Chapter 147: Terrifying Magic

How long had it been since Xie Han enjoyed a meal in such a relaxed and leisurely manner? He could hardly remember himself. It must have been ever since he was chosen by the Matrix. Because of this, Xie Han cherished every single brief moment he spent with Zhou Ruomeng. In fact, they spent a full hour and a half on this humble meal, yet Xie Han felt no heartache over the passing time.

Perhaps Zhou Ruomeng had also suppressed herself for too long; she was eating until a fine film of perspiration coated her skin, and she kept trying to fan herself with a small piece of tissue. "The worst thing about this place is the lack of air conditioning," Zhou Ruomeng said, feeling her clothes grow slightly damp. Wearing a professional business suit while sweating profusely made her feel thoroughly uncomfortable all over.

Hearing Zhou Ruomeng's remark, Xie Han laughed and replied, "It's precisely the lack of air conditioning that gives the barbecue here its authentic street-food flavor. If we were dining at some upscale restaurant, I assure you that you would never find the genuine vibe of a street food stall." Thinking of Zhou Ruomeng's current status, Xie Han handed her a napkin and added, "I'm really sorry for dragging you to a place like this."

Zhou Ruomeng took the napkin, smiled faintly, and said, "What is there to be sorry about? I actually found tonight quite enjoyable. I just hope I won't gain any weight from it." Dabbing at the corner of her lips with the tissue, she continued, "Let's talk business. Do you really not have a job? Or what kind of position are you looking for? Let me make it clear, although I am an executive, I have strict principles. I know your abilities to some extent; you might not quite qualify as a department head, but how about an assistant manager?"

Looking at Zhou Ruomeng's slightly flushed face, Xie Han's eyes flickered as he asked, "Would you prefer me to tell you the truth or a lie?" Zhou Ruomeng brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. "You wouldn't dare lie to your senior, would you?" Xie Han decided to joke around. "To be honest, I do have a job. My main purpose in coming here this time was simply to see how my senior was doing. And my objective doesn't stop there..."

A flutter stirred in Zhou Ruomeng's heart. She feigned an air of casual indifference and asked, "You have a job? How dare you lie to me then—are you asking for a beating?" Pausing for a moment, she added, "What other purpose could you possibly have in coming to Shanghai?"

Looking straight into Zhou Ruomeng's eyes, Xie Han replied, "My purpose in coming this time is to poach you. I wonder if I might have a chance?"

"You rascal, what kind of joke are you playing?" Zhou Ruomeng assumed Xie Han was kidding and said, "Poach your senior? Did someone send you here?" At this point, her tone lost its previous softness. Putting on the demeanor of a corporate executive, she seemed quite displeased by Xie Han's antics. Every company had competitors, and headhunting between rival firms was commonplace during times of fierce competition. However, Zhou Ruomeng never expected such poaching tactics to reach her own doorstep.

Sensing the annoyance in Zhou Ruomeng's voice, Xie Han simply smiled and said, "There aren't many people in this world who can order me around. It's just that I want to start a company and happen to lack an experienced executive. After turning over all my friends in my mind, the most suitable person is still you, Senior. You also know that I am practically good for nothing and lack the capability to set up and manage a company. So, I had no choice but to swallow my pride and come poach you."

Zhou Ruomeng gave Xie Han a peculiar look and said, "You're going to start a company?" Suddenly, she burst into laughter. "You rascal, don't tell me you embezzled public funds and got fired by your workplace?" Xie Han chuckled along with her and replied, "Senior, I am being completely sincere. As long as you are willing to come over, I can offer you a 10% equity stake as compensation for your career transition."

Seeing Xie Han's serious demeanor, Zhou Ruomeng giggled. In her mind, she naturally categorized the company Xie Han mentioned as a small-scale enterprise with a registered capital of perhaps a few hundred thousand. Ten percent sounded like a lot, but that only applied to large corporations. If it were a tiny firm, a 10% share would amount to no more than her weekly salary. She genuinely wondered what was going on in the mind of her clever junior.

