[Thursday Evening - 6:00 PM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei stood in front of his bedroom mirror, adjusting his casual but expensive outfit—a fitted black designer shirt and dark slacks. Tonight's dinner with Lin Yue felt significant, almost like standing at a crossroads.
Xiao Yue appeared behind him in the mirror, already dressed for her evening out with her classmates. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his back.
"You look handsome," she said softly.
"You look beautiful," Chen Wei replied, turning to face her. She wore a simple but elegant dress, her hair styled in loose waves.
"I'm still a little nervous about tonight," Xiao Yue admitted. "Not about trusting you—I do. But Lin Yue is so sophisticated and—"
Chen Wei silenced her with a gentle kiss. "Stop. You have nothing to worry about. This is a business dinner to discuss the Zhang family investigation. Nothing more."
Even as he said it, Chen Wei knew it wasn't entirely true. Lin Yue's last messages had been flirtatious, promising. But his love for Xiao Yue was absolute.
[System Warning: Complex situation ahead. Navigate carefully with honesty and integrity]
"Zhang Mei will be with you tonight, right?" Chen Wei asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, she's driving me to the restaurant where I'm meeting my friends. Liu Han stays here with you?"
"He'll be discreet," Chen Wei assured her. "I probably won't even notice him."
They kissed goodbye—long, deep, full of unspoken promises.
"I love you," Xiao Yue said. "Have a good evening. And Chen Wei? Whatever happens tonight, just... be honest with me. Always. That's all I ask."
"I promise," Chen Wei said, meaning it.
After Xiao Yue left with Zhang Mei, Chen Wei finished preparing. He'd ordered premium ingredients and planned to cook for Lin Yue himself—a more intimate gesture than taking her to a restaurant.
At exactly 7:00 PM, the doorbell rang.
Lin Yue stood at his door, and Chen Wei's breath caught. She wore a stunning black dress that hugged her curves perfectly—elegant but subtly seductive. Her hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders, and she carried a bottle of expensive wine.
"Hi," she said, her usual professional demeanor softened by something more vulnerable. "I brought wine. Though I suspect yours is better."
"You look incredible," Chen Wei said honestly, stepping aside to let her in.
"So do you," Lin Yue replied, her eyes appreciating his appearance. "This villa is even more impressive in the evening light."
Chen Wei led her to the kitchen, where he had everything prepared. "I hope you're hungry. I'm making pan-seared duck breast with cherry reduction, roasted root vegetables, and a light salad."
Lin Yue's eyebrows rose with genuine surprise. "You're really cooking? I thought that was just a line."
"I don't use lines," Chen Wei said with a slight smile. "I'm genuine, remember?"
[Romantic Atmosphere: +40%]
[Lin Yue Guard: Lowering]
As Chen Wei cooked, Lin Yue sat at the kitchen island, sipping wine and watching him work. The conversation flowed easily—discussing the company, Tang Xin's successful audition, the movie investment.
"You have good instincts for business," Lin Yue observed. "Most people your age would be spending money on cars and parties. You're building an empire."
"What's the point of wealth if you don't use it to create something meaningful?" Chen Wei replied, plating the food with surprising artistry.
They moved to the dining room, where Chen Wei had set up an intimate table with candles and soft lighting. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sparkled below them.
"This is... really romantic," Lin Yue said, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. "Chen Wei, I need to be honest with you about something."
"Please do," Chen Wei said, sitting across from her.
Lin Yue took a sip of wine, gathering courage. "I told you I haven't dated seriously in three years. What I didn't mention is why. I built walls around myself—focused entirely on career, convinced that relationships would only complicate my life and distract from my goals."
"And now?" Chen Wei asked gently.
"And now you've come along and made me question everything." Lin Yue met his eyes directly. "You're twenty-one years old. You should be a child to me, someone I'd never consider romantically. But you're not. You're mature, successful, kind, and you make me feel things I haven't felt in years."
[Lin Yue Favorability: 98/100 → 99/100]
[Status: Completely Committed → Ready to Confess]
"Lin Yue—" Chen Wei started.
"Let me finish," she interrupted softly. "I know you have Xiao Yue. I've seen how you look at her, how you talk about her. You love her, and that's admirable. But I also know there's something between us—chemistry, connection, whatever you want to call it. And tonight, I need to know if I'm imagining it or if it's real."
Chen Wei's heart pounded. This was the moment—the crossroads. He could deny his attraction to Lin Yue, keep things purely professional, protect his relationship with Xiao Yue without complication.
