After I stopped trying, a rich woman trained me into a demon emperor.

……

The next morning.

The gym has just opened.

Sunlight streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the brand-new floor.

After a night of renovation, the gym looks brand new.

Those slackers and cheaters have been purged; only the hardworking and reliable ones remain.

Zhou Ran changed back into a set of light sportswear and stood in front of the mirror.

He casually grabbed two 100-kilogram dumbbells as if he were carrying two 2.5-kilogram dumbbells.

With arms outstretched, he executed a textbook superb fly, his muscles bulging in the mirror, exuding explosive power.

This is no longer the power of an ordinary person.

The receptionist, who was holding half a steamed bun in her mouth, had already fallen to the ground without noticing.

Zhou Ran didn't notice that someone had already come to work.

I couldn't help but give an awkward smile.

"Ran-ge!"

Just then, the gym door was pushed open.

Fatty Wang limped in, leaning on a cane, but his face still wore that signature goofy grin.

He was wearing an ill-fitting suit, the buttons taut on his stomach, but that didn't diminish his spirited demeanor.

"How's it going? Are you settling in well after taking office?"

Zhou Ran put down the dumbbells and asked with a smile.

"I'm fucking used to it!"

Fatty Wang waved the folder in his hand excitedly, spitting as he spoke.

"Ran-ge, that was a brilliant move."

As soon as I announced the new salary system, those coaches were like they'd been injected with adrenaline.

This morning's private coaching appointments doubled!

"These are all minor matters."

Zhou Ran walked to the sofa and sat down, gesturing for Fatty Wang to sit down as well.

"Any progress on the matter I asked you to investigate before?"

When it came to serious matters, Fatty Wang put away his playful smile.

He pulled a printed list from the folder and handed it to Zhou Ran.

"Ran-ge, those 'strange medicinal herbs' and 'special stones' you asked me to keep an eye out for..."

I inquired on black market forums and in several antique groups.

"Most of them I've never heard of. Dragon Blood Grass, Meteorite Iron, these names sound like something out of a fantasy novel."

"but……"

Fatty Wang pointed to a line on the list and said, "It seems like we've found a solution for this."

Zhou Ran looked down.

His gaze fell on that line of text, and his pupils contracted slightly.

[Centennial lightning-struck wood].

This is an excellent material for crafting magical artifacts, and it has a remarkable effect on suppressing evil spirits.

Moreover, the thunderous power contained within can also be used to temper the physical body.

"Where?"

Zhou Ran asked.

"Jiangcheng underground auction at 8 PM tonight."

Fatty Wang lowered his voice.

"This auction is members-only; you can only get in if you're introduced by someone you know."

It's said that the organizers have powerful connections and often leak out shady, high-quality information.

As soon as Fatty Wang finished speaking, a deep and powerful engine roar came from outside the gym.

A red Ferrari, like a burning flame, blocked the entrance to the gym.

The car door swung up, revealing a foot in a red-soled high heel on the road.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Hongli's signature aloof figure appeared in everyone's sight.

Today she was wearing an extremely well-tailored Chanel haute couture business suit.

The black fabric accentuated her perfect waistline, and the slightly open neckline revealed her slender swan neck.

He wore sunglasses that covered most of his face, but they couldn't hide his powerful aura that made strangers want to stay away.

The air in the gym felt thin.

The receptionist just asked Doubao a question about what level a 100kg single-sided fly would be, but now she doesn't even dare to breathe loudly.

His eyes were fixed on this important figure whom he had only seen on the cover of financial magazines.

"Mr. Xiao...?"

Fatty Wang was a worldly man, but even he was a little tongue-tied at this moment.

Xiao Hongli took off her sunglasses, scanned the gym with her eyes, and finally fixed her gaze on Zhou Ran.

"Mr. Zhou, have you been sleeping well these past two days?"

Xiao Hongli's voice was cool and clear, yet it carried a hint of familiarity.

Zhou Ran sat on the sofa without moving, only raising his eyebrows slightly.

