I Just Want to Spoil and Run Away with the Abused Female Lead [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 32.3

Shi Xingrao curled up on the sofa, scrolling through the comments with immense satisfaction. Each of these remarks must be stabbing Lu Ze right in the heart he was probably fuming.

Unable to contain her glee, Shi Xingrao summoned her cat ears. “Duoduo, push more comments like these to Lu Ze. It’s no fun watching them alone.”

Cat ears: “…”

You look plenty entertained to me.

She’s truly mastered the art of schadenfreude.

{Sweating bullets now, aren’t you, little bro?}

The hacked website updated its screen once again.

Not only had the new game failed to attract more players, but Lu Corporation was also steadily losing its existing player base.

Lin Yi had already gone to the company to prepare for the launch of their new game. Seeing the uproar caused by Lu Corporation’s website being hacked, she couldn’t help but smirk. She didn’t need to guess this was undoubtedly Shi Xingrao’s doing.

No one enjoyed tormenting Lu Ze more than Shi Xingrao, and Lin Yi couldn’t think of anyone else with both the motive and the capability.

Lin Corporation’s full-dive technology was a joint project with the government, developed over a long period by a team of talented researchers. However, before Shi Xingrao arrived, the project had hit a major roadblock.

It was Shi Xingrao’s involvement that broke through that bottleneck, allowing the project to advance even faster than originally planned.

Even now, Lin Yi found it hard to believe that Shi Xingrao had so effortlessly solved a problem that had stumped everyone else.

Lately, she had been looking into Shi Xingrao’s past and discovered that the current Shi Xingrao was nothing like her former self. The more she pieced things together, the more questions arose in her mind.

The deeper she thought, the more unsettling it became. Lin Yi’s elegant brows furrowed slightly as she pondered seriously: What did Shi Xingrao’s departure really mean? And where was she planning to go?

【What kind of game is Lin Corporation making? You have to buy equipment? Who’s going to spend 188 on that? Definitely not me!】

【Lu Corporation is harvesting players for profit, and it looks like Lin Corporation isn’t any better.】

【Tsk, tsk. Did they really think that just because Lu Corporation is failing, they could monopolize the market? A company that’s never been in this industry before, pulling stunts like this.】

【They’re selling equipment before the game is even out? What kind of nonsense is that? Playing this game for even a minute would be disrespecting my money.】

【They’re all trash, just trying to cash in. Only idiots would play these games. I’m not touching anything from Lu or Lin Corporation it’s not like there’s a shortage of games to play.】

Lin Shuangran usually didn’t pay much attention to online chatter, but today, news about both Lu and Lin Corporations was unavoidable.

It finally dawned on her: Lu Ze’s talk of “fair competition” had been nothing but a lie.

There was never any fair competition to begin with Lu Ze only thought about seizing the initiative.

“I’m sorry, Raorao. I shouldn’t have softened and agreed to Lu Ze’s request.”

Hearing Lin Shuangran apologize to her, Shi Xingrao was completely stunned. Seeing Lin Shuangran’s dejected expression, Shi Xingrao felt terrible.

She couldn’t bear to see Lin Shuangran so disheartened. Even if Lin Shuangran had actually listened to Lu Ze and done something to hurt her, she still wouldn’t have wanted to hear Lin Shuangran apologize.

Shi Xingrao reached out and hugged her, earnestly explaining, “Sister, our game wasn’t ready to begin with. Whether we agreed to Lu Ze’s request or not, we weren’t prepared. On the contrary, now that Lu Ze’s company is in trouble, he’s just giving up the market share he took.”

“It’s perfect nothing went wrong at any step. Sister, you did nothing wrong. Don’t apologize.”

“Sister, our game is good enough. No matter when Lu Ze’s game launches, he stands no chance.”

Cat Ears nodded in agreement. This was the first time such technology had appeared in this world. If the Lin family hadn’t been harmed by Lu Ze, a game like this wouldn’t have been delayed by over a decade.

This world would be even better than the original, whether in scientific research, healthcare, or education, everything would advance by leaps and bounds with the support of holographic technology.

Shi Xingrao: “Sister, just wait for our victory celebration.”

