Chapter 45: When the Villainous Side Character Meets the Protagonist’s Lackeys

At nine in the evening, while most people might be winding down, for a group of wealthy young masters, the nightlife was just getting started.

Heaven on Earth was located right in the heart of the city’s CBD (Central Business District), a hub where the four major families and the ten minor families converged. More than just a bar, it was a social arena for the elite, gathering all the top-tier figures of the capital.

“Welcome, Young Master Ling,” the female greeters at the entrance bowed as soon as they saw Ling Weifeng.

“Stick with your bro. Tonight, I’m showing you the dazzling world,” Ling Weifeng said, a bit excited. He’d been to Heaven on Earth countless times, but it was Lin Tai’s first visit.

In the past, he’d invited Lin Tai, but Lin Tai only had eyes for Xia Shihan. Wherever Xia Shihan wasn’t, Lin Tai wouldn’t be found either.

Bringing Lin Tai here today was the first successful step in helping him move on from Xia Shihan. Ling Weifeng believed that once Lin Tai experienced this vibrant world, he’d forget all about her.

Heaven on Earth was divided into an outer and inner section. The outer area blasted heavy bass that could burst eardrums, with a professional sound system and band on stage rivaling any concert. By night, the daytime business elites transformed into wild horses, sweating it out on the dance floor.

The inner section, however, consisted of luxurious private rooms, completely soundproofed from the noise outside.

“Come on, let’s find a spot to sit,” Ling Weifeng said, perfectly at ease in this environment. He pulled Lin Tai to a booth and deftly operated the drink-ordering machine in front of them.

“What do you want to drink?”

“Just get me a cocktail,” Lin Tai said, scanning the place for Zhao Gang. He hadn’t forgotten his purpose here.

“Let’s go dance!” Ling Weifeng stood, inviting Lin Tai.

“Nah, you go have fun,” Lin Tai shook his head. Whether in his past life or now, he wasn’t a fan of places like bars. He’d rather be at home, peacefully napping on Hecate’s lap.

“Alright,” Ling Weifeng nodded. He knew Lin Tai wouldn’t take to this noisy environment right away, but that was fine—a few more visits would do the trick.

“Hey, isn’t that Big Bro?” Lin Tai looked around but didn’t spot Zhao Gang, so he gave up. Zhao Gang would come to him eventually, anyway.

With nothing to do, Lin Tai was unexpectedly approached by someone else.

“Who are you guys?” Lin Tai looked up to see a few teens in flashy floral shirts walking toward him.

The group seemed thrilled to see Lin Tai.

Lin Tai, however, had no recollection of them.

“Big Bro, you forgot? We were in the detention center together yesterday,” the leader said, plopping down next to Lin Tai.

“Detention center?” Lin Tai studied the youths, certain he had no memory of them.

Could Ye Bai have sent new people to infiltrate his circle? Seriously, what was so brag-worthy about sharing a detention cell?

Judging by their excited expressions …

“Big Bro, you might’ve forgotten. I’m Lei Ming,” the leader introduced himself. He was the young master of the Lei family.

“Big Bro, I’m Hu Qian.”

“Lei Ming, Hu Qian?” Lin Tai felt the names sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t place them.

“Big Bro, we’re from the ten minor families,” Lei Ming couldn’t help but remind him. Honestly, it was frustrating that Lin Tai didn’t remember them—they were young masters of the ten minor families, too.

“Oh, Lei Ming, Hu Qian!” Lin Tai finally recalled as they mentioned it.

Lei Ming and Hu Qian were side characters in the original novel.

Unlike Lin Tai, the villainous side character, Lei Ming and Hu Qian were Ye Bai’s loyal lackeys. These two had no real shot at inheriting their family businesses, yet in the plot, they recognized Ye Bai as their big brother.

With Ye Bai’s help, they managed to inherit their family enterprises and became steadfast followers of his.

Typical male-oriented wish-fulfillment story: align with the protagonist, and you thrive; go against him, and you perish. These two were riding Ye Bai’s coattails, destined for smooth sailing.

“What do you want with me?” Lin Tai thought. I’m the villainous side character, and these guys are the protagonist’s future lackeys. We’re on completely different sides.

Following him around calling him “Big Bro”? Were they trying to derail the plot, too?

“Big Bro, yesterday in the detention center, we saw your god-tier flirting skills. Please, teach us a thing or two,” Lei Ming and Hu Qian said, completely won over by Lin Tai’s supposed “flirting techniques.”

As young masters already sidelined by their families, they spent their days eating, drinking, and chasing girls.

“Flirting? What flirting?” Flirting? Please, as a dedicated villain, when would I have time for that?

“Big Bro, don’t play dumb with us. We saw it yesterday—four goddesses came to bail you out of the detention center at the same time …” Their eyes were full of admiration.

As fellow men, Lin Tai was the epitome of envy, jealousy, and awe!

“…” Listening to their description, Lin Tai rolled his eyes speechlessly. You guys don’t know squat. Those four women were clearly planning to drag me out for better revenge!

Lin Tai didn’t bother explaining to these idiots. With their IQ, they wouldn’t get it anyway.

“Lei Ming, Hu Qian, this is the ‘Young Master Lin’ you’ve been hyping up?” Lin Tai stayed silent, but a young man who had come with Lei Ming and Hu Qian spoke up.