Chapter 725 Spreading the Net - I Became the Rich Second-Generation Villain

Wang Haoran observed Ye Wu Hen's expression and could surmise her inner thoughts. "To be honest, from the beginning, I have never feared Ye Xuan Tian. Whether he's injured or not, it doesn't affect me at all," he remarked. Ye Wu Hen had just witnessed that fierce battle and had a newfound understanding of Ye Xuan Tian's strength. Therefore, she assumed Wang Haoran was just putting on a brave face when he made such a comment. Alternatively, it was possible that Wang Haoran wasn't aware of Ye Xuan Tian's current prowess and remained this confident because of it. Ye Wu Hen didn't voice her thoughts, only managing a slight smile, pretending to believe him. "You don't need to worry. I'll handle those outsiders, ensuring they don't cause any trouble," he added. "Alright, but take care of yourself. Don't overexert," Ye Wu Hen urged with a hint of concern. Wang Haoran glanced at the starry sky and the bright moon, seemingly appreciating the view. Suddenly, he invited her, "Are you free? Shall we take a walk?" "I..." Ye Wu Hen hesitated, recalling her master's instructions to keep things under wraps at this busy time. However, realizing Wang Haoran seldom extended such invitations, she feared rejecting him might result in him ignoring her in the future. "Okay. Just give me a moment to brief my subordinates," she proposed as a compromise. Though she needed to keep things confidential, she didn't have to manage every detail personally. Her subordinates took care of it while she just oversaw the operations, so her absence wouldn't be too impactful. Wang Haoran nodded at her. Ye Wu Hen quickly delegated tasks to her subordinates and promptly returned to his side. The two walked along a quiet path, bathed in moonlight. Her heart fluttered, filling her with a slight nervousness. She remained silent throughout the walk. The very gesture of inviting her to stroll led her to daydream about various possibilities. "Now that we're alone, we can discuss serious matters." When they reached a tranquil spot, Wang Haoran broke the silence. Ye Wu Hen was taken aback, "You have something serious to discuss?" "Indeed, with so many eyes earlier, it was inconvenient to talk. So, I found an excuse," he explained. Ye Wu Hen felt a tinge of disappointment, but quickly composed herself and asked earnestly, "What is it you wanted to talk about?" "Truth be told," he sighed deeply before continuing, "I have many beautiful women by my side, yet after meeting you, Miss Ye, I couldn't forget you. One of the main reasons I came to the imperial capital with Su Wen and Nan Zhi was to see you." "I realize this may be forward, but I still want to ask: would you be willing to spend your life with me?" Ye Wu Hen, expecting serious business talk, was thoroughly startled by his words. "This is your serious matter?" she said, amazed. "Isn't a lifelong commitment serious business?" he countered. "It's a matter of life, yes, but also a personal affair... at this moment, I just," she trailed off. "Pardon my impropriety. If Miss Ye doesn't wish to discuss such personal matters now, let's pretend I never said anything," he said with a pained look. "From now on, I'll treat you solely as a friend and never entertain improper thoughts again." Hearing this, she felt a pang of urgency, "You've said it, how can you pretend it never happened?" "And what do you mean by that, Miss Ye?" he asked. "Actually... I also felt a strong bond with you at first sight. After returning to the imperial capital, I couldn't stop thinking of you, even resolving that I would marry none but you," she whispered shyly, lowering her head. Wang Haoran lifted her chin gently, making her look up, and leaned in with deep affection. Reason told her these matters shouldn't occupy her mind now, yet emotional impulses overpowered logic, and she involuntarily closed her eyes. After a long moment, they parted. Her face was flushed, filled with sweetness and a sense of guilt. Given her status, she shouldn't be preoccupied with personal affairs at such a critical juncture. This guilt stemmed from that knowledge. Yet, she couldn't resist. They continued their moonlit stroll, occasionally engaging in tender moments of affection. As midnight approached, they finally bid farewell. Instead of returning to Nan Zhi's house, Wang Haoran adopted Ryuusei Ichiro's appearance and, using the memories extracted from him, proceeded to an external empire contact point outside the imperial capital and sent out a message. He lingered at the contact point briefly, soon sensing presences drawing near but maintained his composure. Given Ryuusei Ichiro's abilities, he wouldn't have noticed such things. Soon, many seductive women appeared in his view. They exuded allure, adopting provocative postures, and approached him enticingly. His thoughts were quickly stirred. However, he knew these were mere illusions. But to convincingly impersonate Ryuusei Ichiro, who was somewhat of a womanizer, he had to seemingly indulge. And then, just as Ryuusei Ichiro was about to act, the illusions vanished instantly. Laughter echoed, and a sultry woman with a snake-like waist approached the room. "Ms. Chizuru, do you need to joke around like this every time?" he said irritably in Suwaese, adjusting his disheveled attire. This woman was none other than Chizuru Shinichi, another prominent figure from Suwa. Chizuru Shinichi ranked second on the Heaven List, holding higher status and greater strength than Ryuusei Ichiro, who was eighth. "Weren't you just enjoying it?" she smirked with a cryptic smile, "Men, they're all weak-willed." Internally cursing a relative of hers, he outwardly chuckled, "Ms. Chizuru, you are always right." As she arrived, other outsiders also trickled in. Including Chizuru Shinichi and Ryuusei Ichiro, there were seven powerful figures, all ranking in the top ten of the Heaven List. Excluding Wu Xing Tian at the top, the ninth Long Qian Shan, and the tenth Ye Xuan Tian, all other top-ranking members were present. "Ryuusei Ichiro, sending an urgent message to call us here, what grave matter demands our attention? Waste my time, and I'll rip your head off," growled the M Nation Strongman with a werewolf lineage. He resisted the urge to slap this insolent fool and said, "I obtained vital intel in the city." "Were you looking for women or intel?" the M Nation Strongman inquired, familiar with Ryuusei Ichiro's reputation. "For women," he replied. Everyone, including Chizuru Shinichi, scrutinized him disapprovingly. "But this woman is named Ye Wu Hen," he grinned slyly. Playing the role of the lecherous Ryuusei Ichiro, with his naturally sleazy look and smile, came naturally. At his mention, the other top-ranking figures blinked in disbelief. "I've charmed Ye Wu Hen and persuaded her to poison Wu Xing Tian. Though the poison may not kill him, it will significantly weaken his combat ability," he divulged. "We'll sneak into the imperial capital. Once Ye Wu Hen succeeds, we'll pounce together to kill Wu Xing Tian." "With Wu Xing Tian dead, the rest is self-explanatory, no?"