Chapter 50: The Golden Armor Prop!

The Acceleration Card was a tool that allowed one to quickly master knowledge or skills. For instance, losing weight typically required months of dieting and exercise to show results, but with the Acceleration Card, visible changes would appear within just a few days. Or, when learning a new skill like coding or reading a book, using the Acceleration Card enabled a person to absorb the knowledge overnight.

Lin Fan had once spent a hundred thousand to exchange for an Acceleration Card while reading, and it had indeed worked exactly as described. The Vitality Potion was just like those found in online games—when in danger or injured, one could use the potion to rapidly recover physical strength and heal quickly, as if possessing a supernatural ability. The Divine Power Pill granted immense attack power for two hours; the stronger one was, the greater the effect, making it perfect for confrontations with enemies.

Most of these low-level items only lasted for two hours. Lin Fan had only ever redeemed an Acceleration Card, never any of the others.

Now, facing Chen Wei’s sudden attack, Lin Fan decisively followed the system’s recommendation. He spent a hundred thousand in wealth to redeem the Golden Armor.

After all, the system’s judgment was even more precise than a human’s; clearly, the system foresaw he would suffer a serious blow.

[Ding! Host has spent 100,000 wealth to redeem the 'Golden Armor' item. The item takes effect immediately!]
[Ding! Wealth -100,000]
[Current wealth: 59,510,000]

The next second, Lin Fan repeated his earlier maneuver, sliding sideways to evade Chen Wei’s assault.

Another miss. Chen Wei’s rage soared, and he looked almost crazed, his face twisted as he swung backhanded with all his might.

This time, Lin Fan couldn’t dodge.

First, he had no real combat experience; though he’d learned the basics of Taijiquan, he’d never practiced. Second, Chen Wei attacked with murderous intent, using all his strength and wielding a steel pipe rather than bare fists. The pipe’s force was astonishing; even more than a wooden club, a single strike could break skin and flesh.

Moreover, Lin Fan had been overly confident in his body’s newfound strength, thinking he could withstand the blow.

But when the steel pipe landed on his arm, he still felt pain—a jolt like an electric shock, a second of spasm and stabbing agony.

However, with the Golden Armor’s protection, the pain quickly faded. Without it, the pain would have intensified, slowing his reactions and weakening his resistance.

Realizing Chen Wei’s intent to harm, Lin Fan’s mercy vanished.

“You brought this upon yourself!”

While Chen Wei’s hand was still raised, Lin Fan swiftly grabbed the steel pipe with both hands and, with a sharp yank, pulled it from Chen Wei’s grasp.

“I’ve tolerated you again and again, but you’re still so arrogant, even trying to kill me? You’re nothing but human scum! Allow me to teach you a lesson on behalf of your parents!”

Lin Fan cursed, astonished by Chen Wei’s viciousness. He struck back with full force, hitting Chen Wei’s shoulder with the pipe.

Chen Wei let out a miserable scream; his face drained of color, his mouth twitched, and he felt as if his scapula had shattered.

As Chen Wei fell, Lin Fan kicked him in the stomach.

“You idle your days away, never striving for anything, just leeching off your family. How much money have I given you? If not a hundred thousand, then at least fifty or sixty thousand! And you still dare threaten me? Are you looking to die?”

He kicked him again.

“Please! I was wrong! Stop, you’re breaking my bones!” Chen Wei was so terrified by Lin Fan’s ferocity that he immediately begged for mercy.

It’s said the meek are the most dangerous when angered; when a common man is enraged, blood may flow within five paces.

Chen Wei had never seen Lin Fan so fierce and ruthless, and he feared Lin Fan might lose control and cripple him.

“Now you know you’re wrong? Weren’t you just threatening to kill me?”

Lin Fan knew Chen Wei well. He was a coward who bullied the weak and feared the strong, brave only at home where he bullied his parents and Chen Yanzi, but outside he was servile and cringing among other thugs.

When Lin Fan used to deliver food, he’d seen Chen Wei groveling before old gangsters, even more pathetic than himself.

Now, Lin Fan wished he could return all the emotional abuse he and his sister had endured at their hands, but Zhu Ruoxue stopped him.

“Lin Fan, enough. If you keep hitting him and something happens, it won’t end well. Don’t stoop to his level.”

“She’s right. There’s no need to bother with this waste,” Lin Fan agreed.

He knew Chen Wei wouldn’t give up easily. The man was vindictive and utterly shameless.

Sure enough, as soon as Lin Fan tossed the steel pipe aside, Chen Wei, like a mangy dog, scrambled up and snatched the pipe, swinging it at Lin Fan’s calf.

Caught off guard, Lin Fan was struck again, but thanks to the Golden Armor, he felt little pain, and it vanished instantly.

Bang!

The next second, Lin Fan kicked the pipe away, bent down, grabbed Chen Wei’s hair, and slapped his face hard with his right hand.

“A dog can’t change its ways! I gave you a chance, but you still asked for a beating!”

Smack! Smack! Smack!

Lin Fan delivered several slaps in quick succession, stopping only when Chen Wei passed out.

Zhu Ruoxue hadn’t expected Chen Wei to be so incorrigible, attacking again and again. She couldn’t be bothered with his fate anymore.

“Hmph! I almost wish I could break his legs so he’d stay home and stop hurting others. Being a cripple might do him good,” Lin Fan said angrily, struggling to control his rage.

“Forget him. Let’s go. Are you alright? Do you need to see a doctor?” Zhu Ruoxue asked, stepping forward to check his arm.

“I’m fine. I’ve practiced martial arts; it’s nothing,” Lin Fan said, waving her off with an air of nonchalance.

To his surprise, the Golden Armor’s protection was even better than he’d imagined. Even if a dozen thugs attacked him with clubs, it’d be nothing more than a tickle.

“You know martial arts? That’s amazing! No wonder you managed to dodge his attacks. You’re incredible…” Zhu Ruoxue was even more admiring.

Lin Fan noticed that Zhu Ruoxue’s favorability toward him had risen to 90!

Just a little more effort and he could win her over.

The thought stirred something in him, and he decided to make his move tonight.

He hadn’t originally intended anything with Zhu Ruoxue, but after Chen Wei’s repeated harassment, he was frustrated and needed an outlet.

Since that was the case, he might as well play the scoundrel for once.

“Of course! If I didn’t have some ability, how would I have started a company? I’m in a good mood today—let’s catch a movie and go swimming afterward. Your birthday is in a few days, right? Tonight, I’ll take you shopping at Baichen Mall. Whatever you want, it’s on me!”

This time, Lin Fan took her hand, gazing at her affectionately.

Zhu Ruoxue blushed, her heart fluttering like a frightened fawn.

“I’ll do as you say.”