**Chapter 1: The Friendly Shadow (Expanded Version)**
The small café on the corner of the quiet street was Leonardo's sanctuary from the noise of the world. Here, amidst the aroma of brewed coffee and the sound of soft classical music, he found the peace missing from his pressure-filled life. The large windows overlooking the calm street, the brown leather chairs, and the faint light emanating from the old lamps – everything in this place inspired reassurance. But on this particular evening, his heart was pounding like a drum. He sat at his usual table near the window, watching the entrance with anxious eyes. This was more than just an ordinary meeting; it was a rendezvous with the man he had admired for months—Marcus, that handsome, confident man with an overwhelming presence who seemed to possess the secret to attracting people like a magnet.
"What will I say to him? How should I act?" The questions swirled in his head like a storm. He felt cold sweat on his forehead as he waited. This opportunity might be the only chance to befriend the man he considered his role model.
"Leonardo! My friend, it's a true pleasure to meet you!"
Marcus appeared suddenly with a warm smile that reached his eyes, his calm voice instilling a sense of ease. He wore an elegant suit, his hair impeccably styled. He sat down calmly, ordered his favorite coffee, and then directed his full attention to Leonardo. "Tell me about your new project; I heard it's really exciting."
"Actually, it's a volunteer project to help young people find jobs," Leonardo began enthusiastically. "I thought of creating a platform that connects..."
Leonardo launched into explaining his idea, brimming with passion as he narrated the details of his ambitious plan. Marcus listened with rare concentration, staring into his eyes as if every word Leonardo uttered was the most important on earth.
"Absolutely brilliant! This is exactly what society needs. You're truly a creative man, Leonardo."
Leonardo felt a comfort he hadn't experienced in months. "Do you really think so?"
"Of course! Someone like you deserves all the support. Tell me more about how you plan to implement this idea."
But suddenly, midway through Leonardo's excited talk about funding plans, he noticed Marcus's smile tightening slightly. Marcus didn't say anything negative, but his gaze became less focused, and his voice colder when he responded.
"An... *interesting* idea."
Leonardo stopped abruptly. "Is... is there a problem?"
"Not at all," Marcus replied coolly. "Carry on."
A strange wave of anxiety washed over Leonardo. "I've been talking too much, haven't I? I'm sorry..."
"It's fine," said Marcus, but his eyes were glancing at his watch and then towards the window. "Are you sure this project is feasible?"
"What's wrong, Marcus? Did I say something wrong?"
"Don't worry, it's all perfect. Why are you so tense?"
But Leonardo couldn't shake that overwhelming feeling of fear. Suddenly, it seemed that the friendship with Marcus, which he had just begun to cherish, was about to vanish. There was an instinctive feeling that he was on the brink of an abyss.
"Actually, maybe the project idea isn't as mature as I thought. I can postpone it or change it completely if you want!"
Marcus smiled again, and the warmth suddenly returned to his voice.
"There's no need for all this worry, my friend. I'm always with you."
Marcus reached out and gently touched Leonardo's shoulder. "I value your friendship greatly, Leonardo. Never forget that."
Leonardo felt a wave of relief wash over him, as if he had escaped imminent danger.
And in a far corner, a gray-haired man observed the scene with expert eyes. He followed every movement and gesture like a theater director watching his actors perform. He knew that some friendships are like gilded cages—beautiful in appearance, but keeping you trapped inside. He knew this because he had been there before. He whispered to himself: "The game has begun, and the hunter is setting his traps." Then he turned and disappeared into the darkness of the night, leaving Leonardo with his illusory victory..