Shaking her head, she said, "Rascal, I'm truly happy for you that you're starting your own business. But my current job suits me very well, so..." It wasn't that Zhou Ruomeng looked down on Xie Han; rather, a small company simply offered no stage for her talents. If she really went over there, her parents would probably tie her up with ropes and drag her back for a family disciplinary lecture to uphold household rules.

All of Zhou Ruomeng's reactions had been anticipated by Xie Han. He said, "Senior, don't rush to refuse just yet." Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a pre-printed contract from his spatial storage and stated, "Although the company was put together rather hastily, I believe I can still give you some time to consider. If you feel your current job is no longer right for you, you can take a good look at this employment contract for the CEO position and the 10% share transfer agreement."

Not having the heart to reject Xie Han so bluntly, Zhou Ruomeng accepted the documents and said, "Alright. If it really is feasible, I'll let you know." She casually opened the folder, but at the very first glance, she froze completely. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she covered her mouth in shock. "R-Rascal, are you playing a joke on your senior by making up a document like this?"

Xie Han replied, "Senior, you can turn to the last page. There is a bank capital verification certificate right there."

***

Things had completely exceeded Zhou Ruomeng's imagination by this point. She could never have anticipated that the company Xie Han proposed to establish had a registered capital as high as 1.05 billion. There were many companies in Shanghai with assets exceeding one billion; they were almost too numerous to count. Yet Zhou Ruomeng was still profoundly shocked by how Xie Han could possibly possess such a vast sum of money. How on earth had he undergone such a massive transformation in just two years? Even though there were many billion-dollar corporations, Zhou Ruomeng was not the boss—she was merely a professional manager. Although her personal savings amounted to a few million, compared to this billion, they were simply not on the same scale.

In short, no matter how she examined the document, there was not the slightest flaw; every legal procedure had been strictly followed. This instantly gave Zhou Ruomeng the surreal feeling that she could no longer see through Xie Han, filling her heart with immense curiosity about what was truly going on. Although she was doing well at her current company, compared to the conditions Xie Han offered, it was entirely incomparable. A 10% equity stake would instantly make her a multi-millionairess, even though the price for those shares was a mandatory ten-year employment contract during which the shares were non-transferable and carried no dividend distribution rights for the first decade.

Seeing Zhou Ruomeng's shocked expression, Xie Han immediately began to entice her further. "Senior, I've come to find you with the utmost sincerity. Think about it: as long as you agree, you will own a share of this company, indirectly making you the second-largest shareholder. Compared to your current job, you'd still be holding the position of CEO, so your status certainly wouldn't drop. Moreover, there is one advantage your current company can never match—your managerial autonomy. You are my senior; unless it's a matter of critical importance, do you really think I would needlessly interfere with your decisions?"

Indeed, Xie Han's words struck right at the core of Zhou Ruomeng's desires. In her current branch office in China, almost everything she did was bound by predetermined policies, leaving her with very little managerial authority. Now that a much larger stage presented itself, why shouldn't she consider it? Besides, she held an inexplicable feeling toward this junior of hers—it felt as though... as though...

While Zhou Ruomeng was deep in thought, Xie Han remained unhurried, knowing well that she would eventually agree.

Amidst this hesitant atmosphere, however, Xie Han noticed something amiss. He glanced back and saw six burly bodyguards silently appearing not far behind him, gradually closing in. Behind those bulky men, Yang Hao strutted forward with an arrogant expression, not even bothering to pretend as he laughed and said, "Ruomeng, what a coincidence running into you here."

Xie Han cast a sidelong glance at him and thought to himself, *My friend, if you're going to put on an act, at least maintain some standards. With your status, would you come to a place like this? And a "coincidence" at that?* Still, he remained calm. Before Zhou Ruomeng could respond, he smiled and said, "Ah, if it isn't Young Master Yang. I didn't expect you to also enjoy the grilled delicacies here, driving all the way out here just like us. Tsk tsk, what a rare coincidence indeed." Needless to say, Xie Han was already getting annoyed. Zhou Ruomeng was his lover... his dream lover, and for this guy to stick his nose in like this, wasn't he just asking for a beating?

