The Abusive Novel System Pleads with Me to Resign

Everyone in the courtyard was deeply baffled by Shen Ying’s sudden return.

Only Shen Yao, still half a child, didn’t overthink it. The moment he processed what was happening, he rushed forward, wailing hoarsely, “Sis, sis! Where did they take you?”

“I heard from Brother Lu—that idiot in class was paid to provoke me. They even bribed the teacher so the second I threw a punch, they’d call my parents.”

“It’s all my fault for being stupid and getting you tricked into leaving!”

As he spoke, he circled his sister, inspecting her frantically. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”

Before he could finish, a large hand yanked him away.

Lu Linwei stood before Shen Ying, as if confirming she wasn’t an illusion, before exhaling deeply in relief.

This was the very definition of surviving a disaster—even more overwhelming than when he’d woken up after being rescued himself.

He pulled Shen Ying into a crushing embrace, his grip suffocatingly tight from sheer terror.

Shen Ying had to pat his back several times before he loosened his hold slightly. Looking down, his expression was so ashamed he couldn’t even meet her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

But Shen Ying wasn’t focused on that. Instead, she asked, “Let’s save that for later. Where’s the food?”

The newly appointed temporary butler hurriedly replied, “The kitchen will prepare it right away. What would you like, Miss Shen?”

Shen Ying casually listed a few dishes, then glanced at the surrounding crowd—all wearing identical dumbfounded expressions.

She sighed. “Alright, everyone, good work. I’m fine. You can all go now.”

Assistant Fang finally couldn’t hold back anymore. “But—Miss Shen, how did you get back?”

As the one who’d been coordinating all the operations today, he knew better than anyone how thoroughly prepared, meticulously organized, and ruthlessly executed her abduction had been.

Three vicious, experienced criminals—no slender woman could’ve escaped them on her own.

Lu Linwei, equally shaken, asked, “Yes, where are the men who took you? Are you hurt? How did you get away?”

Shen Ying adopted a look of confusion. “I’m not entirely sure either. The driver swapped out halfway, saying it was his substitute.”

“I didn’t think much of it. Figured three grown men could at least get me to my destination. Turns out, they were completely unreliable—drove me around the highway for two hours.”

The crowd’s lips twitched at her words, unsure if she was genuinely clueless or playing dumb.

Then, with the excitement of someone sharing juicy gossip, she continued, “I was just about to yell at them when they seemed to realize they’d gone the wrong way. Started arguing about it.”

“The argument got heated fast. Then they began airing each other’s dirty laundry—how Third Brother slept with Second Brother’s wife and got his son killed, how Second Brother embezzled money and got three of Third Brother’s fingers chopped off. They went at each other, both trying to recruit Big Brother to help take the other down.”

“And then guess what? Turns out Big Brother’s sister was raped and murdered by those two animals. They even pinned it on a scapegoat, tricking Big Brother into killing him—which was why they’d become fugitives in the first place!”

“Oh man, the drama just kept coming, one twist after another. I was sitting right between the three of them, too stunned to even blink, afraid I’d miss a single detail.”

“Finally, they decided the car was too cramped for their showdown. Right there on the highway, they pulled over and got out to settle it.”

“Big Brother stabbed Second Brother to death, then bashed Third Brother’s skull in. Tried to get back to ‘work’ after, but he tripped on a rock, stumbled onto the road, and got flattened by an oncoming truck.”

She sighed regretfully. “What a waste. After all those years of camaraderie—even splitting a measly substitute driver’s fee without complaint—and it ended like this.”

Then she shot Shen Yao a warning look. “See? This is what happens when you can’t control your temper and let yourself get provoked.”

Shen Yao immediately shrank back, swearing never to fall for such a dumb trick again.

Everyone else, however, looked utterly lost—as if they’d just heard an explanation that explained nothing.

Mixed in was sheer exasperation at Shen Ying’s baffling blend of obliviousness, thick-skinned nonchalance, and morbid cheerfulness in the face of disaster.

Then, as if spotting an old friend, she suddenly beamed at the driver and waved. “Hey! You finished your personal business?”

