The Abusive Novel System Pleads with Me to Resign

In the days that followed, the entire internet was abuzz with discussions about the Qiao family.

With the downfall of the father-son duo and their protective umbrella, more of the darkness hidden under the veil of power and capital was exposed.

The crimes of Qiao Father and Son were merely the tip of the iceberg—new scandals surfaced daily, fueling countless self-media accounts.

Meanwhile, the other prominent families naturally seized the opportunity to carve up the spoils, and Gao Yingli was no exception.

For a long time, he was out from dawn till dusk, so busy that the only moment he crossed paths with Shen Ying was during breakfast.

Without the nuisance of a certain man disturbing her, Shen Ying’s blissfully lazy life became even more delightful.

Now that she was wealthy and had Assistant Liu—Gao Yingli’s former right-hand man, well-versed in high society—by her side, she had everything she needed.

Assistant Liu had previously been Gao Yingli’s personal assistant, familiar with all the exclusive clubs and elite gatherings.

With the simple gardener boy sent away on Gao Yingli’s scholarship, Shen Ying decided to have Assistant Liu take her back to those high-end clubs.

She was determined to fulfill her dream of being pampered by top-tier male models.

Ever since being assigned to Shen Ying, Assistant Liu had often felt like he was on the verge of getting fired.

But time and again, Miss Shen managed to smooth things over with Gao Yingli.

By now, he had given up worrying—whatever Shen Ying asked, he simply complied.

So he drove her to the most exclusive, high-end club in the entertainment district.

Coincidentally, it was the same one Lu Linwei had brought her to before.

Assistant Liu’s face was all the pass they needed—the club manager, assuming he was there on Gao Yingli’s behalf, let Shen Ying in without a second thought.

With prior experience, Shen Ying smoothly ordered drinks and requested a few male models to liven up the evening.

This time, without Lu Linwei interfering, she finally witnessed the caliber of a top-tier club’s escorts.

One after another, they filed in, offering a dazzling array of charms—something for every taste.

There was the sweet, boy-next-door type, the refined and scholarly gentleman, the trendy and flamboyant heartthrob, and the exotic mixed-race beauty.

Shen Ying picked the four or five most handsome ones—one to light her cigarettes, another to pour her drinks, a third to give her a massage, and the last, drenched in champagne, performing a seductive dance.

Each had a sculpted physique, razor-sharp wit, and a silver tongue, effortlessly melting Shen Ying’s heart.

The champagne-soaked hunk approached, his soaked clothes clinging to his toned body—proof of rigorous training and natural gifts.

What woman could resist such deliberate temptation? Shen Ying immediately ordered another tower of champagne.

Now a multimillionaire, such expenses were nothing to her.

Just as the revelry reached its peak, the private room’s door was violently kicked open.

Recognizing the rhythm of that kick, Shen Ying’s face twisted in annoyance.

"Kicking doors—must be a childhood requirement for domineering CEOs, huh?" she muttered. "Look how you’ve scared the poor guys."

Assistant Liu, who had been on edge the whole time, immediately stood up and bowed. "Mr. Gao."

Gao Yingli glared at him. "I assigned you as her life assistant so you could be her VIP pass, is that it?"

Assistant Liu had no defense—one was his boss, the other held his secrets. Who could he defy?

Luckily, Gao Yingli didn’t dwell on him, instead turning his dark gaze to the men fawning over Shen Ying.

"Get out," he growled.

One of the models bristled. "Oh? And who are you? Another escort from some club? Or just another sugar baby our Miss Shen keeps?"

"Same profession, yet you act like the official boyfriend? In this line of work, knowing your place is key."

"Trying to freeload with attitude?"

Gao Yingli’s eyes locked onto him. The manager, who had followed him in, broke into a cold sweat—

"Shut up and get out. Now."

The models, experts at reading the room, instantly realized their mistake.

Before Gao Yingli could memorize their faces, they scrambled out.

The manager bowed repeatedly. "My apologies, Mr. Gao. I thought the lady was just a guest you were hosting."

