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

Tang Shuang is now free of any psychological burden. Just now she was worried about whether she would fall out with Xu Shi in the future, but after listening to his advice and promises, her concerns have lessened a lot, and all that's left in her heart is happiness.

Or perhaps everything just happened naturally; if we hadn't spoken our minds, there wouldn't have been any of the subsequent events.

"Shall we go back first?"

"Uh-huh."

Tang Shuang nodded vigorously, her demeanor completely lacking the domineering air of a city lord.

"Then let's go for now, otherwise wouldn't that be considered illegal driving?"

Xu Shi teased her a bit, and Director Tang reluctantly let go of her hand.

She didn't really want to let go, she wanted to hold on a little longer... but it wasn't in her nature for a dignified inspector and governor of a city to knowingly break the law, and she was quite clear-headed about that.

How about we go back and amend the law? For example, only she and Xu Shi can hold hands while driving...

Okay, never mind, women in love all have a sharp drop in IQ.

Women in love often have a lot of questions. Although she had let go, Tang Shuang's mouth didn't stop. She couldn't help but ask curiously, "Xu Shi, when...when did you start liking me?"

This seems to be something every girl wants to know.

"I don't know, maybe I just gradually fell in love with him?"

Xu Shizhen couldn't give a precise answer. "If I had to say, it would be when you compensated me for the cup? Before that, I only felt dislike towards you."

Or to put it more bluntly, he guessed it was probably because of the novelty in his body—not the difference in height, weight, or build, but the unique feeling that Director Tang gave him.

After all, apart from her, the others were either like Yu Xingchuan, who shamelessly pursued her, or like Xia Wuyou and Gu Yi, who gradually succumbed to his influence.

She is the only one who neither had her abilities possessed, nor did she go from mutual dislike to being like a bickering couple. Su Lin doesn't have this quality; her relationship with him is more like childhood sweethearts, which is a completely different concept.

"Tch, as if you're not taking advantage of me. I hate you too, and there are many things about you that I can't stand."

Tang Shuang retorted defiantly, but then she found it amusing and even started to laugh as she talked.

"Wasn't it supposed to be about mutual tolerance, compromise, and concessions?"

Xu Shi smiled helplessly, but he also had something he was curious about. "Speaking of which, I also want to ask you this: how did you... fall in love with me?"

He was genuinely curious because before today he had never thought that Tang Shuang's feelings for him could reach this level—it was certainly true that they were friends, but it shouldn't be this intense.

He only realized this when he saw her hysterical outburst.

"I……"

So he didn't realize that his words had touched a nerve with Tang Shuang, and for a moment he stammered and dared not speak.

"What's wrong? Is it embarrassing to like me?"

Xu Shi is a little unhappy. I was so happy when I told you, but you're embarrassed now? That's too much! None of the family members understand...

"...I'll tell you, I'll tell you!"

After a moment's internal struggle, Tang Shuang sighed resignedly, leaned close to his ear, and hesitantly told him.

How embarrassing! Does he think he's a lovesick fool...?

Xu Shi might not think that way, but she was definitely surprised. "So that's how it is?!"

It's tingling when you squeeze it. You really think about me sweating profusely to relieve the complications?

He wasn't entirely sure before; it was just a guess. How could he make such a fuss about something like that?

Asking her directly is even more impossible... You can't just grab her and say, "Little Tang, do you think about me hitting you every night?" If you did that, she'd be considered kind-hearted if she didn't reward you with two Soviet-era slaps.

But then again, it's quite a strange start. Perhaps it's due to the contrast? After all, I'm the first person to embarrass her to the point of being unable to back down...

But in any case, it's a good thing that it has developed to this point.

He was even a little touched when he thought that the other party's previous patient and persuasive behavior probably stemmed from this.

"You don't think I'm... you know, do you?"

Tang Shuang was still a little uneasy, worried that this might leave a bad impression on him.

"I finally understand why you insisted that I change into the police investigation bureau's uniform last time."

Xu Shi smiled, clearly unconcerned. His tolerance in this regard was probably unmatched, and Director Tang's actions were nothing more than child's play in his eyes.

"Then, can you switch to other ones later?"

Seeing his expression, Tang Shuang secretly breathed a sigh of relief and tentatively asked, "The city hall has more departments, and the types of uniforms are also..."

She stopped mid-sentence, realizing that it might not be necessary, or rather, even if she did, it wouldn't be a solace for her alone, but rather for him as well...?

No no no!

Just thinking about it made Tang Shuang blush again; it was too exciting for her to handle… She'd heard it was quite painful, and besides, what if she got pregnant? She certainly wasn't thinking about that right now…

Xu Shi watched her performance quietly, and thought that the once imposing director was now adorably silly.

