Chapter 17: No Tea for Me?

"Ms. Song, you're finally out. I've been waiting for you for a while. Let's go," Wang Haoran said.

"Ms. Song, what's going on?" Chu Bai asked, confused.

"Wang Haoran mentioned earlier that he'd drive me home tonight. Sorry about this," Song Zhenyu replied, a bit embarrassed.

Although she could have left right after the evening self-study session, she delayed her departure to avoid any misunderstandings. After all, being seen getting a ride from Wang Haoran by other students wouldn't look good.

"Have you been waiting long?" Song Zhenyu asked apologetically.

"Only about twenty minutes. It's no big deal," Wang Haoran shrugged casually.

He had been productive during the wait, taking the time to drop Wen Jing off at her home. Given Wen Jing's condition, riding a bike would have been inconvenient, so Wang Haoran played the gentleman, even if Wen Jing was merely a secret girlfriend and perhaps just a pawn in his eyes. But he still took care of her because, well, he had the time.

Of course, his hands weren't idle on the way, enjoying a bit of indulgence.

"Ms. Song, please," Wang Haoran said, opening the car door for Song Zhenyu like a true gentleman.

"Are we riding in this car?" Song Zhenyu was taken aback.

She wasn't well-versed in cars, but she recognized the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. To be honest, she had never even ridden in a Mercedes or BMW, let alone a Cullinan. The situation felt surreal.

"Yes, this is the car I use for my daily commute. But if it's too stuffy for you, I could walk you home instead," Wang Haoran teased.

Walking would mean more time together, which was all the better.

"Let's stick with the car," Song Zhenyu quickly decided. If there's a car, why walk? Plus, she was curious about what it felt like to ride in a Rolls-Royce.

She got in the car, and out of Song Zhenyu's sight, Wang Haoran gave Chu Bai a thumbs up, then turned it upside down with a smirk. The Cullinan started up, leaving under Chu Bai's envious and bitter gaze.

"Just because you're rich doesn't mean you're better! One day, I'll be richer than the Wang family, and I'll crush you, Wang Haoran! I'll crush you!" Chu Bai raged, venting his frustration by kicking his bike as if it were Wang Haoran, yelling in anger.

---

*Ding! The host successfully destabilized the protagonist Chu Bai's mindset, earning 300 villain points. Chu Bai's protagonist aura decreased by 20, and the host's villain aura increased by 20.*

Sitting comfortably in the Cullinan, Wang Haoran received a system notification. 

"And you call yourself a protagonist? You lose your cool this easily?" Wang Haoran thought, somewhat surprised but then realizing it made sense. After all, Chu Bai was only 18, hot-headed, and prone to fights. His mental resilience couldn't be that strong. Wang Haoran had repeatedly thwarted Chu Bai's attempts at wooing girls, so it was no wonder he was losing his composure.

Song Zhenyu's rented apartment was near the school, and they arrived quickly. She got out of the car.

"Thank you, Wang Haoran. I'll head in now," Song Zhenyu said.

"Uh... Ms. Song, I've come all this way. Surely you're not going to deny me a cup of tea?" Wang Haoran asked.

"Come on up," Song Zhenyu invited, leading him upstairs.

As soon as they entered, a faint fragrance filled the air. The apartment wasn't large, but it was well-equipped. The decor was simple, but everything was clean and tidy, indicating that the person living here had a good sense of living. On the small balcony, a few items of women's clothing were hanging, which Wang Haoran noticed briefly, making Song Zhenyu feel a bit awkward. However, she was relieved when he quickly averted his gaze.

Staring at a woman's private clothing would be something a sleazy protagonist would do. Wang Haoran, being a wealthy and handsome man, wouldn't stoop that low.

Song Zhenyu turned to the water dispenser to pour some water, while Wang Haoran, watching her back, started to ponder. He was now certain that Song Zhenyu was one of the female leads. Should he seize the opportunity to take things further with her? As a villain, he needed to embrace his role fully; otherwise, how could he compete with the protagonist? If there was a shortcut, why bother trying to build a relationship with her the usual way?

"System, system, is it feasible to take the female lead by force?" Wang Haoran asked, his mind brewing a bad idea, but he chose to consult the system first.

*Host, such a low-level villain act, whether successful or not, would decrease your villain aura by 100 points. Additionally, given your current combat power, which is below average, the success rate is low. It's not recommended.*

"Is that so... forget it then," Wang Haoran quickly dismissed the idea. Gaining villain aura points was not easy, and losing 100 points for a low-success-rate crime wasn't worth it.

While Wang Haoran was lost in thought, Song Zhenyu handed him a cup of water. He drank it and, realizing he had no more reason to stay, prepared to leave. But just then, the lights flickered and went out, and the air was filled with a faint burning smell.

"Ah!" Song Zhenyu cried out in surprise, instinctively grabbing Wang Haoran's sleeve.

"It seems like the bulb burned out," Wang Haoran commented.

"Maybe. I'll check it out tomorrow," Song Zhenyu replied.

"Ms. Song, you seem pretty scared of the dark. Are you sure you want to wait until tomorrow?" Wang Haoran chuckled, noticing that she was still gripping his arm tightly.

Realizing this, Song Zhenyu quickly let go and pretended to be brave. "I'm not afraid of the dark."

"Do you have a spare bulb?" Wang Haoran asked, not pushing the issue.

"No."

"Wait here," Wang Haoran said, using his phone's flashlight to check the bulb type. He then called his driver downstairs.

About ten minutes later, the driver brought a new bulb, which Wang Haoran took from him, sending the driver back downstairs.

Could the driver change the bulb? Of course. But Wang Haoran wanted to do it himself.

The burnt-out bulb was a standard fluorescent light, easy enough for Wang Haoran to handle. In no time, the room was brightly lit again.

"I never would have thought that a young master from a wealthy family like you would know how to change a light bulb," Song Zhenyu said, surprised, as if she was seeing Wang Haoran in a new light.

*Ding! You have changed the female lead Song Zhenyu's perception of you. Her favorability has increased by 10. Current favorability: 30 (very friendly).*

*Ding! You have altered the original storyline, earning 200 villain points.*

Wang Haoran received the system notifications but remained outwardly calm. He then remarked, "What do you mean? Surely you didn't think I'm just some spoiled rich kid?"

This skill was something he had picked up in his previous life.

"Wang Haoran, don't get me wrong. I didn't mean that at all," Song Zhenyu clarified.

"Come on, we're not at school. It feels strange when you call me that. Just call me by my name," Wang Haoran suggested.

"Um... okay, Haoran," Song Zhenyu agreed, not opposing the idea.

After all, outside the classroom, they were essentially peers, with only a six-year age gap between them.

"That's better. And I won't call you Ms. Song anymore. I'll call you Zhenyu Jie. Yes, that's settled. From now on, you're like a sister to me," Wang Haoran said with a wink.

In many novels, the protagonist's relationship with an older female lead often started by addressing her as "sister." Wang Haoran was following this trope, though he couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. Counting his previous life, he was already around thirty years old, calling a woman six years younger than him "sister."

It felt like he was the one being taken advantage of. But to get closer to Song Zhenyu, it was a necessary step. Once he won her over, he'd make sure she called him "brother" instead!

Yes, that's the plan!