From cannon fodder villain to superpowered queen

Hope Town has a beautiful name, but the reality is harsh.

When Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan arrived, they were greeted not with flowers and applause, but with indifference and suspicion.

A strange atmosphere permeated the air, like expired milk, making one feel uncomfortable just by the smell.

"This isn't right," Bi Yao muttered, nudging Jiang Ruiyuan beside her. "Have we stumbled into a hidden level of a game?"

Jiang Ruiyuan looked around, his brows furrowing slightly.

The streets were deserted, the shops were empty, and people looked at them with suspicion, as if they were carriers of the plague.

This was in stark contrast to the enthusiastic scenes they had experienced before; it was a complete disaster.

Soon, rumors spread like a virus throughout the town.

"I heard they're swindlers who prey on kind people!" "My cousin's second aunt's third niece was fooled!" "They're wolves in sheep's clothing, don't get close to them!" These rumors, exaggerated and sensationalized, portrayed Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan as utterly wicked villains.

Bi Yao was so angry at these rumors that she almost laughed.

"What did we do to deserve this? The cost of spreading rumors is way too low!"

Jiang Ruiyuan patted her shoulder, his eyes firm: "Don't worry, rumors stop with the wise. We will find out the truth."

The investigation process was more difficult than expected.

The Chamber of Commerce in Hope Town is like a giant python coiled up here, its influence deeply entrenched and its tentacles reaching into every corner.

Every time they try to get closer to the truth, they encounter various obstacles, and the clues are repeatedly interrupted.

"This chamber of commerce is something else," Bi Yao said, rubbing her temples, feeling like her head was about to explode.

Jiang Ruiyuan pulled her into his arms and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, we'll take it one step at a time. I'm here, don't be afraid." His embrace was warm and strong, giving Bi Yao a great sense of security.

Just when they were at their wits' end, a mysterious person appeared in front of them and handed them a note.

The document contained only an address and the sentence: "See you at midnight tonight."

Jiang Ruiyuan looked at the note with a deep gaze: "Looks like there's going to be a good show tonight."

At midnight, the air in the dilapidated warehouse was filled with the smell of mildew and dust.

Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan arrived as promised, only to find that the mysterious person had been waiting for them for a long time.

The mysterious figure was shrouded in a black cloak, obscuring his face, and his voice was hoarse and deep, like a messenger from hell.

"You want to know the truth? I can tell you, but you'll have to pay a price."

The next day, Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan went straight to the Chamber of Commerce, determined to confront them head-on!

The chamber of commerce representative, a middle-aged man with slicked-back hair, sat with his legs crossed, twirling two walnuts in his hands, exuding an arrogant air of "I'm the boss, who am I afraid of?"

"Hey, aren't these two great philanthropists? What's wrong? You've run out of money and are back for more sponsorship?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Bi Yao retorted without any politeness. "We're here today to ask you why you're spreading rumors and obstructing our charity work?"

"Rumors? What rumors? I don't know anything about them!" The chamber of commerce representative feigned ignorance, his eyes filled with disdain. "If you don't have any evidence, don't try to slander me here. I'll sue you for defamation!"

Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan suppressed their anger, after all, there was no conclusive evidence yet.

At that moment, Jiang Ruiyuan's phone vibrated. He glanced at it and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

“Evidence? Of course we have it.” He turned his phone screen toward the chamber of commerce representative. “Look what this is.”

The phone screen displayed the chamber of commerce's financial details, in which the whereabouts of a huge sum of money were unknown.

"This...this...this is fake!" The chamber of commerce representative's face turned deathly pale, and the walnuts in his hand fell to the ground.

"You know in your heart whether it's true or false," Jiang Ruiyuan said coldly. "Now, do you have any other choice?"

The chamber of commerce representative slumped into his chair like a deflated balloon.

He originally thought he could easily get rid of these two young men, but he didn't expect them to find his fatal weakness.

He gritted his teeth and finally gave in.

"Okay, I promise you, I will no longer obstruct your charity work."

Bi Yao looked at Jiang Ruiyuan with admiration in her eyes.

No wonder he's the man she's set her sights on, he's amazing!

The chamber of commerce representative picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"Plan...cancel..." He hung up the phone, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

At the charity event, colorful flags fluttered and crowds thronged, creating a lively scene.

However, this peace was soon shattered.

A group of fierce-looking thugs rushed into the crowd like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey, brandishing their clubs, and the scene immediately descended into chaos.

"Ahhh! Murder!" Screams and cries rose and fell as people fled in all directions, creating utter chaos.

"Damn! This chamber of commerce is playing dirty tricks!" Bi Yao reacted quickly, grabbing a little girl who was almost knocked over and protecting her behind her.

Jiang Ruiyuan seemed to be possessed by a war god, moving nimbly through the crowd, defeating the thugs one by one with a single punch.

"Yao Yao, watch out!" Jiang Ruiyuan shouted, tackling Bi Yao to the ground and dodging an oncoming stick.

The stick slammed heavily onto the ground with a dull thud.

"Sister Yao Yao! Brother Jiang!" someone in the crowd exclaimed, casting worried glances at the two.

Bi Yao struggled to get up, but felt a sharp pain coming from her arm.

"Hiss—" She gasped, her face turning pale instantly.

Bright red blood flowed down her arm, staining her sleeves.

"Yao Yao!" Jiang Ruiyuan hugged her tightly, his eyes filled with love.

"How are you? Are you okay?"

Bi Yao endured the pain and shook her head, "I'm fine, it's just a minor injury."

The surrounding people were moved by this scene and gathered around.

"Sister Yao Yao, are you alright?" "Brother Jiang, you guys are such good people!"

Seeing the concerned looks around them, Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan smiled at each other.

Although the chamber of commerce issue has been temporarily resolved, they know in their hearts that this is only the calm before the storm.

An even bigger conspiracy is lurking in the shadows.

In the stillness of the night, Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan sat by the window, gazing at the flashing neon lights outside, lost in thought.

"Ruiyuan, who do you think is behind this?" Bi Yao broke the silence.

Jiang Ruiyuan shook his head. "There are no clues yet, but..." He paused, his eyes sharpening. "I have a feeling that there is a pair of eyes watching us from the shadows."

Bi Yao's heart tightened. "You mean..."

Jiang Ruiyuan didn't speak, but stood up, walked to the window, drew back the curtains, and gazed into the distance.

"It seems we need to speed things up..." he muttered to himself, a resolute glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, he turned sharply to look at Bi Yao, "Tomorrow, we'll go..."