Shouldn't we consider preparing a candidate for governor?

Besides being adorably silly, Director Tang also had some concerns: "If you were with me... wouldn't the others have objections? Don't pretend, I know I'm not the only one."

She didn't care about it, but she couldn't guarantee that others would be like her. For one thing, Xie Qingyan was someone she often dealt with, and she knew that the woman was extremely petty.

I can't say whether others have any opinions.

Xu Shi shook his head. "If it were me, I could only tell you that the world shouldn't be so small..."

Tang Shuang didn't understand what he meant, but she could tell from his expression that he would never treat her like trash, which put her at ease.

I'm dating him, not one of his many women. To hell with them.

In this atmosphere, the two returned to the inspection bureau in a rather ambiguous manner.

"Well, you..."

Before getting off the bus, Tang Shuang pointed to her cheek shyly.

She hadn't considered anything like bringing Xu Shi home; she was simply reluctant to part with him and wanted him to show his affection.

Xu Shi didn't stand on ceremony and, understanding the unspoken message, kissed her.

It has to be said, an experienced driver is an experienced driver; just one kiss made Director Tang feel like he was on cloud nine.

This feels different from kissing him. He really is a bad man, so good at...

Xu Shi also enjoyed it; he genuinely found it very interesting.

Excluding Su Lin, Tang Shuang is definitely the oldest among his confidantes in terms of age, but being with her is more like that of a teenage couple, coy and veiled...

A mature woman with a youthful heart, a military-style older sister in uniform is the best!

"Then I'm leaving."

After lingering tenderly for a while, Xu Shi finally opened the car door to leave. "I haven't asked you yet, are you coming again tomorrow?"

"...Yes! You still owe four days of community service. If you dare to skip it, I'll break your legs!"

Tang Shuang was stunned for a moment before she came to her senses and put on the solemn expression of the head of the inspection bureau.

There are indeed four days left. It's said to be 120 hours, but it's usually counted as five days, which makes sense.

"Okay, see you tomorrow then."

"Well, see you tomorrow."

After watching him leave, Tang Shuang happily went into the Inspection Bureau to return the items.

As expected, forcing him to do community service these past few days was the right thing to do. You're just like me.

"Director Tang?"

She didn't even notice Yu Xingchuan staring at her like she was a ghost. "What are you...?"

She had already reported Tang Shuang and Xu Shi's close call in Sin City. She had originally wanted to ask them more questions, but seeing Tang Shuang's expression, she was quite frightened.

Good grief, who are you? Did someone switch you out?

"Huh? I'm fine, nothing's wrong."

Tang Shuang snapped out of her daze and cleared her throat forcefully. "Xingchuan, remember to send people to Sin City to clean it up again later. Make sure this never happens again."

"Yes."

The adjutant hurriedly replied, quickly realizing something was amiss, "Director Tang, you wouldn't be with Chairman Xu..."

Given their relationship, it's perfectly normal for them to have some private conversations.

"No way, don't talk nonsense... No, wait, what's wrong, what's wrong?"

Director Tang initially wanted to deny it, but then changed his mind. What was so shameful about that? I'm happy and proud!

"Nothing's wrong, I'm fine..."

Yu Xingchuan felt embarrassed, thinking to himself, "Why don't you really go and see for yourself? It's too incongruous to have a love-struck mind like that on you."

"I think it's great too."

Tang Shuang proudly raised her head, "By the way, Xingchuan, can you cook?"

"How could I know that..."

The adjutant shook her head; she was a seasoned takeout customer. "Why are you suddenly asking this? Oh, you're not thinking of giving this to Chairman Xu..."

"Yes, that's what I'll make for him."

Tang Shuang didn't deny that this was a great little trick she could think of to improve their relationship.

"It's not necessary..."

The strategist Yu Xingchuan whispered a suggestion, "What I'm saying is, even if you and he are good friends, you should still be a little reserved. Being too attentive will only lead to trouble."

"I originally thought the same thing as you."

Tang Shuang neither agreed nor disagreed, but she also corrected him seriously, "But Xu Shi is right about something: being arrogant isn't popular anymore, so there's nothing wrong with me being more generous, right?"

"That's true, but being arrogant doesn't work."

The adjutant looked at her with interest and said, "But that's for those whose relationships aren't finalized yet, those golden retrievers who are destined to be heartbroken... You've already got them, why would you care about that?"

This is hopeless. Maybe I should talk to Xu Shi and take over the governorship myself? Can anyone control this love-struck fool...?

"..."