Or he could be honest.
"It's real," Chen Wei admitted quietly. "Lin Yue, you're one of the most fascinating women I've ever met. You challenge me intellectually, you're brilliant and accomplished, and yes, there's undeniable chemistry between us."
Lin Yue's breath hitched. "But?"
"But I love Xiao Yue," Chen Wei said firmly. "Completely, absolutely. She's my heart, Lin Yue. And I won't betray her, no matter how attracted I am to you."
[Honesty Maintained]
[Integrity Preserved]
Lin Yue was quiet for a long moment, emotions flickering across her usually controlled face. Finally, she smiled—sad but respectful.
"That's exactly what I hoped you'd say," she said softly. "Because a man who would cheat on the woman he loves isn't someone I could respect. Your loyalty to her actually makes you more attractive, not less."
"I'm sorry if I led you on—" Chen Wei began.
"You didn't," Lin Yue interrupted. "You were always honest about your relationship. I just... I had to know if there was a possibility. And now I do." She took a deep breath. "So we keep this professional. You and Xiao Yue build your life together, and I'll support you as your lawyer and friend."
"Thank you for understanding," Chen Wei said, relief flooding through him.
"Though I have to admit," Lin Yue added with a wry smile, "Xiao Yue is incredibly lucky. If she ever doesn't appreciate you, call me."
They both laughed, the tension breaking.
[Lin Yue Favorability: 99/100 → 95/100]
[Status: Romantic Interest → Respectful Friend/Ally]
[System Note: Perfect handling. You maintained integrity while preserving an important relationship. Lin Yue's respect for you has actually increased]
They finished dinner with the conversation shifting to business. Lin Yue pulled out her tablet.
"Now, about the Zhang family investigation," she said, her professional demeanor returning. "We found something big. Zhang Wei's company has been involved in illegal land acquisitions, bribery of government officials, and tax evasion totaling over ¥50 million."
Chen Wei's eyes widened. "That's massive."
"It gets better. We have documentation—emails, financial records, even recorded conversations. If this goes public or to the authorities, Zhang Wei could face serious prison time."
"So we have leverage," Chen Wei said, his mind racing.
"Absolute leverage. They attack you or anyone you care about, and we destroy them completely. It's mutually assured destruction, which means they'll back off."
"Unless they're desperate or stupid enough to strike first," Chen Wei said grimly.
"True. That's why I've prepared everything. One call from me, and these documents go to the police, media, and regulatory agencies simultaneously. Zhang Wei's empire crumbles overnight."
Chen Wei reached across the table and took Lin Yue's hand gratefully. "Thank you. For everything. For this, for your understanding about... us. You're an incredible person."
Lin Yue squeezed his hand. "So are you. Now, let's have dessert and celebrate. We've won, Chen Wei. The Zhang family just doesn't know it yet."
[Meanwhile - 8:30 PM - Upscale Restaurant Across Town]
Xiao Yue sat with three of her classmates—Li Mei, Wang Ting, and Zhao Min—enjoying dinner and laughter. Zhang Mei sat at a nearby table, maintaining a discreet distance but keeping vigilant watch.
"So you're really living with Chen Wei now?" Li Mei asked excitedly. "In that massive villa? Girl, your life is like a fairy tale!"
Xiao Yue blushed. "It still feels surreal sometimes. But he's wonderful. So kind and genuine."
"And rich," Wang Ting added with a laugh. "Don't forget rich and handsome!"
"That doesn't hurt," Xiao Yue admitted with a smile. "But honestly, I'd love him even without the money. He's just... special."
As they laughed and talked, none of them noticed the three men who entered the restaurant—rough-looking, clearly not the usual clientele for such an upscale establishment.
Zhang Mei noticed immediately. Her posture changed subtly, hand moving toward her concealed weapon.
The men split up, two heading toward the restrooms, one loitering near the exit.
Zhang Mei's phone buzzed with a message from Liu Han: "Suspicious activity detected. Three vehicles circling the building. Potential threat."
She immediately stood and walked toward Xiao Yue's table.
"Miss Xiao, we need to leave. Now."
Xiao Yue looked up, confused. "What? But we just—"
"Now," Zhang Mei said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.
The urgency in her voice cut through Xiao Yue's confusion. She stood immediately. "Girls, I'm sorry, I have to go—"
One of the men near the restrooms suddenly moved, pulling something from his jacket—
Zhang Mei was faster. She intercepted him in three quick steps, her hand clamping down on his wrist before he could fully draw what turned out to be a knife.
