C3 The Protagonist's Debut.!

Zhou Yingxue paused before venturing to ask, "Then, can you tell me who your boss is?"

Qin Xiaoliu was reluctant to divulge that information. Yet, considering he had survived an ordeal that should have killed him, he acknowledged the inevitable ripple effects of his continued existence. Since he worked for Lih Qingcheng, a future encounter with Zhou Yingxue was certain. His identity would come to light eventually. It made sense to prepare for that eventuality sooner rather than later.

He quickly reviewed the storyline in his mind. At this juncture, Zhou Yingxue and Lih Qingcheng were acquainted through work. However, Zhou Yingxue was oblivious to the fact that she was in Lih Qingcheng's crosshairs. This was a detail Qin Xiaoliu could exploit.

"I can reveal my boss's identity," Qin Xiaoliu proposed, "but only if you agree to another condition."

"Not another condition," Zhou Yingxue complained, disliking the idea of bargaining with this man.

"Take it or leave it," Qin Xiaoliu retorted with a dismissive glance. "If you don't agree, we'll act as if this conversation never happened."

Ultimately, Zhou Yingxue nodded. She was eager to uncover more about Qin Xiaoliu. "Fine, tell me."

Qin Xiaoliu cleared his throat. "Don't be shocked, but I'm actually under the employ of Lih Qingcheng."

Zhou Yingxue's eyes widened in disbelief. "Lih Qingcheng? That can't be! Why would Director Lih target me like this?"

"All I can share is this much. I'm in the dark about the specifics myself," Qin Xiaoliu admitted.

"All I'm asking is for you to act as if you don't recognize me. It's as simple as that. Can you manage?"

Still reeling from the revelation, Zhou Yingxue's expression was a mix of shock and incredulity.

She had always idolized Lih Qingcheng, who, at a young age, commanded a vast company with an awe-inspiring aura. Zhou Yingxue aspired to emulate her one day. They had even shared a meal just last week!

But now, to think...

She had been targeted by her own idol!

Could Lih Qingcheng have discovered her true identity?

Was there animosity between her and the Zhou family?

Lost in her thoughts, Zhou Yingxue was consumed by a whirlwind of questions and confusion.

Xiaoliu caught the look on Zhou Yingxue's face and knew exactly what she was thinking, yet he chose to remain silent. "Hey, are you listening?"

Snapping out of her thoughts, Zhou Yingxue replied, "Okay, I got it. I won't say a word..."

"But you didn't get what you wanted, and you've told me all this. Isn't Director Lih going to hold you responsible?"

Qin Xiaoliu gave her a surprised glance, not expecting her to show concern for someone as insignificant as him.

He dismissed her worries with a wave of his hand. "Don't fret over it. I've got it handled. Now, scram. You're a nuisance."

Zhou Yingxue pouted in response.

As she turned to leave, her high heel slipped, causing her to twist her ankle and stumble uncontrollably toward the edge of the table.

Qin Xiaoliu's reflexes kicked in, and he caught Zhou Yingxue by the waist.

Instinctively, Zhou Yingxue's arms found their way around Qin Xiaoliu's neck.

Their bodies pressed together in a pose that was undeniably suggestive.

Blushing furiously, Zhou Yingxue stammered, "Qin Xiaoliu, you..."

That's when the door burst open with a bang.

A figure charged in, exclaiming, "Yingxue! I've come to rescue you!"

Zhou Yingxue's brow furrowed. "Lin Feng? What are you doing here?"

Qin Xiaoliu was taken aback.

Of course! Who else could it be with such an iconic name?

The protagonist had made his entrance!

Lin Feng's anger was palpable as he took in the sight of Zhou Yingxue's soaked clothes, the barely concealed outline of her figure, and their current compromising position. Without a word, he swung a punch at Qin Xiaoliu.

"Scumbag! Take your filthy hands off her!"

Qin Xiaoliu was taken aback. So this was the protagonist?

He didn't bother with reason, resorting to violence on a whim? If he felt like hitting someone, he'd just do it!

Qin Xiaoliu shoved Lin Yaoqing onto the bed and managed to block Lin Feng's powerful blow.

As Lih Qingcheng's personal bodyguard, his combat skills were formidable, on par with special forces.

But they were still no match for the protagonist's superior strength.

The force of the punch sent a numbing sensation through his arm!

What really irked Qin Xiaoliu was Lin Feng's utter lack of reason.

He didn't utter a single word before making his move to kill.

Is the protagonist always this brutal?

Seeing Qin Xiaoliu block his punch only fueled Lin Feng's rage, prompting him to attempt another strike.

Thankfully, Zhou Yingxue intervened just in time. "Lin Feng! Stop it! Are you trying to silence him with murder?!"

After hearing Qin Xiaoliu's side of the story, Zhou Yingxue couldn't help but suspect Lin Feng—it was just too similar!

Now, with Lin Feng's sudden reappearance and his attack on Qin Xiaoliu, her suspicions deepened.

It all seemed like a self-staged act of heroism by Lin Feng to win her favor!

And ultimately, to seduce her!

Perhaps both Qin Xiaoliu and Lih Qingcheng had been fooled by him!

Zhou Yingxue, who had once viewed Lin Feng favorably, was deeply let down.

Yet Lin Feng looked utterly bewildered, "Kill and silence? Yao Qian, what are you talking about? Wasn't this guy the one with ill intentions towards you?"

Zhou Yingxue, seeing Lin Feng feign ignorance, scoffed internally but kept her thoughts to herself, replying icily, "No, he's not involved in this."

"But you, how did you even get here?"

Caught off guard, Lin Feng faltered, "It was Wei'er... she said you were in danger..."

Indeed, Zhao Wan'er had informed him, but she had instructed him not to reveal her involvement to Zhou Yingxue.

This made him hesitate.

To Zhou Yingxue, his hesitation was a sign of scrambling for an excuse!

Fuming with disappointment, Zhou Yingxue trembled, "Lin Feng! You've truly let me down!"

With that, she checked on Qin Xiaoliu one last time before swiftly exiting the room.

Lin Feng, still clueless about the situation, turned and shot Qin Xiaoliu a venomous look.

"I won't forget this!"

He then hurried after Zhou Yingxue.

Qin Xiaoliu, dismissing Lin Feng's threat, flexed his tingling arm.

"I need to get stronger, and fast... or my life will never be safe."

"I'll return that punch... sooner or later."

No sooner had the two departed than Qin Xiaoliu's phone began to ring.

He glanced at the caller ID.

"Boss."