I Am a Rune Engraver, Carrying a Knife Makes Perfect Sense-Chapter 20 - Liu Shaoteng

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“Boss, let me introduce you. This is Wen Ya, my girlfriend,” Yang Dian said, wrapping an arm around the shy Wen Ya. “And this is her friend, Zhao Keke, a college freshman.”

Yang Dian was puzzled by Wen Ya’s sudden shyness; she seemed so much more reserved than on the phone. But he found her even cuter like this!

“This is my boss, Xu Shen. You can call him Brother Shen,” Yang Dian added.

“Wow, you’re so handsome!” Zhao Keke exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Xu Shen. This man was tall, with a buzz cut and a face like a movie star. He exuded a strong masculine aura.

Wen Ya’s boyfriend knew someone like this? Weren’t they all supposed to be rich, spoiled kids? In her mind, most of them were useless playboys. But this guy looked fit and healthy…

“Hello,” Xu Shen nodded politely.

“Hello, Brother Shen,” Wen Ya said softly, keeping her head down.

Yang Dian found it odd. Wen Ya had been so excited on the phone earlier—why was she so quiet now? Was she afraid of Brother Shen? It made sense; who wouldn’t be?

He chuckled and said, “Ya Ya, didn’t you say your phone was acting up? I’ll buy you the latest model and some clothes and bags too.”

“No… no need,” Wen Ya’s voice trembled slightly. She could feel Xu Shen’s calm gaze on her!

Yang Dian paused, glancing between his girlfriend and Xu Shen, his brow furrowing.

Zhao Keke sensed something was off and stepped in front of Wen Ya, facing Xu Shen. “Hey, what’s with that look? You’re scaring her.”

“Boss, what’s going on?” Yang Dian asked, stepping closer.

Xu Shen continued to stare at Wen Ya as he spoke calmly. “Wen Xiaoya, age twenty. Dropped out of school at fifteen due to an abusive stepfather and left home.”

“You spent your days at bars picking up men—two students and three married guys lost everything because of you.”

“Am I right?”

With each statement, Wen Xiaoya’s body trembled more violently.

Yang Dian’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Wen Xiaoya with her head bowed.

Zhao Keke’s expression turned cold as she unleashed a burst of energy—her Core Solidification cultivation flaring up as she glared at Xu Shen.

“I don’t care who you are—say one more bad thing about Xiaoya, and I’ll risk getting arrested by the Xinhuo Guard to smash your mouth!”

“Oh?” Xu Shen raised an eyebrow. He’d already sensed Zhao Keke’s decent cultivation level but hadn’t expected her to be at Core Solidification.

But he merely chuckled coldly before his figure blurred.

In the blink of an eye, his hand clamped around Zhao Keke’s throat, lifting her off the ground!

“Do you really not know what your ‘good friend’ is like?”

“Or are you both trying to scam some money together?”

Xu Shen asked icily.

Zhao Keke’s eyes widened in terror as she struggled futilely. She couldn’t believe this man—who was only at the Awakening Realm—could restrain her so easily!

Her cultivation was useless against him.

Even if her runes and talent weren’t exceptional, she shouldn’t be completely powerless!

A chilling sensation spread through her body.

Nearby, Yang Dian looked at Wen Xiaoya in shock. “Is what my boss said true?”

Wen Xiaoya trembled before bowing deeply to Yang Dian. “I’m sorry, Yang Dian. He’s telling the truth. Let’s end this here.”

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She glanced at Xu Shen. “Brother Shen, please let Keke go. I promise never to appear before him again.”

“I’m sorry.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

Xu Shen snorted dismissively as he released Zhao Keke.

Stunned by Wen Xiaoya’s admission, Zhao Keke sat on the ground for a moment before slowly regaining her composure and standing up.

She looked at Yang Dian. “The men Xiaoya targeted had all hurt women before—she told me about it.”

“But I didn’t know she’d gone so far.”

“In my opinion, those guys deserved whatever happened to them.”

“But you’re the first person she ever said she liked—and felt unworthy of.”

“You’re pretty ruthless,” she added to Xu Shen before turning to follow Wen Xiaoya.

“Boss, do you think Zhao Keke’s words can be trusted?” Yang Dian asked with a bitter smile after a long pause.

Xu Shen shook his head. “Whether I trust them or not doesn’t matter.”

“It’s your choice that counts. If you really like her, use your family’s resources to investigate.”

“I’m a bit extreme—I always assume the worst.”

“If I’m wrong in the end, I’ll apologize.”

Xu Shen patted Yang Dian on the shoulder.

Having spent over four years navigating East District’s rougher areas, he’d seen it all.

He knew his actions weren’t entirely right but preferred making mistakes over letting his people suffer.

“Thanks, Boss.”

They said no more as they headed toward Yuan City Grand Hotel together.

