Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

"It's not strange at all. Deals fall through all the time."

Jiang Yazhu, the CEO of a fintech company, nervously fidgeted with the tissue, seated in a coffee shop.

"Indeed. But deals fall through with normal companies. The Liu Corps is not a normal company. It's a giant. Do you…really think I did the right thing?"

Yuze raised his brow. "Why do you look so doubtful now? You didn't hesitate to back out when I offered you double the deal."

And now I feel I made a huge mistake…

"Yes but it is the Liu Corps. The merger would have been extremely successful."

"Is that the only way you measure your success? With money?" Yuze shrugged. "You would have started living like a dog, under his thumb for your whole life."

A man approached them just then, bringing a tray containing two cups of hot cappuccinos. He neatly placed the two cups in front of them and bowed.

Jiang Yazhu said to the server, "Thanks."

Yuze just barely acknowledged him and continued. "Do you think Liu Jin wanted the deal because he saw potential in your company?"

Lin, who had just turned to walk away, froze hard at his spot.

"No, he didn't. He saw a chance to hoard a beneficial deal for himself and use your company to propel his own. You would have gotten peanuts," he smiled.

Jiang Yazhu blew air over the hot coffee and took an anxious sip.

"Big companies like the Liu Corps only know how to crush developing startups like yours. I should say you have saved your self-respect."

He seemed to sway again and felt pensive.

"I think you are right, Mr. Kang…My company is the result of my hard work, sweat and tears. I won't let any bigshot ruin what I have built."

Lin stood rooted at his place and the tray in his hand shook a little.

Yuze noticed Lin's still posture and frowned. "Why are you still standing here?"

He jolted and replied. "Nothing…Please enjoy your coffee, Sir."

Lin walked away with swift steps and shut the door to the kitchen. He let out his shaky and trembling breaths.

What is going on?

Who is that man talking about Sir Jin?

Lin felt blank. In normal circumstances, he would have confronted Yuze then and there whether or not he knew him.

He had worked with Jun at Sky Publishing and naturally, he knew his family. Especially after the last confrontation with Yahui, he knew about his ex-Boss's family more than anybody else.

He was…he was not talking well about Sir Jin…

Why would he do that? Does he not like Sir Jin?

Lin kept the tray aside and slowly opened the door, walking towards the counter. He saw Yuze and Jiang Yazhu leaving their seats.

Jiang Yazhu said, "Thanks for the coffee, man. It was delicious!"

Lin softly bowed. "Thank you, Sir."

He looked at Yuze but he didn't look back at him. Instead, he patted Jiang Yazhu's shoulder and smiled. "Call me if you need anything else."

They left the cafe soon after, leaving Lin in a dazed state. He felt breathless and his brows creased with worry.

What should I do?

Should I…call Sir Jun and tell him?

He stiffened at that thought. One of the main promises he had made to himself was that he would stay away from the Liu family at any cost. He would not make himself cross paths with them ever again.

That's why he was deathly worried when he met Shui that day. It had hardly been a few days since he was released from jail and he already met Shui, who was closely related to Jun.

The shock that had zapped him knew no bounds. Shui's sharp eyes and pointed questions only further proved how much he was loathed and still doubted.

At that point, he had made up his mind to look for somewhere else to start his cafe but his brother, Hou Cai, stopped him.

'I understand your feelings Bro but trust me, you won't get a better deal than this! You won't meet an owner again who would accept that you were a convicted criminal even if you have changed your ways.'

He shook his head. 'It was really hard to find this place Bro and it's such a great spot too. You will earn a lot because this is a prime spot! Plus, I don't think Miss. Han will really come here now that she knows you run this place. It's harsh but true. So it's not like you will meet her again.'

After much thought and his brother's convincing, Lin finally decided to not shift his cafe. He decided to run his small cafe peacefully and spend his days just like this.

Until today when Jin's name fell on his ears.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice the cafe's entrance door hitting the welcome bell.

"Hello."

Maybe I misheard that man, Lin thought or more precisely, he wanted to believe that.

*Tap tap*

Lin broke out of his daze and looked up to see a customer at the counter. He bowed. "My apologies for not noticing you, Mam. Welcome to Lin's Coffee."

"Is everything alright?"

Lin was taken aback. "Yes…?"

"You were thinking very hard about something," she stated.

He blinked once. "How do you know, Mam?"

Alix gave a light smile. "Hm…I just know it."

Lin furrowed his brows. "How do you just know it?"

He felt it wasn't a very logical answer to his question.

"Some things are better left unsaid. Can I get a latte?"

"Sure, Mam."

"Please brew some extra espresso and make it strong. Also, two packets of sugar too. And I don't want it too frothy."

Lin stared at her.

"What?"

He looked down at his small notepad, his lips slightly quivering as he read the order. His eyes slightly tinged and ached with tears. Even with his protests, the memory of a certain person kept invading him.

She…used to order just like this…