Am I… going to die?
Why?
I haven't enjoyed life yet. I still have ambitions.
I want the company to go further.
I also want—
Shen Wan'er stared at the switchblade rushing closer and closer. In that instant, her thoughts exploded into chaos.
Faces flashed through her mind—family, friends, unfinished plans—
And then, unexpectedly, Gu Yan's figure appeared.
That calm, composed back.
The one always surrounded by attention, like stars around the moon.
So enviable…
I haven't become someone like that yet…
"Boss Shen!!"
Zhang Qing's scream pierced the air.
Shen Wan'er closed her eyes.
Goodbye… world.
She gave up struggling and waited quietly for death.
But in the next second—
"Get away from her!!"
A furious roar exploded.
A figure rushed in like a bolt of lightning, forcefully breaking into the space between Shen Wan'er and the blade.
Security uniform.
Burning eyes.
Unrestrained anger.
Xiao Lin.
The scar-faced man didn't hesitate. His eyes were empty, carrying only a single command—kill.
Xiao Lin moved.
Bang!
His fist smashed into the man's wrist.
Crack!
The bone twisted unnaturally.
Clang!
The spring dagger flew out and hit the ground.
Before anyone could react, Xiao Lin turned like a whirlwind.
One punch.
Another kick.
Every person who had looked "wrong" from the start was sent flying.
"Ah—!"
Bodies hit the ground one after another.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
"X… Xiao Lin?!"
Shen Wan'er finally came back to herself, calling out in disbelief.
Xiao Lin immediately turned around, his expression full of concern.
"Mr. Shen, are you hurt?"
Shen Wan'er took a shaky breath. Her legs were still weak, her heartbeat deafening in her ears.
She looked at the man in front of her, emotions surging uncontrollably.
"…Thank you."
Her voice trembled.
If not for him… she would already be dead.
Xiao Lin scratched his nose awkwardly and smiled.
"It's nothing. I'm just glad you're okay."
Then, almost instinctively, he added—
"If something like this happens again, I'll protect you."
Shen Wan'er nodded subconsciously.
"…Okay."
In her heart, a thought quietly took root.
Someone this strong…
Keeping him as just a security guard was a waste.
Outside the crowd—
Mei Xue watched quietly, her expression solemn.
"He didn't even use true qi…"
Gu Yan smiled faintly.
"That's why he's a master."
Mei Xue clenched her fingers.
"So strong…"
Gu Yan's tone was calm.
"This scene is over. Prepare for tonight."
Before Mei Xue could ask more—
Sirens wailed in the distance.
Police cars surrounded Tianye Pharmaceutical.
Mei Xue froze.
"…Police?"
Gu Yan nodded lightly.
"Remove your ability."
Mei Xue's eyelid twitched.
Shadow slaves released…
She finally understood.
This man was vicious.
Inside the building, armed police quickly took control.
A female officer stepped forward, sharp-eyed and composed—Chen Yingyin.
After confirming the situation, she turned her gaze toward Xiao Lin.
"You're Xiao Lin?"
"Yes." Xiao Lin nodded.
Their eyes met.
Both paused.
She frowned slightly.
Before she could speak—
"Sister Chen! This is bad!"
A policeman rushed over in panic.
"These people… are dead!"
The air instantly froze.
Shen Wan'er's face turned deathly pale.
Xiao Lin's pupils shrank.
"Impossible! I didn't hit their vital points!"
Chen Yingyin's expression darkened.
Whether intentional or not—
All evidence pointed to him.
"Take him away."
"What? Wait—!"
Xiao Lin didn't resist.
This wasn't a place where force solved everything.
Cold handcuffs locked around his wrists.
As he was pushed toward the police car, Shen Wan'er looked at him helplessly, guilt and confusion flooding her eyes.
"I'll investigate," Chen Yingyin said coldly.
"If you're innocent, the truth will come out."
Outside.
Gu Yan watched Xiao Lin being taken away, satisfaction flickering in his eyes.
Perfect.
"Eight o'clock tonight. Leng residence."
He reminded Mei Xue casually, then left humming softly.
Mei Xue stared at his back, conflicted emotions churning in her chest.
She knew she should report everything.
But—
For my brother…
Sorry, Master.