“I knew you weren’t the type to abandon your post. Those three laughed at me, but now they’re in no position to prove me wrong.”

The driver’s face drained of color at her words.

The crowd: “……”

Fortunately, the elite team’s professionalism kicked in.

The head of security quickly pressed, “Miss Shen, where exactly did they stop the car? Where are the bodies?”

They’d failed to find her today, humiliating their entire operation. Now was their chance to salvage their reputation.

Shen Ying described the nearby landmarks, then added, “But it’s been two hours—they’ve probably been found by now. Maybe check with the local traffic police?”

No sooner had she mentioned it than the security department had already looked into the matter.

To be precise, they’d heard about it over an hour ago, but dismissed it as just another major traffic accident.

After all, the only person abducted was Shen Ying—a woman with no outside help to rely on.

The likelihood of the kidnappers suffering heavy losses at this stage was slim.

Who’d have thought it really was those three bastards?

The team sprang into action immediately. Lu Linwei ordered, “By tomorrow morning, I want their full backgrounds—who they work for, financial records, personal connections, everything.”

“Yes, sir!”

As the office buzzed with activity, dinner was served in the kitchen.

Shen Ying was genuinely hungry, so she focused entirely on the meal once seated.

But Lu Linwei was unusually attentive today. Though he had little appetite himself, he clumsily served her dishes, poured soup, and even peeled shrimp and cracked crab shells for her.

Shen Ying, flustered, said, “Mr. Lu, I can manage. This is a bit embarrassing.”

Lu Linwei smiled, assuming she was overwhelmed by the gesture.

Indeed, he’d never waited on anyone in his life—but Shen Ying was different.

Softly, he replied, “You deserve it. I’m happy to do it.”

Shen Ying insisted, “Really, there’s no need.”

Lu Linwei pressed, “I failed to protect you today. Let me do something, no matter how small.”

Shen Ying’s expression grew conflicted. “Well, Mr. Lu… with you being so nice, it feels awkward to bring up the compensation for emotional distress now.”

Lu Linwei’s hands froze mid-motion.

Shen Ying’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You’re suddenly being so sweet—are you trying to lowball me?”

“Normally, I’d let it slide, but this time’s different. Today was straight-up criminal! Three murderers had me surrounded, and one even died right in front of me. I was terrified they’d start fighting in the car—one wrong punch and I’d have been done for.”

“Not to mention the bloody scene haunting me every time I close my eyes.”

“Mr. Lu, when we discussed this job, you never mentioned being your companion was a high-risk profession. So, don’t you think a raise is more than fair now?”

Lu Linwei felt a strange relief seeing her energetic enough to extort him.

Still, guilt and heartache over her ordeal made him generous. “Today’s payment will be ten times the usual. Your salary triples, too.”

Shen Ying beamed with satisfaction.

But while she was content, Lu Linwei was simmering with rage that demanded an outlet.

The next morning, Shen Yao was sent back to school by car to continue his grueling quest to get into Tsinghua.

Meanwhile, the information Lu Linwei had demanded arrived right after breakfast, laid out before him.

Without wasting a second, he stood. “Let’s go.”

Dozens of luxury cars were already waiting outside, trailing them as they headed for the Qiao Corporation building.

At the top floor of Qiao Corporation, Chairman Qiao was hosting a guest—none other than Gao Yingli, whom he’d met not long ago in the U.S.

Their business concluded, they were making small talk when Chairman Qiao asked, “You young people keep closer ties. Do you know what happened with Linwei yesterday? The commotion was quite loud.”

Gao Yingli had a rough idea. Smirking, he said, “Probably got dumped and threw a tantrum, turning the city upside down looking for her.”

Chairman Qiao was about to respond when his secretary’s frantic voice cut in from outside: “Mr. Lu, the Chairman is with a guest—you can’t just barge in!”

Too late. Lu Linwei strode in, Shen Ying in tow.

Chairman Qiao waved off the flustered secretary. “It’s fine. My door is always open to Linwei.”

