In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

"Forget it, it's fine to just observe from the sidelines."

……

The words are divided into two parts.

Upon returning to the company, Xu Shi naturally sought out Su Lin immediately.

“No matter how I call you, you won’t respond, but you come back as soon as you hear about Lin Wenhua.”

Director Su teased, "If you have any special feelings for him, you can just tell me directly."

"Isn't it because of special feelings? A feeling of wanting to tear this uncle to pieces?"

Xu Shi laughed and said, "Besides, you have to put yourself in my shoes. The first person I looked for when I came back was you. According to you, my feelings for you are even deeper, aren't they?"

Su Lin thought to herself, "If you don't look for me first when you get back to the company, who else would you look for?" She put on such a sentimental expression, it was all talk and no action... If you really had such deep feelings, why did you stay in the hospital with Xia Wuyou for over two weeks without coming back? That's enough, isn't it?

However, she didn't dwell on it. She had important matters to discuss right now. The banter with the young master was just a formality; there would be plenty of time later.

"This is a chip sample that Lin Wenhua asked me to give to you."

She handed over the small box along with the documents, saying, "There are also parameter reports and clinical records."

"Too lazy to look, not in the mood."

Xu Shi took it, but only opened the box and glanced at it. "Just tell me how effective this thing is."

"More efficient than the 'twins' in the first phase."

Su Lin paused for a moment and said, "Although it's slightly below the specific expectations you and I discussed before, it's definitely fine for launching a new product on the market."

"And the traps you had Chengcheng dig for him have all been avoided, so it seems... not very effective?"

To be honest, from the perspective of the company's overall situation, this result is by no means bad.

The problem is that this was just an excuse for Xu Shi to eliminate Lin Wenhua, so it was definitely not the result they wanted.

"Wow, that's amazing?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shi couldn't help but admire him. To be honest, this was indeed not easy, right? Being temporarily assigned an important task, having a team cobbled together from various sources, and having incorrect reference materials... all of this allowed him to pass. It must be said that Lin Wenhua still has some real skills, unlike Jiang Fengshan, who is a good-for-nothing who regresses with age.

"Uncle Lin must be very busy lately, right?"

So he asked this question.

"It really is."

Su Lin nodded. "It's been a long time since I've seen him so dedicated to technical matters. He often works for days on end without sleep... The last time I saw him was when you were thirteen, when he and the master were developing the city defense cannon together."

"Oh, that's how it is."

Xu Shi smiled and said, "It really wasn't easy... Then give the order to hold an awards ceremony."

"Ok?"

Su Lin didn't react for a moment. Weren't you going to get rid of him? Why are you praising him now?

"What's that expression on your face?"

Xu Shi looked at her and said, "What's wrong with holding an awards ceremony?"

"I didn't say I was going to praise anyone, right?"

……

In this fast-paced era, many things are done swiftly and decisively.

The next morning, an awards ceremony was held to recognize the new products.

Unlike previous company meetings, this kind of meeting has a wider reach, not only for senior management of various departments, but also for more than half of the ordinary employees.

Everyone is very enthusiastic about it.

Of course, for most people, the reason for their high enthusiasm is not because they feel proud that the company has developed a new product, but more because Xu Shi said that there would be a meeting in the morning and a holiday in the afternoon... Half a day off is rare, especially since it is paid, which is enough to fill the numb working people with the joy of a harvest.

Xu Shi was equally happy, watching Lin Wenhua sitting to the side with a broad smile.

The old man was clearly tired and dejected. It was clear that Su Lin's information was correct; he had indeed been working day and night for quite some time to develop the second-generation chip, which was truly remarkable for an old man.

However, seeing Xu Shi's attitude and the bustling venue, he felt a little better.

After all, he knew in his heart that Xu Shi had arranged for him to be in charge of this matter, just to make trouble for him. The adult world is always full of indirect methods. Since they can't find any fault with you, Lin Wenhua, on the surface, they will create faults to make trouble for you.

Fortunately, he wasn't one to be trifled with, and eventually succeeded in developing the chip... Did you think I didn't know the information you provided was full of loopholes? But I was a technician in my youth, and this kind of trap is no match for him.

Now he wanted to see what Xu Shi could do. In front of everyone, did he intend to nitpick? That would be disheartening.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on his lips.

Thus, in this delicate atmosphere, the commendation ceremony began.

A lengthy opening statement is always present, and Xu Shi is quite adept at it.

The nearly one-hour speech can be summarized as follows:

Since you've asked me to say a few words, then I'll say a few words.

After thinking about what to say, here are a few sentences.

I believe these few sentences are better than those few; so, today, I'll start by saying these few sentences.

If you feel that what I've said isn't comprehensive enough, then I'll add a few more points.

