Chapter 0174

Emotions often strike unexpectedly—perhaps through a glance, a gesture, or a single phrase.

"Ran, you and I... might be the same kind of people."

The same kind? Maybe so.

What Lin Ran didn’t know was that Luo Yao’s understanding and control over him far exceeded his imagination.

Every word he spoke, every message he received, every call he made—if Luo Yao willed it, Lin Ran would be exposed before her eyes 24/7.

Luo Yao withdrew her piercing gaze, softening into a pool of tenderness that melted into Lin Ran’s presence.

As the saying goes, love straightens even the most crooked paths. In this moment, he was willing to "pour out everything he had."

The office was left with only a few numbers.

41—42, 41—42...

In the estate, aside from the security team, everyone else had to attend daily meetings, more regimented than corporate office workers.

Of course, effort and reward went hand in hand—their salaries were undeniably high.

Before Lin Ran returned, Uncle Fu began the day’s briefing.

"Today’s routine work has been passable. Keep it up. The staff of Villa No. 1, stay behind. The rest are dismissed."

Chefs, gardeners, caretakers, maintenance workers, and servants from other villas filed out obediently, each returning to their duties.

Only the servants of Villa No. 1 remained in place.

"Do you know why you’ve been asked to stay? Because you work in Villa No. 1—the residence of Young Master Lin and the young lady. Yet, despite earning the highest wages among the staff, your work has been careless."

Here, Uncle Fu paused, his eyes drifting toward Granny Wang.

"If you doubt me, follow me. I’ll show you just how sloppy your cleaning has been."

Uncle Fu took out a flashlight and led the group to a mirrored accent wall. When he shone the light across it, a thumb-sized smudge became glaringly obvious.

The servants stared at Uncle Fu in bewilderment.

A mirrored wall, inspected with a flashlight? Since when were the estate’s standards this unforgiving?

And here was the head steward, managing hundreds of people across the estate, personally micromanaging the cleaning?

Absurd.

"Who’s responsible for this area?"

All eyes turned to Granny Wang, as did Uncle Fu’s questioning gaze.

"Granny Wang, do you have any explanation for this?"

"Uncle Fu, my apologies. It was an oversight on my part. I’ll clean it up immediately."

Granny Wang didn’t complain or protest. She simply began scrubbing in silence.

"If this happens again, don’t blame me for being harsh."

"Understood."

Watching Granny Wang’s dejected figure, Uncle Fu felt a pang of guilt. This wasn’t the outcome he’d wanted.

He could only address the others sternly: "Let Granny Wang serve as your example. I don’t want to see this negligence repeated. Meeting adjourned."

With his frustration unvented, Uncle Fu took it out on the staff, especially those from Villa No. 1.

His reprimands echoed through the villa like a storm.

Later, when Lin Ran and Luo Yao returned, they sensed something off about the atmosphere.

Why were the servants so subdued today, tiptoeing around as if walking on eggshells?

Even the usually talkative Uncle Fu was unusually quiet.

But Lin Ran didn’t pry. Everyone had their off days.

"Yao Yao, have you noticed Uncle Fu acting strange lately?"

Luo Yao glanced at Uncle Fu before replying to Lin Ran, "I only care about you."

Well, that overwhelming rush of happiness certainly left Lin Ran feeling warm inside.

Meanwhile, deep in the underground entertainment district, the Liu family was suffering.

As Liu Yuemei’s maternal relatives, Liu Ritian and his parents weren’t spared Lin Ran’s retribution.

Though Liu Yuemei and her family were now at odds, Lin Ran could easily guess how the Lius had once whispered poison in her ear, scheming behind the scenes.

Half of the psychological manipulation Liu Yuemei had inflicted on him likely originated from the Lius’ teachings.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—a universal truth.

Brother Dao didn’t disappoint. His first move was to reclaim the 50 million the Lius owed.

Liu’s mother spat venomously, "That ungrateful wretch Liu Yuemei actually sent debt collectors after us! We’re her family!"

Liu’s father chimed in, "Exactly! Why should we repay? Where’s the proof we owe her anything?"

Liu Ritian focused on practicality: "We’re not handing over a cent."

They stubbornly denied it—until Brother Dao "persuaded" them.

"We’ll pay! We’ll pay!"

After coughing up the money, the three slumped in defeat, ready to leave. But Brother Dao’s men blocked them.

Letting them go after collecting the debt would’ve defeated the purpose of bringing them here.

"Since you’re already here, I’m not one to skimp on hospitality. Let me give you a little gift."

With that, Brother Dao handed Liu Ritian several hundred thousand in chips.

"Complimentary. Valid across all three floors."

Once Brother Dao left, three burly men appeared.

"What... what do you want?"

"Brother Dao asked us to show you around. After you."

And so, Liu Ritian stayed on the second floor after witnessing a beggar turn into a millionaire overnight.

Liu’s mother remained on the third floor, betting heavily on a fierce, undefeated fighter amid the crowd’s roaring admiration.

Liu’s father, upon seeing the first floor’s intoxicating sea of beauties, was "stirred" into staying.

The outcome was predictable.

After losing her life’s savings, Liu’s mother felt no regret. Instead, egged on by the crowd’s awe, she plunged deeper—even gambling away the millions Liu Yuemei had returned.

Liu’s father, meanwhile, realized too late that he couldn’t cover his "entertainment" tab. Terrified of his wife finding out, he scurried to the second floor to borrow chips from his son.

But Liu Ritian had already blown through Brother Dao’s "gift," lost their home’s sale proceeds, and taken out a 500,000 loan, still dreaming of a comeback.

When Liu’s father found him, he pleaded, "Son, I owe a few thousand upstairs. Cover it for me?"

But Liu Ritian didn’t respond, staring blankly at his last remaining chips.

Right on cue, Brother Dao reappeared.

"Mr. Liu, the staff mentioned you wanted another loan? Can’t do it. You’ve maxed out your 500,000 credit."

Liu Ritian jolted awake. Half a million in debt?

His eyes reddened, and he dropped to his knees with a thud.

"Brother Dao—no, no, Dad Dao, Grandpa Dao—give me one more chance! I’ll win it back this time!" Liu Ritian begged, kowtowing.