His tone cooled, however, when he noticed Shen Ying. “Next time, there’s no need to bring unnecessary people.”

Lu Linwei took a seat on the central sofa with deliberate ease. “Oh, she’s necessary. When demanding answers, you don’t leave the victim outside.”

Chairman Qiao sensed his anger but was still in the dark.

His eldest son—General Manager Qiao, Qiao Mingyue’s older brother—spoke up. “Chairman, since your meeting with Mr. Gao is over, I’ll see him out.”

Gao Yingli, seeing Lu Linwei storm in with Shen Ying, had no intention of missing the show.

“No need for formalities! Lu and I grew up together, and Shen Ying’s a dear friend. What’s so private I can’t stay?”

Chairman Qiao, still oblivious to the gravity of the situation, sighed. “You always love teasing Linwei.”

Turning to Lu Linwei, he said, “Did Mingyue upset you again? Let me apologize on her behalf. She’s spoiled, but her feelings for you are genuine.”

“Even if there were harsh words…” He glanced at Shen Ying. “For the sake of your childhood friendship, forgive her this once.”

Lu Linwei smirked. “Harsh words? You underestimate your daughter.”

“I notified her before coming. She should be here soon. Let’s wait for the full cast before we begin.”

It didn’t take long—just a few minutes after the secretary had finished brewing and serving the tea—before Qiao Mingyue and Qiao Mingfei walked in.

The moment they stepped inside and sensed the tense atmosphere, they knew Lu Linwei hadn’t summoned them for anything pleasant.

Qiao Mingyue’s first instinct was to suspect that Shen Ying had broken her promise—that despite taking her money, she had still pinned the photo incident on her, inciting Lu Linwei to sever ties with the Qiao family.

Her expression twisted with fury as she glared at Shen Ying.

Shen Ying shrugged, about to speak, but Lu Linwei stopped her.

With an air of reliability, he said, “Don’t worry. Let me handle this today.”

Gao Yingli couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about him today.

Then, Lu Linwei addressed Chairman Qiao: “The first time my girlfriend visited my home, your family sent a manipulated audio clip, making her face suspicion and humiliation that day. To this day, she refuses to step foot in my family’s home again.”

“That was the first time.”

Chairman Qiao’s expression stiffened with discomfort, but inwardly, he dismissed it.

He was aware of the incident—he’d allowed the younger generation to play their games and had even called the elder Lu to pressure Lu Linwei. But the next day, when he’d called back, he’d been met with sarcasm from the old man.

Still, the matter had blown over. It wasn’t serious enough for Lu Linwei to revisit it now.

So Chairman Qiao waited patiently for what came next.

Sure enough, Lu Linwei continued, “Days later, my girlfriend’s parents were fired without cause, and her younger brother was bullied at school.”

“Though the situation was resolved, it was later uncovered that the factory’s manager took orders from General Manager Qiao’s assistant. And the money the bullies’ parents received afterward was traced back to a Qiao subsidiary.”

“That was the second time.”

Chairman Qiao listened with growing impatience. Bullying insignificant people might be beneath their dignity, but he didn’t consider it a serious matter. Even if Lu Linwei pressed the issue, there were countless ways to smooth it over.

Lu Linwei then glanced at Qiao Mingyue and smirked coldly. “Bring him in.”

At his command, a bruised and battered man was dragged inside.

Chairman Qiao frowned, sensing the situation had taken a darker turn.

True enough, Lu Linwei didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he slid forward a phone with its screen still on, followed by a bank transfer trail and a drug test report.

With his shrewdness, Chairman Qiao pieced it all together instantly.

When he looked up, Lu Linwei’s expression was icy. “The third time.”

Chairman Qiao immediately said, “The children went too far this time. I apologize—this will absolutely be the last—”

Unlike the first two incidents, this one wasn’t just aimed at that woman—it was a direct challenge to Lu Linwei’s pride.

But Lu Linwei cut him off. “No need to rush, Chairman Qiao. It’s not time for apologies yet.”

He then gestured to Assistant Fang.