Zhou Ruomeng wasn't too surprised, though she seemed somewhat stunned by the sarcasm in Xie Han's tone, as she was well aware of Yang Hao's background. Upon second thought, however, she gave a bitter smile. She had just been thoroughly shocked by Xie Han's mysterious wealth—giving away hundreds of millions as if it were nothing made his generosity vastly superior to Yang Hao's.

Yang Hao's expression remained unchanged. He could be considered a cultured man; who said wealthy scions must throw tantrums and launch revenge sprees the moment they encountered a bit of sarcasm? Those were merely upstarts. He chuckled without denying the remark, saying, "It's just a fortuitous meeting. You don't mind if I join you, do you?" Without waiting for Xie Han and Zhou Ruomeng to agree, he furrowed his brow and sat down, pulling out a necklace box and handing it to Zhou Ruomeng. "This is for you!"

Xie Han burst out laughing. Yang Hao's skin was truly exceptionally thick—probably much thicker than his own during his college days. Could it be that he was also using the "rascal" strategy? Xie Han initially expected Zhou Ruomeng to accept the gift, but to his surprise, she refused it. "I'm sorry, Yang Hao, I... I can't casually accept your gift."

Yang Hao's expression faltered, a flash of anger rising within him. Pointing at Xie Han, he demanded, "You can't casually accept my gift, yet why could you accept his? Ruomeng, you should understand my feelings for you. I've been pursuing you for half a year, and you've only ever had dinner with me twice. Yet the moment your junior arrives, you cancel the dinner date I worked so hard to secure with you. Tell me, is this fair to me?"

Zhou Ruomeng had not expected Yang Hao to speak with such blunt directness. Her brow furrowed as she said, "Yang Hao, the truth is I have no romantic interest in you. The only reason I had dinner with you twice was because I felt you were a decent person with good manners, someone who could be a friend. Do you understand what I mean?"

Such a blunt rejection caused Yang Hao's composure to finally crack. His face turned pale with anger as he sprang to his feet, pointing at Xie Han and shouting, "Is it because of this bumpkin? I don't know how your eyes could become so terrible that you'd fall for this pretty boy. What is so good about him? Can he afford to support you? You aren't an ordinary woman—just look at what you wear and what you eat; which of those things is something an ordinary family can afford?"

Yang Hao's words made complete sense—at least when applied to the former Xie Han. But now... Xie Han gave a strange smile and gently pushed Yang Hao's hand aside, saying, "So, according to Young Master Yang, you are capable of supporting Ruomeng? Heh, I wonder if Young Master Yang has ever heard the saying 'judging people through the lens of a dog'? True, my attire is very ordinary, but that's because I feel no need to be flashy. I don't even own a car. However, that doesn't mean I lack the ability to accomplish the things you mentioned."

Xie Han's words left Zhou Ruomeng's jaw dropping. Even the dimmest woman would have realized Xie Han's intentions by now. But... but him... Zhou Ruomeng's mind was in total turmoil, as memories long sealed away rushed back to the surface. She could only stare blankly at Xie Han.

***

"Are you saying I judge people like a dog?" Yang Hao pointed at his own nose. His upbringing prevented him from flying into an immediate rage on the spot, but that didn't mean he could maintain his necessary composure after being called a dog. "I'd really like to see what grounds you have to support her." His bodyguards had already silently surrounded Xie Han, looking ready to resort to violence at the slightest disagreement.

Xie Han remained completely unperturbed. "Actually, what I wanted to say is that I am just a humble magician. I don't know much, but I do know a few magic tricks." He reached his hand out in front of Yang Hao with a crafty gleam in his eyes, and abruptly, a solid gold brick weighing over a dozen kilograms materialized, hitting the small food table with a heavy *thud*. Illuminated by the lights, the entire gold brick emitted a brilliant golden luster, and no one could possibly mistake it for a prop.

