Systemless Villain

Chapter 198 Midnight Deals and Unexpected Encounters

The night grew darker without stars above SCBD Main Town. Despite the late hour, the streets still saw occasional passersby, and a few establishments, including shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, continued to operate. However, the overall ambiance lacked the vibrancy of earlier hours.

On the fourth floor of the Juntian Auction House, Long Tian lounged on an opulent sofa, savoring the nocturnal panorama of SCBD Main Town.

Seated opposite him were Su Dongzhu and Jun Zhou, a middle-aged man donned in a sophisticated suit, representing the Jun family.

"As the Jun family representative, I extend my sincere apologies to you, young master Long, for the inconvenience caused. I assure you that such an incident will be prevented in the future," Jun Zhou apologized earnestly.

Long Tian responded with a simple smile. "No worries; occasionally, there are individuals lacking in refinement who stir trouble. The crucial thing is ensuring they face consequences, isn't it?" he remarked.

"Absolutely. Regarding that young man, I conducted research and discovered he is an orphan without any significant financial background. Given his schoolboy status, being under 20 years old, it's impractical for us to seek compensation. Consequently, we reached out to the Xiao family, considering the young man arrived with Xiao Jun," Jun Zhou explained.

Long Tian nodded in understanding. Xiao Jun... According to Guan Ji, he was Lin Fan's best friend, and also the young master of the Xiao family. Even with the Xiao family's wealth, 2.5 billion Yuan is a substantial amount.

And he was more curious about Lin Fan's friendship with Xiao Jun after this incident.

"Alright, that's sufficiently convincing. How about the payment process? Has the sum been transferred to your account?" Long Tian inquired, his focus on Jun Zhou.

Upon the query, Jun Zhou promptly checked his smartphone and confirmed the transfer of 1.5 billion from Long Zhan's account.

"Well, I presume that's your father. Alright, the funds have been received, young master Long," he confirmed.

Long Tian maintained his smile; naturally, he didn't personally possess 1.5 billion. However, being the offspring of one of the richest individuals in the Han Empire made acquiring such funds a straightforward matter.

Certainly, Long Tian aimed to carve his path independent of his father's legacy. Acquiring ownership of the Tianjia Pavilion, valued at 20 billion Yuan, was a significant step, with more ventures under his name on the horizon.

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After a few minutes of conversation, Long Tian and Jun Zhou delved into various topics, particularly the auction proceedings and Long Tian's plans post high school.

Suddenly, a formally attired man approached them, drawing their attention to the two boxes he carried.

Recognizing the content, Jun Zhou swiftly remarked, "Oh, your trophy has arrived, young master Long," accompanied by a smile.

The man then placed the two boxes on the table – one of standard size and the other slightly larger.

"Well, I spared no expense for this," Long Tian stated with a smirk.

He proceeded to open the normal-sized golden box, unveiling a book with a simple white cover.

As he flipped it open, every page was adorned with ancient characters that eluded his comprehension.

On the flip side, Jun Zhou observed Long Tian's focused demeanor on the book with a smile. He casually sipped his coffee and set it down.

"You know, young master, we acquired that book effortlessly, from a monk who discovered it. After you secured the book for 1.5 billion Yuan, all that money will be contributed to the Zhenshi Temple located on the peak of Mount Tianshi. Perhaps, if you pay them a visit, they will warmly welcome you," he shared.

Long Tian raised an eyebrow at this revelation, but then he grinned. "Well, maybe I will visit them someday," he remarked.

Closing the book, he carefully returned it to the box.

"Alright, Mr. Jun Zhou, I've obtained what I wanted. Thank you," he expressed.

"Well, it's my honor, young master Long," Jun Zhou replied with a smile.

Returning the smile, Long Tian stood up, carrying the two boxes.

After bidding farewell, he exited the room, making his way downstairs.

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The ambiance in SCBD Main Town seemed quieter than a few hours ago, with less hustle and bustle prevailing now.

Long Tian strolled along the roadside with composure. There were no longer two boxes in his hands, as he had tucked them away into his spatial ring. Ling Han wasn't accompanying him, given that he had instructed Ling Han to wait in the parking lot.

After a while, he approached the underground parking area. However, his brows furrowed upon hearing a commotion.

