Before the billionaire arrived, he had done his homework.
In fact, he had sensed Lu Qingjia’s return to reality as soon as he left the Game.
After all, the Item he had given him could establish coordinates even across dimensions, and if they were in the same reality, he would immediately notice.
It was undoubtedly joyful to be in the same world as Lu Qingjia, meaning they wouldn’t have to intersect only within the Game.
Forming alliances in reality was easy at their level, but to freely enter the same instance without being in the same world wasn’t simple. They would have to specifically obtain a team-up Item, which were rewards from special events and hard to come by.
After the excitement, the billionaire initially planned to visit immediately, but just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered that Lu Qingjia had a lover.
He knew his intentions for visiting beyond just meeting in reality.
For his first appearance, subtly competing with the other party, he couldn’t be reckless.
So, the billionaire sent messages overnight to several ex-girlfriends and high-profile “green tea” girls within the circle, intending to gather the best strategies to make a stunning first impression.
Those ex-girlfriends and beauties who were used to charming handsome men were stunned.
Who was he? Since high school, this guy had been playing the field, always having girls vie for his attention, exhausting their schemes, and fighting tooth and nail over him, while he sat back and played with them all.
Now, he was actually lowering himself to ask for their strategies?
Although he used the excuse of ‘a friend,’ these girls weren’t fools and quickly saw through his lie.
But honestly, the billionaire had a good reputation among women. He didn’t deceive feelings, made it clear it was just fun, was generous, handsome, and had a great figure. Getting involved with him was a win, and even after breaking up, there were no losses.
So, the billionaire generally didn’t end on bad terms with his ex-girlfriends.
Seeing him ask for advice on such matters, many girls felt a mix of jealousy toward whichever sister had tamed him and a bit of schadenfreude that he was now in this position.
Thus, several advisors started strategizing.
The billionaire was so clueless that he even created a group chat with all of them to discuss and plan together.
The ex-girlfriends were mortified, wondering how they hadn’t noticed how dumb he was when they were together.
But amidst the chaos, they did manage to impart some knowledge, and the billionaire, who had always been quick to learn, thought he had mastered the art and left the next morning with full confidence.
The billionaire possessed a powerful spatial Ability, similar to Lu Qingjia’s Anywhere Door.
Since he had been to the city where Lu Qingjia lived, it only took a half-hour drive to get there.
He hadn’t expected Lu Qingjia to be running a countryside retreat in reality, but from his perspective, it seemed well-managed.
Soon, the receptionist brought Lu Qingjia out, followed by another man.
The billionaire hadn’t anticipated the other man being a Player, and although the Game’s suppression was universal in reality, it was clear that the man’s level wasn’t low—he was likely from the Advanced Zone.
He was also quite handsome, and even with the billionaire’s disdainful, critical eye, he had to admit that the man was physically flawless.
Good looks, a fellow Player, and strong abilities—this was a formidable opponent.
The billionaire’s eyes flickered, knowing he couldn’t afford to underestimate him.
Lu Qingjia was happy to see him: “So we really are in the same world.”
He then asked, “You always called yourself the billionaire in the Game, what’s your real name?”
The billionaire smiled and replied, “I’m Fu Shou. You might not have heard of me, but you’ve probably heard of my family’s company.”
He then mentioned a major domestic conglomerate involved in multiple industries. Lu Qingjia, being in business himself, though on a smaller scale, knew of the company.
Lu Qingjia laughed, “Impressive.”
The billionaire pretended to be modest while glancing at Zhong Liyu, feigning ignorance, “And this is—”
Zhong Liyu could tell this guy was here to stir trouble. Coming in and immediately flaunting his feathers was rather foolish.
He smiled coldly, “Future lover, huh?”
The billionaire faced him with a practiced smile, one that several girls had corrected via video call the previous night, claiming it looked both innocent and infuriating to opponents.
“Oh, so you’re Jiajia’s soon-to-be ex. My apologies, I thought after a few hours out of the Game, you’d be packing your bags and moving out.”
Under Zhong Liyu’s incredulous gaze, the billionaire continued, “After all, Jiajia did admit to our affair.”
Zhong Liyu stiffened, looking at Lu Qingjia in disbelief.
The billionaire kept stabbing, “But I’m not without morals.”
“I don’t like to intrude on others’ relationships as a third party, but if you’ve already broken up, that’s different.”
He looked Zhong Liyu up and down, “You didn’t know, did you?”
His demeanor was like a pregnant mistress coming to force her way in.
Xiao Wei had already returned to the front desk, pretending to work but with ears perked up.
She hadn’t expected such drama after Mr. Ouyang and had to admit that the quality of her boss’s suitors was impressive.
