The Villain Took Down the Female Lead from the Very Start - Chapter 16:

Chapter 16: No Business Without Deception, Xiao Chen Falls into the Trap

After three glasses of red wine, a faint blush appeared on Leng Qingqiu’s delicate face, like a rosy apple—utterly tempting.

“Please…”

Jiang Che didn’t delay either, finishing his glass of wine in one go.

He could already guess most of what Leng Qingqiu was thinking.

Logically speaking, Lanzi Group’s recent product development had stalled, their capital chain was close to breaking, and the company was on the verge of collapse. Under such circumstances, it shouldn’t be worth investing in at all.

But Jiang Che knew how much potential Lanzi Group had in the future—it was destined to become one of Linjiang City’s most elite enterprises.

In the original plotline, Xiao Chen had invested 1 billion yuan into the dying Lanzi Group and received 10% of its shares, which later yielded tenfold returns. He used the company to launder his offshore black money.

Even if Jiang Che didn’t fund the group today, Xiao Chen would definitely jump in eventually.

Lanzi Group was a must-acquire target. But unlike Xiao Chen, who played the simp, Jiang Che was a businessman—no business without deception. Naturally, he had to maximize his profit.

And to pull that off, he needed Xiao Chen to cooperate.

That’s why, seeing that Leng Qingqiu hadn’t brought up the investment terms yet, Jiang Che remained calm and unhurried.

…

At the entrance of Yuexin Cuisine, after parking his old van, Xiao Chen rushed out of the car and stormed into the restaurant.

“Hello, sir. Are you here to dine?”
“How many in your party?”

Noticing Xiao Chen glancing around anxiously as if looking for someone, a waiter approached him with a polite smile.

Although Xiao Chen didn’t look like someone who could afford a meal at such a high-end restaurant, the waiter maintained professional courtesy and didn’t mock him.

“I’m here to find Leng Qingqiu.”
“Where is she right now?”

Xiao Chen said coldly, his face looking a little grim.

He didn’t know why, but he had a bad feeling in his gut—like something terrible was about to happen.

“CEO Leng is in a private VIP room on the third floor…”

Although a little confused by his question, the waiter didn’t overthink it.

After getting the answer, Xiao Chen wasted no time and quickly headed upstairs.

Once on the third floor, after a brief search, he found the private room the waiter mentioned.

Just as he was about to enter, three men in black suits stopped him at the door.

“Kid, our young master is inside discussing business with CEO Leng. Outsiders are not allowed in,” the lead guard said coldly, his tone absolute.

Earlier, Jiang Che had already instructed them about their task—block this average-looking young man, taunt him, and wait to get beaten.

Even though they found Jiang Che’s order absurd, as deathsworn guards raised by the Jiang Family, they followed instructions unconditionally.

“I’m Leng Qingqiu’s personal bodyguard. Let me in!”

Xiao Chen glared at the three men, fists tightening unconsciously.

These men looked shady, and Xiao Chen immediately assumed that the CEO of Lingxiao Capital, who was meeting Leng Qingqiu, must be just as bad.

“I don’t care if you’re the Emperor of Heaven—you’re not getting through this door today!”

…

Inside, after several rounds of food and wine, Jiang Che faintly heard arguing from outside and knew Xiao Chen had arrived.

Without stalling any longer, he took out the investment proposal he had prepared in advance, handed it to Leng Qingqiu, and said with a smile, “CEO Leng, here’s the investment proposal. Have a look.”

“If there’s no problem, we can sign right now.”

The private room was extremely well soundproofed. Neither Leng Qingqiu nor Li Yanran noticed anything unusual.

But Jiang Che, as a 1st stage Dark Strength Realm martial artist, had sharp senses and picked up even the faintest disturbances easily.

“Alright…”

Hearing Jiang Che finally bring up the business, Leng Qingqiu shook her slightly dizzy head, forced herself to stay focused, and began reading the contract line by line.

“CEO Jiang, you intend to invest 1 billion yuan for 15% of Lanzi Group’s shares?”

After reading it, Leng Qingqiu’s brows furrowed slightly as she began to hesitate.

Even though the group was on the verge of collapse, as long as it hadn’t declared bankruptcy, its market value hadn’t completely crumbled.

By estimation, 15% of Lanzi Group shares should be worth at least 1.5 billion yuan, yet Jiang Che was only offering 1 billion—clearly taking advantage of the crisis.

If his offer had been any lower, she would have rejected it outright.

But this 1 billion yuan was just enough to save the company’s capital chain. It put her in a dilemma, making her extremely hesitant.

“That’s right. CEO Leng, I’m sure you understand Lanzi Group’s current condition. All investments carry risk. Offering 1 billion yuan for 15% is already very sincere.”

“Of course, if you’re unwilling, you’re free to reconsider.”

Jiang Che nodded calmly, speaking with composure.

“Thank you for understanding, CEO Jiang…”

Leng Qingqiu took a deep breath and sat down again, falling into deep thought as she weighed all the possible outcomes.

Seeing her still hesitating, Jiang Che knew—it was time for a performance.

He placed his hand on the round dining table, channeling internal energy, and activated his Dark Strength.

In an instant, the entire table began to tremble slightly.

The wine glass in front of Leng Qingqiu slipped and spilled all over her dress.

“Ah!”

Startled by the sudden spill, Leng Qingqiu let out a soft scream.

Li Yanran quickly reacted, grabbed a napkin, and began wiping the wine from Leng Qingqiu’s shirt.

…

Outside the door, seeing the three guards still blocking his way, Xiao Chen was already fuming. Hearing Leng Qingqiu’s scream from inside, his imagination ran wild.

Unable to contain his rage, he shouted, “Get the hell out of my way!”

With a left hook and a sweeping right leg, Xiao Chen unleashed a powerful strike.

In a flash, all three guards were sent flying, groaning on the floor.

Several nearby guests witnessed the scene and began pointing and whispering. Some good Samaritans even called the police.

Xiao Chen ignored it all and kicked the door open.

BOOM—

Seeing the scene inside the private room, Xiao Chen froze in place, dumbfounded.

This… wasn’t what he imagined at all?