I Transmigrated into a Novel as a Villain, and My System Refreshes Randomly - Chapter 2:

Chapter 2: Lucky Brake

Qin Xiao spoke calmly, every word clear to the ear. Ye Chen’s domineering arrogance seemed designed to make the whole world listen, while Qin Xiao’s composure made him stand out even more.

Ye Chen’s brows knitted tightly as he fixed his sharp gaze on Qin Xiao. This piece of trash dared to speak to him in such a tone? “Trash, you’re courting death!” Ye Chen didn’t care to waste words. His life was filled with glory; to crush an ant like Qin Xiao needed neither reason nor debate—just one step forward and it would be done.

He took a step, releasing an overwhelming aura. The air in the banquet hall grew heavy, and the temperature dropped sharply.

Nearby guests turned pale, unable to withstand the pressure, retreating repeatedly. The presence of a martial grandmaster was terrifying to this extent.

Qin Xiao felt an invisible force pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe, his chest heavy. Forcing himself to stand tall, he met Ye Chen’s gaze head-on without flinching. He knew that retreating now would mean falling into an endless abyss. The moment he showed weakness, it would all be over.

“What’s the matter? Can’t win with reason so you want to fight instead?” Qin Xiao’s voice rose, carrying open mockery. “The dignified Young Master of the Dragon King Hall, future king of the underground mercenary world—this is all the magnanimity you have? Or are you afraid the marriage contract is a fake, that it won’t withstand investigation, so you’re in a hurry to silence me?”

He used the gap in information to rattle the guests, letting them know Ye Chen was not a man of good standing, all while continuously provoking him. A Dragon King was extremely arrogant—poke the right spot, and they’d explode.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Ye Chen’s expression shifted again, this time with a trace of doubt. How could Qin Xiao, this ant in his eyes, know his background? Even knowing about the Dragon King Hall and the mercenary king?

He wasn’t afraid of his identity being exposed, but Qin Xiao shouting it out in public disrupted his carefully prepared scene of “the mercenary king returns, fulfills his contract, and wins the beauty.” He had intended to crush Qin Xiao under the identity of the Gu family’s old friend’s disciple and rightful fiancé. Now that his background was laid bare, an unpredictable variable had been added.

Master Gu and the other guests looked at Ye Chen with a hint of scrutiny, wariness, and apprehension. Dragon King Hall? Mercenary King? That didn’t sound like a righteous force. Was it really good for the Gu family to be involved with such people?

Gu Siqing, who had been watching coldly from the side, showed a flash of surprise in her clear eyes. She re-evaluated Qin Xiao. This nominal fiancé of hers was revealing a side she didn’t know. Her indifference faded slightly, replaced by a trace of curiosity.

[Ding! Successfully enraged Child of Destiny Ye Chen, publicly revealing part of his background, disrupting his posturing rhythm, luck plundered: 20 points!]

[Yun Yiyi (System Assistant) reminder: Host! Well done! It’s not much, but it’s a good start to turning the gears of fate! Keep going!]

Qin Xiao felt steadier. His gamble had paid off—provoking Ye Chen into losing composure, weakening his aura, and stealing his luck. Now, it was time to choose his systems. Time was running short.

Without hesitation, his mind raced and he made his decisions. For the first slot, he chose [Galgame Strategy Choice System]. Securing Gu Siqing’s stance was key; he couldn’t let her side completely with Ye Chen.

For the second slot, he picked [Lucky Brake System]. A lifesaver—Ye Chen could attack at any moment.

For the third slot, the gold-tier… [NTR System] was a suicide button—only a fool would choose it. [Divine Doctor System] was useless right now. He selected [Detective System]. Exceptional observation and deduction skills might help him spot flaws in Ye Chen’s plan or find other openings.

[System selection confirmed!]

[Currently activated systems:]

[1. Galgame Strategy Choice System (Silver): Active until current interaction with target Gu Siqing ends.]

[2. Lucky Brake System (Silver): Passive skill, may trigger at any time. 24-hour cooldown after activation.]

[3. Detective System (Gold): Active skill, lasts 10 minutes, 1-hour cooldown.]

The moment the systems were set, information about Gu Siqing flooded into Qin Xiao’s mind.

