Systemless Villain

Chapter 173 Ruthless Bargains

The window glided down, unveiling Long Tian's smirking face. "Hey, Zhenyi, want to catch a ride?" he offered.

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhenyi seemed mildly surprised, while Lin Fan maintained his overconfident smile. "Unfortunately, she'll be leaving with me," he taunted. Then, redirecting his attention to Liu Zhenyi, he said, "Let's go, Zhenyi," in a commanding tone.

However, Liu Zhenyi's expression didn't convey compliance, leaving him in awkward silence.

"Are you serious, Long Tian?" she questioned.

"Absolutely, hop on," Long Tian responded, smoothly opening the car door with a button.

"Then, I'll go with you," Liu Zhenyi replied, walking directly to the adjacent door and getting inside, settling beside Long Tian.

Observing this, Long Tian smirked, "Buckle up," he instructed.

Liu Zhenyi nodded and secured her seatbelt.

Long Tian's gaze then shifted to Lin Fan, who wore a gloomy expression. "See you later, pal," he grinned.

Without waiting for a reaction, Long Tian closed the window and smoothly drove away, leaving Lin Fan in a dissipating trail of exhaust.

Lin Fan waved away the smoke, his forehead creased, displeasure etched on his face.

"What the hell is that guy? You may be wealthy, but you'll regret messing with me," he declared, his tone carrying evident displeasure.

After standing for a moment, he mounted his motorcycle and promptly departed the school premises.

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Meanwhile, inside the car...

"Thanks, Long Tian, you saved me just in the nick of time," Liu Zhenyi expressed her gratitude, a smile gracing her face.

"It's no big deal. You're not a fan of motorcycle rides, huh?" Long Tian asked with a playful smile.

"It's not that. I just feel a bit uneasy, especially since I just met Lin Fan today. I don't know much about him, and I'm not sure if he's a decent guy or not. But with you, at least I feel a bit more at ease," Liu Zhenyi responded.

"I get it," Long Tian nodded knowingly. "So, why didn't your parents swing by to get you?" he inquired.

At this, Liu Zhenyi let out a bitter smile, "Sadly, both my parents passed away five years ago," she revealed.

Long Tian felt a twinge of regret, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know," he apologized.

"No worries. I suppose most of our classmates aren't aware either. And the reason I needed a ride is that my sister is swamped with work, so she couldn't make it to pick me up," she explained.

"I see," Long Tian nodded. "Alright, let's pick up the pace," he declared.

With that, he floored the pedal, causing the car to accelerate swiftly.

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After more than 15 minutes, Long Tian pulled into a tranquil residential area, where the serenity hung in the air.

Following Liu Zhenyi's guidance, he parked his car along a peaceful street next to a moderately large, middle-class mansion.

"Thanks, Long Tian," Liu Zhenyi expressed her gratitude with a smile.

"No problem. Mind if I borrow your restroom real quick?" Long Tian asked.

"Of course, let's go inside," Liu Zhenyi graciously offered.

They walked together towards the mansion.

"Do you want some tea? I can prepare it for you," Liu Zhenyi suggested.

"Nah, I'll head straight home," Long Tian declined.

Liu Zhenyi nodded, "Alright."

Subsequently, they entered the mansion.

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Guided by Liu Zhenyi, Long Tian entered the bathroom with no ill intentions, genuinely needing to use it.

However, beneath the surface, his true motive was to ruffle Lin Fan's feathers. That's why he invited Liu Zhenyi home, aiming to confirm whether Lin Fan was the protagonist.

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Meanhwile, outside the mansion, Liu Zhenyi was engrossed in the meticulous task of rearranging plants.

And not long after, a Jeep abruptly pulled up, swiftly making its way through the entrance and coming to a stop right in front of the stately building.

Her serene expression immediately soured, a subtle tremor passing through the hand that held the delicate flowerpot.

With a distinct creak, the vehicle's doors swung open, revealing the intimidating presence of five men, their ages ranging from 30 to 40 years old, each adorned with tattoos that hinted at a rugged past. They advanced menacingly, casting an ominous shadow toward Liu Zhenyi.

One of them, a middle-aged man around 40, towering at 190cm, Ji Gongju, wore a sinister smile.

"Hello, my sweet Liu Zhenyi. It's the deadline, time to settle your debt," he declared with a broad grin.

Liu Zhenyi's expression contorted with growing displeasure. "How long will you harass me? My parents' debt was only 50 million Yuan, and I distinctly remember paying it all! You're just extorting me!" she exclaimed.

Ji Gongju's smile didn't waver. "Well, that's merely your perspective; you may believe you've settled it all. Despite your diligent weekly payments, you're still short of 30 million," he sneered.

Liu Zhenyi's expression filled with disbelief, her icy demeanor giving way to raw frustration. "30 million?! You're extorting me! I've faithfully paid for five years, and you insist I still owe 30 million? This is blatant robbery! I'll report you to the police!" she threatened.

"Ohh, go ahead. But do you think that would be useful?" Ji Gongju sneered.

Liu Zhenyi was left momentarily speechless, despite the surge of intense anger and frustration coursing through her.

The five men confronting her were merciless loan sharks, ruthlessly collecting the debt left by her parents. Despite her and her sister's unwavering weekly payments, the debt continued to escalate—an evident form of extortion.

"So, Zhenyi, will you pay today?" Ji Gongju inquired.

"I don't have the money!" Liu Zhenyi responded, her expression grim.

Hearing this, Ji Gongju raised one of his eyebrows, a sinister grin beginning to form on his face. "Well, if you can't pay with money, perhaps you can settle it in another way," he said, licking his lips with evident lust.

Liu Zhenyi could clearly sense Ji Gongju's intentions. "I'd rather die than let you touch me!" she declared, fearless.

Ji Gongju remained unaffected by Liu Zhenyi's threats. He simply advanced, his hand reaching for her.

But Liu Zhenyi immediately struck his face, causing him to step back.

"Take another step, and I'll beat you!" Liu Zhenyi threatened.

An expression of displeasure appeared on Ji Gongju's forehead. "You little bitch!" he advanced faster, delivering a brutal slap to Liu Zhenyi's face, causing her to fall to the ground with a slap mark on her cheek.

Liu Zhenyi couldn't hold back her tears, crying on the ground, realizing her helplessness.

On the other hand, Ji Gongju, looming over her, sneered, "Now, behold your position, little bitch," he heartlessly remarked.

Liu Zhenyi didn't respond, her sobbing continuing on the ground.

Observing this, Ji Gongju stood up again. As he was about to say something, his attention was diverted to the door, which swung open, revealing a young man in the same uniform as Liu Zhenyi.

"I've seen enough of this!" Long Tian declared coldly.