Understanding the cue, Assistant Fang had the battered ringleader taken away, only to bring in the driver next.

Lu Linwei said, “I would’ve liked to present the other three participants to you as well, but their current condition makes it… inconvenient. You’ll have to make do with this.”

His black-suited subordinates handed over several documents.

The first pages displayed gruesome crime scene photos of three corpses, startling even the unflappable Chairman Qiao.

Lu Linwei’s voice was chilling. “These three, along with a bribed driver from my household, kidnapped my girlfriend yesterday and drove her around the highway for three hours.”

“I mobilized every resource, searched for five hours, and only by sheer luck—because her captors were idiots—did she return unharmed.”

He tossed another stack of files onto the table. “They’re dead, but the evidence on them was thorough. Over the years, these three did all sorts of dirty work for the Qiao family. Their call logs, funding sources—everything ties back to you.”

Picking up one of the dossiers, he read aloud, “Let’s review their crimes.”

“Robbery, murder, rape, drug trafficking. When the Qiao family sent men like this after my girlfriend, I doubt their intention was just a joyride, was it?”

The moment Chairman Qiao saw the files, he knew disaster had struck. He turned to his son, whose evasive eyes and guilty expression made his vision darken.

This fool. If he was going to act, he should’ve ensured success—not left behind such obvious evidence.

Lu Linwei’s voice dropped to a terrifying low. “Three times now, the Qiao family has targeted my fiancée. Three times, you’ve tested the limits of my patience.”

“Chairman Qiao, are you declaring war on me?”

“Absolutely not!” Chairman Qiao denied hastily.

Though their families clashed behind the scenes, outright conflict on the surface was unthinkable.

If they gave the Lu family an excuse to retaliate, even if they could withstand the blow, the other circling vultures would tear them apart for scraps.

The Qiao and Lu families might be equals, but while Chairman Qiao was aging, his son was mediocre—nowhere near the caliber of men like Lu Linwei or Gao Yingli. At best, he could maintain what they had, but never expand it.

Before his departure, he had to reinforce the Qiao family’s position rather than let it sink into the whirlpool of conflict. If that happened, given his son’s capabilities, there would be no chance of him holding onto the leading position after his death.

So Chairman Qiao made a decisive move. He stood up and bowed solemnly to Lu Linwei, offering a sincere apology.

"Linwei, though I was unaware of this matter, those two troublemakers have indeed wronged you. Fortunately, no serious harm was done. As your elder, I sincerely apologize to you."

"And I give you my word—this will absolutely be the last time. I will discipline those two properly and ensure you receive a satisfactory resolution."

He then turned to Shen Ying and said, "Miss Shen, I apologize for the distress caused to you."

At that moment, Chairman Qiao’s secretary handed over a box. Shen Ying opened it to find two keys inside—one for a luxury car and another for a prime piece of real estate.

Chairman Qiao said, "Please accept these as a token of my apology to ease your shock."

Shen Ying glanced at the keys, then at the shrewd old man who knew when to bend and when to stand firm. Without hesitation, she replied, "Thank you, Chairman Qiao. I’ll take them."

Seeing her accept the gifts, Chairman Qiao breathed a sigh of relief. With the main party appeased, Lu Linwei wouldn’t be able to press the matter too aggressively. Now, it was just a matter of wearing him down over time.

Still, he couldn’t help but inwardly scoff at Lu Linwei’s taste—making such a fuss over a woman who’d never seen the finer things in life.

Yet, Lu Linwei wasn’t the least bit angered by Shen Ying being "bought off" so cheaply. For the first time, their thoughts aligned perfectly.

Seeing her accept the compensation, he said, "Fine. Since she’s agreed to let it go, I won’t push further."

"Now, let’s settle the grievances my fiancée suffered in this incident."

For a moment, Chairman Qiao was baffled, unable to grasp the contradiction in Lu Linwei’s words.

Then Shen Ying spoke up, "Apologies, Chairman Qiao. As Shen Ying, an individual, I’m more than willing to let bygones be bygones."

"But as Lu Linwei’s girlfriend, I can’t just drop the matter. These are two separate roles."