These were men who could make countless women swoon, yet here they were, engaging in harem-like disputes. As his employee, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.
This was a thought she shouldn’t have.
While the onlookers were enjoying the spectacle, Zhong Liyu wished he could tear this guy to pieces.
He slowly extended his hand, a sinister smile on his lips, “Kid, I’ve seen plenty of pretty boys like you who think they can get whatever they want.”
“It’s not easy to get to where you are. Why don’t you think about your parents back home?”
The air grew tense, and the billionaire couldn’t help but be affected. However, since this was reality, the level gap wasn’t too exaggerated, so the impact wasn’t too severe.
Moreover, he had come with the intention of stealing Lu Qingjia, so he couldn’t back down, no matter what.
After all, his ex-girlfriends had repeatedly emphasized that men stealing partners was different from women.
Women showing weakness could trigger a man’s protective instincts, making the opponent seem overbearing, but for men, it was different.
If you cower under intimidation, who would respect you? No one likes a man who can’t stand his ground.
So, the billionaire faced Zhong Liyu head-on under immense pressure.
At this point, Lu Qingjia pulled Zhong Liyu back, “Go get breakfast for me.”
“But he—”
“What about him? I tricked him twice in the last instance. He’s just here to mess with me.”
Lu Qingjia thought the guy was still holding a grudge over the cross-dressing incident, so without the Game’s pressure, he was here to get back at him.
After all, who would expect a playboy to suddenly switch sides without any struggle?
Lu Qingjia smacked the billionaire’s head and led him to the sofa in the lobby, where Xiao Wei had already brought coffee.
He scoffed, “Still holding a grudge? Didn’t I teach you a lesson? Don’t judge by appearances; the next beautiful woman might have something bigger than you.”
The billionaire choked, then awkwardly said, “I’m not mad about that. In fact, I’m grateful you broadened my horizons, making me realize that not just women can be attractive.”
He even winked at Lu Qingjia.
Lu Qingjia said, “Then why are you here causing trouble?”
The billionaire leaned closer, flattering, “It’s just that, as a brother, I know you’re with someone, and I’m worried, so I wanted to test him.”
“You’re so good and charming; it’s normal to attract people. As your partner, he should face this reality and accept it. Otherwise, he’s being too domineering. You already have enough pressure from clearing instances; I don’t want you to have added stress from a relationship.”
He then added, “Oh, I might be overstepping, but you have to believe that after the last instance, we’ve shared life-and-death experiences. You might not feel the same, but I genuinely consider you a companion, a true friend for the first time, so I might have gone overboard.”
He lowered his head, looking somewhat dejected.
Just then, Zhong Liyu came out with breakfast and, hearing this, wanted to vomit.
Where did this green tea come from, saying such nauseating things? He almost poured the soy milk over the guy’s head.
Of course, he thought it, and he intended to do it.
But as he tilted the cup, Lu Qingjia took it and gave him a warning look.
Zhong Liyu glared at him, his eyes clearly saying—‘You’re not buying this green tea bullshit, are you? Are you?’
Lu Qingjia, of course, wasn’t buying it. He wasn’t a fool who could be swayed by a few words; manipulating words was his specialty.
At first, he thought the guy was just joking around, but now he was sure the billionaire had a screw loose.
He tentatively asked, “When you exited through the Anywhere Door, did you encounter a trap? Like being torn apart by some force?”
“Huh?” The billionaire was baffled, “Why do you ask?”
Lu Qingjia, sipping his soy milk, pointed to his temple, “Because you seem to have something wrong here.”
“What?”
“Either that, or you were parasitized by a bug or had a strand of someone’s soul implanted in you as a means to stage a comeback.”
“What—why? I’m not that stupid. Besides, the Game has already announced that thing is dead.”
Lu Qingjia said, “Then why are you talking like this? From the moment you arrived, you’ve been all sappy and idiotic, making my teeth ache.”
“Did you really go to relationship experts for advice just to mess with me? You’re so contrived. If you were like this in the Game, I wouldn’t have played with you.”
The billionaire felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him, and he was completely dumbfounded.
If he hadn’t instinctively held back, he might have blurted out, “How did you know?”
“HAHAHAHA…” Zhong Liyu’s unrestrained laughter echoed from the side.
The man who had been glaring at him earlier now paid him no mind.
Indeed, as long as the boyfriend could spot the green tea, there was nothing to worry about.
Thinking about it, what was there to fear from a trash from the Intermediate Level?
That idiot had said one thing right—his Jiajia was irresistibly charming, attracting both men and women was natural, but if he had to worry about each one, wouldn’t that be beneath him?
