Chapter 15: Without the Invincible Hero, the Plot Collapses

“Hmm? I didn’t say anything!”

Xu Xuejiao finally understood—both she and Chen Mengyun could hear it!

Narrowing her eyes, Xu Xuejiao thought to herself that she needed to observe carefully.

This strange occurrence had to be figured out.

She remained silent, simply watching the two of them.

Lu Chengwen awkwardly said, “Uh… well, I… I have something to attend to… Let’s talk another day.”

“Oh,” Chen Mengyun forced a smile and nodded. “Alright.”

“Hey, don’t go! Let’s chat for a bit!”

Xu Xuejiao took advantage of the moment, looping her arm through Chen Mengyun’s and said to Lu Chengwen, “Brother Chengwen, I heard you’re going to get engaged to Miss Qingqiu soon, right?”

Lu Chengwen wished he could slap this stubborn girl dead!

She truly knew how to bring up the most awkward topics at the worst times!

Talking about his engagement right in front of his first love—could it get any more embarrassing?

[Xu Xuejiao, you’re truly my bane in this life. If it weren’t for the fact that you’re part of Long Aotian’s harem, I’d corner you and give you a thorough spanking!]

Both girls were taken aback.

Xu Xuejiao knew this was an outburst of frustration, and given what she had just done was indeed a bit ruthless, she didn’t get angry but secretly chuckled.

However, Chen Mengyun could not bear such words.

Her expression darkened slightly. “President Lu, congratulations.”

Lu Chengwen awkwardly replied, “No, no, it’s nothing yet… cough cough, you all know how annoying Qingqiu is to me.”

Chen Mengyun didn’t want to linger and smiled politely, “You two continue chatting, I have something to attend to.”

Lu Chengwen quickly said, “Oh, I’m busy too. Another day, another day.”

Watching Chen Mengyun’s retreating figure, Lu Chengwen felt a pang of melancholy.

The memories lingered in his mind, impossible to shake.

He and Chen Mengyun had been childhood sweethearts, inseparable since youth.

To say he wasn’t regretful would be a lie. If only he hadn’t acted recklessly back then… would the villainous Lu Chengwen of today even exist?

[It was my fault back then. I’m sorry.]

[Wishing you happiness, sincerely.]

Chen Mengyun hadn’t gone far, and her heartfelt words were crystal clear.

Suddenly, a wave of bitterness washed over him, his eyes stinging.

He stopped in his tracks.

Instinctively, he glanced back at Chen Mengyun, and in that look were sorrow, regret, sadness, and a plaintive melancholy…

She looked pitifully back at him, their eyes locking once more.

Lu Chengwen quickly forced a smile and waved.

Chen Mengyun returned a polite smile before turning away.

Xu Xuejiao shook her head and sighed, “Such a pity, you two were so close back then—we all envied you. But you, you scoundrel, always flirting around and breaking hearts.”

Lu Chengwen looked at Xu Xuejiao, “I’ve noticed you’re the kind of person who…”

At that moment, Jiang Shihan came stumbling hurriedly over, trembling with anxiety, nearly in tears. “President Lu, I need to take leave.”

“What happened?”

“My mother’s condition is critical,” she sobbed. “The doctor said… she might not make it!”

Xu Xuejiao narrowed her eyes.

Lu Chengwen was utterly shocked.

[Impossible! Long Aotian was supposed to have cured her mother’s illness. She was not supposed to die before Long Aotian intervened!]

[This wasn’t how it was meant to be!]

Lu Chengwen anxiously said, “Don’t worry for now. Go to the hospital and stay with your mother. I’ll find a way.”

“Thank you, President Lu!”

Jiang Shihan turned and ran off, crying.

Xu Xuejiao didn’t understand—why did it have to be Long Aotian? Was he some kind of god with multiple arms?

I’m standing right here. If you really want to save someone, just tell me!

Lu Chengwen ignored Xu Xuejiao, turned, and rushed into the restroom. “No one’s allowed in!”

Once inside, he immediately called the system.

Ding dong!

“What’s the matter? What’s going on with Jiang Shihan’s mother?”

“Oh, host, you may not know, Jiang Shihan’s mother has a rare disease and it’s now flaring up…”

“I know she’s ill! I’m asking what’s happening now? Why is she critical and about to die?”

“Oh, because her illness has flared up, she’s about to die!”

“Damn it! Can you understand human language? I’m saying, according to the plot, Long Aotian should have cured her mother today! They would then be happily together!”

“Yes, the healing scene was supposed to be today, but you sealed Long Aotian, remember? It’s okay, just one person’s life. Long Aotian has over nine hundred other ways to win over Jiang Shihan.”

Lu Chengwen’s eyes widened. “So even you… Damn it!”

What a mess!

I sealed Long Aotian for a day, and now Jiang Shihan’s mother is dying because of me?

Is that not basically me causing her death?

Can the plot really go this way?

Lu Chengwen hurriedly said, “I won’t seal him anymore. Release him quickly and let him treat Jiang Shihan’s mother!”

“Sorry, once the seal card is used, it cannot be undone.”

“This is a matter of life and death, can’t you be lenient? That girl is already crying.”

“Crying? Whose mother’s not dying? Everyone cries. If you don’t like her crying, just keep your distance for now. That’s normal.”

“Normal my ass…”

Lu Chengwen was extremely frustrated. “Just wait and see!”

He dialed Cold Qingqiu’s number.

“Hello.” Her voice was as cold as expected.

“Qingqiu, haha, it’s Lu Chengwen.”