Long Tian quickened his pace and eventually reached his car. However, he fell silent when he witnessed the scene in front of him – Ling Han carrying a girl on his shoulders.

"Let me go, you pervert!" the girl screamed.

"No, not until you return my spatial ring, little girl!" Ling Han responded, his tone stern. However, he soon turned around when he noticed Long Tian standing there.

"Oh, young master. Please forgive me; there's a little thief here," he said.

"Put her down," Long Tian instructed.

Ling Han nodded and immediately set the girl down.

The girl seemed to be around 13 years old, quite young. Long Tian raised one of his eyebrows; he recognized the girl.

The girl, on the other hand, was also surprised to see Long Tian.

"Ah, you're that person!" she exclaimed.

"And you're the little girl from the market. Were you trying to pickpocket him?" Long Tian asked.

The girl's expression immediately fell. Ling Han, on the other hand, gave her a stern look.

"Give it to me," he said.

Reluctantly, the girl handed over the spatial ring to Ling Han. Ling Han promptly put his ring back on his finger.

Then, his gaze turned to Long Tian. "Young master, do you know this girl?" he asked.

"Yeah, she did a good job back then. I should appreciate her more," Long Tian said, patting the girl's head.

Of course, if he hadn't met the girl, the special token from the Jun family might still be in Lin Fan's possession. He was still impressed by the girl's pickpocketing skills.

However, at this moment, his expression turned into a frown as he noticed a faint red mark on the girl's cheek. Though not very prominent, he could discern it as a slap mark.

He then directed his gaze at Ling Han, "Uncle Ling, did you slap her?" he asked.

"Uh, it's not me," Ling Han responded.

Long Tian furrowed his brows; he didn't doubt Ling Han's words. Then, he gently cupped the girl's cheek and inquired, "Do you have an abusive parent? Or a father struggling with alcohol?"

The girl's expression once again reflected sadness upon hearing this.

"It's not that; I love my dad, but we're facing difficult circumstances," she revealed.

She then looked at Long Tian with hope, "Please, help me," she pleaded, tears streaming from her eyes. "I'll do anything; please help me."

Long Tian was somewhat surprised, not expecting such a plea from the girl. However, he quickly regained his composure.

"Tell me," he said.

The girl's expression immediately brightened with hope as she began explaining all her problems to Long Tian.

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Over 5 minutes passed, and Long Tian continued listening to Lin Yan's story.

Now acquainted with her name, Lin Yan, who lost her mother at a young age and lived with a kind, hardworking father.

However, Lin Yan's father, Lin Kun, suffered from a severe illness that left him unable to work.

In a poor family and a rundown environment, Lin Yan was compelled to drop out of school and work, unbeknownst to her father, as a pickpocket.

Complicating matters further, they faced a mounting debt that continued to grow due to accumulating interest.

"...That's why I pickpocket," Lin Yan confessed, tears still streaming down her face.

Long Tian wore a solemn expression. A girl with a sick father and a mountain of debt... In a protagonist's tale, this would make sense.

However, this predicament befell him, a villain.

Long Tian's thoughts immediately pondered whether, after dealing with Qin Chen, he had officially transformed into a protagonist. Yet, Lin Fan remained, and there could be other protagonists emerging.

'Or perhaps this is just an ordinary encounter?' he mused.

"Please help me; I have no one else. The loan sharks said they would come at 11 pm, it's already 10, and I have no money at all," Lin Yan pleaded, her tears flowing even more.

Long Tian's focus returned to Lin Yan. "I will help you, as long as you become my personal pickpocket," he stated.

"I will! I will do anything, even if you want me to undress right now, I will do it!" Lin Yan responded immediately.

"Come on, I'm not a predator; I would never ask you to do that. And never say that to anyone else, understand?" Long Tian said, his tone firm.

Lin Yan's tears fell even more, deeply touched by Long Tian's words. She immediately hugged him.

"Thank you so much!" she expressed, crying uncontrollably.

Long Tian appeared slightly softened, gently stroking Lin Yan's hair.

And Ling Han, in the meantime, also smiled. The Long Tian he remembered, once cruel and hard to control, had now matured.

As someone who had accompanied Long Tian since childhood, he felt relieved and proud in his heart.