And wait for her to bring Lu Ze down, ensuring he could never threaten Lin Shuangran again.

In the end, Lu Ze’s company staff were unable to restore the website. It was only after Cat Ears stopped the attack that the site recovered.

But two days had already been lost. During that time, Lu Ze spent a great deal of effort on public relations, but the results were minimal. When the game finally returned to normal, Lu Ze thought he had a slight chance at a turnaround, but the download numbers for the new game slapped him in the face.

The results of two years of hard work were utterly destroyed.

In the end, Lu Ze seemed to realize there was no saving the situation and gave up on public relations altogether.

Instead, he focused all his efforts on smearing the Lin Corporation, as if he wanted to drag everyone down with him if he was going to fall.

【L: Can’t people make mistakes? Just because Lu Corporation had one problem, does that mean they can’t be forgiven? Their games are still great.】

【Ahem, is that Lu Ze’s alt account?】

【Weren’t you thinking about the consequences when you sold others’ private information? You did something so unethical, and now you want forgiveness?】

【L: Not playing? Hah, if you’re not playing Lu Corporation’s games, what else are you going to play? Lin Corporation’s? I bet you’ll come crawling back to play Lu Corporation’s games in the end.】

【Ugh, is he insane?】

【That’s definitely Lu Ze’s alt account. His mental state is really concerning.】

【Who understands him? How did the former genius prodigy end up like this? I just don’t get it. I used to be a huge fan of his.】

【Fan of what? His personal life is a mess. He was engaged but still fooled around everywhere. Honestly, I don’t feel the slightest bit sorry for someone like him getting what he deserves.】

【I heard they’ve already started investigating Lu Corporation. He probably knows he’s really finished, so he’s truly losing it now.】

Lu Ze stared at the comments, his smile twisted and manic. Finished? How could he be finished?

Lin Corporation’s game had minimal initial promotion, yet these past few days, thanks to Lu Ze’s relentless smear campaigns, it unexpectedly garnered widespread curiosity about what the game would actually offer.

Whether it was naysayers or players disillusioned with Lu Corporation’s games, they all represented potential opportunities for Lin Corporation.

On launch day, countless users were eagerly waiting.

Lu Ze had contacted hackers since the Lin family had brought him such misery, he wanted them to experience the agony of seeing their hard work destroyed.

If he was going down, the Lin family wouldn’t get off easy either. Within two hours, he expected to see online trolls tearing into Lin Yi’s game. Only after Lin Yi and Lin Shuangran had tasted his despair would he propose a collaboration to overcome the crisis together.

However, once Lin Corporation’s Fate of Immortals officially launched, the response was unprecedentedly explosive.

[“Is this really a game I get to play in my lifetime?! It feels so incredibly real!”]

[“Who said Lin’s game copied Lu’s? Lin’s is a full-immersion VR game, what does Lu’s even have to offer?”]

[“This is my first time experiencing such an authentic xianxia world. Petting spiritual creatures is absolutely mind-blowing! Ahhh, my digital ‘Hachimi’ is unbearably cute! Who could resist raising a spiritual pet in-game, especially with such realistic tactile feedback? A Hachimi that doesn’t need daily feeding just log in and pet it. Who wouldn’t love that?”]

[“I’m obsessed! I fell asleep wearing the headset, and my spiritual pet actually came to sleep beside me. Waking up to a fluffy creature snuggling up to you can anyone relate?”]

[“The 188 yuan I spent was totally worth it.”]

[“The xianxia world is right in front of me! The experience of forming a daoist partnership feels incredibly real too—I can hold my partner’s hand in the game! I can even feel their body temperature.”]

[“You’ve all progressed so far already? I want a daoist partner too, who’s willing to be my wifey? Looking for a wife online, pretty urgent!”]

[“Are there any equipment packs left? I really want to play too. Everyone around me is playing, and I’m so tempted.”]

[“Equipment is sold out already. You might have to wait for the next batch.”]

[“For the first time, spending money in a game feels so satisfying!!! Take my money! Bring out all the spiritual beasts and epic gear, I’ve got the cash!”]

