“Rumors say a true god exists…”

“He’s just a solitary soul…”

As Qin Cheng indulged in his dark amusement, the phone on the round table blared to life. The sudden ring shattered his thoughts, and his brows furrowed slightly.

The young maidservant, ever perceptive, snatched the phone, answered smoothly, and scurried to Qin Cheng’s side, holding it out before him.

*The very picture of obedience.*

Her prompt action eased the tension from his brow. His gaze shifted to the screen.

A graceful, alluring figure soon appeared—leaning against a window.

Delicate features, a bewitching gaze. She wore a tailored business suit hugging her curves, half-propped on the desk. A cup of milk tea sat before her; her rosy lips drew gently on the straw. The top button of her blouse was undone, revealing a hint of snow-white skin.

Maturity and allure, perfectly fused.

Qin Cheng stared.

Silence stretched.

For a moment, he couldn’t place her.

“What’s wrong?” A teasing, honeyed voice drifted through the speaker. Amusement deepened in her eyes. “Did getting beaten scramble young Master Qin’s wits?”

“Si Qiuyi. Spit it out. I’ve no time to waste on you.”

Qin Cheng shot her a cold glance. He remembered now.

Si Qiuyi—the original owner’s nominal fiancée. Eldest daughter of a tycoon equal in stature to his own father. If memory served, she’d always looked down on the original. Their engagement? Purely a business alliance. She’d even thrown a fit when first assigned to him.

Just a girl’s tantrum. Powerless against cold interest.

But… this template of his own…

Why did it mirror the classic “rich second-gen heir” trope from the original’s memories so perfectly?

Was he truly born to be the villain?

Not a bad fit.

A faint inward smile touched Qin Cheng’s lips.

He was never meant to play the righteous hero.

“So cold?” Si Qiuyi’s crimson lips parted in surprise. A flicker of astonishment crossed her eyes. She crossed her long, porcelain-smooth legs and took another sip of milk tea. “You used to call me ‘Sister Qiuyi.’ Did you really knock your brains loose?”

“Are you deaf to my words?”

Qin Cheng narrowed his eyes. A wolf-like, chilling glare locked onto her. His voice turned impatient. Dangerous.

He hated evasive answers.

Especially from someone who interrupted his thoughts. He felt zero goodwill toward her. Had the maidservant not answered, he’d have hung up instantly.

“Y-you’re right… You’re still injured. Leaving the hospital like this worries Uncle and Aunt, doesn’t it?”

“Our family hospital is reputable. Rest properly first—that’s what I think.”

The moment his gaze pierced her, icy fear surged through Si Qiuyi. She straightened abruptly, words stumbling. Her milk tea nearly spilled.

It hadn’t felt like Qin Cheng watching her—but a wolf lurking in shadow. That vicious stare genuinely terrified her.

Qin Cheng glanced away. A faint trace of amusement flickered in his eyes, though his face stayed cold. “If that’s all your nonsense, this call ends now, Si Qiuyi.”

He’d tested that same glare on the little maidservant before—zero reaction. Nearly made *His Demon Sovereign Majesty* doubt himself.

Si Qiuyi pressed a hand to her chest, eyes cautiously flicking back to him. Sensing the dread had vanished, she relaxed slightly.

“The one who hurt you… has connections. Police have him detained now, but he’ll likely be bailed out in days.”

“Honestly, he’s trouble. Aunt asked me to say—don’t act on impulse.”

Qin Cheng smiled.

*Don’t act on impulse?*

Overbearing.

Arrogant.

Conceited.

Looking down on everyone.

This was Qin Cheng’s nature.

“My patience is thin,” he said coolly. “Spare me the nonsense.”