Yet, with a mere wave of Xie Han's hand, the gold brick vanished just as suddenly. He chuckled and said, "Pardon me, I grabbed the wrong thing. My mistake." As he spoke, he flicked his wrist again. This time it was even more absurd—the entire table was covered in various gold and diamond accessories, casting a dazzling sparkle across the entire food stall. "Ah... my apologies, my apologies, I grabbed the wrong thing again. You know, as a magician, I carry far too many props on me, so I'm bound to make mistakes sometimes. Don't take it to heart."

As this table full of gold and diamond jewelry vanished into thin air, Xie Han wore a bright smile and declared, "This time it definitely won't be wrong." Without warning, a Demolition Star materialized in his hands, instantly startling the onlookers around them. Yang Hao turned even paler, pointing a trembling finger at Xie Han without being able to utter a word.

Xie Han shook the Demolition Star in his hands and said, "Actually, what I meant to say is that this is just a little magic trick, everyone needn't panic." Despite his words, who could dare claim that the Demolition Star gleaming under the lights was merely a prop rather than the real deal? Xie Han chuckled inwardly. After returning the Demolition Star to his spatial storage, he gestured with his hands, and a menacing six-barreled heavy machine gun instantly appeared in his grasp. With a slight twitch of his finger, the six barrels began to spin slightly.

The onlookers could no longer maintain their silence; shrieks of alarm filled the air, though surprisingly, no one fled—evidently, they still believed Xie Han to be a highly skilled magician. If only Xie Han knew whether they would remain rooted to the spot if they realized these were genuine lethal weapons; they would likely have bolted without a trace.

Ordinary people couldn't tell the difference, but that didn't mean Yang Hao and his six bodyguards couldn't. From the Demolition Star to this six-barreled heavy machine gun, these were all the real deal—absolute instruments of death. It was only at this moment that they realized just how terrifying this unassuming young man truly was. Setting aside the heavy firepower for a moment, how on earth did he conceal these weapons? Was he truly a magician capable of conjuring weapons out of thin air and making them disappear?

Xie Han glanced at Yang Hao's pale, trembling appearance and, with a wave of his hand, stowed the heavy machine gun back into his spatial storage. However, the weapon he produced next was truly outrageous, for what he pulled out was an aviation bomb weighing over a hundred kilograms, the kind equipped for Sky-Patrollers. The sudden appearance of this bomb, towering over a human height in length, caused ordinary folks to merely gasp in shock, but Yang Hao and his men could no longer stay a moment longer. The instant the aviation bomb appeared, all color drained from their faces, and fleeing like men pursued by demons, they vanished in utter panic.

Xie Han tucked the aviation bomb away and addressed the surrounding crowd, "Alright, the magic show concludes here. I hope everyone has a pleasant evening, thank you..." At the same time, he glanced toward the direction where Yang Hao and his lackies had fled, a cold smirk playing on his lips. *Ordinary citizens can't tell the authenticity of these items, but surely you lot can? You dare threaten me? You truly don't know what death looks like.*

Zhou Ruomeng stared dumbfoundedly at Xie Han and asked, "You... are you really a magician?"

Xie Han laughed. "Of course, otherwise how could I conjure up these things? Haha, I just wanted to scare the guy a bit. Who asked him to ruin our nice little meal and spoil the mood?"

As if suddenly remembering something, Xie Han grew flustered. He shoved a bank card given by Meng Nan into Zhou Ruomeng's hand and said hurriedly, "Ruomeng, if you make up your mind, after signing the contract, go find Meng Nan. I think you should still remember him." Without waiting for Zhou Ruomeng to react, he darted like a gust of wind into the crowd of the barbecue street and vanished completely without a trace.

After managing to locate a public restroom and rushing inside to find it empty, Xie Han wasted no time and activated the teleportation function, narrowly returning to the apocalyptic world just in time. Checking the time, Xie Han wiped the sweat from his brow. He had almost forgotten about the three-hour time limit; if he had vanished miraculously right in front of Zhou Ruomeng, could he really have explained it away as a magic trick?

*(I've finally finished writing about Zhou Ruomeng, that wasn't easy... If anyone has monthly votes, please throw them my way! Updating ten thousand words every day is truly, truly exhausting!)*