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

Ning Wei had no objection to Xu Shi's decision, and had even come up with a rough plan in his mind.

Using Qin Yiyan to gradually establish an external education and cultural department is certainly making the best use of her talents. But thinking about it the other way around, Qin Yiyan herself is an outsider who is still unfamiliar with Night Sin City. If we can get her to accept and adapt to life here, this matter itself is a living advertisement.

With this precedent, they can better understand the ins and outs, making their future work even easier.

"Well... Miss Qin, I wish us a successful collaboration?"

He took the initiative to walk over and, out of politeness, wanted to shake hands with the other person.

Qin Yiyan did not accept it, and it was clear that this was not the kind of etiquette she understood.

So in the end, she simply said, "Yes, it's a pleasure working with you."

Ning Wei felt a little awkward with his hand hanging in the air, but he also realized that his behavior was a bit inappropriate, so he quickly withdrew it.

Turning his head, he saw Xu Shi staring at him with great interest.

...Fine, fine, so she's your woman too, is that it?

Ning Wei muttered to himself, having also heard about Qin Yiyan's situation.

You can't tell from their appearance that they have this kind of relationship, but if you think about it carefully, Xia Wuyou and Gu Yi at the beginning seemed to be similar to this red-haired guy. Now they are obedient and compliant to Xu Shi, aren't they?

I'm afraid she'll be like that soon... Thinking this, he changed his handshake to raising his glass. Clinking glasses is a common courtesy, isn't it?

Moreover, upon closer reflection, these seemingly minor issues can actually reveal significant differences. It's quite clear that there are considerable differences in the customs and habits of people in the two regions. If this were to be expanded to a larger and broader scope, this task would likely become quite challenging...

Driven by his career, Mr. Ningwei naturally shifted his focus to his work and sighed softly at its difficulties.

However, the overall atmosphere of the welcoming banquet was quite good. Even Ning Wei, who was usually serious, relaxed a lot in the end and chatted and laughed with everyone.

Before parting, he even had a rare moment to share a few heartfelt words with Xu Shi.

"Actually, over the years, what I've been most worried about is the old man's mental state."

He pulled Xu Shi aside and lowered his voice, saying, "As you know, the master was quite strong-willed when he was young, but later his health gradually deteriorated, and he became somewhat decadent... Fortunately, you are quite capable. You not only took over the reins but also did many things that they couldn't do. I think that's enough to put his mind at ease."

"As for Cheng Gujian... if he's really alright, it's good to have someone to keep the master company. At least he won't have to talk to A-Cheng every day..."

Xu Shi did not deny his statement, because it was true—when Wen Shengkui was in his prime, he was truly in high spirits. He was not only the head of one of the six major conglomerates, but also a unique SS-level "Upgrader". Even his daughter was outstanding. Wen Rujin was the dream lover of countless people back then.

But then came a series of blows. Not only did his own hopes of being promoted to SSS completely vanish, but his descendants also... No matter how strong one's heart is, it is difficult to remain the same.

Thankfully, things are gradually getting better, otherwise he would have trapped himself to death.

So it seems that my efforts have had a subtle but noticeable effect.

But... what's with that doting smile on your face?

So you even kowtowed to me, huh?

Ning Wei's smile suddenly sparked a lot of strange thoughts in Xu Shi's mind.

For example, there's a scene where Grandpa, with a serious expression, utters the lewd remark "What a despicable dog!" to Cheng Gujian...

Oh, my brain! It's tainted, I can't use it anymore!

Suppressing the rising chills, Xu Shi reluctantly saw off the uninvited guest.

He felt he needed to relax to heal the psychological damage caused by these fantasies.

Having drunk quite a bit of alcohol today, he wasn't in the mood to think about anything else and dozed off on the sofa.

Half-asleep, he found himself covered with a blanket.

When I woke up again, it was already the next day, and there was still hot congee and side dishes on the coffee table next to me.

Turning my head, I saw Pan Ling still busy running around, bringing over hot water and towels.

Good morning, Master.

Seeing that Xu Shi had woken up, the simple-minded apprentice quickly greeted him and handed him a hot towel. "Would you like to wipe your face first, Master?"

"...Why the sudden change to such a formality?"

Xu Shi frowned. It seemed that this wasn't something they, as master and disciple, discussed.

"It was something I did voluntarily."

Pan Ling said with a smile, "Although it is usually the mistresses who do these things, it is actually the duty of a disciple."

Although she learned a lot of new things from Xu Shi, she was still quite traditional in some ways.

On Silver Pine Island, the apprenticeship system involves three years of study and two years of service. The apprentice is responsible for taking care of the master's daily needs, and even helps the master take care of his children.

However, Pan Ling usually doesn't have this opportunity. Jiang Chengcheng alone is so busy that she wants to transform into an octopus and cling to Xu Shi every day.