"They meant no harm—please forgive the oversight."

Shen Ying scoffed. "What’s the meaning of this? Am I paying for this room tonight, or is he?"

"Why are you throwing out the people I called?"

Gao Yingli stormed over, furious. "One day. Just one day without keeping tabs on you, and you’re out here partying with strangers."

"You actually used my name to sneak in and hire men?"

Shen Ying rolled her eyes. "It’s just borrowing your membership card."

"I’m not even putting it on your tab—why the fuss?"

"Relax, I’m covering all expenses tonight. Not a single penny from you."

Gao Yingli was seething. "You think you’re staying? We’re leaving."

Shen Ying sprawled defiantly on the couch. "I came here for the models. I’m not leaving until I’ve had my fun."

She turned to the manager. "Bring those guys back."

The manager kept his head down, not daring to comply.

Gao Yingli smirked. "With me here, try calling any man in tonight."

Shen Ying shrugged. "Then we’ll wait. No models? I’m not moving."

Gao Yingli: "..."

Assistant Liu saw the two at a standstill and thought to himself, while Miss Shen had all the time in the world to idle around, Mr. Gao certainly did not.

Besides, he also wanted to wrap things up early and get home to his family.

So he spoke up: "Sir, why not just let Miss Shen have her fun?"

After all, with him standing guard like a sentinel, none of the male models would dare approach her anyway.

Once Miss Shen got bored, wouldn’t she just leave on her own?

But when Gao Yingli heard this, his face flushed red, his mind immediately jumping to a completely different interpretation.

He let out a cold laugh and said arrogantly, "Fine, I’ll let her have her fun."

With that, he walked over and poured Shen Ying a glass of wine. "Drink up!"

Shen Ying looked at Gao Yingli.

Who would’ve thought someone so refined-looking could be this shameless?

So she deliberately made things difficult: "With this kind of emotional intelligence, this attitude, and this clumsy service, you’re clearly not up to par."

She turned to the manager and said, "Are you seriously understaffed here? How could you send someone so obviously untrained to entertain guests?"

The manager glanced at Gao Yingli, only to find Mr. Gao glaring at him with a chilling gaze.

A shiver ran down his spine, and he quickly stammered, "Apologies, miss. All the others have been booked, and only Gao—"

"—only this one is left."

Gao Yingli turned back, a hint of smugness in his expression. "I’m the only one available, so you’ll have to make do, ma’am."

"I’ll make sure to serve you properly."

Shen Ying gave a haughty nod. "Fine, then. Take off your suit first? I’d like to see what happens when champagne splashes on an expensive handmade shirt."

Gao Yingli: "..."

System: "..."

By the time they left the club, Assistant Liu was in a daze.

What had he even said earlier? How had things escalated like this?

He’d even been kicked out. When Mr. Gao finally emerged from the private room, he looked utterly disheveled, his face flushed.

He’d hurried to the restroom to change clothes and tidy up, but his hair was still damp and swept back—hardly the look of someone who’d just been drinking properly.

Assistant Liu: "..."

He’d genuinely just made a reasonable suggestion.

In the end, he could only numbly go to fetch the car. Gao Yingli had come in a hurry and hadn’t brought any extra staff.

As the two descended in the elevator and were about to get into the car, fate played its hand.

Just like the first time they’d come here, several cars pulled up.

But Gao Yingli had sharp eyes—he immediately recognized Lu Linwei’s car.

He quickly opened the door and shoved Shen Ying inside. There was no time for him to get in as well, so he simply shut the door and turned to face Lu Linwei, who had just stepped out of his vehicle.

The moment Lu Linwei saw him, he let out a mocking laugh, giving Gao Yingli a once-over.

"With that guilty look on your face, Young Master Gao, don’t tell me you came to the club to hire male escorts?"

Gao Yingli shot back, "Cut the crap."

Lu Linwei smirked. "No? Then were you the one being hired as an escort?"

