City: I Started As A Rich Second Generation Villain - Chapter 30 – Lin Tian Loses His Protagonist Identity

Gu Junqing led Lin Qingzhu toward Lin Tian, who remained completely unaware that his sister was following close behind.

Both Gu Junqing and Lin Qingzhu wore masks as they quietly trailed him.

At first, Lin Qingzhu couldn’t believe her brother would actually use the money he borrowed from her for gambling.

But with every stone Lin Tian selected, her despair deepened.

Had all the money he previously asked from her been spent on gambling?

Tears welled up in Lin Qingzhu’s eyes. She couldn’t accept that her brother had become like this.

Unaware that Lin Tian possessed the Golden Eyes—an ability that allowed him to see through certain stones and detect jadeite within—she believed he had not only squandered his own money but was now using what amounted to selling her off to fund his addiction.

Meanwhile, Lin Tian was exhilarated as he picked stones.

Although his Golden Eyes could not yet fully penetrate entire stones, they allowed him to observe finer details and gave him far better odds than ordinary people.

Suddenly, he noticed a stone with an excellent appearance. Its surface bore beautiful pine-flower-like patterns and a glossy sheen. He crouched down to inspect it carefully. The stone felt warm and smooth to the touch, and it was quite large.

A golden light flashed in his eyes as he activated the Golden Eyes.

Instantly, his vision filled with green.

The entire stone appeared emerald within—possibly even high-ice-grade jade. Just as he attempted to examine it more closely, the Golden Eyes abruptly failed. No matter how hard he tried, they refused to activate again.

He rubbed his head, assuming exhaustion from recent sleepless nights had drained his energy.

Little did he know that Gu Junqing had already prepared the Heaven-Stealing Talisman and had stolen his Golden Eyes in that very moment.

Behind his mask, Gu Junqing could barely suppress his smile.

[Ding, host successfully stole the talent: Golden Eyes.]

[Ding, Lin Tian’s Protagonist Luck has been reset to zero. Protagonist status lost. Host’s Villain Points increased by 50,000. Host’s Villain Luck increased by 300.]

Having successfully defeated the first protagonist, Gu Junqing felt a trace of satisfaction.

But the matter was far from over.

Lin Qingzhu still clearly held feelings for her brother. His next objective was to make her completely sever her ties with Lin Tian. Only then could he erase Lin Tian from this world.

Lin Tian, frustrated by the failure of his Golden Eyes, felt as though he had lost something intangible—like the heavens’ favor had vanished. Yet he paid it little attention.

All he cared about now was purchasing this raw stone.

Although he had only glimpsed it briefly with the Golden Eyes, the vivid green image remained etched in his mind. Despite the limitations, he was convinced it was extraordinary.

He hurried to the stone vendor to negotiate.

The vendor looked at him disdainfully.

“Do you even have money? Are you worthy of buying this stone? It costs 500,000.”

Anger surged through Lin Tian, but he suppressed it and forced a smile.

“I have the money.”

He immediately pulled out his bank card.

The once-proud protagonist now seemed hollowed out after losing his Luck.

Where a typical protagonist might show off or retaliate fiercely, Lin Tian could only swallow his pride.

At that moment, Lin Qingzhu, standing beside Gu Junqing, removed her mask. Her stunning face instantly drew the attention of nearly everyone in the casino.

Yet no one dared approach—the area had quietly filled with black-clad bodyguards.

Ignoring everything, Lin Qingzhu rushed forward and snatched the bank card from Lin Tian, determined to stop him.

“Qingzhu? What are you doing here?” Lin Tian exclaimed in shock.

But Lin Qingzhu ignored him, tears spilling down her cheeks.

“Brother, what are you doing? Why are you gambling?”

“I’m working hard for our future!” Lin Tian said excitedly. “Don’t worry—this stone will definitely make money. We’re going to get rich!”

“Brother, please don’t buy it… okay?” she pleaded tearfully.

Her pitiful appearance moved many gamblers nearby. Even hardened players felt Lin Tian was being heartless.

If they had a sister like her, they would have quit gambling long ago.

But Lin Tian was already consumed by obsession.

As he reached again for the card, Lin Qingzhu clutched it tightly.

His patience snapped.

“Are you giving it back or not?”

When she refused, Lin Tian slapped her across the face, snatched the card, and handed it to the vendor.

Lin Qingzhu fell to the ground, her cheek instantly reddening. Overwhelmed with despair, she broke down sobbing.

This wasn’t her brother.

Her brother would never hit her.

Even Gu Junqing felt a pang of heartache watching her tearful, fragile figure. He could have stopped the slap—but without it, she would never have awakened to the truth.

After losing his Luck, Lin Tian had become someone else entirely—consumed by frustration and rage.

Lin Tian finally got his wish and purchased the stone. Certain of massive profits, he immediately demanded it be cut open.

The blade fell.

The stone split apart.

Nothing.

There was nothing inside.

Lin Tian froze, mumbling repeatedly:

“Impossible… impossible! I checked it with my Golden Eyes! That can’t be right!”

Gu Junqing sneered inwardly.

This, too, had been arranged. He had ordered someone to fabricate a convincing fake stone—assembled to appear high-grade, even painted green internally. Though merely rock, creating it had taken considerable effort.

Lin Tian’s mind teetered on collapse.

Seeing his crying sister, he suddenly grasped at hope again. He hurried over and tried to help her up.

“Qingzhu, I was wrong earlier. I was just too anxious. Can you borrow another million from your boss? I swear I can turn things around!”

Looking at her nearly deranged brother, Lin Qingzhu felt completely lost.

She no longer recognized him.

At that moment, Gu Junqing stepped forward.

“I am her boss.”

Lin Tian froze. Seeing the masked man, he immediately bowed eagerly and tried to shake his hand.

“Hello, hello, boss! Could you lend me another million? I promise I can pick good stones for you! I can see through objects!”

Gu Junqing didn’t even bother shaking his hand.

Looking down at Lin Tian’s pitiful appearance, he slowly removed his mask.

“Take a good look at who I am.”