The elevator descended smoothly from the CEO's office to the lobby.
Blake adjusted his cuffs, a faint smile playing on his lips. He could still feel the lingering warmth of Chloe's wrist in his palm. In the original novel, Chloe Han was an untouchable goddess, a woman who would rather die than let a man touch her.
But just now, she had looked at him with... need.
[Ding!][Villain Points +200][Reason: Successfully disrupted the Protagonist's healing plotline. Chloe Han's favorability toward the Protagonist has been locked.]
"Good start," Blake murmured.
The elevator doors pinged open, revealing the sprawling, marble-floored lobby of the Vane Group headquarters. It was bustling with elites in suits, but a commotion near the front desk drew Blake's attention.
Or rather, the System drew his attention.
A bright red exclamation mark hovered over a figure standing near the security checkpoint.
It was Lin Feng.
The Protagonist was dressed in a cheap, wash-worn t-shirt and camouflage pants. He stood with his back straight, radiating an aura of misplaced pride.
"I told you," Lin Feng said loudly, his voice carrying across the silent lobby. "I'm not here to deliver food. I'm here to apply for the Head of Security position."
The receptionist looked flustered. "Sir, you need an appointment, and the Head of Security requires at least ten years of military experience..."
"Experience?" Lin Feng scoffed. He slammed his hand onto the marble desk. Crack. A spiderweb fracture appeared on the solid stone. "My fists are my experience. Tell your boss to come out. If he can last three moves against me, I'll leave."
The security guards nearby tensed, reaching for their batons.
In the novel, this was a classic "Face-Slapping" scene. The rich, arrogant Security Chief would come out, try to fight Lin Feng, and get beaten up. Lin Feng would then be hired by a passing executive who admired his "wild nature."
Blake stepped out of the elevator.
"Who gave a wild dog permission to bark in my company?"
The lobby went dead silent.
Employees froze. The security guards immediately straightened their postures and bowed. "Young Master Blake!"
Lin Feng turned around. When he saw Blake, his eyes narrowed into slits. He recognized the man who had stolen his jade rock at the market just an hour ago.
"You again," Lin Feng spat. "I didn't expect the Vane Group to be run by a playboy who relies on his daddy's money."
Blake didn't even slow his stride. He walked straight toward Lin Feng, his Italian leather shoes clicking rhythmically on the floor.
"And I didn't expect a beggar to have the audacity to crack my front desk," Blake said coolly. He stopped three feet from Lin Feng, looking him up and down with undisguised disgust.
"I am here for a job," Lin Feng said, puffing out his chest. He released a trace of his 'Killing Intent,' a technique meant to terrify ordinary people. "I am strong. Stronger than any trash you have guarding this place."
To anyone else, the air would feel heavy. But Blake had the System.
[Alert: Protagonist is using 'Dragon's Pressure'.][Auto-Defense Activated.]
Blake didn't flinch. He didn't even blink. He simply took out a handkerchief and dusted an invisible speck of dirt from his suit lapel.
"Strong?" Blake laughed. It was a cold, mocking sound. "You broke a desk. That doesn't make you a security guard. It makes you a liability."
"You..." Lin Feng grit his teeth. Why wasn't this rich kid scared?
Blake turned to the trembling Head of Security who had just arrived.
"Manager Wang."
"Y-Yes, Young Master!"
"This man damaged company property," Blake said, pointing at the cracked marble. "Calculate the cost of the desk. Then sue him for damages. If he can't pay, send him to jail."
Lin Feng's eyes widened. "You dare? I am a Grandmaster of the—"
"I don't care if you're the King of Heaven," Blake interrupted, his voice sharp as a blade. "In the city, we follow laws. You destroyed my property. You pay."
Blake stepped closer to Lin Feng, whispering so only he could hear.
"You think your martial arts make you special? You think you're a dragon crossing the river? In my eyes, you're just a violent thug who doesn't know his place."
"I'll kill you!" Lin Feng roared, raising his fist.
"Do it," Blake challenged, his gray eyes glowing faintly with the power of the Golden Pupils. "Strike the heir of the Vane Consortium in broad daylight. Let's see how far you get before the police snipers take your head off."
Lin Feng froze. His fist hovered in the air. He was powerful, yes, but he wasn't invincible yet. He had just arrived in the city. He had no connections, no money, and no backing. If he killed Blake here, he would be a fugitive forever.
He lowered his hand, his face turning purple with suppressed rage.
"Good dog," Blake smirked.
He turned to the security guards. "Throw him out. And blacklist him from every company in Zenith City. If I see him working as so much as a toilet cleaner in this town, I'll fire all of you."
"Yes, Sir!"
A dozen guards rushed forward. Lin Feng glared at Blake one last time, etching the face into his memory, before turning and storming out to save his remaining dignity.
[Ding!]
[Plunder Successful!][Protagonist's Career Opportunity Destroyed.][Reward: 500 Villain Points.][Reward: Combat Skill - Void Step (Basic).]
Blake watched the protagonist retreat. He felt a rush of adrenaline. He hadn't just won a fight; he had crushed Lin Feng's spirit using nothing but social status and rules.
He checked his watch. 6:00 PM.
The sun was setting.
"Driver," Blake called out as he walked toward the exit. "Take me to the Han Mansion."
His eyes darkened with anticipation. The business with the protagonist was done for the day. Now, it was time to collect the interest from his fiancée.
"I have a 'sickness' to cure. And if the System is right, curing her won't just give me her heart—it will unlock the [Dual Cultivation Feature]."