He continued, laughing, "When did the Gao family fall so low that Young Master Gao has to sell his charms for side income?"

"Did you earn enough in drink commissions tonight?"

Gao Yingli: "..."

This idiot had no idea what had actually happened, yet somehow he kept stumbling onto the truth.

But Lu Linwei remained oblivious to his accidental accuracy. When he’d stepped out of his car earlier, he’d vaguely seen Gao Yingli shove someone into the other vehicle—clearly a woman.

So he teased, "Why isn’t the lady in the car coming out to say hello? Is she your woman, Young Master Gao?"

At this, Gao Yingli’s mood instantly improved. With a smirk, he said, "What if she is? Why are you so curious, Young Master Lu? Planning to steal her from me?"

Lu Linwei immediately scoffed in disgust. "You think I’m as twisted as you? Only interested in what’s already in someone else’s mouth?"

He walked up to Gao Yingli’s car and tapped twice on the window. "And with your taste, what makes you think I’d even glance twice at any woman you pick?"

Gao Yingli raised an eyebrow. "Are you questioning her appeal? Are you sure you’re talking about the woman in my car?"

"Young Master Lu, show some respect. In my eyes, she’s a flawless goddess—breathtakingly beautiful, exuding noble grace, and endlessly captivating."

"Not someone a guy like you gets to insult."

Lu Linwei only grew more disdainful. "If I recall correctly, the last time I heard you call something ‘breathtakingly beautiful,’ it was a cockroach."

(Because he’d put it in Lu Linwei’s backpack.)

"‘Exuding noble grace’ was how you described a sow at the farm."

(Because he’d sicced it on Lu Linwei.)

"And ‘endlessly captivating’ was a red-assed monkey."

(Because it had stolen Lu Linwei’s bag.)

Of course, all that had been back in their school days.

After saying this, Lu Linwei cast a mocking glance at the car window. The glass was specially treated—those outside couldn’t see in, but the person inside could clearly observe his expression.

Lu Linwei knew this well and smiled. "No wonder Young Master Gao is so secretive even with an old friend like me. It’s understandable."

"Don’t worry, I’m not cruel enough to criticize a woman’s appearance."

"But you really shouldn’t say things like ‘planning to steal her from me.’ It might hurt the lady’s feelings."

Hearing this, Gao Yingli showed no trace of anger—only pure amusement, as if watching a comedy unfold.

He shrugged: "Fine, since Young Master Lu holds my taste in such contempt, there's nothing more for me to say."

"Just keep your word and stay far away from my woman in the future."

Lu Linwei: "Don’t worry. I, Lu Linwei, would rather die than spare her another glance."

After all, he already had a fiancée.

Gao Yingli, even more pleased, asked, "What brings Young Master Lu here today?"

Lu Linwei: "Certainly not to work as a male model."

Gao Yingli: "I’m trying to have a civil conversation with you, but your constant hostility makes it rather dull."

"Who’s to say you’ll never be a male model? Heaven has blessed you with such fine qualities—you might just find a use for them someday."

Lu Linwei: "Rest assured, the Lu Group won’t go bankrupt anytime soon. No need for your concern."

Gao Yingli: "But what if your fiancée wanted to see it?"

At this, Lu Linwei fell silent for a moment.

Well… that would depend on the circumstances. His pride wouldn’t allow it, but what if… what if she offered him an irresistible reward?

Still, their private affairs were none of Gao Yingli’s business, and he wasn’t about to lose face in front of him.

Lu Linwei sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance and certainty: "Her? Expect me to bend over backward just to please her?"

"Absolutely not. I don’t indulge such whims."

Then, with a mocking glance at Gao Yingli, he added, "But then again, perhaps Young Master Gao is the type to be easily tamed. Pity—I’m not."

Gao Yingli clapped in approval. "Such backbone, Young Master Lu. Keep it up."

"Honestly, if it were me, I’d probably do it. Miss Shen is worth that kind of effort."

Lu Linwei looked at him as if he were something filthy. "You? She wouldn’t spare you a glance even if you stripped naked in front of her."

