Chapter 3: The Game Begins – "I Never Intended to Bully You"

"Lin Ziang! Answer me!" Lin Fan's voice roared with frustration, snapping Lin Ziang out of his daze.

Lin Ziang blinked, then smiled lightly as if he hadn't a care in the world. "What's the matter? Can't I come to check on you, little brother?"

"Check on me?" Lin Fan scoffed, feeling a chill crawl down his spine. His guard instantly went up.

Over the past three years, Lin Ziang had seized every opportunity to mock, belittle, and humiliate him. It was hard to believe this sudden change of heart. A knot of suspicion tightened in his chest—something wasn't right.

Lin Fan subconsciously touched the small bowl hidden in his arms, the only memento left by his late mother. He couldn't help but smile bitterly. Why would Lin Ziang care about an old, broken bowl? He was just being paranoid.

Lin Ziang, however, had noticed Lin Fan's subtle movement. His mind raced.

The system's earlier confirmation had already made things clear—Lin Fan was indeed the protagonist. But more importantly, that small bowl, glowing with a brilliant purple light, was his key opportunity. And not just any opportunity—the highest grade, a purple chance!

But how could he seize it?

This brat was clearly on edge. Forcing the issue wasn't an option. If something went wrong, the consequences would be severe. Despite the years of bullying, Lin Fan was still the young master of the Lin family. His father, the family patriarch, undoubtedly had a hand in keeping him alive, even if in secret. The eldest lady would've seen him dead long ago if not for that hidden protection.

Lin Ziang knew he had to play this carefully. No rash moves.

Cough.

"I didn't come here to cause trouble, you know," Lin Ziang said, softening his tone. "I actually came to tell you something important."

"Important?" Lin Fan's suspicion only deepened as he eyed Lin Ziang. "Why not say it here?"

"It's not convenient out here," Lin Ziang replied with a charming smile. "Let me in, and I'll explain everything."

Lin Fan's eyes narrowed further. "No. If you have something to say, say it now. I won't let you inside."

Lin Ziang chuckled inwardly. This kid was being as cautious as a rabbit in a wolf's den.

"Come on, Lin Fan. We're family, aren't we? Why the hostility?"

"Family?!" Lin Fan scoffed, his laughter bitter. "If you treated me like family, you wouldn't have spent the last three years humiliating me at every turn. Why should I believe anything you say?"

Lin Ziang groaned inwardly. This isn't what I wanted, you fool!

But he couldn't say that, of course. He needed a different approach.

"Listen, there's a secret you need to know," Lin Ziang said, dropping his voice as if about to share something truly vital. "I didn't bring Asan with me today, right? If I meant harm, I'd have my lackeys in tow. I came alone for a reason. Trust me on this."

"..."

Lin Fan's silence gave Lin Ziang the hint that he had his attention. Seeing an opening, Lin Ziang pressed forward.

"My grandfather is the Great Elder of the Lin family. I can swear on his reputation that I'm telling the truth."

"Ridiculous!" Lin Fan sneered. "As if I'd believe that!"

Lin Ziang could see that Lin Fan wasn't budging. Time to up the ante.

"If you want to know why your cultivation has been stagnating—why it keeps declining—then you'd better let me in. Otherwise, you'll be stuck as a waste for the rest of your life!"

Hah, let's see you resist this!

The moment those words left Lin Ziang's mouth, Lin Fan's expression changed instantly. He surged forward, his composure shaken.

"What do you know?! Tell me!" Lin Fan demanded, his desperation barely concealed.

Lin Ziang held back a smirk. Got him. This had been his best card, and it worked like a charm.

"Of course, I know the answer," Lin Ziang said, his voice calm, "but this isn't the place for it. Let's talk inside."

Lin Fan hesitated, his doubt creeping back in. "This courtyard is secluded. No one comes here, especially not to see someone like me. Who would care about a waste?"

The loneliness in Lin Fan's voice struck a chord, but Lin Ziang remained resolute. He almost pitied the kid, but his own survival came first.

After all, a dead man walking wouldn't survive long in a world like this. Lin Ziang had to secure his future, and that meant taking Lin Fan's opportunity.

Still, he reassured himself, Once I rise to the top, I'll protect you, little brother. Just let me take this first step.

Leaning closer, Lin Ziang whispered, "You've misjudged things. Someone in the Lin family is watching you. And they don't have good intentions."

Lin Fan's eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat. He turned to press Lin Ziang for more, but Lin Ziang's intense gaze stopped him cold.

"...I understand. Come inside."

With that, Lin Fan turned and led the way into his small home, opening the door cautiously. Lin Ziang followed, his heart racing. This was it—his chance to grab the purple opportunity!

Once inside, Lin Fan quickly shut the door, clearly still wary.

"Alright, we're alone now. What's this all about?"

Lin Ziang took a breath, then gave a smile that held a flicker of sincerity.

"Truth is... bullying you all these years was never my intention."