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

Otherwise, we might end up with a situation where "the old Pope's body has already rotted."

And we also need to figure out how to get Xu Ying to keep him by her side in a reasonable way. We can't just carry a corpse around like a doll, can we?

How about making a small backpack? Like Tanjiro and Nezuko's? It sounds kind of cute.

Or could we just modify it and make it semi-mechanical? Then we wouldn't have to worry about it rotting and smelling bad...

While he was brainstorming, Ning Wei had other concerns.

"So... Master used his abilities when he went to sea, is that right?"

He gritted his teeth, "Why didn't any of you tell me about this? The master's health isn't good enough right now..."

"My suggestion is, Brother Ning, you should try not to adopt such a humble attitude in the future, okay?"

Xu Shi was both amused and exasperated. "Always acting like a superior and subordinate, and still trying to control Grandpa in every way, no wonder he's unwilling to tell you."

He knew the old man didn't like being bothered like this, even if it was for his own good, but this kind of treatment of a patient would always make people uncomfortable, right?

Not to mention that Wen Shengkui actually raised Ning Wei as his son; otherwise, he wouldn't have cared for him so much. This is actually quite dramatic, because in terms of background, Ning Wei and Su Lin are actually very similar. They were both orphans who gradually rose to their current positions.

So Xu Shi wasn't completely unfamiliar with this person before. He had seen him many times when he was a child, and back then, this guy always had a poker face, which hasn't changed since.

That's why, now that we're more familiar, he's happy to call me "Big Brother" instead of by my title, even though it's actually a generational difference... I'm getting the better deal, yay!

As for my grandfather's health...

"You don't need to be so alarmed. It's true that Grandpa used his abilities, but 'Snake Ring' and 'Prism' have also found a way to further improve the ability transplantation technology during this trip."

He explained with a smile, "Once the new drug is fully mature, we will definitely transplant the self-healing ability into my grandfather. Before I came back, I had already coaxed him to get an injection of the adaptogen first."

"Is that so?"

Ning Wei was overjoyed; a weight had finally been lifted from his heart.

As for Xu Shi's advice, he accepted it, but such things cannot be changed overnight. To be honest, he never considered himself as Wen Shengkui's nephew or niece, and subconsciously thought of himself as just a servant.

Are you relieved now?

Xu Shi couldn't help but chuckle, "If you feel better, let's have a meal together first. I'll contact you anytime if anything comes up."

"it is good."

Now Ning Wei had no reason to refuse.

In fact, Ning Wei wasn't really an outsider. Su Lin had a lot of work-related interactions with him, and Gu Yi frequently visited Grandpa Wen. Over time, she naturally became familiar with this stern-faced older brother.

So no one would mind him joining the welcoming banquet; it's just a matter of having an extra pair of chopsticks.

Xu Shi couldn't help but be surprised when he saw Ning Wei eating at the dinner table.

Oh, you really eat? Oh no, so you actually need to eat?

I thought you were like the protagonists in those novels, who would go for hundreds of chapters without eating or drinking, and not even changing your clothes.

happy.

"Thank you for taking care of Grandpa, Brother Ning."

Mr. Xu made some polite remarks and offered him a toast.

"Mr. Xu, you're too kind. It's just my duty."

Ning Wei was quite modest, saying, "Taking care of the master is what I should do."

"Hey, I took care of the old man while you were away, okay?"

Gu Yi expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, "How can you have other dogs in your eyes?"

Even if it's a man, it won't work.

The little puppy thought to himself with a hint of envy.

"I'll be so grateful if you don't corrupt Grandpa."

Xu Shi complained, but still clinked glasses with her.

"We don't know who's leading whom yet."

Miss Black Rabbit snorted twice indignantly.

Regardless of her thoughts, Xu Shi took the opportunity during the meal to tell Ning Wei about the sea voyage plan that everyone had discussed on the way back. After all, it was another conglomerate, so it was necessary to say what needed to be said. In such matters, everyone should always work together towards the same goal.

"I will naturally give my full support. Just let me know if there's anything 'Feather Pen' can do."

Ning Wei had no objection to this, because Wen Shengkui had returned early and had already witnessed the gains brought by going to sea.

"There really is something I need you to do."

Xu Shi smiled. "You still remember the request you promised me, right?"

"Speaking of which, aren't you afraid I'll take this opportunity to make things difficult for you? You just agreed without hesitation."

He didn't forget to make a joke.

"Chairman Xu, you were just joking."

Ning Wei rarely smiled.

Ultimately, he knew Xu Shi's mischievous nature and knew he wouldn't be too outrageous. Besides, Cheng Gujian's matter wasn't exactly a secret, so even if Xu Shi wanted to make things difficult for him, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Not to mention that he has nothing in himself that is worth coveting—he has no shortage of money, and as for power and such, if Wen Shengkui were really willing, he wouldn't refuse it with just a word.