Gao Yingli smiled meaningfully. "That’s a bold claim to make so soon."

Lu Linwei had no interest in wasting more time on this fool. With a cold laugh, he turned and strode away, his powerful aura cutting through the air as he stepped into the elevator.

Only once the elevator ascended did Gao Yingli open his car door and slip inside.

Leaning toward Shen Ying, he said, "What now? Your fiancé just insulted you."

"He said you look like a cockroach, carry yourself like a sow, and resemble a monkey."

"He also swore he’d never stoop to playing the male model—not even for love."

He cleared his throat pointedly, waiting for Shen Ying’s attention to shift to him.

"Only someone like me would indulge you so shamelessly."

But Shen Ying didn’t react as he’d hoped. Instead, she mused, "What’s he doing at the club?"

Gao Yingli scowled. "What else? Probably out having fun while you’re not around."

Shen Ying nodded. "Possibly. Go check if he’s misbehaving."

Gao Yingli stared at her as if she were the most outrageous scoundrel he’d ever met.

"You—want me to spy on Lu Linwei for you?"

Shen Ying nodded again. "I can’t show my face, and Assistant Liu would be stopped. You’re the only one left."

Gao Yingli let out a disbelieving laugh. "What exactly is my role in this twisted dynamic?"

Shen Ying: "The homewrecker who hasn’t succeeded yet."

Gao Yingli: "I—"

His temples throbbed as he swallowed back his fury. "Fine. Let’s say I am the other man."

"You’re sending the other man to catch your fiancé cheating? Doesn’t that strike you as absurd?"

Shen Ying looked baffled. "Who said you had to march in shouting, ‘I’m the other man, here to catch you cheating’?"

"Just sneak a peek and see if he’s behaving. Then come back."

Gao Yingli: "Oh, so now I have to skulk around without even stating my position?"

Shen Ying: "You can state it if you want. I won’t stop you. But you’re the one who doesn’t want my fiancé knowing about us, right?"

Gao Yingli’s vision swam for a few seconds before he regained his composure.

Shen Ying nudged him impatiently. "Well? Are you going or not? If not, I’ll go myself."

"This isn’t some little game—it’s about securing my future in the wealthy elite."

Gao Yingli gritted his teeth. "Fine. I’ll go."

Lu Linwei had come out tonight to unwind.

The past few months had been relentless—his aggressive moves against the Qiao family had left little room for relaxation.

But with matters nearing their conclusion, he’d accepted his friends’ invitation without hesitation.

The same group was there, though the women at their sides had changed once again.

The moment Lu Linwei arrived, they greeted him eagerly—

"Old Lu, you’ve really outdone yourself this time."

"To cripple the Qiao family like this—forcing them to downsize already? I’ve got nothing but respect."

"Always hated that Qiao patriarch. All arrogance, no substance, barking orders at everyone like he owned the place."

Lu Linwei was used to such flattery. He nodded, accepted a drink, and exchanged a few words with them.

Then someone brought up another topic—

"By the way, Old Lu, heard you’re engaged now—to that Miss Shen from last time?"

Lu Linwei nodded. "Who else would it be?"

"Damn, Old Lu. You work fast—winning her over in just a few months."

"Back then, Miss Shen was wild. Right in front of you, demanding male models without a second thought."

"I was thinking it might not work out, but Old Lu, you’ve got skills."

A hint of smugness flashed across Lu Linwei’s face when someone asked, "So when’s the engagement party?"

Lu Linwei stiffened, and another person chimed in, "By the way, where’s Miss Shen? Now that the Qiao family’s in this state, she should be back, right?"

No sooner had the words left their mouth than a scoff came from the doorway—

"Come back? Who’d want to come back to such a useless fiancé?"

"And you lot, don’t bother preparing gifts—this engagement might not even happen."

Everyone turned to see Gao Yingli and hurriedly greeted him.

"Ah, Young Master Gao, you’re here to have fun too?" they stammered.