Lu Ze waited and waited, but instead of news about the game being hacked, he was met with an overwhelming flood of positive reviews. He had never imagined Lin Corporation’s game would achieve such success.

A full-immersion VR game?

Impossible. How could Lin Corporation have developed a full-immersion VR game?

He had attempted it before, but synchronizing human perception with the game world was no easy feat. In the end, he could only produce a low-quality version, limited to basic visuals and sound, with each set of equipment costing a fortune.

Even if they succeeded, there would hardly be any market for it.

But if Lin Corporation had truly achieved full-immersion VR, and if the online reviews were accurate, it would mean the gaming industry had entered a new era.

Even well-established gaming companies would face massive disruption, let alone the already crumbling Lu Corporation.

“The beginning of the end” the phrase suddenly crossed Lu Ze’s mind. Lin Yi would never let him off the hook. Just as he wouldn’t have spared the Lin family if he had come out on top, someone as vindictive as Lin Yi wouldn’t show him any mercy now.

Even if Lin Yi did spare him, he had no chance left he lacked the cutting-edge technology.

“President Lu, President Lu.”

Lu Ze slumped in his chair, dark circles hanging under his eyes from several sleepless nights. His unkempt stubble added to his exhausted appearance.

“What now? Why the hell does everything have to come to me? I’m paying you so that every little thing requires my attention?”

Hearing his assistant’s voice, Lu Ze immediately erupted in rage. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he had just crawled out of a coffin.

The assistant hadn’t wanted to bother Lu Ze, but he had no other choice.

“Boss Lu, investigators are here about the company selling user information. You should probably go see them.”

The assistant stood meekly to the side, but inwardly he couldn’t stop sighing. It’s over, it’s really over this time. He had no idea which powerful figure Lu Ze had offended, and now he needed to think about how to make his escape.

Fortunately, he hadn’t helped Lu Ze with any truly unethical deeds over the years, so he might still get away. But the company accountants and others probably wouldn’t be so lucky.

The ship of Lu Corporation was destined to sink, but he wasn’t going to drown with it.

Bad news kept coming one after another, and Lu Ze almost felt numb to it all.

In just the few days since “Fated Immortals” launched, its registered user count had surpassed all other games. For a time, it became the undisputed sensation in the industry.

Due to its technological breakthroughs, companies both domestic and foreign were eager to establish partnerships with Lin Corporation. Lin Yi was so busy she barely had time to touch the ground, and she had even dragged Lin Shuangran and Shi Xingrao to the company to help.

Though Lin Shuangran rarely handled company affairs, she proved remarkably capable and organized when dressed in professional attire.

Moreover, Lin Shuangran spoke with a gentle yet firm voice, maintaining a polite but unyielding stance during negotiations with other companies. Even when deals fell through, most prospective partners still held Lin Corporation in high regard.

No wonder Lin Yi had asked her to help with negotiations.

Shi Xingrao rested her chin on the desk, watching Lin Shuangran work, and couldn’t help thinking that only her sister could possess such ability.

If it were Lin Yi handling these talks… well, she’d probably drive everyone away with her sharp tongue.

Lin Yi: “Oh, slacking off here, are we?”

Shi Xingrao: “…”

The woman leaned over, strands of her hair brushing against Shi Xingrao’s shoulder. Shi Xingrao sighed inwardly Lin Yi was everywhere.

“If you’re not busy, come be my assistant.”

Shi Xingrao: “Don’t you have your own assistant? I’m sister’s assistant. Lin Yi, you’re so annoying. Can’t you handle these things yourself? Why did you even drag me and sister here?”

She had originally planned to play games with Lin Shuangran. Seeing their characters become cultivation partners in the game had made her incredibly excited. But her plans were ruined by Lin Yi, that slave-driver.

The thought made Shi Xingrao grit her teeth. Lin Yi seemed to see right through her, snorting coldly, “Using my game to romance Lin Shuangran? Now who’s the annoying one?”

“Little fox, little nuisance.” Lin Yi’s teasing tone held a barely detectable fondness.

Shi Xingrao: “…”

Having her thoughts exposed made Shi Xingrao even angrier. Lin Yi always guessed what she was thinking, and it was incredibly frustrating.

