Chapter4.Another female lead!?

Tears welled up in Ryan's eyes as he grabbed Jack by the collar. "I've died six times already. This time, I'm determined to survive. I have to make it to the end."

Jack, completely baffled, scratched his head. "Ryan, could you… maybe speak in plain English?"

Ryan tightened his grip around Jack's neck, his voice low and urgent. "Listen, bro. If you do this right, there's a brand-new sports car in my garage. It's yours."

Jack's eyes lit up. "Wait, that Porsche?"

"Yep. It's yours."

Jack wiped away a tear and clasped his hands together dramatically. "No bond is stronger than the one between us, Ryan. No mountain is higher than the gratitude I feel for you. From this day forward, my body is your body, my life is your life…"

"Enough with the theatrics!" Ryan snapped. "Go get the gifts ready for the visit, and bring the car around. I'm going to see my god-grandfather."

"Yes, boss!"

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Harrison Mansion.

Ryan entered the old man's room, set down the gifts, and exchanged a few pleasantries with him.

Just as he was trying to come up with an excuse to leave, the butler entered and announced, "Sir, Miss Wilson is here. Young Master Harrison has also returned, and he's brought someone with him—a so-called 'miracle doctor.'"

God-grandfather Harrison raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Sophia already a renowned medical expert? Why has my grandson brought another 'miracle doctor'? Well, bring them all in."

Ryan's heart sank as soon as he heard the butler's announcement.

Oh, come on! Are you kidding me, system?! I can't even avoid this?!

This was clearly part of the later plot!

Sophia Wilson would fail to cure God-grandfather Harrison, leaving him on the brink of death. Then Leo would swoop in, save the day with his miraculous medical skills, and Sophia would be so impressed that she'd fall head over heels for him.

God-grandfather Harrison would be eternally grateful, setting the stage for Leo to form romantic connections with both Sophia Wilson and Claire Harrison, the eldest daughter of the Harrison family…

This part of the story has nothing to do with me!

Why am I even here? Can't I even get a chance to escape?

Ryan quickly stood up. "God-grandfather, you should rest. I just remembered I have some urgent business at the company. I'll head out now."

"Hmm… don't go."

Damn it.

God-grandfather Harrison adored Ryan!

But Ryan didn't feel the same way.

According to the plot, Ryan would later exploit the old man's trust to screw over the Harrison family.

Then Leo would appear out of nowhere, save the Harrisons, and punish Ryan once again.

But before all that, God-grandfather Harrison trusted Ryan completely.

Of course, if he didn't trust Ryan, how could Ryan possibly betray him?

And if Ryan didn't betray him, how could Leo have a reason to beat Ryan to a pulp?

And if Leo didn't beat Ryan to a pulp, how could he win the hearts of Sophia and Claire?

The protagonist needs to charm the ladies, after all!

As a classic villain, isn't it your duty, Ryan, to contribute to the protagonist's romantic endeavors? Huh?! How dare you complain!?

Ryan's heart was screaming in protest.

I don't agree with this!

I want to change my destiny against heaven!

My life depend on myself not the fate.

Let me see if there's a backdoor I can slip out of…

God-grandfather Harrison grabbed Ryan's hand, and Ryan forced a smile, trying to pry the old man's fingers loose. "Grandpa Harrison, you'll be fine. I really have to go. Let go of me…"

From an angle where no one could see, Ryan lightly smacked the old man's hand. "Let go, let go, just let go already…"

At that moment, Sophia Wilson walked in.

Her face was cold as she glared at Ryan. "Ryan, Grandpa Harrison adores you, and you're already trying to leave after just five minutes? How heartless can you be?"

Ryan's eyes darted to Sophia, then to Leo, who had just walked in with Claire Harrison.

The moment Leo saw Ryan, his eyes narrowed with hatred.

Ryan sighed inwardly. Of course. As the villain, I'm supposed to make people hate me at first sight.

He glanced at Sophia.

Oh…

What a perfect little doll!

Petite but perfectly proportioned; her delicate features are absolutely stunning. And despite her small frame, her chest is… well, let's just say it's impressive.

She's wearing a JK uniform today, looking youthful and charming. Those slender legs in white cotton stockings are especially tempting…

Sophia greeted Grandpa Harrison warmly and began examining him.

[This girl stopped growing taller and just focused on her chest. She's definitely going to be trouble in the future!]

[Tsk tsk tsk, she's got it all! A petite bombshell who loves wearing uniforms!]

Sophia suddenly turned around, glaring at Ryan.

"What did you just say?"

"Huh? I didn't say anything!"

"You did! You pervert!"

Claire quickly intervened. "Sophia, Ryan didn't say anything. What's wrong with you?"

Sophia blinked, confused. Did I imagine it?

She shot Ryan a dirty look and turned back to continue her examination.

[Oh, she's bending over now! That's such a charming little curve!]

[A petite bombshell who knows how to dress! If only I could… well, Leo's a lucky guy!]

Sophia spun around again, her face red with anger.

Ryan was stunned.

