I pulled out my antique Nokia and casually scrolled through the contacts.

"D-Director Long, it's so late. What do you need?"

The call connected, but the other end sounded nervous.

That was normal. At the company, my brother and I were just figureheads, attending meetings occasionally. Our sisters-in-law handled everything else.

"Why so flustered? Did you do something shady?"

An impatient female voice echoed faintly from the other end.

"D-Director Long, you're joking. I was... intimate with my wife."

"Oh~ Then finish up. But first, find Supervisor Li from admin and have him call me back. Immediately."

"Y-yes, right away!"

I hung up and looked down at Lulu. His face had gone pale.

"Get ready for a show. A real-life dad-screwed-over example."

"W-who are you...?"

Fear filled Lulu's eyes. He lost his composure, rolling on the ground to loosen the ropes. With his small frame, it was futile.

"Who am I? Just an ordinary high school student. Calm down and watch. I won't harm your father—I'm a law-abiding citizen."

He still wouldn't quiet down.

"I'll say this once: be silent, or your father gets fired and jailed for stealing game secrets."

"Despicable!"

"And where's 'shameless' and 'vile'?"

This kid, usually a pushover, showed unexpected backbone. Amusing. I almost wanted to make him cry.

The phone rang—an unknown number, likely Lulu's father.

Shh.

I signaled silence. Lulu obeyed instantly, knowing the consequences of defiance.

"D-Director Long? Long time no see. What can I do for you?"

He sounded panicked, his voice thick with worry.

"What's your name again?"

I remembered faces at the company, not names.

"Director Long, I'm Li Yuan, admin supervisor. We met at the game launch—you bought me a drink."

"And?"

The pressure wasn't enough yet. I needed him more flustered. Unknown threats scare people most. I maxed the volume so Lulu could hear.

"Th-then, are you referring to after that meeting?"

"I don't call for nothing. What mistake did you make? Don't you have a clue?"

"Director Long, I'm innocent! I don't know who badmouthed me, but I swear—I've never harmed the company!"

He was utterly panicked. Lulu, on the floor, looked terrified, guessing what came next.

Like a worm, he crawled at my feet, kowtowing repeatedly.

Ridiculous.

"Listen to this."

I played Lulu's recording.

"Lulu, since your dad works officially, you get no perks, right? Level me up—it's hard solo."

"Of course not, haha! I've gotten favors: hidden classes, special quests..."

Lulu burst into tears. The phone line fell silent.

"You know the consequences of leaking secrets. Executives earn five million yearly—part for skill, part hush money. Your contract's in the archives. You're no newbie—you know what mistakes cost."

My voice hardened. He was trembling.

"Director Long, that's my son Lulu. I admit it. But I swear I never shared secrets! I have a clear conscience. A father bears his son's faults—I'll accept any punishment."

A thud echoed—he'd knelt.

I hung up, bent down, and lightly slapped Lulu's cheeks. *pat pat*

"Hear your father?"

"Bro Long, Dad Long, Sir Long! I was just blabbering! I know nothing! Father never told me anything! Please spare him—I'll do anything!"

Like a caterpillar, he rubbed his tear-soaked face against my leg.

"Hmph."

I dialed back.

"Sorry for the interruption."

"No, no, Director Long—it's fine."

Li Yuan was desperate, begging only for leniency.

"You've worked there eight years. You picked me up at the airport three years ago."

I recalled Li Yuan's recent promotion then, when "Emperor" was still in promotion.

"Yes! You looked like a kid but were more mature than adults."

"Hovering near death forces maturity. Enough small talk—it's late."

"Not late! Chatting with you, even three days wouldn't feel long."

"No flattery. I hate bootlickers. Status comes from ability, not sucking up."

"Your words are wise, Director Long. I'll remember them."

I checked the time—past ten. Time to go.

"I'll handle your son. But this mistake—only once. Lucky it was me. Others would be dangerous."

Young people get cocky easily. Li Yuan wouldn't risk his eight-year career. As a father, he knew his son's flaws.

"Yes! Thank you, Young Master Long! I'll never forget this!"

"That's it. No repeats. Your son and I get along—just teach him a lesson."

"Yes, yes! As you command, Director Long!"

I hung up. Lulu stared at me like a lovesick admirer, bowing and scraping.

Disgusting.

"Be good. Obey."

"Yes! You're my real brother now, Young Master Long!"

"No need. Just do what I say."