"Big mistake," Zhang Mei said coldly, twisting his arm. There was a sickening crack, and the man screamed.
The restaurant erupted into chaos—people screaming, scrambling away.
The other two men rushed forward, and Zhang Mei flowed into action like water—precise, devastating strikes. Years of military training on full display.
One man went down clutching his knee. The second managed to grab Xiao Yue's arm—
And then he was on the ground, Zhang Mei's foot on his neck.
"Touch her again and you lose the hand," Zhang Mei said with absolute calm.
Restaurant security finally arrived, along with Liu Han, who'd been monitoring from outside.
"Police are on their way," Liu Han said, efficiently zip-tying the three groaning attackers. "Miss Xiao, are you hurt?"
Xiao Yue was shaking, pale, but unharmed. "N-no, I'm okay. What just happened?"
"Zhang family sent them," Zhang Mei said grimly. "They were supposed to hurt you. Send a message to Chen Wei."
Xiao Yue's eyes filled with tears—not of pain, but of fear and anger. "They tried to... because of me, they tried to..."
"Hey," Zhang Mei said, her voice gentler. "You're safe. They failed. And now they've given us exactly what we needed—proof of their criminal activity. Attempted assault with witnesses? They just handed Chen Wei the perfect ammunition."
Li Mei rushed over to hug Xiao Yue. "Oh my god, are you okay?!"
"I... I need to call Chen Wei," Xiao Yue said, pulling out her phone with trembling hands.
[9:00 PM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei and Lin Yue had just finished dessert when his phone rang. Xiao Yue's name flashed on the screen, and something in his gut twisted with immediate alarm.
"Xiao Yue?" he answered.
"Chen Wei..." Her voice was shaking, tears evident. "The Zhang family, they sent men with knives, they tried to hurt me, but Zhang Mei stopped them and—"
Chen Wei was already on his feet, his face going cold with fury. "Where are you?"
"Crimson Palace Restaurant. The police are here now. I'm okay, I'm safe, but Chen Wei—"
"Stay there. I'm coming right now. Don't move."
He hung up and looked at Lin Yue, his expression terrifying in its cold rage.
"They attacked Xiao Yue," he said flatly.
Lin Yue stood immediately, all business. "Is she hurt?"
"No, the bodyguard stopped them. But Lin Yue..." Chen Wei's voice was deadly quiet. "They tried to stab my girlfriend. They sent men with knives to hurt the woman I love."
[System Alert: Rage Level Critical]
[New Skill Unlocked: "Cold Fury" - Enhanced mental clarity and decision-making when protecting loved ones]
[Warning: Your next actions will have major consequences]
"Chen Wei," Lin Yue said carefully. "I understand your anger. But you need to think clearly—"
"I am thinking clearly," Chen Wei interrupted, his voice ice-cold. "They tried to hurt Xiao Yue. They crossed the line from business rivalry to violent crime. So now I'm going to destroy them completely. Are you with me or not?"
Lin Yue looked at him for a long moment, then smiled—sharp and dangerous.
"I'm with you. Let's bury the Zhang family."
She pulled out her phone and made a call. "It's Lin Yue. Release everything. Police, media, regulatory agencies—all of it. Zhang Wei goes down tonight. Yes, I'm sure. Do it now."
She hung up and looked at Chen Wei. "The wheels are in motion. By morning, Zhang Wei will be arrested for bribery, tax evasion, and illegal business practices. His empire will collapse. But you need to get to Xiao Yue first."
"Come with me," Chen Wei said. "I want you there when we talk to the police. I want every legal advantage we can get."
They drove to the restaurant together in Chen Wei's Mercedes, the tension in the car thick enough to cut. Chen Wei's hands were white-knuckled on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched so tight it ached.
Someone had tried to hurt Xiao Yue.
His Xiao Yue. His sweet, innocent girlfriend who'd done nothing except love him.
The Zhang family had just made the biggest mistake of their lives.
[9:20 PM - Crimson Palace Restaurant]
Police cars surrounded the building, their lights flashing. Chen Wei burst through the doors, scanning frantically until he spotted Xiao Yue sitting at a table, wrapped in a blanket, giving her statement to an officer.
"Xiao Yue!"
She looked up, and when she saw him, she burst into tears. Chen Wei rushed over and pulled her into his arms, holding her so tightly it must have hurt.
"I've got you," he murmured into her hair. "I've got you. You're safe. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry."
"It's not your fault," Xiao Yue sobbed against his chest. "They're crazy, Chen Wei. They actually tried to stab me!"
