The Downtrodden Villain In A Redemption Romance Novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76 A Stirring

Under the scrutiny of over a dozen burning gazes, Lu Qingrang slowly stood up.

His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. His expression was normal, but when he spoke, his tone was more solemn than ever: “Thank you for your trust, but there are some realities I must make clear from the outset.”

Lu Qingrang paused briefly, carefully choosing the most accurate words.

“Most of you here are already established, with families and responsibilities. The path ahead for a startup is unpredictable, and the initial compensation… I’m afraid it will be difficult to immediately return to the level you had at Wei Wen Technology. There might even be a period of hardship.”

He met all their gazes honestly, without flinching.

“The only thing I can promise is that once the company starts turning a profit, all salary and welfare systems will be rebuilt referencing—and even surpassing—Wei Wen’s standards.”

Finally, he took a deep breath and asked the most crucial question. His voice wasn’t loud, but it clearly reached everyone’s ears:

“Can everyone accept these conditions?”

He laid out all the pros and cons, appearing rational, calm, and almost impersonal.

But Xu Wen, who had been standing quietly behind him, keenly noticed his slightly faster-than-usual speaking pace and the subtle trembling of his fingers, which were unconsciously curling and uncurling by his side.

Xu Wen lightly clicked his tongue internally.

This person…

He was clearly deeply moved inside, yet he insisted on maintaining this businesslike demeanor, stating the unpleasant truths upfront.

Was he afraid that if he gave too much hope, any future disappointment would hit them harder?

Lu Qingrang’s candid, cold-water words did not dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm; instead, they made their trust feel heavier and more resolute.

“Lu Ge, do you even need to ask?” Zhou Yan spoke first, pushing up his black-rimmed glasses. His tone was direct. “We didn’t come here for the startup phase salary. We understand the rules. Let’s get the operation running first!”

“Exactly!” Someone next to him immediately agreed. “With you leading us, are we worried about not having a good life later?”

Lin Wei also smiled and spoke on behalf of everyone: “CEO Lu, please rest assured. We’ve all been through storms and know what’s most important. We’ll follow your plan. We trust you.”

“Right! We trust you!”

Lu Qingrang nodded slightly, gathering all the surging emotions in his eyes, and only said softly: “Good.”

One word, sealing the promise.

Before the atmosphere could settle, Xu Wen smiled and stepped forward, naturally taking the lead: “That’s wonderful! Let’s cut the small talk and get straight to business. Everyone, I’ll print out the employment contracts and relevant documents now.”

He turned to go operate the printer, but paused slightly, leaning toward Lu Qingrang.

From an angle where others couldn’t see, he raised his hand, and with a reassuring warmth in his palm, he lightly patted Lu Qingrang’s back. He lowered his voice, laced with concern:

“Leave this to me. Go to the inner office and sit down for a bit.”

His movement was quick, and his tone was casual, as if it were just a routine arrangement.

But Lu Qingrang could clearly feel the warmth transmitted by that hand.

Lu Qingrang didn’t say much, just nodded slightly, and obediently turned to walk toward the private office inside before anyone else noticed.

Xu Wen watched him leave, then turned back to the room full of people with renewed energy, clapping his hands:

“Come on, everyone, let’s get moving! The technical department partners can check the office area on the right to see what equipment is missing and make a list! Administrative and functional colleagues, come over here. Let’s sign the ‘indentures’ first and get the process started!”

As Xu Wen’s words fell, everyone moved into action with tacit understanding.

In fact, Xu Wen didn’t need to assist much. Once the documents were distributed, these experienced former colleagues instinctively found their positions and cooperated, as if they had never been separated.

After Xu Wen briefly introduced himself to everyone and exchanged contact information, he found a gap and slipped into Lu Qingrang’s office.

Lu Qingrang was sitting in the office chair, seemingly focused on adjusting the new computer on the desk, appearing to have recovered from his previous emotions.

“Ahem.” Xu Wen deliberately cleared his throat at the doorway to make some noise.

Lu Qingrang’s fingers, which were tapping the keyboard, paused. He turned his head toward the sound.

Xu Wen walked up to his side in a few steps. He didn’t say anything, but simply opened his arms wide toward him, a hint of mischievous smile on his face.

“Hey, CEO Lu,” his voice was very soft, like a casual joke, “A free hug from a handsome guy, offer expires soon. Want one?”

Lu Qingrang’s body stiffened for a moment.

He lifted his eyes, his gaze trembling violently as if scalded, meeting Xu Wen’s smiling eyes directly.

Too many things surged in that look: astonishment, disbelief, and a desire he dared not voice.

But it was only a moment of hesitation.

Lu Qingrang eagerly stretched out his arms, wrapped them around Xu Wen’s waist, pulled the person toward him, and buried his face deeply into the other man’s warm lower abdomen.

Xu Wen was pulled forward by the sudden force, stumbling half a step before regaining his balance. He then smiled knowingly, wrapping his hands around Lu Qingrang’s shoulders, gently patting his back, stroke after stroke.

Silence fell in the office for a moment, broken only by their intertwined breathing.

After a while, Xu Wen lowered his head, dropping the joking tone. His voice became exceptionally serious and gentle:

“Lu Ge, do you feel it?”

He paused, letting him clearly hear every word that followed.

“The people outside—Zhou Yan, Lin Wei… they gave up stability and high salaries, even quit jobs back home, to follow you and start over. This isn’t just because you’re technically skilled and can make money for the company.”

His palm rested steadily on Lu Qingrang’s back, transmitting strength and warmth.

“It’s because you are worthy. Worthy of their trust, worthy of their following.”

“See? In this world, I’m never the only one who can see how good you are.”

“So,” Xu Wen’s tone was light and slow, “stop trying to shoulder all the bad things by yourself.”

“You, clearly, are the best.”

Lu Qingrang didn’t lift his head, but the arms wrapped around Xu Wen’s waist tightened silently.

“Mm…”

A very soft, muffled, nasal response came through.

He didn’t speak again, just leaned there quietly, allowing all the unease and agitation in his chest to be smoothed out by Xu Wen’s steady, powerful heartbeat, finally settling into the same peaceful rhythm.

[Target’s Redemption Value increased. Current Redemption Value: