Chapter 85: The struggle in life
Michael leaned back against the wall.
"I’m this year’s new Platinum author."
Pause.
"Youngest one they’ve ever had."
His voice flat.
"Everyone calls me a genius."
"In an hour, I’m receiving the Gold Award at the ceremony."
His expression darkened.
"But honestly? I don’t feel good about it."
Alex nodded. Popped the mint into his mouth.
"This lemon mint is really good."
Michael smiled.
"It’s my favorite."
Silence for a moment.
Then he continued.
"When I first signed with WebNoble, JB was my editor."
Gestured at the office.
"That guy in there."
"I was new. Nobody. So his attitude was..."
Paused.
"Extremely bad."
"Everything he said was either useless or an insult."
"No guidance. No help. Just..."
His jaw tightened.
"It really messed with me."
Alex listened. Silent.
"So I tried reaching out to another editor. Flora."
Michael’s expression softened.
"A woman. Kind. Actually helpful."
"She’s... she’s my girlfriend now."
Michael smiled.
"She encouraged me. Guided me. Believed in me."
"Without her, I wouldn’t be Platinum."
"She deserves credit for everything I’ve achieved."
His smile faded.
"After my work took off, WebNoble started being nice to me."
Voice bitter.
"Suddenly everyone wanted to be my friend."
"So I made a request."
Looked back at JB’s office.
"Transfer all my royalty splits from JB to Flora."
"She earned it. Not him."
"But..."
Shook his head.
"JB isn’t just the chief editor."
"He’s connected. Family ties. Company relatives."
"Nobody dares touch his cake."
Laughed. Hollow.
"So nothing changed."
"And in an hour, I have to stand on stage..."
His fists clenched.
"Shake his hand."
"Smile for photos."
"Pretend everything’s fine."
Looked at Alex.
"Just thinking about it makes me sick."
Pause.
Then smiled. Slightly.
"Of course, if you’re one of JB’s people..."
"Then I’m probably screwed for telling you all this."
Alex was silent.
Just looked at him.
Alex patted his shoulder.
"You’re lucky that I’m not."
Michael’s expression relaxed.
"Hehe, lucky."
Alex’s mind worked.
Another reason to kill this bastard.
But still...
Not enough.
I need something decisive.
Something that won’t cause problems for Rose. For Wilson. For the city.
Need to make sure nobody can complain.
He looked at Michael.
"Would you be willing to tear off the mask at the ceremony?"
"Expose him publicly?"
"His true face. In front of everyone."
Michael’s smile turned bitter.
"If I did that..."
Shook his head.
"JB wouldn’t face any consequences."
"Flora would lose her job."
"My work would suffer."
Pause.
"Because JB... he owns one-third of the company."
"Literally. Shares. Stake."
"He’s untouchable."
Alex smiled.
"Just do it."
His voice calm.
"You won’t have any problems."
"Neither will Flora."
Michael looked at him.
Searching his face.
Then shook his head. Laughed softly.
"I wish I still had that kind of youth."
"That confidence."
Stepped away from the wall.
"Thanks for listening to me complain."
Extended his hand.
Alex shook it.
"Good luck with the award."
Michael nodded.
Walked away.
...
Michael nodded.
Walked away.
Down the corridor.
Disappeared around the corner.
Lilian’s turn came.
She walked toward the door. Steps careful. Nervous.
Knocked softly.
"Come in."
Voice from inside. Rough. Impatient.
She opened the door. Stepped inside.
Alex watched through the glass.
Put the earbud in properly.
Focused.
Lilian sat down across from JB.
The editor looked up from his phone.
His eyes landed on her.
Widened.
Lingered.
Too long.
On her face.
Her chest.
Her legs.
His tongue ran across his lips.
"Well well..."
Leaned back in his chair.
"What do we have here?"
Voice different now. Smoother. Sleazy.
"You’re much prettier than your profile picture."
Lilian shifted. Uncomfortable.
"Thank you. I’m here to discuss—"
"Are you single?"
Cut her off.
Direct.
Lilian blinked. "I... I have a boyfriend."
JB’s expression soured. Instantly.
"Oh?"
Looked past her. Through the glass.
Saw Alex leaning against the wall.
His face twisted.
Jealousy. Disgust.
"That pretty boy out there?"
Sneered.
"Figures."
Turned back to Lilian.
"So. What do you want?"
Voice cold now. Dismissive.
Lilian straightened. "I wanted to ask about my book’s performance—"
"Your book is trash."
Flat. No hesitation.
Lilian froze.
"I... I know it needs work, that’s why I’m asking for guidance—"
"Guidance?"
Laughed.
Harsh. Mocking.
"Why would I waste my time teaching a nobody?"
Leaned forward.
"You think you’re special?"
"You and a thousand other wannabes flood this site every day."
"All thinking they’re the next big thing."
Picked up his coffee. Sipped.
"Spoiler: You’re not."
Lilian’s voice shook. "But in our chat, you said—"
"I said what?"
Cut her off again.
"That you should quit?"
"Yeah. I meant it."
Put the cup down.
"Look at you. Wasting your time. Wasting mine."
"You don’t have talent."
"You don’t have readers."
"You have nothing."
His eyes dragged over her body again.
"Well. Almost nothing."
Smiled.
"If you really want my help..."
"Maybe we could discuss it privately."
"Dinner. Just you and me."
Leaned back.
"Leave the boyfriend at home."
Lilian’s face went pale.
"I... I just wanted advice on my writing—"
"Your writing is dogshit."
Voice rising.
"How many times do I have to say it?"
"You. Can’t. Write."
"You’re boring. Your plot is boring. Your characters are boring."
Waved his hand dismissively.
"You’re just another housewife playing author."
"Go back to your kitchen."
Lilian’s eyes filled with tears.
"I worked really hard—"
"Hard work doesn’t mean shit if you have no talent."
Stood up.
"Now get out."
"I have real authors to deal with."
"Not charity cases."
Lilian stood. Trembling.
Covered her face with her hands.
Rushed out.
The door opened.
Lilian stumbled out.
Straight into Alex’s arms.
Buried her face in his chest.
Sobbing.
"I was being so kind..."
Voice muffled.
"Too kind..."
Alex held her. One arm around her shoulders.
His other hand clenched.
Sighed.
Through the glass—
JB watched them.
His face twisted.
Jealousy. Rage.
Beautiful woman. Handsome man.
Made him sick.
He pressed the intercom.
"Security. Office BS520."
Pause.
"Get these two out of here."
"Now."
Two men emerged from a side room.
Large. Muscular. Faces cold.
Security. But wrong kind.
Mercenaries probably.
They walked toward Alex and Lilian.
Alex’s eyes narrowed.
Ready to move.
Then—
He felt it.
A pulse.
Spiritual energy.
Wrong type.
Twisted.
Dark.
The signature of—
His pupils contracted.
Beast Masters who weaponize their contracts.
The forbidden practitioners.
He’d encountered one before. At the black market.
Wilson had dealt with it.
But here—
In broad daylight.
In a company.
Alex’s lips curved.
Oh.
Oh this is perfect.
Golden text flashed.
[SYSTEM CHOICE]
[Option 1: Attack immediately! Kill them all right here, right now!]
[Reward: Instant promotion to 8th Grade Beast Master (HIGH RISK OF DEATH) + Bonus Golden Double Coffin for two]
[Option 2: Run away. Report to authorities. Let them handle it.]
[Reward: Vine Control +1 Level]
[Option 3: Set a trap first. Call in backup. Strike together for maximum damage!]
[Reward: Skill Book "Your Ass Is On Fire!" - Slime Exclusive!]
Alex looked at Option 1.
His hand twitched.
Almost selected it.
Then saw the reward.
Golden Double Coffin.
For two people.
He froze.
Instantly calm.
Nope.
Not dying today.
Option 2? No participation. Boring.
That left Option 3.
Perfect.
His smile widened.
Got you now, baldy.
The two men approached.
"You two. Out."
Voices rough.
Alex raised his hands.
"We’re leaving. No problem."
Took Lilian’s hand.
They walked toward the elevator.
Cooperative.
Calm.
First floor.
After getting rid of the security, Alex started sending messages to..Wilson.
Of course not Rose, he ain’t gonna get drained again.
At least before he gets stronger!
[The lord of Chaos: Whatsup Wilson? I am holding a party with lots of strippers! Wanna come?]