Lin Shuangran had just seen off their guests when she turned to find Shi Xingrao and Lin Yi arguing. As usual, Shi Xingrao seemed to be losing, her cheeks puffed out in irritation.

Watching Shi Xingrao’s fuming expression, Lin Shuangran couldn’t help but let the corners of her lips curl upward. At the very least, it seemed Shi Xingrao truly had no feelings for Lin Yi at the moment.

“Sis, stop bullying Raorao.”

Lin Yi casually twirled a strand of Shi Xingrao’s hair and glanced at Lin Shuangran. “When did I bully her? She’s clearly the one slacking off here.”

The gesture was practiced and natural, but Shi Xingrao’s focus was entirely on Lin Yi’s criticism. Fuming, she retorted, “When did I slack off? You never see me when I’m busy, but the moment I take a break, you’re right there. What kind of ruthless boss are you? Do you really think any employee would like a capitalist like you?”

A faint smile tugged at Lin Yi’s lips. “Oh, so you weren’t slacking off, then.”

Their bickering left almost no room for anyone else to interject. Lin Shuangran’s eyes dimmed slightly. The next moment, she called out softly, “Raorao.”

Her voice was so light it was almost inaudible, yet it was enough to pull Shi Xingrao completely out of her playful banter with Lin Yi.

Lin Shuangran’s expression looked pale and fragile. Shi Xingrao’s tone was filled with unmistakable concern. “Sis, are you feeling unwell? You should rest and let Lin Yi handle the work.”

Lin Yi: “…”

Fine. So in Shi Xingrao’s mind, she was just a tool, right?

Lin Shuangran’s long, curled eyelashes trembled slightly, and her smile seemed heartbreakingly fragile. “It’s nothing. I’m not tired.”

Lin Yi watched the scene with a cold gaze. This was the white moonlight the white lotus’s white moonlight.

That silly little fox only fell for Lin Shuangran’s act.

Lin Yi’s fingers tapped lightly on the table, lost in thought. If she pretended to be unwell, would Shi Xingrao show her some concern too?

So absorbed was she in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice Shi Xingrao looking at her until Shi Xingrao called her name, snapping her back to reality.

Lin Yi glanced at Lin Shuangran again, then imitated her by lowering her lashes slightly. She looked at Shi Xingrao and spoke slowly, “Shi Xingrao, I have a headache.”

The smile on Lin Shuangran’s lips grew strained. Lin Yi had clearly figured out the trick to capturing Shi Xingrao’s attention.

Shi Xingrao: “?”
Shi Xingrao: “Why are you telling me about your headache? I’m not a doctor. If you’re sick, go see one.”

As if suddenly struck by a thought, Shi Xingrao narrowed her eyes and looked at Lin Yi suspiciously. “You’re not planning to go to the hospital and make me work for you, are you? Tsk, your schemes are practically written all over your face.”

“Can’t you just be a decent person? Why do you keep targeting me?”

Lin Yi: “…”

Lin Shuangran was also taken aback, her gaze lingering on Shi Xingrao with a hint of deeper meaning. Her Raorao seemed a bit clueless or perhaps, only clued in when it came to her.

Shi Xingrao completely failed to grasp Lin Yi’s intentions. Lin Shuangran had initially felt a bit sorry for Lin Yi, but when she thought about how Shi Xingrao only cared whether she was feeling unwell or wronged, she couldn’t help but smile, her eyes curving with amusement.

Raorao only liked her.

Lin Yi: “…”

No one cared whether she lived or died.

“Lin Yi, you’re a CEO, after all. Which CEO these days doesn’t have some kind of ailment? They all work through their illnesses. Stop complaining. If you have a headache, just read some documents and you’ll feel better.”

Shi Xingrao’s expression was resolute, as if she were determined not to work a single extra minute for anyone.

Cat Ears: “Host, is it possible that Lin Yi wasn’t trying to make you work for her?”

Shi Xingrao: “No chance of that. I know capitalists all too well, all they want is to exploit their employees.”

Watching Lin Yi, whose face had turned pale with anger, Cat Ears internally sighed:

Enough already, I’m starting to feel bad for her.