Sophia glanced at the others. What's going on? No one else seems to have heard him. And the voice didn't sound like it came from his mouth. Could it be… his thoughts?

While Ryan was lost in his inappropriate fantasies, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He turned to see Leo glaring at him.

Sophia, though puzzled, decided to focus on the task at hand. She finished her examination and smiled. "Grandpa Harrison, it's just a few blocked blood vessels. I'll use acupuncture to clear them. Just relax."

Leo stepped forward. "Little miss, I'm afraid it's not that simple."

Sophia stood up and glared at Leo. "And who are you?"

Claire quickly introduced him. "Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is my good friend, Leo! He's a brilliant doctor. I brought him here to help Grandpa."

Sophia frowned. "I know all the famous doctors in the Northern Country, and I've never heard of a young miracle worker named Leo. Grandpa's health is too important for you to trust just anyone."

Leo laughed. "Little miss, true masters are often unknown to the world. Don't underestimate people."

Sophia was about to retort when she heard Ryan's inner thoughts:

[Yes, this is the script! Keep going!]

[You'll fail to cure Grandpa Harrison, leaving him on the brink of death, and then Leo will swoop in and save the day!]

[Your initial confrontation is just the prelude to your love story. After this, you'll fall for him, join his harem, and become besties with Emily!]

Sophia turned to Ryan, her face pale with anger.

What nonsense is this!?

My skills would fail? Leave Grandpa Harrison worse off?

And I'm supposed to join some harem with Emily? That cold, arrogant woman? No way!

"Shut your mouth!"

Ryan was stunned, as was everyone else.

Ryan pointed at Leo. "He's over there."

"I'm talking to you!"

Ryan was on the verge of tears. "I didn't say a word! Ask anyone!"

Leo laughed loudly. "Little miss, I'm afraid Grandpa's condition is beyond anyone's ability to treat—except mine."

Sophia was furious. One guy was spouting nonsense in his head, and the other was being insufferably arrogant.

"Quiet, both of you! I need to focus!"

She glared at them before turning back to Grandpa Harrison and beginning the acupuncture treatment.

Ryan, standing at the back, shook his head.

[What a shame! The Nine Needles technique is top-tier, but she's being too cautious. She skipped two critical points, and that's going to cost Grandpa Harrison dearly.]

[Just wait for Leo to step in and save the day. Sophia will be so impressed she'll fall for him.]

[Ah, what a waste. A talented young doctor like her, reduced to being part of Leo's harem.]

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

This jerk actually knows medicine?

I did skip those two points because they're too risky. How does he know that?

Since when does Ryan know anything about acupuncture?

Sure enough, Grandpa Harrison suddenly began coughing violently, his body trembling. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes rolled back.

Claire screamed, "Grandpa! Grandpa! Sophia, what's going on? This is a disaster!"

Sophia's face turned pale, but she now understood the problem.

Leo stepped forward, pulling out his own set of needles. "Step aside, little miss. I'll bring him back from the brink of death!"

"He's not dead yet."

Sophia's voice was firm as she picked up another needle and swiftly inserted it into a critical point.

Grandpa Harrison's condition stabilized slightly, though he remained unconscious.

Leo was shocked.

This girl's technique just changed completely! She's suddenly bold and precise!

Sophia prepared to insert another needle, but Leo subtly flicked his finger, sending a small burst of energy to disrupt her.

Ryan, who had been watching Leo closely, noticed the movement.

[Oh no! He's trying to sabotage her!]

Without thinking, Ryan rushed over and grabbed Leo's arm. "Leo, my man!"

Leo was startled. "Huh? Oh… what's up?"

"Nothing, just wanted to say you're looking sharp today!"

"Uh… thanks?"

"Anytime."

Sophia, having heard Ryan's inner warning, glanced back and saw Leo's suspicious hand movement. She quickly adjusted her technique, inserting the second needle with precision.

Within moments, Grandpa Harrison's complexion improved, and he opened his eyes.

"Sophia…"

"Grandpa Harrison."

"It's so good to have you here. Stay in Snow City, won't you?"

"Grandpa, just focus on getting better."

Grandpa Harrison turned to Ryan. "Ryan, my boy, why does my hand hurt so much?"

Ryan looked down and realized he'd accidentally bruised the old man's hand while trying to escape earlier.

"Oh, that's just… improved circulation."

Leo was fuming.

Every time I try to show off, this damn Ryan gets in the way!

Why is he always here, ruining everything?

Claire was also glaring at Ryan, jealous of how much Grandpa Harrison favored him.

Ryan sighed inwardly.

[I need to get out of here. The only person who likes me is a half-dead old man. Everyone else wants me dead.]

[Leo hates me for blocking his path to romance; Claire hates me because her grandpa likes me; and Sophia has hated me since we were kids.]

[Time to make my escape.]

Sophia overheard his thoughts and couldn't help but smile slightly.

Maybe he's not so bad after all.

Just then, Jack hurried over and whispered to Ryan, "Boss, something's happened at the pharmaceutical plant. You need to go there right away."

Ryan's eyes widened.

[The pharmaceutical plant!? Something's gone wrong!?]

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