I Was Reborn as the Villain, but the System Bound Itself to the Female Leads - Chapter 20:

Chapter 20: Don’t Blame Me for Stealing Your Fortunes

The vehicle continued heading toward Tianhua Mansion.

“Young Master, I failed to protect you earlier,” the driver said while driving, his tone filled with shame. Not only had he failed in his duty to protect Lin Yuan, but instead, it was Lin Yuan who had shielded him. To ensure his escape, the Young Master had even chosen to stay behind alone. As a driver and part-time bodyguard, he had completely failed in his responsibilities.

“Hehe~ There’s no need to apologize. Long Haochen isn’t an ordinary person. It’s normal that you couldn’t defeat him.” Lin Yuan leaned against the seat with his eyes closed, trying to rest. But he couldn’t forget what Long Haochen had said to him before leaving. At that moment, he really wanted to ask, damn it, are you the villain or am I the villain here?

“Young Master, should we hire more people to guard you closely? Even if we can’t beat that guy, at least we could buy time for your escape,” the driver suggested again.

More people? Delay tactics? Lin Yuan could only respond with a bitter smile. The driver had no idea just how terrifying Long Haochen really was. In front of him, regular martial artists were like ants trying to shake a tree. Even top-tier special forces would be instantly crushed.

That guy was an ancient martial artist—a being who defied the logic of the modern world. Just having more men wouldn’t make any difference.

“What’s your name?” Lin Yuan looked at the driver and suddenly asked.

He had rummaged through all the memories in his head but couldn’t recall the driver’s name, so he simply asked. A loyal subordinate like this deserved to be remembered.

“Young Master, I’m Yang Gang.” Yang Gang introduced himself, slightly emotional. The Young Master had never asked his name before. Now that he had, it clearly meant he was remembered. Did this mean he had now become one of the Young Master’s trusted aides? Yang Gang started daydreaming a little.

Lin Yuan nodded and mentally noted down the name.

Soon, the car reached Tianhua Mansion. Lin Yuan took Yang Gang into his villa and searched for a while before finally finding some ointment for bruises and injuries. After applying a bit, he looked at Yang Gang and said, “Go find a guest room and get some sleep.”

“Young Master, I’m not tired. I can keep watch for you tonight.”

Lin Yuan glanced at Yang Gang and smiled. “This is Tianhua Mansion. There are security guards patrolling regularly. I don’t need you. You have to drive me tomorrow—go get some rest.”

“Alright, I’ll do as you say, Young Master.” Only then did Yang Gang agree, find a guest room, and go to sleep.

Lin Yuan went into the master bedroom. He lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, completely unable to sleep.

If the patrol officers hadn’t shown up tonight, Long Haochen would’ve killed him on the spot. After going through something like that, how could he sleep?

“Child of Destiny, protagonist, Long Haochen—if you come for me, maybe I could endure it. But if you threaten my family, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Lin Yuan climbed out of bed, went to his desk, and began organizing the information in his head.

In the original plot, after Long Haochen descended the mountain, he experienced many fortuitous encounters. Thanks to those, his strength steadily increased and he became more powerful over time.

What Lin Yuan had to do now was act ahead of Long Haochen—seize those opportunities first and use them to strengthen himself.

He had thought about this idea before, but the risk was too high. He originally wanted to prepare more before taking action. However, it was now clear that Long Haochen wouldn’t give him that luxury.

“If you want to kill me, then don’t blame me for stealing your fortunes.”

Lin Yuan scribbled notes and drew diagrams on paper. There were simply too many of Long Haochen’s encounters in the original. He needed to first choose a few that were relatively simple yet could quickly improve his own strength.

In the original, there were three main ways to increase one’s strength: cultivating techniques, treasure artifacts, and pills.

After sorting through everything, Lin Yuan drew three circles on the paper. One of them marked an opportunity that originally belonged to his future self. As the plot progressed, Long Haochen became too powerful, and crushing the original Lin Yuan brought no satisfaction. So, the author had given the villain (himself) a chance at a breakthrough, letting him gain strength.

Empowered by that opportunity, Lin Yuan became arrogant and reckless, thinking he was invincible. But he still ended up defeated by Long Haochen, handing him a massive pile of experience in the process.

The next morning, Lin Yuan woke up groggily. After stretching and doing a quick wash, he left his room.

“Yang Gang, help me buy these things.” Lin Yuan handed Yang Gang a note with a list of supplies needed for traveling.

Looking at the note, Yang Gang asked, “Young Master, are we heading out of town?”

“Yes. You’re coming with me. Buy a bit more than what’s listed.”

“Understood, Young Master. I’ll take care of it right away.”

Yang Gang didn’t ask where they were going. He immediately left for North City’s largest shopping center and bought everything Lin Yuan needed.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuan opened the fridge, looked over the ingredients, and made a simple breakfast for himself. A few fried eggs, two slices of toast, some cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and salad dressing—it was quick and filling.

Yang Gang returned quickly and came back to Tianhua Mansion in no time. “Young Master, everything has been purchased.”

“Good. Let’s head out.”

“Um… Young Master, didn’t CEO Gu arrange to meet you today?”

Yang Gang glanced at Lin Yuan, cautiously reminding him. He didn’t finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Lin Yuan also remembered. Gu Qingyi had indeed told him to visit her office today. But with his life on the line, how could he go? Not to mention, Long Haochen was Gu Qingyi’s personal bodyguard. Going there would be like walking straight into death.

“Not going. We’re leaving now,” Lin Yuan said immediately.

“Yes, Young Master.” Yang Gang didn’t question further. Since the Young Master had decided, his only job was to obey.

Soon, the car left Tianhua Mansion and drove off into the distance.

On the way, Lin Yuan sent a message to his parents.

“I’m going on a short trip. I’ll be back in two or three days. Take good care of Xiao Bao.”

After sending the message, he turned off his phone. During this time, he didn’t want anyone disturbing him.

Lin Yuan looked out the window with a serious expression. This journey was risky, but no matter what, he had to take this step.