"Thanks to President Xiao, things are going quite well."

"Mr. Xiao, is your presence here to apply for a membership card?"

Fatty Wang and the receptionist gasped in shock.

This new boss is too arrogant, making the eldest daughter of the Xiao family sign up for a membership card?

Xiao Hongli's lips curled up slightly.

"If Mr. Zhou is willing to personally serve as a private coach and offer a lifetime membership, that wouldn't be out of the question."

She took a step forward, bent down, and moved closer to Zhou Ran.

"Mr. Zhou, are you free tonight?"

Zhou Ran patted the magnesium powder off his hands.

"If it's business, you need to make an appointment; if it's personal, it depends on my mood."

Fatty Wang, standing nearby, kept giving Zhou Ran meaningful glances, thinking, "You're really getting cocky!"

That's Xiao Hongli!

Who in the entire Jiangcheng would dare refuse her invitation?

Xiao Hongli was not annoyed and spoke slowly.

"I think you must be interested in Tianbaoge's auction."

"That auction is by invitation only. You can't get in even if you have money without an invitation."

Zhou Ran's eyes flickered slightly as he glanced at Fatty Wang beside him.

Fatty Wang scratched his head awkwardly, clearly he had only heard the news but hadn't actually gotten any tickets.

"Furthermore, I heard that there is a final lot tonight called 'Lightning-Struck Wood'."

Xiao Hongli continued to throw out chips,

"I think Mr. Zhou would be very interested in this."

A glint of light flashed in Zhou Ran's eyes.

This woman has really been busy these past two days.

Perhaps the investigation began the moment they started disposing of his body to cover up the crime.

Xiao Hongli straightened up, resuming her haughty demeanor.

"Tonight's auction is a mixed bag, with many fakes."

I need someone knowledgeable to help me make an assessment.

In return, I'll take you inside, and I'll pay for whatever you buy.

Zhou Ran stood up and gently grasped Xiao Hongli's outstretched hand; her skin was cool and smooth.

"make a deal."

Xiao Hongli made a "please" gesture.

Zhou Ran turned to Wang Pangzi, who was still in a daze, and gave him a few instructions before getting into the red Ferrari.

"The boss is amazing! That's Xiao Hongli!"

The receptionist patted Fatty Wang's belly vigorously, unable to contain her excitement.

"What boss? That's my buddy."

"Ran-ge is going to collect all the goddesses in Jiangcheng!"

……

The Ferrari sped along the highway like a red lightning bolt.

The car smoothly drove into the gate of the Heavenly Palace on the Cloud Top.

At the entrance of the villa, Chen Ya's black Maybach was parked quietly.

Upon hearing the sound of a sports car engine, the villa gate slid open silently.

Chen Ya stood gracefully on the steps, dressed in an elegant silk loungewear gown, a perfect, gentle smile on her face.

However, when she saw Zhou Ran get out of that dazzling red Ferrari, the smile on her face did not change.

But that warmth vanished in an instant, leaving only the flawless curve.

"Mr. Xiao is a rare guest indeed."

Chen Ya walked slowly down the steps, her voice so soft it could melt water, yet carrying the aura of a mistress of the house.

"You showed up uninvited and even lured Mr. Chen's people away. Mr. Chen won't be angry, will he?"

Xiao Hongli took off her sunglasses, exuding a powerful aura, and her words were sharp and confrontational.

Zhou Ran stood at the point where the two women's gazes met.

She was alluring and fiery, with a flawless smile that carried an air of authority.

A person who is as cold as ice, with an arrogant and aloof demeanor, yet possesses an undeniable aggressiveness.

The air in front of the villa seemed to be split into two extremes: ice and fire.

In his mind, the remnant soul of Ye Futian let out a strange, eerie laugh.

"Young man, you're starting to resemble my old harem!"

"A gentle and kind-hearted woman is the perfect wife."

A cold and aloof beauty, possessing an extremely yin constitution, is the supreme furnace!

"Take them all! We must take them all; that's the mark of a Demon Emperor!"