Lu Linwei stood up, his expression dark as he walked over to Gao Yingli and slammed the door shut.

The disgusting scene was finally cut off.

Gao Yingli didn’t seem bothered. He simply turned and headed back downstairs.

Once in the car, he said to Shen Ying, "I went up to check. Young Master Lu is having a grand old time."

"He’s got his arms around two women, surrounded by beauties, and didn’t even notice me. Out of friendship, I called out to him twice, reminding him that he’s a man with a fiancée and shouldn’t be acting so shamelessly in public."

"But he just stormed over and slammed the door in my face—almost broke my nose."

Shen Ying raised an eyebrow at Gao Yingli’s solemn expression. "Oh? And what did these beauties look like?"

Gao Yingli: "Didn’t get a good look. One was in a red dress, curvy. The other wore black, aloof and elegant."

"Unlike him, I don’t make a habit of staring at women’s faces."

Shen Ying nodded and said to Assistant Liu, "Alright, no problem here. The fiancé’s behaving. Let’s go."

Gao Yingli grabbed her arm. "Did you not hear what I just said? Who told you he’s behaving?"

Shen Ying: "You did. If he were really like that, you’d have dragged me upstairs to see it for myself."

"At the very least, you’d have recorded it."

Damn it!

Gao Yingli looked genuinely disappointed.

Only then did Shen Ying turn to her long-neglected system—

"Hey, System, how’s the progress on the big villain’s route?"

System: [...Almost caught up to the male lead’s.]

Every time the system watched Gao Yingli get played, provoked, and tamed—only for his favorability to rise instead of drop—it was left dumbfounded.

In the original story, the big villain was supposed to be insecure, resistant to intimacy, and full of disdain for women who approached him with ulterior motives due to his family background.

The original female lead, naive and defenseless, endured everything and kept trusting him despite being repeatedly used and deceived.

It was her pure, unconditional trust and acceptance that finally opened his heart.

Given Shen Ying’s blatant greed and money-grubbing attitude from the start, she should’ve been the type Gao Yingli despised most.

Before kidnapping her, his favorability had been in the negatives.

Why?

The system began doubting its own calculations—then its competence.

Shen Ying added salt to the wound: "Told you to stop panicking. In romance, you’ve got to hit rock bottom before bouncing back."

"Half-hearted efforts just drag things out. If we’d followed your logic, how long would it have taken?"

The system practically overheated, its last shred of pride making it retort: [And what if your strategy failed? What if you couldn’t recover?]

[If you’d been wrong, given Gao Yingli’s initial hatred for you, it might’ve been irreversible.]

Shen Ying laughed. "Hah! No way."

"At first, I wondered if the targets were just puppets controlled by the plot, only reacting to specific romantic triggers."

"But after testing, I confirmed—while the plot has strong inertia, it only works when the targets are unaware. Their actions can actually change the plot."

"That means their influence outweighs the plot’s. So they can’t be mere products of it."

"More like… you wanted them to be controlled by the plot, right?"

The system short-circuited, jolting in alarm: [Enough, Host. You’ve overstepped.]

Shen Ying smirked. "Fine, let’s drop it."

"If this makes the game uncomfortable, I’ll stop immediately. After all, I genuinely love this job and want to keep it long-term. A little mystery between employer and employee keeps the relationship stable."

The system broke into a cold sweat. Just drop it? It didn’t dare guess how much she’d already figured out.

Then she circled back—

"If the romance targets aren’t bound by the plot’s programming, then they have independent personalities."

"And ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‍honestly, nothing’s easier than understanding someone’s core and catering to it."

"If I want to, I can give them perfect emotional fulfillment."

The system struggled to reply: [Are you sure what you’re giving the male lead and his rivals is ‘emotional fulfillment’?]

Wasn’t this just dog training?

Shen Ying: "They seem happy enough, don’t they?"

"He found true love, he opened his heart, I earned the money—we all have a bright future ahead."

System: "[……]"

Is it too late to request a host change now?!