Now that she finally has this opportunity, she should at least show her filial piety.

"You don't need to do these things. Studying hard is the greatest way to repay your master."

Xu Shi took the towel and covered his face, letting out a sigh like an old father.

"Whether you use it or not is one thing, whether you want to or not is another."

Pan Ling scratched her cheek, then said seriously.

"You've really gotten sharp-tongued lately."

Hearing her say that, Xu Shi couldn't help but complain.

"It's all taught well by the master."

Pan Ling answered fluently.

"Alright alright."

Seeing her like this, Xu Shi didn't say anything more and changed the subject, "How do you feel about being here with Master? Is there anything you're not used to?"

"Indeed, there are many things I'm still unfamiliar with."

The foolish apprentice said honestly, "But when Master came to Silver Pine Island, he was also unfamiliar with the place and the people. I'm sure I'll adapt quickly too."

"How dare you compare yourself to your teacher?"

Xu Shi feigned displeasure.

"A disciple need not be inferior to his master."

Pan Ling snorted.

"...You've really gotten to know yourself now, huh?"

Xu Shi angrily took the towel off and began to carefully examine his good apprentice.

After staring at her for a while, he couldn't help but laugh out loud again.

He wasn't really angry to begin with, and when he heard Pan Ling say that, he felt more admiration for her.

She had always been by his side handling affairs, and although she had learned everything well, Xu Shi always felt that something was missing from her.

Now he realized that what his foolish apprentice might lack was confidence, which he had finally cultivated step by step. Now he could actually say something like "A disciple is not necessarily inferior to his master," which was not a sign of disobedience, but rather a sign of ambition.

If Xu Shi's apprentice were truly timid and subservient, then he would be truly doomed. Besides, would she dare to be so rebellious? He'd be lucky if he didn't give her a good spanking.

"What about the rest?"

He asked with a relieved smile.

"They've all gone out."

Pan Ling replied, "Mrs. Su went to the company, and Mrs. Xia also went, along with her sister. Mrs. Gu and the junior sister took Miss Qin to find Mr. Ning. Everyone saw that you were sleeping well, so they didn't disturb you."

"right?"

Xu Shi nodded thoughtfully, which was similar to what he had thought.

Despite the long journey, everyone quickly got back to work.

"Snake Ring" requires Su Lin to manage its daily affairs, and now that she's back, she'll definitely be busy.

Xia Wuyou brought Pan Feng along, presumably intending to train her into a real combatant; perhaps he'd even hand over the field operations department to her in the future.

This was his original plan. Compared to the teaching in the Hualan Empire, combat training in the City of Night Sin was also essential. He had seen it during the final battle: warriors trained with high technology were indeed of higher quality.

Xu Ying didn't mention it, but Xu Shi could guess that she was either being taken along by Qin Yiyan or still sleeping—she was really like a child now, very sleepy.

"But Qin Yiyan slipped away quickly. Was she really that excited?"

"Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that she has already approved of what you, Master, have done?"

Pan Ling had a different perspective: "I could tell that, although she didn't say it, her resistance had faded considerably."

She smiled and said, "After all, what you've done, Master, will have a very good impact in the long run."

In other words, it's doing good deeds, including the reconstruction of the Hualan Empire, which will bring many benefits.

Qin Yiyan isn't blind; she has the ability to think for herself and can naturally distinguish right from wrong. Even if she had prejudices against Xu Shi, they had long since diminished. However, she's still stubbornly insisting on her point.

"I didn't even know I was so noble."

Perhaps still feeling the effects of the alcohol, Xu Shi felt a little embarrassed by her words and gave an ambiguous smile.

"Maybe?"

Pan Ling neither confirmed nor denied it, "But I also saw a saying before, which is that a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions."

"Regardless of Master's intentions, as long as the results are good, that's all that matters. Besides, since these things were accomplished, even if Master has ambitions and wants to expand further, that's what you deserve, isn't it?"

"...You're right."

Xu Shi never expected to be lectured by his apprentice, but there was nothing wrong with what he said.

He does not deny that his starting point was far from noble. In the end, besides overthrowing "natural law," he did indeed have the intention of gaining more, which is why he went to great lengths to do these things.

But as Pan Ling said, these things also benefit others, creating a virtuous cycle rather than a short-sighted approach.

"Hey, do you know where you're better than your master?"

Thinking of this, he asked with great interest.

"Ok?"

"If it were you, I'm sure you could judge both actions and intentions."

Xu Shi smiled. He knew that his foolish apprentice was kinder than himself.

Or perhaps her motives weren't as strong as his; to put it bluntly, she seemed more like a good person than he did—anyway, Boss Xu certainly didn't consider himself a gentleman, and there were some methods he used in the past that he still couldn't discuss with Pan Ling, such as disciplining Lin Yue.