At the same time, inside the study of Cao Chuan’s villa.
Just as the fight ended, a system notification popped up in Cao Chuan’s mind:
[Ding! Congratulations, Host. You’ve completed a villainous action. Villain Reward: 2,000 points.]
Seeing the tear-filled eyes at the corners of Song Keran’s eyes, her face full of humiliation as she anxiously and clumsily tidied up the scene, the corner of Cao Chuan’s mouth lifted into a smirk.
“You know how to read the situation, I’m pleased. But the way you helped cool my fire just now, I didn’t like it. Tonight, remember to try a different method to cool me down properly.”
Song Keran’s hands paused mid-action, but after a brief moment, she resumed as if nothing happened. Clearly, she had silently accepted this arrangement and her fate.
Seeing this, Cao Chuan’s smile deepened. He added, “Also, you’re a smart woman. As for what happened in this study today, what to say and what not to say—you understand that clearly, don’t you?”
Song Keran still didn’t respond. After a slight hesitation, she gave a faint nod, then began fixing her messy skirt and hair.
Just as Cao Chuan was about to speak again, the door was suddenly rattled violently from the outside, followed by an angry roar, “Cao Chuan, what the hell are you doing?!”
The handle twisted hard but didn’t open, then came the loud and furious pounding on the door.
“You bastard!”
“I know you locked Keran in there!”
“Open this door right now!”
Cao Chuan stopped mid-sentence. Song Keran’s movement to adjust her appearance froze, a flash of panic crossing her eyes. Cao Chuan immediately reached out to mess up her neckline and the hem of her skirt again, then ordered coldly, “Wait until I open the door before you fix your clothes.”
Then, he deliberately acted like he was pulling up his pants as he walked to the study door, opening it with a playful air.
As expected, standing outside was a visibly anxious, effeminate young man.
He was about 1.75 meters tall, dressed in luxury brands, quite handsome—though only average in the handsome category. Compared to Cao Chuan’s sharp features and commanding aura, he was clearly lacking, not to mention inferior to the countless stunning male readers.
His figure was thin, and standing in front of Cao Chuan, who was over 1.85 meters and broad-shouldered, he looked like a shrunken version.
This man was none other than Cao Chuan’s half-brother—Cao Hai.
Cao Chuan, who had thoroughly read the original novel, utterly loathed this man.
Born of Cao Chuan’s father’s second wife, Cao Hai was the favored youngest son, doted on endlessly by their father. Despite having access to the best healthcare, education, nutrition, and environment since birth, he had squandered it all. His brain seemed underdeveloped, and his limbs weren’t any better. He fancied himself clever and liked playing little schemes and tricks, always going against Cao Chuan.
Eventually, someone seized the opportunity to take everything from the Cao Family—thanks in large part to this idiot.
The reason Cao Chuan had lost the right to inherit the Cao Family, been pushed out, and ultimately watched the family fall into others’ hands—Cao Hai played a pivotal role.
Without this world-class fool, even Lin Wanrong wouldn’t have found such a perfect pawn.
As Cao Hai’s eyes anxiously scanned the study, landing on Song Keran’s disheveled appearance, Cao Chuan’s thoughts drifted again.
Cao Hai’s face quickly turned stormy. Upon seeing Song Keran looking so violated, his fists clenched, veins bulging with fury as he glared at Cao Chuan, “You beast! You actually laid hands on Keran?! Do you even have a shred of humanity left?!”
Cao Chuan narrowed his eyes, “What did you just say?”
“I said, Cao Chuan, you’re worse than a dog!” Cao Hai roared.
Before he could finish, Cao Chuan raised his hand and slapped him hard across the face.
“Say that again if you dare!”
Cao Hai staggered.
“You—You hit me?” He steadied himself, holding his face in disbelief. “Cao Chuan, are you seriously looking to die?! Not only did you force yourself on Keran, you even dare lay hands on me?! You’re dead—”
Before he could finish, Cao Chuan struck him again, this time with more force.
Cao Hai stumbled back several steps and nearly fell. Even Song Keran, who was hurriedly fixing her appearance in the study, was stunned.
Because today’s Cao Chuan was completely different from before.
Normally, Cao Chuan treated her with utmost care, like she was something fragile. Toward Cao Hai, perhaps because he was favored by their father and supported by Lin Wanrong—the CEO of Cao Corporation—Cao Chuan always acted like he was beneath him.
But today, Cao Chuan was like a different man—aggressive, domineering, unrestrained, as if there was nothing in this world he feared.
It was unexpected… and very manly.
But Cao Hai, noticing her stunned expression, felt his blood pressure spike. Feeling humiliated in front of the goddess he adored, he lunged at Cao Chuan in fury, “Cao Chuan, you dare humiliate me again and again?! You dog, I’m going to kill you!”
Cao Chuan didn’t speak. He simply raised his hand and slapped him again.
Then a few more followed in quick succession, until Cao Hai collapsed to the ground.
Cao Chuan stood over him, his expression dark, “No respect for your elders!”
Cao Hai struggled to get up, wanting to fight back.
But Cao Chuan stepped on his chest, pinning him down.
“I’m your older brother, and you call me by my name? You even insult me like some street thug. No manners at all! I hit you because I’m teaching you a lesson. Even if Father hears about this, I’ll still be in the right.”
Cao Hai froze.
The curses on his lips and his attempt to get up stopped instantly.
It was true. The Cao Family was Zhonghai’s number one prestigious family. No matter how fierce the fights got behind closed doors, appearances and etiquette had to be maintained.
Today, he had yelled Cao Chuan’s name and cursed him outright—completely against family protocol. Getting slapped was perfectly justified.
Even if their father, who loved him the most, found out, he wouldn’t blame Cao Chuan at all.
“Now, think carefully. What should you call me?”
Just then, Cao Chuan seemed to notice the injustice in his eyes and added condescendingly, “Well?”
Cao Hai felt like his chest would explode from the pressure.
His eyes turned bloodshot. His fists clenched tightly again, veins popping, almost ready to lose control.
“Cao Chuan, what are you doing? Let him go!” A woman’s voice rang out, sweet as a heavenly melody. With her arrival came a faint, intoxicating fragrance.
Cao Hai finally came to his senses and quickly released his fists.