"I know, baby, I know." Chen Wei kissed the top of her head, his own eyes burning with unshed tears of rage and relief. "But they failed. Zhang Mei protected you. And now they're going to pay for this. I promise you, they will pay."
Lin Yue approached the lead detective, presenting her credentials. "I'm Lin Yue, legal counsel for both Chen Wei and Miss Xiao Yue. I need to be present for all statements and proceedings."
The detective—a middle-aged man named Captain Zhou—nodded with recognition. "Miss Lin. This is clearly a premeditated attack. The assailants have already confessed under questioning that they were hired by someone connected to the Zhang family."
"Recorded confession?" Lin Yue asked sharply.
"Being documented as we speak."
"Good. Because attempted murder charges will be just the beginning. We're pressing every possible charge—assault, conspiracy, witness intimidation if they claim otherwise."
Zhang Mei approached Chen Wei. "Sir, all three attackers have been neutralized and arrested. Miss Xiao was never in real danger—I had the situation under control within seconds."
"Thank you," Chen Wei said with profound gratitude. "Zhang Mei, you saved her life. I will never forget that."
"Just doing my job, sir," Zhang Mei said, but her expression was satisfied.
Chen Wei's phone rang. An unknown number. He almost didn't answer, but something made him pick up.
"Chen Wei," a cold, arrogant voice said. "This is Zhang Wei. I assume you've heard about tonight's unfortunate incident?"
Chen Wei's blood boiled. "You mean your attempted murder?"
"Such harsh words. My son was simply expressing his frustration with your relationship. Things got out of hand—"
"Things got out of hand?" Chen Wei's voice was deadly quiet. "You sent men with knives to hurt my girlfriend. You crossed from business into criminal violence."
"And what are you going to do about it?" Zhang Wei asked with infuriating confidence. "You're a child playing businessman. I have connections, power, resources. You have nothing that can touch me."
Chen Wei smiled—cold and merciless. "Is that so? Zhang Wei, check your email. Right now."
There was a pause. Chen Wei could hear typing, then a sharp intake of breath.
"What... what is this?"
"That is documentation of every illegal business practice your company has engaged in for the past five years. Bribery, tax evasion, illegal land acquisitions—all with dates, amounts, and evidence. And you know what? Those same files are being delivered to the police and media as we speak."
"You... you can't..."
"I already did," Chen Wei said softly. "You tried to hurt the woman I love. So now I'm going to destroy everything you've built. Your company, your reputation, your freedom. By tomorrow morning, you'll be arrested. Your assets will be frozen. Your family name will be synonymous with corruption."
"Chen Wei, wait—we can talk about this—negotiate—"
"No negotiation. No mercy. You should have left Xiao Yue alone." Chen Wei's voice was ice. "Goodbye, Zhang Wei. Enjoy prison."
He hung up.
[Mission Complete: Protect Your Loved Ones]
[Bonus Objective Achieved: Completely Destroy Enemy]
[Rewards: +30 Status Points, "Untouchable" Title, "Protector" Passive Skill, Political Connections Unlocked]
[Zhang Family: Defeated]
[Your reputation in Jianghai: Significantly Increased]
[New Status: "Rising Power" - People know not to cross you]
Lin Yue approached, her phone in hand. "It's done. News outlets are already running the story. 'Prominent Businessman Zhang Wei Under Investigation for Massive Corruption.' The police have issued an arrest warrant. He'll be in custody within the hour."
Chen Wei nodded, then turned his attention back to Xiao Yue, who was still trembling in his arms.
"Let's go home," he said gently. "You've been through enough tonight."
"What about my statement?" Xiao Yue asked.
"We have everything we need," Captain Zhou said. "Miss Xiao, you can go home. We'll contact you if we need anything else. And Mr. Chen? That bodyguard of yours—Zhang Mei—she saved your girlfriend's life. You hired well."
"I know," Chen Wei said, looking at Zhang Mei with gratitude.
As they prepared to leave, Zhang Hao suddenly burst into the restaurant, his face twisted with rage and desperation.
"Chen Wei!" he shouted. "You bastard! What did you do to my father?!"
Security moved to intercept him, but Chen Wei held up a hand.
"Let him speak," Chen Wei said coldly.
Zhang Hao stopped a few feet away, breathing hard. "My father's company is collapsing! The police are at our house! What did you do?!"
"I protected what's mine," Chen Wei said simply. "Your father sent men to hurt Xiao Yue. So I destroyed him. Simple cause and effect."