[Target: Gu Siqing]

[Current Affection: -10 (Disgust) → -5 (Slight improvement due to recent display, but still finds you troublesome)]

[Rule Power Influence: Moderate (Clearly doubting Ye Chen’s domineering behavior, independent thought beginning to awaken)]

[Galgame Choices Triggered:]

[A: Continue ignoring her and focus all your firepower on mocking Ye Chen, showing your “courage.” (Consequence: Affection -20, sees you as reckless and disrespectful, miss chance to win her over)]

[B: Look at her passionately and loudly declare she is your woman, not to be touched by anyone. (Consequence: Affection -50, seen as a clown showing off, Ye Chen hatred +200, immediate deadly fight)]

[C: Turn to her calmly, gaze gentle yet questioning, and smile as you say, “Siqing, what do you think about this? I trust your judgment and respect your choice.” (Consequence: Affection +10, further strengthens independent thinking, giving her the choice, Ye Chen hatred +50, sees it as a challenge to his authority)]

There was no need to think—Qin Xiao silently chose C. He turned his head, eyes settling on Gu Siqing, neither urgent nor aggressive, only calm and respectful. “Siqing, what do you think about this? I trust your judgment and respect your choice.”

The words seemed to strike a chord in Gu Siqing’s heart. Her body trembled slightly, the struggle and confusion fading, replaced by clarity. Yes—this was her marriage, her life. Why should it be decided by some Ye Chen who suddenly appeared? Even Qin Xiao, her nominal fiancé, understood how to respect her more than Ye Chen did.

She raised her eyes to Ye Chen. His patronizing tone grated on her ears. “Mr. Ye,” Gu Siqing said coolly, her voice detached, “a marriage agreement is a serious matter, involving both families. It should be discussed thoroughly, with both elders sitting down together. Today is my grandfather’s birthday banquet. Please refrain from making a scene and ruining everyone’s mood.”

Ye Chen’s face darkened until it was almost dripping. He felt an unprecedented humiliation—Gu Siqing dared to defy him in public? Because of Qin Xiao? His dignity had been trampled. Unforgivable.

“It seems I’ll have to teach you a lesson so you understand your place!” Ye Chen was completely enraged, forgetting the occasion and his plan. He only wanted to crush Qin Xiao, this ant who dared provoke him, into dust.

His killing intent surged, no longer concealed. He raised his right hand sharply, gathering inner strength, and struck toward Qin Xiao’s face. The palm was fast and heavy, with a sharp gust of wind and a sonic boom. If it landed, Qin Xiao’s bones would shatter and he’d die instantly.

It was coming. Qin Xiao’s pupils contracted, adrenaline flooding his system. His instinct told him to dodge, but a grandmaster’s speed was beyond an ordinary man’s reflexes. He could see the lines of Ye Chen’s palm growing closer, death’s shadow wrapping around him.

The floor seemed a little slippery.

Suddenly! Qin Xiao’s foot slid sharply, his balance gone, and his body stumbled backward uncontrollably.

“Thud!” He hit the ground in an awkward sprawl.

Ye Chen’s sure-kill strike, filled with all his fury, missed Qin Xiao’s face by a hair and hit empty air instead.

“Bang!”

[Lucky Brake System triggered successfully! Fatal attack avoided! 24-hour cooldown activated!]

[Negative effect active: Qin Xiao collided with a nearby waiter’s cart carrying the Gu family’s three-tier birthday cake.]

As Qin Xiao fell, he knocked into a waiter pushing a cake cart.

The waiter cried out in alarm.

“Crash!” The meticulously crafted three-tier cake tipped, rolled, and—under everyone’s gaze—arched through the air, cream, fruit, and chocolate sauce trailing behind.

With a splat, it landed perfectly on Ye Chen’s face. In his aggressive rush, he couldn’t stop in time.

Cream covered his hair, strawberries clung to his brows, and chocolate sauce dripped down his cheeks. The awe-inspiring Young Master of the Dragon King Hall instantly became a cream-covered clown.

The banquet hall went dead silent.

Everyone stared, dumbfounded. Who could have imagined that the man radiating such imposing dominance seconds ago would look like this the next moment? The contrast was too much.

“Pfft!” Someone failed to hold back a laugh. Laughter quickly spread, swelling into a sea of amusement.

“Hahaha…”

“This… this is just too funny!”

Even the usually calm and unsmiling Gu Siqing’s lips curved slightly, a smile forming. She looked at Ye Chen, her eyes holding not only disgust but also a touch of mockery.

[Ding! Host’s actions caused Child of Destiny Ye Chen to lose face completely at a crucial moment, delivering a heavy blow and greatly disrupting the plot progression. Luck plundered: 100 points!]

[Yun Yiyi: Wow! Host! You’re amazing! This is textbook-level villain play! Even if it looked a bit messy, the effect is unbeatable! Yun Yiyi is cheering like crazy for you!]

Ye Chen stood frozen, feeling the cream on his face and hearing the laughter all around him. The humiliation and rage surged to the top of his head, almost making him explode. His eyes turned blood-red, killing intent solidifying as if to tear everything apart.

“Qin! Xiao!”