It has to be said that rambling on and on requires skill, something Xu Shi, a novice in this field, knows all too well. Not only is it tiring for listeners to hear, but his own delivery isn't much better...

"...In short, that's about it."

Xu Shi cleared his throat. "Then, regarding the newly developed second-generation enhanced chip, tests have shown that its performance far surpasses that of the 'Twins'."

"This is a giant leap for Night City, and also a giant leap for the 'Serpent Ring,' so everyone involved in the research and development deserves immense credit."

He said with a smile, "Then first and foremost, the person who deserves praise is Jiang Chengcheng, the head of the engineering department."

"It's clear that after taking over the engineering department, Director Jiang's reorganization has been quite effective, and the successive launches of new products are the best proof of that."

"Chairman Xu, you flatter me."

Jiang Chengcheng stood up apologetically, "This is all part of my job, and I will continue to do my best in the future."

"Great, I have high hopes for you."

Xu Shi exchanged a wink with her, "And all the members under the Engineering Department, especially the newly joined 'Forgotten Ones,' have performed admirably. Keep up the good work, and a promotion and raise are just around the corner."

These words resonated with many, especially the small group of "the Forgotten"—in truth, things were not bad for them at all, or rather, things were better now than the hard times they had endured outside the city. They were able to gradually integrate and find their own sense of belonging.

The promotion and raise weren't just talk; they've actually been implemented... Wow, I'm so happy!

"By the way, I would also like to thank Mr. Du Wei, the head of the field operations department, today."

After the handshake and thank-you ceremony concluded, Xu Shi changed the subject, saying, "Supervisor Du has worked diligently for 'Snake Ring' for thirty years, and his steady and solid efforts have been invaluable."

"It's a pity that he is getting old and recently submitted his retirement application to the company, which is really regrettable. However, considering Mr. Du's health, I have to reluctantly approve it."

"In view of the outstanding performance of Director Du during his tenure, the Board of Directors has decided to issue a one-time bonus of 13 million credit points and a proposed sea-view apartment in District 17, in addition to the original pension fund."

"...I am filled with fear and trepidation."

Clearly, Du Wei was unaware of this decision beforehand. He was stunned for a moment when he heard Xu Shi say this, and it took him a while to react. He walked up to Xu Shi with excitement and tremblingly accepted the credit card and the key to the residence.

"This is what you deserve."

Xu Shi said gently, "You've given so much to the company, and I still feel indebted to you for this."

"As for the new head of the field operations department, based on the recommendation of Director Du and the decision of the board of directors, Xia Wuyou, the current head of the third group of the field operations department, will take over."

"..."

Xia Wuyou strode forward and, witnessed by everyone, took the small pistol that symbolized authority from Du Wei.

"You'd better keep up the good work in the future!"

Xu Shi smiled and encouraged him.

"Ah."

Xia Wuyou smiled and nodded, "I will work hard to become the sharpest sword in your hand."

"Then I'll wait and see."

The decision had naturally been discussed with her long ago, so it wasn't a surprise to Xia Wuyou. However, given what happened at the hospital recently, this arrangement made her feel that there was something more to the trust between them.

Xu Shi was equally pleased, mainly because he hadn't expected Xia Wuyou to say that; those were originally meant for Shen He...

Now the object has become yourself... Hey, isn't this also a kind of ___?

Their eyes met, filled with tenderness, and it seemed as if they would have been embracing and kissing each other the next second if they weren't in public.

Thunderous applause erupted in the arena.

For most people, clapping is not just a perfunctory gesture.

Du Wei's case sends a good signal to everyone—"Snake Ring" will not mistreat those who have made contributions. In this respect, Xu Shi's actions are even more extravagant than those of the old director Xu Cheng.

Of course, this is also because Du Wei holds a high position of power... So we still need to work harder to climb up the ladder. The struggle we make today will lead to the enjoyment we get tomorrow.

This is especially true for those who already had similar ideas, or for junior leaders in various departments, who have a deeper understanding of this.

but.

Looking at the joyful atmosphere of the venue, Lin Wenhua only felt that they were being noisy.

I have a feeling this awards ceremony has gone awry... Wasn't this supposed to be a meeting to recognize the development of second-generation chips?

As a result, he only mentioned it briefly at the beginning, and praising Jiang Chengcheng was just a superficial gesture—never mind whether she was capable or not, what did this matter have to do with her?

It was my responsibility, okay?

Of course, he knew that this was probably just Xu Shi, that little bastard, deliberately trying to annoy him... but he couldn't just stay silent, could he? Wouldn't that be unreasonable?

"Of course, there are some things that also need to be mentioned."

Xu Shi's statement came quickly: "The person in charge of this chip development is the highly respected Uncle Lin."

"However, his performance... left me somewhat disappointed."

"!"

"I personally have great confidence in Lin Bo's abilities, but there are still many loopholes in the report he submitted."