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

Lin Yue was taken aback, and muttered softly, "Come to think of it, did he always treat me like this before?"

It seems so, but back then I only thought he was shameless and vulgar. Now it's different. A little romance only makes people feel happier and sweeter.

This was especially true for her—she was different from others; she enjoyed being bullied by Xu Shi more than anything else. On the surface, she appeared increasingly independent, but inside, she was already twisted into who-knows-how-many...

"Then, at least before you left, you treated me..."

"No."

Xu Shicai refused and got up to leave, saying, "This is also part of the arrangement, Miss Lin Yue."

After seeing him off, the assassin girl couldn't help but bite her lip.

It sounds good, but I still have this feeling that I'll go crazy...

……

The meeting of the various factions took place early the next morning.

To avoid any unforeseen complications, no one disclosed the shipbuilding and sea voyage plans to the public, but internal mobilization and debriefing were still necessary.

"Now that everyone's here, I'll get straight to the point?"

As the meeting's chairperson, Tang Shuang maintained her usual efficiency: "The influence of the 'Forsaken' has been largely eliminated, and the renovation and reconstruction of Sin City is stable... Now that the fleet is complete and other preparations are finished, as Chairman Xu intends, we will officially set sail in two days. Does anyone have any objections?"

The phrase "Chairman Xu's intention" instantly turned the democratic meeting into a one-man show for certain individuals, making Tang Shuang appear merely as a mouthpiece.

However, everyone's opinions were surprisingly consistent, because they knew in their hearts that Xu Shi was the biggest contributor to everything, and no one wanted to stand against him.

"I have no opinion."

Lin Yue was the first to speak, saying that it was true that she had become increasingly capable during this period. She was the only representative in Sin City, so it didn't matter whether Lin Xing was there or not. The key point was that Song Ziyou could only sit at the children's table, which was undoubtedly the best signal that her dominance was further consolidated.

"We don't have any objection either."

The Qi father and son then spoke up, "All preparations regarding the 'imaginary' amount have been arranged; we're just waiting for Chairman Xu's order."

Everyone present knew the true meaning behind going to sea, and Xu Shi had previously talked to the father and son about the "principles of heaven".

They are all top figures in Night City, so it's necessary to say what needs to be said. Otherwise, if something really happens and the other party finds out that you excluded them from the beginning, it will be difficult to get them to work together again. That would truly be a case of losing more than you gain.

As a result, "imaginary numbers" gave sufficient attention and support to this matter, contributing both manpower and effort.

However, that was all. The Qi family father and son had no further plans, such as sending an elite member to accompany the ship. Xu Shi even invited Qi Maoyang to come along, but the latter shook his head faster than a rattle drum.

Is this a sign of lingering fear of the unknown? Or is it a way of indirectly indicating a lack of ambition? Perhaps it's a combination of both... Xu Shi couldn't quite put his finger on it, but since it was someone else's decision, he couldn't force them to change it.

Anyway, he wasn't worried that "imaginary numbers" would cause trouble after he left, because there was someone to keep things in check.

"I have no objection either; 'Feather Pen' has been a strong supporter of this matter from the very beginning."

The person in charge spoke up, and Wen Shengkui tapped the table unhurriedly, "I only hope that the entire fleet will be united and return safely."

"And don't forget to record your sights and experiences along the way in detail. I'm getting old and can't keep up with you guys anymore, but even learning something new through pictures and text is a good thing."

The following sentence was not spoken to Xu Shi, but to Xia Ke'an next to him—"Feather Pen" and "Imaginary Number" are similar; neither of them assigned any nominal VIPs to accompany them, but they entrusted the old lady with their help.

That's when everyone noticed her. Goodness, at first glance they thought it was an empty chair. They thought someone had just been absent, but it turns out there was someone there.

"Yes, don't worry, Uncle Wen."

The white-haired loli stood on the chair and answered very seriously.

The truth is that she used to have a good personal relationship with this elder, and her recent frequent visits to "quill pen" are not simply because she is being taken care of; there is a past relationship between them.

"Just do it, don't worry about things in the city."

Grandpa Wen nodded slightly, "I'll keep an eye on things."

These four simple words carried immense weight, especially for Xu Shi, who felt incredibly reassured. With him watching over things, no one would dare to act recklessly. Even the S-grade Dragon Heaven Cauldron was instantly vaporized! Anyone daring enough to try it out is welcome.

Or it is said that having an old person in the family is like having a treasure.

"In that case, let's wish you a successful voyage."

After taking stock of the personnel and supplies of all parties, Tang Shuang stood up and gave a summary.

With the departure time fast approaching, not only those going out to sea, but also those staying behind knew their task was important. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they all left.

Xu Shi was the only one who wasn't in a hurry to leave. He had noticed the subtle look in Governor Tang's eyes earlier, which clearly indicated that he wanted to keep him for a private chat.

"What is it, our Governor-General Tang?"

He propped his head up and tilted it to examine the other person carefully.

