Chapter 688 Persuasion - I Became the Rich Second-Generation Villain

"When we were in the secular world, my mother offended some people in business and was worried they might harm me, so she hired a bodyguard," Xu Qing Tong recounted. "And that bodyguard is Su Xuan?" Wang Hao Ran interjected suddenly. "Yes," Xu Qing Tong nodded. "When you first found out about this, did you strongly oppose it?" Wang Hao Ran speculated. "Huh, how did you know? Did my sister tell you?" Xu Qing Tong asked in surprise. Wang Hao Ran gave a peculiar smile. How could he not know this cliché? He had even experienced it firsthand. To some extent, Qin Yun Han was the same type of heroine as Xu Qing Tong. Both were heiresses whose parents hired bodyguards to protect them from harm. However, Qin Yun Han's bodyguard, Xiao Yi Feng, was rather unlucky, facing a too powerful villain. In contrast, the early-stage antagonists Su Xuan faced were mediocre at best and were certainly dealt with by him. "Yes, your sister told me," Wang Hao Ran replied leisurely to Xu Qing Tong. "Sigh, I actually thought Su Xuan was nice before, but after today, I see him differently. I didn't provoke him, yet he took his anger out on me," Xu Qing Tong complained. "A man who takes his anger out on a woman is truly incapable," Wang Hao Ran critiqued before adding, "There's something I'd like to say, but I'm not sure if I should." "Go ahead," Xu Qing Tong encouraged. "I don't think Su Xuan is right for you. You're beautiful and have such a great personality; you deserve someone better," Wang Hao Ran spoke candidly. "Oh, come on. I actually have a terrible temper and get angry a lot," Xu Qing Tong said, a bit embarrassed by the compliment, making a self-deprecating remark. "It's that bit of temper that makes a girl more endearing; it's one of your charms," Wang Hao Ran said earnestly. "Do you really think so?" Xu Qing Tong asked, surprised. "Yeah. Take your sister, for instance. She’s so mild-tempered that it sometimes feels there's a lack of spice. A bit of bickering can actually make things more interesting in a relationship," Wang Hao Ran continued with his serious nonsense. It was the first time Xu Qing Tong had heard such words, and she felt a surge of delight in her heart. Playfully, she said, "Aren't you afraid I'll tell my sister what you said?" "Oh, come on, please don't tell her," Wang Hao Ran waved his hand, pretending to be scared. In truth, Xu Qing Xuan's affection for him was already maxed out, and she was extremely indulgent toward him. Even if Xu Qing Tong told her, Xu Qing Xuan wouldn't care. At most, she’d feign anger for Xu Qing Tong’s sake, but wouldn’t take it seriously at heart. "Haha, don't worry, I won't say anything," Xu Qing Tong smiled brightly. "This is our little secret." "Okay," Wang Hao Ran nodded with a smile, gazing at her. Xu Qing Tong suddenly restrained her smile, her eyes hesitating to meet his as she murmured, "Why are you looking at me like that?" "Because you're so beautiful, I can't help but take another look," Wang Hao Ran chuckled before clarifying, "But don't get me wrong. I just see you as a sister, with no other intentions, purely admiration." Hearing this, Xu Qing Tong felt a twinge of disappointment but quickly realized that the person in front of her was her future brother-in-law. She admonished herself not to entertain any improper thoughts. She liked Su Xuan, she should stay loyal. Yet the more Xu Qing Tong thought about it, the more her mind grew chaotic. She realized she suddenly lacked those romantic feelings for Su Xuan. At several moments, she felt like breaking free from Su Xuan. Xu Qing Tong knew these thoughts were improper; she wasn't a bad girl and couldn't act this way. "It's late, you should rest," Wang Hao Ran glanced at Xu Qing Tong's complex expression, could roughly guess what she was thinking, and decided against further engaging her. Instead, he planned to give her time alone to think. He then stood up, casually leaving her with a graceful silhouette as he walked away. Wang Hao Ran wandered around other parts of Fei Yun Pavilion for a while before returning to Xu Qing Xuan's boudoir. With a thought, he entered the Heaven-Breaking Tower. Xu Qing Xuan, who had been resting after feeling exhausted, was now awake. Wang Hao Ran had been out for about an hour, but in the Heaven-Breaking Tower, ten hours had passed. Fully rested, Xu Qing Xuan appeared vibrant and lively. During their alone time, Wang Hao Ran shared some things with her. Xu Qing Xuan already knew that Wang Hao Ran was the "reincarnation of an Immortal Emperor." "Have you rested well?" Wang Hao Ran asked. "Yes," Xu Qing Xuan nodded, as if enlightened, and reached to untie her belt. Having not seen Wang Hao Ran for a while, she naturally missed him and wanted to spend quality time together. Plus, this could also aid her cultivation. It was truly a win-win, so Xu Qing Xuan was eager. Seeing Xu Qing Xuan’s actions, Wang Hao Ran found it amusing yet helpless, but he had other matters on his mind and didn’t plan to go with the flow. He suddenly asked, "What do you think of Su Xuan?" Xu Qing Xuan realized she misunderstood, felt a bit awkward, and after a moment of thought regarding Wang Hao Ran’s question, replied: "My earlier impression of him wasn't bad, but after today, I gained a new perspective." "Because he lost his temper with your sister?" Wang Hao Ran asked. Xu Qing Xuan nodded, sighing, "If Qing Tong truly marries him in the future, she might suffer. Her temper is quite challenging to handle. If Su Xuan were patient and magnanimous, they might get along, but today showed he has a narrow mind." "Moreover, Su Xuan isn't solely devoted to Qing Tong; he has other women." "Indeed, I also feel Su Xuan isn't right for Qing Tong," Wang Hao Ran agreed, then probed, "As her sister, aren't you considering doing something about it?" "Are you suggesting they should break up?" Xu Qing Xuan asked, surprised. "If you don't want your sister to end up in tears constantly," Wang Hao Ran replied. "You seem quite concerned about my sister," Xu Qing Xuan said, looking at him meaningfully. "She's your sister, so she's my sister too. Isn't it right to care for her?" Wang Hao Ran smiled. "Is it really just concern?" Xu Qing Xuan's lips curled slightly. "You don't suspect I have impure thoughts about her, do you? You should know my character; there's no way I'd think like that." Wang Hao Ran explained casually, but even he felt the statement lacked conviction the moment it left his mouth. (End of the chapter)