"Li Yang!"

Lu Gan's gaze shifted, his expression tightening slightly. He appeared both surprised and, in a way, almost expectant.

The Li family of Modu is connected to the Lu family of Daxia through marriage.

Twenty years ago, Li Ge, the head of the Li family, married a cousin from a different branch of their family. They later had a son, Li Yang.

In terms of seniority, although Lu Gan is younger, his background and rank place him higher.

Li Yang, who is two years older, refers to him as "uncle."

However, Lu Gan has never placed much importance on age or seniority, and the two get along well.

Since arriving in Shanghai, it was Li Yang who has always handled his matters, likely because their shared age group meant they had more in common.

Of course, activities like listening to music in brothels were a frequent part of their time together.

In most circumstances, they were not just friends but also relatives, making their bond even closer.

However, all of this relies on there being no problems within the Li family.

When the villain simulator attempted to ambush and kill him for the second time, Lu Gan began to suspect something was wrong with the Li family.

How did the assassins know his exact location and find him so easily?

And despite the chaos, no one from the Li family came to help.

This raised significant concerns.

Lu Gan started to suspect that Zhao Kun and his family, whom he had already eliminated, might just be scapegoats.

The Li family... this in-law family of the Lu family... could very well be the mastermind.

[Li Yang, the young master of the Li family, arrives to see you, and you immediately sense something is off.]

[It’s clear that, deep down, you've already started to question the Li family.]

[Now, with Li Yang’s unexpected appearance, you feel even more certain: the Li family is involved in something sinister.]

[Li Yang’s visit could be the move of the true mastermind, preparing for further actions.]

[You hesitate for a moment, then decide to turn the situation to your advantage, figuring out what his true intentions are.]

[You remain cautious enough to have Su Meng, your substitute, pretend to be you while you disguise yourself as Lu Zhong, with the real Lu Zhong hiding in the shadows.]

[Li Yang, looking like a playboy, walks in with a smirk.]

["Mr. Lu, Senior Lu."]

[He greets you warmly, showing great respect for the "Lu Zhong" you’re pretending to be, treating you as the protector without any hint of negligence.]

[You, in the guise of "Lu Zhong," remain silent, nodding slightly, and maintaining your aloof demeanor, while watching Su Meng converse with you.]

[After several days of training, Su Meng’s disguise is flawless. Except for some minor details, it’s nearly identical to your appearance. Only those who know you very well could spot the difference.]

[Li Yang, it seems, has no idea that the person in front of him is a fake.]

[Soon, he starts explaining his purpose. A "Modu University Party" is being held at Modu Manor, and many students from the university want to meet the busy "Mr. Lu." There’s also a surprise for you.]

[Li Yang blinks meaningfully as he speaks.]

[Su Meng, disguised as you, hesitates, unsure of how to respond.]

["Agree to it."]

[You subtly transmit this command to Su Meng, instructing him to agree and prepare to uncover Li Yang’s hidden agenda.]

[This is an opportunity to confirm whether the Li family is a pawn set up in Modu by a hidden mastermind.]

[You drive, taking on the role of both driver and bodyguard. Having visited Modu Manor many times before, you quickly reach the location.]

[A distinguished guest has arrived, and the Modu Manor manager hurries to greet you.]

[Once inside the VIP room at the manor, you spot several familiar faces.]

[Among them, two stand out: Zhao Kun and Liu Ruyue.]

[Seeing Liu Ruyue makes your muscles tense for a moment, but you quickly regain your composure, reminding yourself to remain calm.]

[After all, you’re currently wearing Lu Zhong’s face.]

[In the past, even Lu Zhong, a powerful saint, couldn’t tell that your face was a disguise. You wonder if Liu Ruyue, suspected of being a celestial being, will be able to see through it.]

[You feel a pang of regret.]

[Out of everyone in Modu, the one person you least wanted to see was Liu Ruyue.]

[You now understand why she’s here. As the campus beauty of Modu University, she’s in the same class as you.]

[Most of the guests are students from Modu University, with Liu Ruyue among them, along with several other attractive female classmates.]

[You think to yourself, "It seems like today’s event is a setup to target me."]

[You observe Zhao Kun, who is closely attending to Liu Ruyue, and start piecing things together.]

[The reason Zhao Kun is here is likely because the Li family is using him and the Zhao family behind him as scapegoats to divert attention from themselves.]

[It seems you were wrong about the Zhao family in your second villain simulation.]

[As Su Meng, your stand-in, enters, everyone present instinctively rises. These noble heirs, with extraordinary backgrounds, are all deferential to you, despite being your juniors.]

["Mr. Lu, I worked hard today, but in the end, I managed to ask School Beauty Liu out with your help."]

[Li Yang’s smile is full of flattery.]

[It’s clear that he’s aware of your past pursuit of Liu Ruyue and is trying to use her to set a similar trap.]

[At this point, you’ve already predicted what will happen next. Liu Ruyue will likely get drunk and then ask you to escort her to a hotel.]

[You frown, feeling as though history is repeating itself. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you can’t escape it.]

[Fortunately, you’re now in disguise.]

[All eyes are on "Su Meng," who carries himself with the air of a dandy, indulging in both wine and women, while you stand by and watch coldly.]

[Even Liu Ruyue’s attention is fixed on "Su Meng," but with your sharp observation, you notice her brow furrow for a split second, as if confused.]

[Your heart skips a beat, fearing she might discover the "substitute."]

[Instead of using spiritual energy to communicate further, you let Su Meng handle the situation, allowing him to act freely to avoid exposing the truth.]

[Soon, the "substitute" takes his seat, exchanging cups with the noble young men, maintaining the persona of a typical city playboy.]

[And you, standing back, observe the situation coldly.]