"Ugh, you didn't even come to say goodbye, and now you're asking me why I came to you?"

Tang Shuang lost her temper under his gaze and rolled her eyes at him.

"You don't want me to leave?"

Xu Shi, shameless as ever, laughed even more heartily.

Would you believe me if I said I was willing to give it up?

Tang Shuang couldn't hold back any longer, her stern face breaking into a laugh. "I've hardly ever seen you look for me before, and now it's even worse, you're gone. Tell me, how can I bear to let you go?"

It's quite a sad story. It would have been a good story if these two had gotten together, but since they confirmed their relationship, they've had less time to spend together. Director Tang has become Governor Tang, and he's incredibly busy every day. He also has a lot of things to do, so he can't find much real free time. Most of the time, they only get together because of official business, like today.

Now I'm not busy anymore, but I have to go out to sea sometime... Now it's really a long-distance relationship. Not having time to look for someone and not being able to look for someone are two different things.

"I don't know when you'll be back yet. I'm really not used to it yet, and I feel empty inside."

As he spoke, the once decisive and efficient Governor-General Tang had become somewhat resentful.

But just when Xu Shi thought she was about to come closer, she simply tossed her hair aside and smiled calmly, "Good luck."

"Hey?"

"Hey, what? Did I say something wrong?"

Tang Shuang said brightly, "I used to read in books that a good man should have ambitions beyond his hometown, but now that I've discovered there's a wider world out there, I realize that it seems to be true."

"In that case, I think we should encourage you to do so. What, did you think I would cry and whine and cling to you to stop you from leaving?"

Xu Shi was genuinely surprised; he hadn't expected Tang Shuang to have this attitude.

Perhaps it's because there have been so many calls for her to stay these past few days? Her reaction is truly surprising.

Of course, it's not that other people are being pretentious, but as Tang Shuang said, people don't really feel anything about the so-called "ambition to travel far and wide".

How can one aspire to travel far and wide? From the eleventh district to the thirteenth district? No matter how large Night City is, it is still just a city, with inescapable limitations.

However, this only makes Tang Shuang's idea all the more commendable. It shows her carefree attitude by focusing on the small details, which is exactly the kind of person she is.

"Just remember to come back."

Governor Tang leaned against the table and smiled slightly. "Actually, I wouldn't call myself carefree; I'm a bit conflicted."

"I originally wanted to give myself to you before you left, but I felt that would be a burden to you. However, I don't know what the outside world is like, and I'm afraid you'll be blinded and won't come back."

"What are you thinking about?"

Xu Shi was unusually serious. "No matter what, this is my home. Where else can I go if I don't come back?"

"Your words are reassuring."

Tang Shuang smiled and said, "Then we'll talk about it when you come back. I can also take advantage of your absence to calm down and improve myself."

"Hey, now I can't not come back even if I want to."

Xu Shi feigned regret.

"Go away, all you do is talk nonsense."

Governor Tang pinched him on the waist. "If possible, take me with you next time."

"As for this time... keep an eye on Xingchuan for me. She has many flaws in her personality, so it would be a good thing if she could get some experience."

"You really agree to let her go?"

Xu Shi was surprised. The city hall needed to send people to go out to sea, and Yu Xingchuan had volunteered. He didn't expect her to actually approve it.

"It's my fault for not being able to control you, you brat."

Tang Shuang shrugged, knowing what he meant. "If you didn't mean it, there's nothing you can do even if she stood naked in front of you. If you did mean it, there's nothing I can do no matter how much I try to stop her. That's just how Chairman Xu is, right?"

Xu Shi chuckled, feeling increasingly that he didn't know her well enough. She was clearly a very principled person, yet she was surprisingly magnanimous in certain areas.

With no one around, the two of them, uninhibited, naturally embraced and kissed, which was the best parting gift.

Enjoying this tenderness, Xu Shi felt greatly comforted.

All I can say is that these three older sisters around me are treasures. Su Lin is my best support, and Tang Shuang is also very understanding and supports my ambitions and aspirations.

Of course, there's one more.

"Look at me, how do I look?"

On the day they set sail, Xie Qingyan took the initiative to come over and showed off her new skin like she was on a fashion show.

"It's very ceremonial."

Looking at her modified naval uniform, Xu Shi couldn't help but chuckle.

This woman is incredibly ambitious. If a good man's ambition lies in all directions, then this woman is no less capable than any man.

As for being good-looking, that's for sure. With a figure like hers, she'd look good even in a burlap sack.

"Here, I'll make you a set too."

Xie Qingyan tossed him a package. "Some people say that when I make a name for myself in history, I'll take one of them with me. A decent set of clothes will be essential."

"I wonder who brought whom along."

Xu Shi shrugged.

"Is this important?"

The woman was in a great mood and didn't bother arguing with him. "The most important thing is..."

"Set sail!"

Oops, I didn't finish it in time, so I'll just post a 5,000-word chapter for now. I'll definitely make up for it with an extra chapter if the patron is a leader...

(End of this chapter)