The morning light finally generously bathed the streets of District 20, dispelling the gloom of last night. The Anteiku Coffee Shop's floor-to-ceiling windows were bright, reflecting the street scene outside that was beginning to bustle.
In the air, the rich aroma of coffee successfully pushed the lingering metallic scent into the most inconspicuous corner.
...
As a young man of the 21st century, He Xi Qian Yu, after a night of ideological struggle, quickly accepted the reality that the Slaughter's bloodlust was caused by himself.
Slaughter was right; he did need his power, whether for himself or others.
Admitting that the two of them were one had no ill effects on him; instead, it allowed him to use the power Slaughter brought him with greater peace of mind.
He Xi Qian Yu realized he was too timid.
His current strength was absolutely top-tier; even facing the legendary "White Reaper," Arima Kishou, the outcome was still unknown.
...
He Xi Qian Yu stood behind the counter, his brows slightly furrowed.
The coffee machine in front of him sputtered intermittently, making irregular noises. His slender fingers adjusted the machine, muttering, "Don't break down now..."
Dong Xiang walked out of the storeroom, holding a large bag of coffee beans, her dark blue short hair swaying with her movements. She glimpsed He Xi Qian Yu confronting the coffee machine and paused slightly.
"Hey," Dong Xiang placed the bean bag next to the counter, her voice still cool but with a touch more warmth, "It's no use arguing with a machine." She walked straight over and decisively slapped a certain spot on the side of the coffee machine.
With a "click," the irregular water flow instantly became smooth.
He Xi Qian Yu was slightly stunned.
"...This little girl... her technique is quite sharp..." A dispassionate observation flashed through the Slaughter's consciousness.
He Xi Qian Yu composed himself, turned to Dong Xiang, and offered a tired but sincere smile: "Thanks, almost messed things up."
Dong Xiang averted her gaze. "Beans," she reminded concisely, then turned to arrange cups and saucers with swift, clean movements.
"Right away," He Xi Qian Yu replied, immediately starting to grind the beans. A rich aroma spread, temporarily diluting the bloody images that lingered in his mind.
The shop doorbell tinkled softly, and Yoshimura Gongshan, the Yoshimura, walked in, his smile as gentle as ever.
"Good morning, Qianyu Jun, Dong Xiang."
"Good morning, Yoshimura," He Xi Qian Yu's spirits lifted as he responded.
"Morning, Yoshimura," Dong Xiang's voice also softened a little.
Yoshimura walked to the counter, his gaze gently sweeping over the two, lingering briefly on He Xi Qian Yu. He didn't mention last night, only smiled and said, "It seems the little interlude didn't cause any trouble. We have new beans, Qianyu Jun, would you like to try them?"
"Okay," He Xi Qian Yu nodded.
Dong Xiang silently organized the utensils nearby, adding in a low voice, "Watch the heat." Her tone was flat.
He Xi Qian Yu focused on the beans in his hands, making no reply.
The morning passed amidst the aroma of coffee, the sound of grinding, and the low murmurs of customers, as regulars arrived one after another.
"Young Qianyu, you look well," an elderly regular greeted.
He Xi Qian Yu walked over with the coffee, a polite smile on his face: "I'm naturally energetic after a good rest."
...
As noon approached, the sun was at its brightest, and the shop door was pushed open again, the doorbell ringing with a sudden, jarring sound.
Mado Kureo, with his gray-white hair and impeccably tailored trench coat, entered the shop, followed by two stern-faced young Search Officers. The relaxed atmosphere in the shop instantly froze.
Mado Kureo's hawk-like eyes sharply scanned the entire room, finally locking onto He Xi Qian Yu, who was operating the milk frother behind the counter.
"...A few small bugs died...It seems some people can't sit still..." Slaughter let out a cold sneer.
He Xi Qian Yu seemed completely oblivious to the cold scrutiny. He looked up, instantly putting on an impeccable professional smile, his voice clear and steady: "Welcome to Anteiku Coffee Shop, please come this way, gentlemen. The window seats offer a great view." He smoothly gestured, as if it were a routine greeting.
Mado Kureo's lips tightened imperceptibly. Without a word, he walked directly to a window seat, his two subordinates following closely.
He Xi Qian Yu approached with the menu, his smile unchanged: "What can I get for the three of you?"
Mado Kureo ignored the menu, his gaze piercing He Xi Qian Yu's face.
"Black coffee," his voice was hoarse and flat.
"One black coffee," He Xi Qian Yu turned to the two subordinates, "And for you two?"
Subordinate A: "Same."
Subordinate B: "Black coffee."
"Three black coffees, please wait," He Xi Qian Yu noted, then turned and walked to the counter, his steps unhurried.
Soon, Dong Xiang brought over three cups of black coffee. She was expressionless, and as she set down the coffee, she said coolly, "Please enjoy." Then she quickly withdrew back to the counter.
Mado Kureo picked up the coffee cup but did not drink from it, only holding it beneath his nose for a deep sniff. His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly—the overly strong coffee aroma formed a perfect barrier.
At this moment, Yoshimura approached, carrying a white porcelain saucer with exquisite cream puffs drizzled with chocolate sauce.
"Sir, since this is your first visit, a small token of our appreciation. Please enjoy," the Yoshimura's smile was benevolent, his tone concerned, "Working hard, replenish some energy."
Mado Kureo's gaze lingered for a moment on the cream puffs and Yoshimura Gongshan's gentle smile. A rare, extremely subtle flicker of surprise crossed his usually cold eyes. The subordinates behind him also unconsciously swallowed.
..."Thank you," Mado Kureo thanked stiffly, picking up a small spoon and somewhat hesitantly scooping a small piece into his mouth.
"...Hmph..." A light, ambiguous snort came from the Slaughter's consciousness.
He Xi Qian Yu lowered his eyes, focusing on wiping the coffee machine. Dong Xiang stood with her back to them, her shoulders still tense.
Mado Kureo swallowed the mouthful of cream puff expressionlessly, put down the spoon, and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He looked up again, his gaze sweeping over the two busy people behind the counter and the smiling Yoshimura beside them, finally resting on the cream puff with a missing piece.
Silence hung in the air for a few seconds. He ultimately said nothing, stood up, gestured to his subordinates, and walked directly towards the door.
"Welcome back next time," He Xi Qian Yu's voice sounded at the opportune moment, still steady and polite.
Mado Kureo did not stop, pushed the door open, and left. As one of the subordinates closed the door, his gaze couldn't help but sweep over the cream puff on the table again.
The shop returned to quiet, and the taut string seemed to loosen slightly.
He Xi Qian Yu exhaled softly.
Dong Xiang's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and the line of her lips seemed to soften by half.
Yoshimura calmly collected the saucer, looked at the remaining cream puffs, and said gently, "It seems the Search Officer prefers simplicity. Perhaps next time we should prepare some simpler refreshments."
"...Among the Search Officers who were following yesterday..." Slaughter slowly began, "...He was there..."
He Xi Qian Yu nodded slightly at the words.
That Investigator Hei Yan Qingzi was most likely Mado Kureo's subordinate.
"Next time, just tear his throat out," He Xi Qian Yu's voice was extremely low, cold without a ripple.
"...Just as I intended..."