It wasn’t far—no need to drive.

But Yang Dian was clearly still downcast along the way, prompting Xu Shen to shake his head repeatedly.

It’s just one girl—what’s the big deal? If you really like her, win her back. If I’m wrong, I’ll apologize.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at a grand building entrance where a middle-aged man in black approached warmly.

“Ah, Young Yang! You’re here.”

“Uncle Teng,” Yang Dian greeted with a smile.

“And who might this be?” Uncle Teng asked, glancing at Xu Shen behind Yang Dian.

“My boss—the private room today is reserved for him.”

“Oh? So this is Young Master Xu.” Uncle Teng’s eyes lit up as he extended his hand enthusiastically.

Xu Shen shook it briefly before letting go.

Soon after, a beautiful waitress arrived to escort them to the elevator.

Downstairs, Uncle Teng pondered for a moment before picking up his communicator.

“Send three bottles of spirit wine to Room One—the best kind.”

“Are you serious?” came a shocked voice from the other end.

“Just do it!”

“Yes!”

Satisfied with himself, Uncle Teng nodded approvingly.

Liu Shaoteng had started his business at eighteen due to weak talent and now owned Yuan City’s largest hotel at nearly forty—all thanks to his keen eye!

Today in Room One were children from all prominent families in Yuan City—all gathered for one person.

What did that mean?

This Xu Shen must have incredible connections!

He planned to personally toast him later.

The hotel was tall—over forty floors high.

After reaching the top floor with their guide, they entered an opulent private room where fifteen people sat waiting—including Zhang Zhuangshi.

Seeing Xu Shen and Yang Dian enter made them all stand nervously—they’d heard stories about how Xu Shen had beaten both Yang Dian and Zhang Zhuangshi senseless…

Yet neither sought revenge; instead, Yang Dian became his loyal follower!

One among them had witnessed Xu Shen’s insane combat prowess firsthand during that school incident…

He’d sworn his friends to secrecy under penalty of death before sharing what happened that day…

These rich kids were terrified…

Awakening Realm defeating Flame Mastery? Was he even human?

Their families had money; they had decent talent…

They could afford good runes and techniques…

But none were as monstrous as Xu Shen!

So when Zhang Zhuangshi suggested inviting Xu Shen for dinner—and apologizing—they joined eagerly…

“Brother Shen!”

The chorus of greetings startled even the waitress who’d just stepped off the elevator…

Could this guy be in the mafia?

Even Xu Shen hadn’t expected such a scene—a bunch of strangers gathered here…

After sitting down with Yang Dian…

Zhang Zhuangshi immediately raised his glass…

“Yang Dian… Brother Shen… I was wrong that day—I apologize! Cheers!!”

He downed his drink in one go…

Seeing this gesture left Xu Shen with nothing more to say—he drank too!

With tensions eased—the group began chatting freely…

They found Brother Shen quite pleasant…

Interesting… humorous… friendly—not nearly as scary as rumored…

“Brother Shen… I’ll be honest—I wanted revenge back then…”

Zhang Zhuangshi admitted after several drinks—his face flushed red as he wrapped an arm around Xu Shen’s neck…

“Good thing you didn’t,” Xu Shen chuckled…

“I realized seeking help would make me seem like someone who relies on others—a waste…”

“We may come from wealthy families—but none of us want to be useless!”

“In today’s world—strength… runes… that’s what matters…”

“If talent fails us—fine—but we have potential! None want to be second-generation brats!”

Zhang Zhuangshi hiccuped…

The surrounding rich kids nodded in agreement…

Xu Shen was surprised by their awareness…

But Zhang Zhuangshi was right—in this era—strength was everything…

Xu Shen understood deeply—his life had transformed since reaching Awakening Realm…

“Boss… maybe…” Yang Dian hesitated before grinning slyly at Xu Shen…

Xu Shen paused thoughtfully—eyeing these young men carefully…

He understood what Yang Dian meant…

But he couldn’t guarantee their true intentions—or if they’d harbor ulterior motives…

Ding!

The elevator chimed suddenly!

The door opened revealing Liu Shaoteng smiling broadly—carrying a tray…

On it were three large jade bottles…

Yang Dian’s eyes lit up instantly!

“Wow! Uncle Teng—you really went all out with spirit wine?”

“Hahaha! It’s Young Master Xu’s first visit—I must host properly!” Liu Shaoteng laughed heartily…

“Spirit wine?” Even Xu Shen’s eyes gleamed slightly…

He’d heard tales about this wine—brewed from rare ingredients…

Rich in spiritual energy—it greatly benefited cultivators…

And tasted superb too!

Liu Shaoteng approached their table readying himself to pour drinks when—

“Wait!!”

Xu Shen suddenly barked sharply!

His eyes turned icy as he stared intently towards the elevator…

His black knife… was vibrating!