Chapter 8 - Stay Away From Me

Zheng Qiang, the boss of Starlight Entertainment, was one of the early ones to turn legitimate.

He had previously run stall businesses and gradually started developing his own night business. Eventually, he transitioned into the mainstream world of live-streaming and entertainment.

As for Li Long, he was more of a nouveau riche. No one really knew where he got his money, but he had started opening nightclubs and, step by step, had built up his business.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Now, it seemed like he was on the verge of taking over the entire nightlife scene in Qincheng.

Neither of them were good people. Zheng Qiang’s women’s business and Li Long’s women’s business were pretty much the same.

Chen Fan stood there pretending to be serious, but his mind had long since drifted off.

Whatever you guys want to do, go ahead. It has nothing to do with me. Damn, this isn’t even the real plot. Each of you is more dramatic than the last.

The two men argued back and forth, hurling insults at each other over nightclub territory, yelling endlessly. They both had their underlings standing behind them. Honestly, it looked like a scene straight out of a gangster movie.

“Years ago, Li Long, if your men hadn’t gotten those demolition funds, would you have developed to where you are now?”

Oh, so that’s why this guy’s aura looks so dark. Turns out he’s an obstacle on the protagonist’s road to success. What a pity, still young, but he’s going to have to hand over his resources to someone else.

Wait, this part of the plot—Li Long’s story—is actually quite subtle. It’s part of Ye Aotian’s622 rise to power.

It all starts with the orphanage demolition, where Ye Aotian clashes with some local thugs. From there, he climbs the ranks, eventually coming face to face with Li Long’s trusted men and even killing Li Long’s son.

It turns into a huge conflict, with Li Long determined to kill Ye Aotian. In the end, Ye Aotian infiltrates Li Long’s home and takes him out.

After Li Long dies, he discovers that everyone around him has betrayed him.

And wasn’t there a woman involved? I vaguely remember that woman throwing herself at the protagonist, but the protagonist rejected her.

Chen Fan looked around and, sure enough, spotted a woman in a sexy outfit sitting nearby. She crossed her legs and was currently batting her eyelashes at Chen Fan.

Damn, what’s wrong with you? Go find the protagonist! Besides, even the protagonist didn’t want her, and now you think I’m interested? I’m a simp, okay? I’m Lin Qingyue’s exclusive simp. I’ve got a grand mission! Stupid medicine.

“Director Jin, is this the Chen Fan you mentioned?”

“Yes, why? Is there a problem?”

“No … no, I just noticed that Chen Fan seems to like …”

Chen Fan interrupted righteously, “Mr. Li Long, thank you for your kindness, but I currently have no interest in other women. I only like Lin Qingyue.”

Such devotion.

After saying that, Chen Fan felt moved by his own words. No matter where he was, he had to play his role well.

Jin Lan said, “This kind of thing can be discussed privately. I have a formula here that’s great for revitalizing the body. I’ll give you both a copy, and it’ll help you draw in customers.”

“May I ask, Director, what kind of formula is it?”

Chen Fan took out the prepared medicine and poured a bit for each of them.

They both took a sip. Soon, their energy started to return.

Li Long couldn’t believe it and exclaimed, “Is this some kind of aphrodisiac?”

Jin Lan shook her head, “No, it’s just for revitalizing the body. Desire is only a side effect, it won’t cause anyone to lose their minds, but it does benefit health. In Qincheng, I don’t like chaos. You each do your business, but don’t let things escalate. Money—there’s always enough. If you’re ambitious, go expand into other cities. But in Qincheng, this is the current situation. Do you agree?”

The two of them pondered for a long time before finally falling silent. This wasn’t a suggestion; it was an order. Neither of them were fools. Jin Lan had given them a way out, and they had to take it.

“Um … if we need more, where can we buy it?”

“I’ll give you the formula. Transfer the money directly to Chen Fan. This is his formula, not mine. I won’t profit from it.”

Chen Fan looked at Jin Lan.

What the hell, big sis? You’re supposed to be one of the female leads. Why are you helping me out? You should be helping the protagonist! I’m just a simp and a minor villain. Damn, I’m exhausted.

But after thinking about it, maybe it had something to do with his father’s connections. Strengthening their relationship would naturally raise Chen Fan’s status.

That would make Jin Lan’s future path much smoother as well.

With that perspective, everything made sense.

The formula from the novel could definitely generate a lot of benefits. If used properly, it could help build connections and raise Chen Fan’s status. Even though his family was already powerful, Chen Fan still needed to establish his own foundation.

For now, these two men were the first real contacts Chen Fan had made.

Wait, Li Long was definitely going to get into trouble. As for Zheng Qiang, it seemed like he wouldn’t have too much going on. The plot didn’t mention much about him in the future.

The protagonist didn’t seem too interested in building forces. It was mostly Jin Lan who managed that. No doubt, this woman had a strong sense of ambition.

“Well, Brother Chen, we should get to know each other better. Come to our place for a drink sometime.”

Chen Fan replied, “I’ll go if I have time.”

Jin Lan took Chen Fan and left. Whether Zheng Qiang and Li Long went off to drink together or not was irrelevant.

Jin Lan needed balance. She was currently the most powerful figure in Qincheng, and she didn’t want chaos breaking out.

“Remember, if it’s given to you, take it. Don’t think the money is dirty.”

“I understand. Thank you, Auntie Jin, for the advice.”

“By the way, what do you think of Ye Aotian?”

What do I think? He’s the protagonist, the cream of the crop, the kind of guy who just smiles a little and makes women swoon, for crying out loud.

“I don’t like him. He’s just a country bumpkin.”

After all, I’m the villain. Gotta throw in some insults.

Jin Lan asked, “Should I take him out for you?”

?????

Wait a minute, hold on. Big sis, don’t get carried away. What’s gotten into you?

“Um … I think I can handle my own issues with him. He’s after my woman, so I’ll fight for her myself.”

Such a cringeworthy, middle-schooler line. Damn it, I just want to crawl into a hole right now.