The Qiao elder’s frown deepened, his displeasure at being outmaneuvered by a mere woman plain to see.

Shen Ying feigned surprise. "You don’t mean to tell me, Chairman Qiao, that you only offered compensation because I’m Lu Linwei’s girlfriend?"

"Shouldn’t any victim receive an apology from those who wronged them?"

"Or were you just throwing out scraps to placate me because Lu Linwei showed up with evidence after his girlfriend was mistreated?"

She glanced at Lu Linwei, her eyes dripping with exaggerated sympathy.

Lu Linwei, of course, darkened his expression at the perfect moment.

Chairman Qiao quickly interjected, "Absolutely not! I fully intended to personally bring those two to the Lu residence later to formally apologize. We could have discussed the West District project then."

This was a veiled offer—if Lu Linwei dropped the matter, the Qiao family might ease their competition for the West District project, a significant concession.

But Lu Linwei wasn’t biting. He smirked coldly. "The odds for that project are already in my favor. Otherwise, this fool wouldn’t be here."

He pointed at Gao Yingli, who was intently reviewing the files from yesterday’s homicide case.

"Chairman Qiao, you only teamed up with the Gao family because you knew you couldn’t win the bid, hoping to carve out a piece of the pie through a separate venture, didn’t you?"

The accusation left Chairman Qiao flustered. After all, Lu Linwei was now his equal—no longer someone he could dismiss as a junior.

Lu Linwei continued, "As for the apology—why wait?"

"I want both of them to kneel and apologize to my fiancée."

Qiao Mingyue exploded. "Her? She’s not worth my kneel!"

Her brother, General Manager Qiao, was equally furious. As the future head of the Qiao family, he considered himself part of the same elite circle as Lu Linwei, even if a step behind.

Kneeling to some penniless woman? Unthinkable.

But Lu Linwei remained unfazed. "I hope you refuse."

"That way, though it’ll cost me some effort, the evidence I have should be enough to send General Manager Qiao away for at least three years."

"Three years—hm."

His tone was laden with implication.

Chairman Qiao understood perfectly. His son lacked the skill and experience to control the fractious shareholders. With the Lu family targeting them, three years in prison wouldn’t just waste his chance to learn—it might cost him control of the company entirely.

Despite the humiliation burning inside him, the Qiao elder acted decisively.

He kicked his son in the back of the knee, forcing him to the ground.

"Apologize to Miss Shen."

Then he shot a glare at Qiao Mingyue.

She had never been forced by her father like this before and burst into tears.

But this time, Chairman Qiao showed no leniency. He gestured for his assistant to force her to her knees.

The siblings were practically made to choke out apologies to Shen Ying, teeth pried apart by sheer force. Never had they felt such disgrace.

When Qiao Mingyue lifted her head, her tear-streaked, reddened eyes burned with hatred as they met Shen Ying’s.

Shen Ying arched a brow. Still so foolish—she didn’t even know who to blame.

But one can't really blame Miss Qiao. The solid evidence currently points to her own brother, and she likely assumed he took matters into his own hands without consulting her.

Of course, the other party thought exactly that—so where did things go wrong?

Shen Ying's gaze settled on the inconspicuous figure of Qiao Mingfei in the corner.

Even with no one's attention on her, she still maintained a flawless demeanor.

Her face was etched with worry and heartache as she watched her cousins. Anyone who saw her would praise her as the perfect younger sister.

Shen Ying's mind wandered idly, thinking how slow Lu Linwei was in handling things.

Honestly, she had little interest in apologies or formalities.

Typical of the wealthy—their priorities were completely opposite hers.

Just as she began regretting letting Lu Linwei take the lead, his voice cut through:

"Beyond an apology, I demand compensation from the Qiao family for what my fiancée endured."

"The amount: one billion."

At this, Shen Ying's eyes gleamed as she looked at Lu Linwei, nearly shouting—

*Now that's generosity.*

Lu Linwei, acutely attuned to her reactions, allowed a faint smirk of satisfaction to curl his lips.