Could it be that she's taken a liking to me? What a joke.

But he never expected that Xu Shi would actually take a liking to him.

"My request is simple: I hope the business scope of 'quill pens' can be slightly modified in the future."

He said slowly.

"...Be more specific?"

"That's right. If we're going to build an alliance system in the future, there will definitely be a lot of cultural exchanges between us."

Xu Shi said seriously, "Even now, we need such a channel with the Hualan Empire... So far, this system has not been established yet, and we rely more on the sharing and communication between the two sides."

It's fortunate that there are no language issues between the two regions, but who can say there won't be in the future? That's something that can't be guaranteed.

Therefore, institutions like schools, especially higher education institutions, are very necessary.

The City of Night Sin has a unique characteristic: its education system has always been rather chaotic. Some people choose to receive knowledge through brain-computer interfaces, while others prefer traditional education methods. Of course, there are also some who are uneducated but can learn without a teacher, such as Gu Yi.

Interestingly, these heirs of conglomerates generally choose the latter option. The reason is simple: tampering with brain-computer interfaces can be very troublesome, and the major conglomerates have always been wary of each other.

But no matter what, the academic clique nature of the "quill pen" will not change.

"……I see."

Ning Wei is a smart man. As soon as Xu Shi told him what to do, he knew what to do. "It just so happens that there are many vacant places in Sin City that have not yet been built. I will gather them together and establish these academies specifically for exchanges as soon as possible."

"For residents of both cities, if anyone is interested in pursuing a career in this field, 'Feather Pen' will also provide some assistance."

"That would be best."

Xu Shi was very satisfied with this. In the end, compared to the vague alliance, cultivating these diplomatic talents was of paramount importance.

If preparations are made in advance, Night City will surely be built into a cultural and technological hub between different regions. In this way, no matter the size of the alliance, their status as pioneers will not be easily shaken.

“I trust Brother Ning to handle things, but I still need a helper for this kind of thing.”

Xu Shi then said, "Let Miss Qin come with you. She's from the Hualan Empire and can provide you with a lot of information."

"And documents and materials from various regions... Don't forget to archive them properly."

He spoke vaguely, mainly because he wasn't an expert in this field, but once this beginning is set, the rest can be handled by professionals, and things will only get better with time.

"I can help too."

Xia Ke'an volunteered, as she had done this job when she went to sea, so she naturally had a lot of experience.

The main thing is that she can't just stay idle at home all the time... She had no choice when she was sick before, but now she wants to find something to do. She can't just stay cooped up like a mascot all the time... She only comes to me for prophetic things? That won't do.

"Then I'll leave it to Miss Xia."

Ning Wei did not refuse. On the one hand, he knew the girl's true identity, and in his opinion, it was a waste of talent for the dignified "Refractive" boss to do these things.

Secondly, it was also to put Xu Shi at ease. He didn't say it, but it was still good to have his confidants in the team.

In contrast, Qin Yiyan was a little confused, "Me?"

"Yes, you."

Xu Shi smiled slyly, "Or... have you gotten used to being my maid? It's not impossible for you to stay."

Upon hearing this, the red-haired silly girl immediately made a decision.

"I go!"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 324 You've become a shipper, haven't you?

2023-11-24

"Maybe you shouldn't go?"

Hearing Qin Yiyan's decision—whether it was a modal particle or agreement—Xu Shi tried to persuade her to stay, saying, "I've thought about it carefully. If you go, who will do my laundry and cook for me?"

“Once a word is spoken, it’s hard to follow it!”

The red-haired older sister quickly retorted, fearing that he might change his mind and go back on his word.

Realizing her voice was a bit loud, she thought for a moment and then tried to make amends, "...In any case, Her Highness the Holy Maiden and I are currently living under someone else's roof, and it is not the way of a knight to expect something for nothing."

Seeing this, the others couldn't help but sigh. It was amazing that such a clumsy attempt at provocation could still work in this day and age. The red-haired silly girl was truly worthy of her nickname.

Or you could say it's a case of willing buyer, willing seller. Xu Shi appointed Qin Yiyan as the person in charge of education and cultural affairs, for the reasons mentioned earlier.

It seems that this decision was indeed correct. Even if we could find someone from the Hualan Empire to form a professional team, this team would still need someone to lead it.

As for Qin Yiyan, she might also know that this was Xu Shi's scheme to better ensnare her, but compared to groveling and serving Xu Shi, she would rather take on this task.

Ah, the ever-strong-willed Commander Qin (read in a monotone).

"……I see."