Chapter 119: Do You Dare to Touch Me?

Villain: I Refuse to Be Cannon Fodder—Is It My Fault the Heroine Thinks I’ve Changed? Accepted for payment 2393 words 2026-03-24 21:27:47

This time, it was clearly Leng Tianyi who had been unreliable. Before this, the entire Tianxin District project was shunned by everyone; they all saw it as a hot potato no one wanted to touch. Now, Lin Li had finally stepped forward, securing the Tianxin District project for the benefit of the people, pouring every ounce of his effort into it.

Leng Ningxue knew all too well the enormous sacrifices Lin Li had made to raise the initial investment funds. Yet now, the four great families, intent on consolidating their power, were launching a full-scale siege against him. Their words sounded courteous enough, but their methods were truly repugnant.

“No matter what happens, I will always stand by your side. I still remember that when I was at my lowest, you reached out to help me first,” she said.

“Besides, I’m your woman. If I don’t look out for my man, then who else should I?” Leng Ningxue smiled, completely confident that her current arrangements were just and proper.

After all they had been through, they had come to see reality clearly. Before coming here, Lin Li already knew that Leng Ningxue would stand with him on this matter. So even though she hadn’t declared her position before, there was not a trace of panic on Lin Li’s face.

At that moment, Leng Ningxue shared some good news with Lin Li.

“The research on the new energy project originally needed at least six more months to succeed, but perhaps our luck has truly turned. Recently, we’ve seen remarkably significant progress.”

“According to our investigations, it might only take another month or two before we enter actual testing.”

This was indeed exciting news. Though Lin Li had long been confident the project would succeed, the timeline had always been uncertain. He had never expected Leng Ningxue’s side to advance so perfectly, achieving such results in such a short period.

“That’s wonderful. Perhaps you can help me out of this urgent situation,” Lin Li said.

“But the key is to keep a close eye on the movements of the four great families. If there’s any change, inform me immediately.”

Lin Li had no real concerns about further developments. The next moves of the four families were fairly predictable. He only needed to carry out his plans step by step; nothing else required his attention. With Leng Ningxue backing him, many problems could be resolved at the first sign of trouble.

“So even if you face funding difficulties later with the Tianxin District project, we can quickly assist you in securing financing.”

“Once the new energy project succeeds, all parties will place great importance on it,” Leng Ningxue said, a hint of pride in her voice.

For most people, this was no easy feat. They had expended tremendous effort to reach this point. Moreover, if it weren’t for Lin Li’s help, they might never have come this far. The status of the Starry Group was something Lin Li had already calculated. Now, they were the focus of many, and everyone hoped to cooperate with the group. Lin Li knew this well, so his mood was fairly good.

“Needing your financing is the worst-case scenario, but for now, let’s drag the four great families into this mess.”

Lin Li wanted the four families to prepare funds for the Tianxin District project—not as investments, but as donations. Convincing them to willingly pay for their past mistakes would not be easy; it required Lin Li’s careful scheming behind the scenes.

“The four families each have their own agendas. When it came to dealing with Qin Guosheng, there was some chance of success,” Leng Ningxue said.

“But handling you is a whole different matter, and they have their own internal problems as well.”

She did not believe the four families could truly unite against Lin Li. They had too many flaws; under such conditions, cooperation was already a stretch, let alone true solidarity.

After leaving the Starry Group, Lin Li’s mood improved considerably. Now it was up to Ye Aotian to decide his next move.

At that moment, Lin Li’s phone rang—it was an unknown number. Upon answering, he heard Ye Aotian’s voice.

“Lin Li, since I haven’t bothered you recently, you must think I’m scared.”

“Loshanhe, that fool, betrayed the Star Palace organization. The Star Palace has already dispatched their forces to eliminate all traitors.”

“You should understand what that means. What was once a conflict between you and me has now escalated into a feud between you and the Star Palace—and all by your own choice.”

“Of course, if you admit your mistakes now and apologize to me, maybe there’s still a chance to turn things around.”

Ye Aotian spoke smugly, as if he had completely uncovered Lin Li’s weaknesses.

“That’s a shame. Thanks for your concern, but I have no intention of cooperating with you,” Lin Li replied.

He had anticipated that Ye Aotian would have other methods to target him. Judging by the sound, he probably called in his guards.

One couldn’t help but admire the power Ye Aotian wielded around the protagonist; if Lin Li had such forces, he might have already been invincible. Yet Ye Aotian had wasted so much time without success—it was truly pathetic.

He had assumed Lin Li might feel intimidated, after all, the Star Palace was an immensely powerful organization. As its young master, Ye Aotian knew well how terrifying it was. He wanted to teach Lin Li a lesson, to instill some fear in him.

But unexpectedly, Lin Li refused to be intimidated. According to Lin Li, the so-called Star Palace was nothing in his eyes.

“Ye Aotian, if that’s all you’ve got, I suggest you save your breath,” Lin Li said firmly.

“So what if your opponent is the Star Palace? What can they do to me? I’m currently in Jiangcheng. If I die, the Tianxin District project will have no one to take over.”

“Besides, we signed an agreement back then. Even if I’m eliminated, they won’t be able to find someone else quickly.”

“So do you really think they’ll let me die so easily?”

Lin Li spoke with unwavering certainty.

Upon hearing this, Ye Aotian’s expression darkened. He had to admit Lin Li was right. Even if anyone wanted to act, no one dared to deliver a death blow to Lin Li.