Just spoil him then.

A breakfast meal.

The small eatery was packed to the brim.

Normally, most people would take their noodles to go, eating as they walked.

But today, everyone either sat or stood around, refusing to leave.

The owner even started entertaining the idea of renting the neighboring shop to expand his business.

Meanwhile, the system kept collecting negative emotions.

This was the first time Cao Cheng truly understood the meaning of the phrase "beauty brings disaster."

Just look at the current situation.

He hadn’t done anything.

Yet, there were quite a few people who harbored negative emotions toward him—resentment, even fury.

……

To be fair,

the scene wasn’t too chaotic.

Most people were stealing glances discreetly, still mindful of their dignity.

But because Cao Cheng had the system, he could keenly sense every flicker of emotion, making the atmosphere feel far more volatile than it appeared.

When Cao Cheng went out alone, he could also collect positive emotions from girls. Before the system upgraded, his perception wasn’t as sharp. Now, it was clear—those girls’ emotions were things like [admiration] and [fondness].

At the same time, there were negative emotions from men—likely [contempt] and [envy].

After all,

Young Master Cao was quite handsome himself.

"This noodle is too dry," Ren Yuege frowned.

The moment her brows knitted, the onlookers felt a pang of pity, their resentment toward Cao Cheng flaring up.

Damn it,

such a beautiful girl.

And you bring her to a street-side breakfast stall?

Are you that damn broke?

If it were me, I’d sell my house just to treat her to a proper restaurant, maybe some rice noodles.

How could a girl even eat hot dry noodles?

Ren Yushang, however, said softly, "I think it’s alright."

Ren Yuege rolled her eyes. "You’re just spoiling him."

"What does that have to do with me?" Cao Cheng chuckled. "Some people like the noodles, some don’t. If it’s not to your taste, just order a bowl of beef rice noodles instead. Want some fried dough sticks?"

"No, too greasy," Ren Yuege said with affected delicacy.

The three of them chatted as they ate, drawing waves of envy from the crowd.

Emotional energy kept rolling in.

Cao Cheng asked curiously, "When you two go out, do you always attract this much attention?"

Ren Yuege instinctively glanced around.

The men nearby immediately averted their gazes.

Bunch of cowards.

She nodded. "It’s not too bad. This happens often, so I usually wear a mask when I go out. But I can’t exactly eat with a mask on, can I?"

Suddenly, she smirked smugly. "Well, little brother, see how popular your big sister is?"

Cao Cheng said gravely, "Yeah, you’re popular alright. But I’m sensing a lot of hatred. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone here wants to kill me."

"Pfft—!" Ren Yushang nearly spat out her noodles, choking.

Cao Cheng reached over and patted her back to help her catch her breath.

Ren Yuege laughed too, though she scolded him, "Stop making her laugh while she’s eating. Her sense of humor’s too easily triggered."

Cao Cheng sighed. "I’m not joking. I really feel like someone wants me dead. Look, look—it’s getting even stronger now… pure, unadulterated hatred."

Ren Yuege swatted his arm. "Quit being dramatic. Are you paranoid or something?"

Cao Cheng shook his head, amused.

You don’t get it.

I can literally collect emotions, okay?

Someone really wants me dead.

Critical hit.

100 emotional points.

This isn’t some random loser just here for breakfast.

No way.

First of all, this person’s got status.

This wasn’t like Auntie Wang, who once gave a 200-point critical hit—that was because she knew Cao Cheng well, had built-up resentment, and then lost a ton of money to him. The circumstances were different.

This time?

No prior connection.

No history.

No buildup.

With all these factors missing, a sudden critical hit could only mean one thing: this person wasn’t ordinary.

Military, political, or business circles—they had to belong to one.

And,

the system detected this wasn’t mere jealousy. This was genuine, full-blown [hatred].

Hatred at this level meant they wanted him dead.

Cao Cheng kept up the casual banter, but his eyes subtly flicked toward a black car parked by the street.

The [hatred] was emanating from inside.

After the system upgrade, he could vaguely trace the source of emotions.

Someone was in that car.

Cao Cheng realized this overwhelming hatred had spiked when he patted Ren Yushang’s back to help her recover.

Most likely, this was one of Ren Yushang’s suitors.

Or,

if this were a novel, it’d probably be her fiancé.

……

Cao Cheng felt a thrill.

A villain had appeared.

A proper, high-tier antagonist.

This felt more like a real villain than those street thugs.

Just hitting someone generated massive negative emotions.

Imagine crippling or killing someone?

The terror between life and death—those emotions would skyrocket.

He couldn’t wait.

Cao Cheng decided not to mention this to the sisters.

If he was going to kill someone, the fewer people who knew his thoughts, the better.

Not even his parents should be privy to it.

Let alone stepsisters?

Sure, after spending time together, he was sure they had no ulterior motives in getting close to him.

But there was no blood relation.

The so-called "sibling" bond was entirely tied to Old Cao. Once that connection ended, the affection would vanish.

Cao Cheng wouldn’t hand anyone leverage over him.

A century of life experience had taught him that much.

……

One breakfast.

A bountiful harvest.

Cao Cheng left the eatery in high spirits, the girls in tow.

"Third Sister, is there anywhere you’d like to go? Historical sites, scenic spots? Since we’ve got time, I can take you around," Cao Cheng said, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Ren Yushang. Though he kept his hands to himself, their closeness was obvious from afar.

Another critical hit!

Damn.

This guy’s temper is something else.

Definitely tied to Ren Yushang.

Just these three critical hits alone outweighed the entire breakfast crowd.

Seemed like another high-potential candidate—future top contributor on the emotional leaderboard?

Ren Yuege’s jealousy flared. "Why don’t you ask me?"

Cao Cheng didn’t even glance at her, waving her off. "Don’t start. I’m talking to Third Sister."

Sandwiched between the two girls, his dismissive gesture made Ren Yuege see red.

A swift, invisible hand—

She pinched his ear hard.

Ren Yuege gritted her teeth. "You little brat, are you trying to piss me off?"

Cao Cheng winced. "Ow, ow—let go! I’m serious, why do you always go for the ears? We’re in public! Have some decency!"

"Hmph…"

Whoa.

Another critical hit from the system.

Now Cao Cheng got it.

This guy was into Ren Yushang—but also wanted Ren Yuege.

So when Ren Yuege played the ear-pinching game with him, the guy’s rage spiked again.

Makes sense.

They were twins, after all.

If you liked one, you’d naturally want the other too.

Typical guy logic.

Cao Cheng understood.

Double the pleasure.

……

Inside the car.

A young master clenched his teeth, his glare fixed on the trio’s retreating figures.

His attendant spoke cautiously, "Young Master, don’t let anger cloud your judgment. It’s not worth harming your health over."

"Shut your mouth. This isn’t just anger—it’s fury. If I don’t vent this, it’ll eat me alive. Enough talk. Find out everything about him. I want his profile in ten minutes."

"Young Master, I think..."

"I don't care what you think. What matters is what I think."

"..."

The butler rolled his eyes. Damn, Young Master, you're so annoying!