“I know. What do you want? Show off your new girlfriend?”

“No.” Lu Chengwen said, “That Long Aotian, your former bodyguard—do you have his number?”

“No.”

“Please, please, it’s a matter of life and death. He joined your company, so there must be personal info with his contact details…”

“No interest.”

“This is not about interest, someone’s about to die!”

“Who?”

“My secretary’s mother.”

“What does that have to do with Long Aotian?”

“Only he can cure that strange illness. Help me find his contact info.”

“Let’s meet. I’m on the 29th floor of the hotel where your press conference is.”

Cold Qingqiu hung up.

Lu Chengwen arrived on the 29th floor, where Cold Qingqiu had dismissed her subordinates.

She looked visibly angry at him.

Lu Chengwen grinned, “Busy? Did you find the number?”

“Yes, but it’s unreachable. Phone’s off.”

“Damn!”

Lu Chengwen was on the verge of collapse.

If this continued, wouldn’t it mean he caused Jiang Shihan’s mother’s death? No, the plot can’t go this way!

“I don’t get it. Isn’t your girlfriend Xu Xuejiao a renowned medical expert? Our family’s medical team is under her group—why look so far?”

Lu Chengwen thought to himself,

[You don’t know the situation I’m in. That brat hates me to death! She’s trying every trick to sabotage me. There’s nothing she can’t do.]

Cold Qingqiu narrowed her eyes.

This guy and Xu Xuejiao weren’t really a couple; he was clearly trying to piss her off!

Lu Chengwen asked, “Do you have Long Aotian’s home address?”

“I sent someone to check. He’s not home. They’re guarding the door.”

“Oh, good, good.”

At that moment, Han Yue entered.

She smiled at Lu Chengwen, “Hello, President Lu.”

“Hmm.”

“President Leng, President Jiao’s team is already in the conference room, and the contracts are ready.”

“Got it.”

Cold Qingqiu stood up, grabbed her coat. “Feel free to stay here if you want. I have business to attend to.”

“Wait!”

Lu Chengwen asked Han Yue, “President Jiao? Which President Jiao?”

“Jiao Shiheng, President Jiao.”

Lu Chengwen was stunned.

Everything was falling apart!

Jiao Shiheng was a villain, a real one.

In the original plot, he proposed the project, lured Cold Qingqiu to invest, and she was deceived. Long Aotian intervened at the crucial moment to stop the signing and exposed Jiao Shiheng’s scheme.

But now it was bad!

Long Aotian was sealed by him today, and Cold Qingqiu was about to sign with Jiao Shiheng!

How did all these things happen at once?

Lu Chengwen hurriedly stopped Cold Qingqiu. “Qingqiu, how much do you know about Jiao Shiheng?”

“Not much. He’s an out-of-town businessman with a good reputation and strong capabilities.”

Sweat beaded on Lu Chengwen’s forehead. “Is it possible to postpone signing the contract until tomorrow?”

“Are you kidding? Are we playing house?”

“No, it’s just that he…”

Lu Chengwen thought, how to explain?

[If I tell her it’s a trap, Long Aotian won’t be able to intervene later. Another chance to be the hero who saves the beauty lost!]

[But if I don’t tell her, she’ll sign with Jiao Shiheng today.]

[I have to find a way to push the signing to tomorrow. Tomorrow, Long Aotian will be released.]

Cold Qingqiu’s heart skipped a beat.

This contract was a trap?! How did Lu Chengwen know?

Why was he so certain Long Aotian would come to stop the signing?

If he said it out loud, she wouldn’t believe a word, but no one lies to themselves in their own heart, right?

This guy has been pursuing me for three years, and now he wants to take credit away from himself and give it to someone else?!

Cold Qingqiu looked at Lu Chengwen silently, waiting to see what he’d do.

Lu Chengwen thought a moment. “I just feel… today’s an unlucky day. Today’s the wrong day for signing contracts.”

Cold Qingqiu snorted, “I never believe such things.”

She grabbed her handbag and started to leave.

Lu Chengwen grabbed her arm. “Qingqiu, don’t go!”

Cold Qingqiu glared, “Let go! Lu Chengwen, you’re being too presumptuous!”

Lu Chengwen quickly released her, grinning, “Sorry, sorry. Qingqiu, today really isn’t a good day for contracts.”

Cold Qingqiu said to Han Yue, “Han Yue, tell finance to prepare the payment.”

“Yes!”

Cold Qingqiu walked ahead, with Lu Chengwen trailing behind, muttering, “Qingqiu, can you trust me just once? Think about it, have I ever lied to you?”

Cold Qingqiu looked back at him in surprise. “What do you think?”

“Oh right, I hardly ever tell the truth. No… think about it, haven’t I always done things for your sake?”

Cold Qingqiu stopped, gazed at him, silent.

“Yes! I… I usually do things for myself, but… oh my god, I’m terrible. I’ve done so many bad things, no one believes me anymore.”

Cold Qingqiu couldn’t help but smile secretly before quickly regaining her composure. “Are you okay? If not, don’t waste my time making money.”

Her team passed by Lu Chengwen, each lowering their heads to greet him.

Lu Chengwen paid no attention, staring at Cold Qingqiu’s retreating figure, grinding his teeth.

[Damn it! I’m just a minor villain! I’m a villain too, but with more influence!]

[Today, evil will meet its match. If you manage to sign that contract, I’ll write my name backwards!]

[Evil! That means ignoring the rules!]

Lu Chengwen decided—he’d just let himself go!