The Villain: Claiming The Protagonist's Master

He was furious beyond reason.

Losing the Dragon Emperor Pearl to Su Chen was one thing, and even missing the chance to bid on the fragment jade pendant could be chalked up to his lack of strength compared to Su Chen. That, he could reluctantly accept.

But watching Su Chen acquire the pendant at such a high price and then, in front of everyone, turning around to gift it to Xiao Ruoyu—what was the meaning behind this? Was Su Chen mocking him? Was this a public slap to his face?

"You scoundrel! What do you think you're doing? Move!"

Seeing Ye Fan's shameless behavior, Xia Qingxue immediately frowned, barking at him. She was utterly disgusted by Ye Fan's petty actions.

Just as she moved to shove him aside, however, she realized that Ye Fan didn't budge an inch, standing like an immovable stone and completely blocking their path.

How did this guy suddenly become so strong?

Her expression shifted as she noticed his unexpected strength.

"Out of the way!" Ye Fan growled, his tone cold and unforgiving.

"Ruoyu, this scoundrel actually dared to talk to me like that," Xia Qingxue muttered in frustration, clearly infuriated by Ye Fan's challenge.

"Step aside!" Xiao Ruoyu's brows furrowed, and a chilling gleam flickered in her eyes. A powerful wave of energy surged from her, sweeping toward Ye Fan like a violent gust.

Boom!

Despite his best efforts to resist, Ye Fan was forced back several steps, his face flushed as blood churned within him, barely stopping himself from coughing up blood.

"Scoundrel, count yourself lucky this time. Next time I see you, I'll beat you so badly you'll be picking up your teeth from the floor," Xia Qingxue sneered, waving her small fists at him. With a huff, she grabbed Xiao Ruoyu by the arm and led her away, not sparing him another glance.

Ye Fan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze fixed on Xiao Ruoyu's departing figure, his eyes bloodshot, seething with rage.

But Xiao Ruoyu didn't care to look back, leaving him there in silence. As he watched her retreating silhouette, Ye Fan's face grew darker, clenching his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. The pain in his chest flared, almost as if his heart was being torn apart by anger and jealousy.

"A worthless dog will always be a worthless dog!"

Su Meier's voice dripped with mockery as she glanced at Ye Fan's miserable state. "And he dares to dream of defying fate? Delusional fool!" With a dismissive look, she turned and followed Xiao Ruoyu and Xia Qingxue, leaving Ye Fan standing alone in a daze.

His fists tightened, blood seeping from his palms as his nails dug into his skin. "Aah…!!"

A guttural scream tore from his throat as veins bulged on his forehead, his whole being radiating a murderous aura, looking every bit like a man possessed by fury.

---

Inside the "Wu" suite.

At some point, Chu Yanran, Xia Qingxue, and Su Meier had discreetly left the room, leaving Su Chen and Xiao Ruoyu alone in the spacious private suite.

"Miss Xiao, please have a seat."

Seeing her standing there with a hint of unease, Su Chen offered her a warm smile, gesturing to the seat across from him. (Nice try Diddy)

Xiao Ruoyu hesitated, her gaze lingering on the fragment jade pendant in her hands. After a moment of indecision, she finally took a seat, a faint blush dusting her fair cheeks.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice soft.

The young man before her seemed barely older than twenty, younger than her by a few years, yet he possessed an air of maturity and calm that belied his age. His imposing demeanor and unwavering confidence were entirely unlike any of his peers.

While she observed him, Su Chen's gaze subtly assessed her as well.

Her flawless beauty was a blend of delicate features and grace, with snow-like skin and cascading bright hair that framed her face. Her large, luminous eyes sparkled with intelligence, while her slender figure was adorned in a soft yellow gown that highlighted her graceful curves. Her long, shapely legs, exposed by the slit in her skirt, were perfectly proportioned and smooth, exuding an understated allure.

Her every movement exuded elegance and charm, an enchanting beauty that would make any man's heart race. Even Su Chen, who had lived through two lifetimes, found himself swallowing unconsciously, feeling his heart stir.

"Miss Xiao, there's no need to thank me. It's only right," Su Chen said with a charming smile.

"Master Su, why did you gift me such a precious jade pendant?" Xiao Ruoyu asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

They had no connection prior to this meeting, no shared history or common interests. Yet he had gifted her an object valued at ten billion top-grade spirit stones. She couldn't fathom his intentions.

Su Chen's smile faded as he met her gaze, a look of sincerity in his eyes.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, "Because I like you."

Xiao Ruoyu's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching slightly as she looked at him.

'Is… Is this his way of confessing?' she wondered to herself, immediately dismissing the thought with a shake of her head. It was too absurd. They had only just met. How could he claim to like her?

"No matter what, I'm grateful for your kindness, but I'm afraid I cannot accept it," she replied gently, her tone courteous but firm.

With that, she placed the jade pendant on the table in front of him, her face set with quiet resolve.

As much as she was tempted, she couldn't in good conscience accept something so valuable without reason.

Su Chen's expression remained calm, showing no sign of surprise at her response. He had anticipated her reaction.

He didn't reach for the pendant but instead waved his hand, saying, "Miss Xiao, there's no need to be so hasty in turning me down."

Xiao Ruoyu's brows furrowed, a trace of irritation flickering in her gaze. To her, it felt as if Su Chen was toying with her.

After all, they had no real relationship, no shared history. His sudden declaration of affection was baffling and seemed almost disrespectful.

Su Chen seemed to sense her thoughts, his voice dropping to a more serious tone as he continued, "Miss Xiao, please hear me out first."

"I'm aware of the situation within the Xiao family. Word travels, after all. You and your brother, Xiao Tiancheng, are vying for the position of the Xiao family's next head. While your father supports you in secret, the majority of the family branches favor your brother."

"Am I correct?"

Hearing his words, Xiao Ruoyu's expression shifted, surprised at how much he knew about the Xiao family's affairs.

Still, she wasn't swayed by his pursuit, her refusal firm.

Su Chen remained unfazed by her reaction, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he pressed on. "Miss Xiao, you must realize that your position in the Xiao family is precarious. Xiao Tiancheng wouldn't hesitate to see you gone if it secured his rise."

"As the young master of the Su family, it's expected that I marry a woman of equal standing from a prominent family."

"Isn't it fitting, then, that we're both unattached? Doesn't this seem like a match made by fate?"

As he spoke, Su Chen rose to his feet, looking down at Xiao Ruoyu with an intensity that made her heart race.

Feeling his gaze, a fierce blush spread across her cheeks, and she lowered her head, her heart pounding in confusion.

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