian waved dismissively. “Fine, then inform your president that I’m here for a business discussion.”
“Please don’t make things difficult for us…” the guard pleaded.
Every rich young man in the city used the same excuse to see their president. They had been warned to deny entry, no matter what.
“You don’t understand what Mr. Chu is saying?” Li Xiao sneered, stepping forward. “Just inform your CEO. Why all this nonsense? Are you afraid of your CEO but not of Mr. Chu?”
Li Xiao enjoyed this moment.
Being the villain’s lackey had its perks—bossing others around and relying on Chu Xiaotian’s power for protection. Even if trouble arose, Chu Xiaotian would bear the brunt.
Seeing Li Xiao speak up for him, Chu Xiaotian looked pleased.
The security guards, however, were filled with contempt. To them, Li Xiao was nothing but a barking dog. Still, they couldn’t risk offending anyone connected to the Chu family and chose to stay silent.
Just then, one of the guards noticed Zheng Feifan approaching, dressed in a security uniform.
When he first joined, he had effortlessly defeated all the guards, including their chief. Ever since, he had been their respected leader.
“What’s going on here?” Zheng Feifan demanded, his voice rough. He was exhausted, having not slept for two nights, and was in no mood for trouble.
“Brother Zheng, these two want to see the CEO.” A guard explained.
Zheng Feifan’s gaze fell on Chu Xiaotian and Li Xiao. Chu Xiaotian, unimpressed, dismissed him as just another security guard. But Li Xiao’s eyes narrowed. Finally, he was facing the protagonist.
As tensions mounted, a white Maserati Quattroporte pulled up. The first heroine, Lin Chuqing, had arrived.