Chapter 19: The Heroine Suppresses Her Anger! The Protagonist's Emotional Meter Skyrockets

Xiao Mingyue wore a long dress, which did not give Xu Hao the same silky tactile experience he had with Xia Mengyao the day before.

Nevertheless, it had its own unique charm.

Despite this, Xiao Mingyue felt mentally disoriented, suppressing her indignation.

[Ding! You've gained +666 anger points from Xiao Mingyue...]

"What are you staring at? Pour the wine!" Xu Hao's voice jolted Xiao Mingyue back to reality.

"Ah, yes, right away." She fumbled hurriedly, picking up the wine bottle to pour the drink.

…

As the meal concluded—

Xiao Mingyue's face was flushed.

It was unclear whether it was from anger or embarrassment.

In Xu Hao's perspective, the likelihood of the latter was greater, as her emotional meter for anger had reached its limit.

'Finally, it's over.' Xiao Mingyue let out a sigh of relief. The meal had been pure torment for her.

Xu Hao gave a noncommittal smile.

He lit a cigarette, crossed his legs, and leaned back comfortably.

"Let's cut to the chase. What are you offering to save your company?"

Straightforward. No unnecessary banter. In reality, he didn't feel the need for pleasantries with anyone.

Xiao Mingyue paused for a moment.

However, this straightforwardness was to her liking; spending time with Xu Hao was nothing short of a hardship.

"I understand that my previous actions offended you. For that, I deeply apologize," she began once more. "I'm willing to offer 2 billion to make amends for my mistake."

Saying these words felt like a stab in her heart.

Though her net worth was in the billions, that was mostly on papers.

Most of it was invested in the company, leaving her with limited liquid assets.

Offering 2 billion now would cripple her, forcing her to halt many ongoing projects.

It would be an eternity before she could resume operations.

But if it could make Xu Hao stop targeting her company, then these sacrifices would be insignificant.

However—

Her words, which she thought were sincere, were met with Xu Hao's disdain.

'Trying to settle the matter with money? Do I look like someone in need of cash?' He thought.

Let's not even talk about how he had just made a windfall of 20 billion; even before that, money was never a concern for him.

All he needed was to utter a single sentence to get money.

Xu Hao just looked at her, saying nothing.

A suffocating atmosphere filled the room.

Xiao Mingyue felt a tightening in her chest. Was Xu Hao still unsatisfied?

Two billion was already the maximum amount she could offer.

Any more, and her company would cease to function.

"Young Master Xu... may I ask what you mean?" She asked cautiously.

"I'm not interested in your money, but I do see potential in your company," Xu Hao said, exhaling smoke that made Xiao Mingyue close her eyes.

Her heart sank, and her face visibly darkened.

The implication behind Xu Hao's words was clear: he wanted a stake in her company.

Indeed, this idea had formed after he began targeting her company.

Xiao Mingyue highly valued her company; she had invested too much effort into it.

The fact that she had given up only a minimal stake when her company went public said it all.

As for Xu Hao owning a share? That was utterly unthinkable.

Wouldn't driving her into an abyss and forcing her to surrender her shares be much simpler?

Of course, Xu Hao's primary aim had always been to teach this Heroine a lesson.

Ownership of the company shares was secondary.

As for what he saw as the potential in Xiao Mingyue's company?

It was naturally on Lin Feng.

This guy wasn't joking about his identity as a miracle doctor; he had many medicinal formulas.

Formulas for skin brightening, anti-aging, and treatment of various complicated diseases.

Just launching these would skyrocket her company's market value.

As the original storyline goes, Xiao Mingyue developed her company into a conglomerate worth trillions, leveraging just that.

And to make Lin Feng release these formulas? A single word from Xiao Mingyue would suffice.

There was no helping it; such was the protagonist's level of devotion…

…

"Then I'll offer a 20% stake in the company, hoping that Young Master Xu could be magnanimous enough to forgive me..." Xiao Mingyue displayed an uncomfortable smile.

She had considered this option before.

What would make Xu Hao back off?

Giving him a stake in the company would make it partly his. Would he still sabotage his own company?

She would never have mentioned this if Xu Hao hadn't suggested it first.

She had always been decisive, unwilling to accommodate others. But now she had to compromise.

Xu Hao snorted, 'This Heroine really doesn't see the bigger picture, huh?'

"I don't have time for small talk. 40%. I only want a 40% stake. If you can't accept that, there's nothing more to discuss." He stood up as he spoke, assuming a posture indicating that negotiations were over.

Yet he didn't move an inch.

He didn't demand a 51% majority share.

Leaving her some room for hope would make her work diligently for him, wouldn't it?

As expected, after a moment of struggle, Xiao Mingyue stopped him.

"I agree!"

Xu Hao gave a faint smile, turned around, and extended his hand. "So, we're family now."

Xiao Mingyue: "..."

A flood of unspoken expletives surged through her mind.

She was absolutely not 'family' with him.

[Ding! You have gained +777 resentment points from Xiao Mingyue...]

Still, she extended her hand to shake his.

Three seconds passed.

Five seconds passed.

Xu Hao showed no sign of letting go.

Xiao Mingyue started to panic slightly, tried to pull away, but couldn't break free from Xu Hao's grip.

Finally, after ten seconds, Xu Hao made a move.

He lifted her hand and caressed her fingers.

I must say, as expected from the Heroine—her skin is soft and smooth.

"Nice touch."

Xiao Mingyue's expression stiffened; wanting to express her anger but not daring to, she bore it silently.

Across the room—

Lin Feng was so angry he was literally punching the wall. His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

[Ding! You have gained +1001 rage points from Lin Feng...]

"Hm?" Xu Hao was puzzled.

He'd never seen emotional points surpass 1000. Was this breaking some kind of record?

'Heh... You're more patient this time, it seems...'