Cheng Yu suddenly understood why the system had insisted he step in to stop it earlier.

Because the owner behind this shop was Blade Brother.

If Zhao (?) had just bought his store outright back then, who knew what might’ve happened—or what consequences would’ve followed. The system’s choice really was spot-on.

But…

Cheng Yu couldn’t wrap his head around why it was him.

Wasn’t he part of the Azure Blade Society? Shouldn’t he be a criminal lurking in the shadows of the gray zone?

Why did he dare to move so openly in public, chatting and laughing with others while wearing that utterly harmless smile?

“Boss, is this guy your acquaintance? I heard him call you ‘Blade Brother’ earlier,” the waiter asked, puzzled. Blade Brother hummed in response, then looked at Cheng Yu’s dazed expression and gave a meaningful smile.

“We’re not exactly close—just met a few days ago at a small gathering with friends in the Azure Blade Society.”

Blade Brother’s casual words spread like a drop of ink hitting still water, staining the clear surface with deepening doubt.

Why… how did he dare?

Didn’t he care about exposing himself in front of others at all?

“Oh, the Azure Blade Society! That explains it,” the waiter, Ajie, nodded in realization. He even gave Cheng Yu an approving look and patted his shoulder.

Cheng Yu stared at the waiter in disbelief. There wasn’t a trace of fear on Ajie’s face—only a hint of admiration. Instinctively, Cheng Yu asked, “You… you know about the Azure Blade Society too?”

“Of course! It’s the association Blade Brother founded himself,” Ajie replied with a smile, glancing at Blade Brother with clear respect.

“Years ago, Blade Brother teamed up with several restaurant owners nearby to start the Azure Blade Society. The original idea was to share cooking tips and learn culinary skills.

“But unexpectedly, because Blade Brother loved doing charity work for others, the whole association developed this atmosphere of volunteering and kindness.

“They’d often deliver meals to elders and kids in the neighborhood on weekends. Soon, everyone knew about Blade Brother and the Azure Blade Society. The group kept growing, drawing all kinds of people in.

“Blade Brother’s a famous philanthropist, right? Am I wrong, Blade Brother?”

“Ajie, why are you blabbing so much?” Blade Brother grumbled, ruffling Ajie’s hair. Ajie laughed, dodging. “Blade Brother, no! Stop!”

“Seriously though, everyone says you got the name ‘Blade Brother’ because you were too kind-hearted. When you first started working, you couldn’t even hold a knife—you’d faint at the sight of blood. That’s why they teased you with the nickname.”

Kind-hearted?

Couldn’t hold a knife?

Fainted at blood?

What nonsense are you spouting?

If that were true, then…

Who was that madman with the ruthless eyes who killed me with a single cleaver strike before my rebirth?

Wasn’t it this very bastard standing here, pretending to be harmless?

“Ajie, you’re brave spilling all this. Let me show you how I deal with brave boys.”

Shut up.

“Joke’s on you—I’m super brave.”

Shut up, shut up, shut up.

“Super brave, huh? Then I’ll show you something *real* brave later…”

“SHUT UP!”

Every eye in the restaurant snapped to Cheng Yu. He glared at Blade Brother, disgust and hatred burning in his gaze.

He couldn’t understand.

This was a heartless monster—a killer who’d chopped him to death with a cleaver before his rebirth, a creature that haunted his nightmares.

How had he transformed into someone everyone praised as a good man?

How could he laugh and chat here like nothing had happened?

Cheng Yu couldn’t grasp it. Doubt seeped into his heart like ink drops staining a clear lake, muddying it completely.

Then he remembered Blade Brother’s eyes as the cleaver swung down toward him.

Cold. Merciless. Like a beast’s.

A wave of nausea hit him. Blade Brother’s entire presence reeked of sickening hypocrisy. Cheng Yu knew something was deeply wrong but felt powerless to expose it. The feeling made him want to vomit. He doubled over, dry heaving.

“Hey, guest, are you okay?” Blade Brother asked, puzzled. He reached out slowly toward Cheng Yu’s shoulder.

And Cheng Yu caught it—a flash of ruthlessness in Blade Brother’s eyes.

【Your choice facing Blade Brother’s move:】

【Option A: Dodge. Reward: Become an officer of Azure Blade Society】

【Option B: Stay still. Reward: 1 random attribute point】

Cheng Yu stayed silent, motionless. He watched Blade Brother’s hand stretch toward him, as if ready to swallow all light into its palm.

Then—a knife blocked Blade Brother’s path.

His hand froze mid-air. He looked up at the figure standing between him and Cheng Yu.

He hadn’t noticed when she’d appeared.

All he saw was her gripping a restaurant steak knife, smiling sweetly at him.

“He has me. He doesn’t need your concern.”

The girl shielding Cheng Yu wore a sugary smile, but an icy aura radiated from her. Ajie rushed over, flustered. “Ma’am, please don’t wave cutlery like that—it’s dangerous! We were just worried he might be unwell…”

“Oh, sorry! I’ll put it back later,” Linsw Lin chirped, not budging an inch.

“But I’m the jealous type. I don’t like others touching my boyfriend.

“So let me say it again: We don’t need your help. Step aside.”

Her tone was unyielding. Blade Brother held her gaze for a moment, then smiled softly. “No tension needed. We just worried—if something happened to him, would the restaurant be blamed?

“Rest well. Call a waiter if you need anything. We’re here to help.”

Blade Brother turned away, telling Ajie it was time to work. Ajie shot Cheng Yu a worried glance before following.

Linsw Lin placed the knife on a nearby table and leaned down, her eyes filled with concern. “Cheng Yu, he’s gone. Feeling better?”

“…I just need a moment to rest.”

Cheng Yu’s reaction came from fear, yes—but also the crushing pressure of confusion and tension. Linsw Lin poured him several cups of warm water. Slowly, his breathing calmed.

“That guy… he was at the bar that night, right?” she asked softly. Cheng Yu was surprised—the bar had been dimly lit, and Blade Brother’s appearance brief. He’d assumed Zhao (?) and Linsw Lin wouldn’t remember him.

Yet she recognized him.

“Good memory,” Cheng Yu murmured, indirectly confirming it.

Linsw Lin didn’t press further. She simply recalled that night—how her eyes had never left Cheng Yu, or anyone who touched him.

It wasn’t about memory. It was about watching the person she wanted to watch.

*He doesn’t have to tell me everything,* she thought, a faint smile touching her lips.

“Aren’t you curious about my history with him?” Cheng Yu asked quietly. Linsw Lin paused, then shook her head lightly. “No need. If you want to share, you will.”

Everyone has things they’d rather not say. Right?

Color returned to Cheng Yu’s face. He gave a small, grateful smile. “Thanks.”

*Ah, the prince thanked me again. Is this…?* Linsw Lin’s mind wandered—but seeing his silence, remembering his earlier terror, a wave of protectiveness drowned out her daydreams.

*I won’t let the prince wear that expression again.*

*If anyone hurts him…*

She leaned closer to Cheng Yu, her gaze drifting to the knife on the table.