"She's just some girl!" Zhang Hao spat. "This is insane! Over a woman?!"
Chen Wei's eyes flashed with dangerous fury. "She's not 'just some girl.' She's the woman I love. And anyone who threatens her forfeits their right to mercy."
He stepped closer to Zhang Hao, his Intimidating Aura at maximum.
"You and your father made a critical error, Zhang Hao. You thought I was still the weak, poor student you could bully. But I'm not that person anymore. I have money, power, and the will to use both without hesitation. You tried to hurt my girlfriend, and now your entire family pays the price."
[Intimidation Effect: Maximum]
Zhang Hao actually stepped back, fear replacing some of his anger.
"This isn't over," he said weakly.
"Yes, it is," Chen Wei said flatly. "Your father's going to prison. Your family's assets will be seized. And you? You'll be lucky if you're not arrested as an accomplice. It's completely over. You lost. Accept it."
Zhang Hao looked around—at the police, at Lin Yue's satisfied expression, at Xiao Yue safe in Chen Wei's arms, at his complete and utter defeat.
Then he turned and fled from the restaurant.
"Should we stop him?" Liu Han asked.
"No," Chen Wei said. "Let him go. He's already destroyed. No need to kick him while he's down."
[Mercy Shown Despite Victory]
[Reputation Effect: "Powerful But Not Cruel"]
[11:00 PM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei carried Xiao Yue to bed despite her protests that she could walk. She'd been through a traumatic experience, and he wanted to care for her.
Lin Yue had stayed behind to coordinate with the police and media, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly.
Wang Lei had made tea and brought it up, then quietly retreated to his own room, understanding they needed privacy.
Chen Wei helped Xiao Yue change into comfortable sleepwear, his movements gentle and caring. She was still shaking slightly, the adrenaline wearing off.
"Chen Wei," she said as he tucked her into bed. "Those men... they really wanted to hurt me. If Zhang Mei hadn't been there..."
"But she was there," Chen Wei interrupted gently, lying beside her and pulling her close. "You're safe. You're here with me, and nothing bad happened."
"But it could have," Xiao Yue whispered. "And it's all because of me. Because Zhang Hao wants to hurt you through me."
"No," Chen Wei said firmly, tilting her chin up to look at him. "It's because Zhang Hao is a spoiled, vindictive child who can't accept losing. This is not your fault. Do you understand me? None of this is your fault."
Tears streamed down Xiao Yue's face. "I was so scared. I thought... I thought I might never see you again."
"I'm here," Chen Wei said, holding her tighter. "I'm right here. And I'm never letting anything happen to you again. I promise."
They held each other in silence for a long time, the weight of the evening settling over them.
"Chen Wei?" Xiao Yue said eventually.
"Yes?"
"How was your dinner with Lin Yue? Before... before everything happened?"
Chen Wei was surprised she was thinking about that after what she'd been through. "It was good. Professional. We discussed the investigation into Zhang family."
"And nothing else?" Xiao Yue asked softly. "You can tell me the truth."
[Critical Honesty Moment]
Chen Wei took a breath. "Lin Yue admitted she had feelings for me. And I told her that while I find her fascinating and impressive, I love you. Only you. I chose you, Xiao Yue. I will always choose you."
Xiao Yue was quiet for a moment, then she looked up at him with tear-bright eyes. "Thank you for being honest. And thank you for choosing me."
"There was never a choice," Chen Wei said, kissing her forehead. "My heart made that decision the moment I met you."
[Perfect Honesty Maintained]
[Xiao Yue Trust Level: Maximum]
[Relationship Bond: Unbreakable]
They fell asleep tangled together, Xiao Yue finally feeling safe in Chen Wei's arms.
[System Update: Major Victory Achieved]
[Zhang Family: Completely Defeated]
[Zhang Wei: Arrested for corruption (facing 10+ years prison)]
[Zhang Hao: Disgraced and powerless]
[Your Status in Jianghai: Dramatically Increased]
[People now know: Do not threaten Chen Wei's loved ones]
[Current Relationships:]
Xiao Yue: 100/100 (Girlfriend - Unbreakable Bond)
Lin Yue: 95/100 (Loyal Ally/Friend - Romantic tension resolved healthily)
Tang Xin: 94/100 (Close Friend - Unrequited but respectful feelings)
[Mission: Build Your Empire - 85% Complete]
[New Objective: Consolidate power and continue expansion]
[Chen Wei's Transformation: Nearly Complete]
[From broke student to powerful businessman in 8 days]