Zhong Liyu now exuded the calm of the main partner, preparing to leave the lobby to wash the clothes Lu Qingjia had worn yesterday.
Before he arrived, Lu Qingjia usually used the washing machine, but nothing compared to his meticulous hand-washing.
The billionaire, though stunned, wasn’t ready to give up.
He instinctively launched a big move, “Heh, what’s so funny? Remember when we were on a mission together, I played the domineering billionaire, and he dressed as my personal female companion? Those were the good times.”
Zhong Liyu’s steps halted, and he turned stiffly, a long blade already in his hand.
Lu Qingjia, seeing this, wanted to kill the billionaire.
He quickly went to hold Zhong Liyu back, but Zhong Liyu wasn’t having it, “You still want me to let him go?”
“Back then, I just took a glance, and you beat me up so badly.”
Lu Qingjia said, “How do you know he didn’t get beaten up?”
Zhong Liyu: “…”
“Wait, so if he gets beaten up, it’s okay? Then I want to see now, and you can beat him up afterward.”
Lu Qingjia and the billionaire: “…”
Why did it feel like this guy was just trying to take advantage of the situation?
Lu Qingjia now wanted nothing to do with either of them, pointing at them, “Both of you, get out of here. Don’t mess up my business in the lobby.”
As guests were already coming down for breakfast, the three of them, being attention-grabbing types, had already attracted a few onlookers.
Zhong Liyu never expected to be treated the same as a troublemaker.
To save face, after being kicked out, he grabbed a hoe outside and shouted, “I’ll go clear the weeds on the back hill.”
He then approached the billionaire, who was about the same height as Lu Qingjia, but Zhong Liyu was slightly taller.
Now, with his natural imposing presence, coupled with his aura and without Lu Qingjia in sight, Zhong Liyu smirked maliciously, “Kid, want to go hiking?”
The billionaire was a bit nervous now, as his green tea tactics had backfired, and Lu Qingjia had ruthlessly exposed him. He probably thought he was just here to cause trouble.
If he couldn’t evoke sympathy, then the losses were for nothing.
So, the billionaire turned and rushed back into the lobby, approaching Lu Qingjia, “Jiajia, I’ve recently been kicked out of my home. Can you take me in?”
“If you’re staying as a guest, I don’t mind. I’m not picky with customers,” Lu Qingjia said indifferently.
Being a guest wasn’t enough; it created a barrier.
So, he quickly added, “My cards have been frozen, and I’m broke. How about you hire me? I’m capable, you know that.”
Lu Qingjia pointed at Zhong Liyu, who was carrying the hoe outside, “Sorry, but this small place doesn’t have room for your talents.”
“A big CEO like you can only do odd jobs here. It’s not that I doubt your abilities, but the stage is just too small.”
“Hey! Don’t say that. I’ve already seen the surrounding scenery, and it’s really beautiful—pure, natural, not overdeveloped, and what has been developed is tastefully done. It has great potential.”
“If you don’t want to rely on the mountain, we could start a hotel chain. I promise to help you expand nationwide within three years.”
Lu Qingjia pointed at Zhong Liyu again, “Then you two should have something to talk about. He said the same thing.”
The billionaire was startled. He glanced at Zhong Liyu, rummaging through his memory, and finally placed him.
No wonder he felt a sense of familiarity—it wasn’t just the hostility of meeting a rival, but he had actually heard of him.
He sneered, “Oh, so it’s the crown prince of the Zhong family in Southeast Asia. I had the pleasure of attending a banquet hosted by your father when I accompanied my father on a market survey there years ago.”
“Your father was truly an impressive figure, but what a pity, he ended up in such a miserable state in his later years.”
He pulled Lu Qingjia aside, “Jiajia, let me tell you, stay away from this guy. He threw his own father in prison. He’s the embodiment of a char siu, ruthless even to his own family. What can you expect from him?”
Lu Qingjia nodded, “I know. I was the one who gathered the evidence against him.”
The billionaire gasped, looking at Lu Qingjia in complete disbelief.
He suddenly felt like he had lost a step, as he couldn’t imagine sending his own father to prison for a man—
Wait, that wasn’t the point; his father hadn’t done anything warranting prison.
The billionaire felt a bit timid, but there was no turning back now, so he forced the conversation back on track—
“Well, that’s not our concern. Seriously, I really have nowhere to go now. Hire me.”
“Whatever he can do, I can do too. I’ll even take a lower salary.”
Zhong Liyu’s cold voice came from behind, “Even if you paid us, we wouldn’t take a money-loser like you.”
The billionaire ignored him and directly asked Xiao Wei, “Miss, how much does he make a month?”
“Brother Zhong? Two thousand.”
“Then I’ll take eighteen hundred,” the billionaire immediately offered.
Zhong Liyu said, “Cheap things are no good.”
“Right, your salary is a whopping two thousand, so expensive.”
“You know, helping out at home for a symbolic sum is different from hiring cheap labor.”
“How do you know you’ll still be part of the family next year?”
“How do you know you’ll still be alive next year?”
Lu Qingjia’s head was throbbing from the noise. He kicked Zhong Liyu out and dragged the billionaire to send him back where he came from.
“This isn’t fair. Why? I’m just applying for a job,” the billionaire struggled before leaving.
Lu Qingjia said, “Enough, I’ve got enough on my plate. Stay out of trouble for now.”
Hearing this, the billionaire knew it was about the Game and quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Didn’t we already come out? What are you worried about?”
“Not every instance is that dangerous. If all goes well, we should be moving up to the Advanced Zone next. Honestly, the difficulty of the Intermediate to Advanced instance is almost a cakewalk for our current abilities. No need to stress, right?”
Lu Qingjia didn’t want to delve deeper and said, “True, next time we meet, we’ll be Advanced Players. Let’s celebrate then.”
“I feel like you just set a flag,” the billionaire muttered, but he was still happy.
He thought that becoming an Advanced Player would at least make him less passive against Zhong Liyu, and he could wield the hoe more forcefully.
But the most crucial issue was that the women’s strategies had completely failed. He needed to figure out why—weren’t they supposed to be experts?
After sending the billionaire away, Lu Qingjia finally had some peace.
Having gained a powerful Ability and facing the upcoming challenge, Lu Qingjia meticulously prepared, spending considerable time practicing his Ability and exploring new ways to use it.
During this period, Zhong Liyu continuously fed Lu Qingjia valuable resources.
Even a useless pig like the God Envoy had been nurtured into a top Intermediate Level Player, let alone Lu Qingjia?
Zhong Liyu’s assessment of his current strength was that he could already go toe-to-toe with some Advanced Players entering the Advanced Zone.
Even though a Player’s spiritual power, Abilities, and physical constitution undergo a qualitative change upon advancing from the Intermediate Level to the Advanced Zone, the better the foundation, the greater the benefits of this transformation.
This was why the billionaire, despite having the strength, had delayed his promotion.
After thorough preparation, over half a month later, Lu Qingjia said, “I’m going to the instance where Old Uncle died.”
Zhong Liyu had anticipated this and said, “There’s no way I’m letting you go in alone.”
“You know as well as I do that there must be traps set by the Trickster. I promise not to interfere unless absolutely necessary and it doesn’t jeopardize your safety, but—”
Lu Qingjia cut him off, “No need to say more. I didn’t plan to go in alone this time.”
Zhong Liyu was immediately delighted and moved closer to nuzzle him. “Jiajia, let’s take care of the Trickster early and live a good life from now on, okay?”
Lu Qingjia looked up and met his gaze, his eyes softening. “Okay.”
However, before entering the Game, Lu Qingjia met with the lucky person, Ouyang Bai, once more and said earnestly, “Your Majesty, please bestow some of your luck upon me.”
Zhong Liyu: “…”
Ouyang Bai: “…You weren’t like this before.”
Lu Qingjia replied, “That’s because I hadn’t fully realized your greatness yet. Please forgive my past arrogance.”
Ouyang Bai: Can we even play this properly anymore?
After preparing everything and submitting the application to the Game, just before entering, Lu Qingjia thought for a moment and decided to change into that women’s dress he had.
Zhong Liyu, sitting on his bed, hadn’t expected such a delightful turn of events and was immediately overwhelmed with excitement—
“Jiajia, I, helping you is just part of my duty, you don’t have to reward me like this.”
After saying these insincere words, he immediately pressed his luck: “When we were shopping earlier, I saw two nice sets of women’s lingerie. We still have a few minutes, I’ll go get them right away—”
Lu Qingjia took off the dress, slapped him backhandedly, and then pressed his head down with one hand, staring at him with a terrifying gaze. “What did you just say? I didn’t hear it clearly. Say it again?”
“N-nothing, just thinking Madam An’s birthday is coming up, wondering what to get her.”
“Madam An’s birthday is six months from now,” the Horror Game chimed in, munching on some metaphorical popcorn.
Zhong Liyu hadn’t expected this bastard to keep laughing about his past embarrassment with the cat’s balls and now even dared to stir up trouble.
He smirked maliciously, “Oh, you’re here? You’re watching? I thought this sweet couple atmosphere would be too much for you, especially since it’s the holidays. While others are enjoying meals with their husbands and kids, some lonely dogs have to work overtime.”
Horror Game: “…”
