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

2023-11-30

Looking at Tang Shuang, who was standing there with a serious expression, four words suddenly popped into Xu Shi's mind.

See the picture poorly.

You should have thought of this a long time ago, right? Did she really just invite me over for dinner? Even if I did come over for dinner, there would definitely be a late-night snack waiting for me afterwards.

In other words, Governor Tang didn't have a pet hobby; otherwise, she might not have even needed to cook, and would have simply invited him to her house to watch her kitten perform a backflip.

But she chose to bring herself and Shen Qin together at this time, which was something Xu Shi hadn't expected.

Honestly, who doesn't know what's going on between him and his dear sister?

Given the past conflicts with the "Forgotten Ones," few people say anything about it; they just let things take their course.

However, Tang Shuang had a different opinion. Perhaps, as she said, Shen Qin, whose memories were reshaped, was not the same Shen Qin as before. In this respect, she and Xu Ying were not much different. If Xu Shi could accept Xu Ying, then why couldn't he accept Shen Qin?

Of course, it's also possible that she found it strange that he was so distant and cold towards Shen Qin—after all the effort he put into training and bullying her, now that she's actually been trained, he's just ignoring her? What are you doing here?

This isn't like the style of Mr. Xu Shi, the number one villain in Night City of Sin. Have you changed your ways?

Emmm...

"Sister Tang, please don't make things so hard for my brother."

Before Xu Shi could react, he heard Shen Qin speak up from the side.

The younger sister said frankly, "It's my own business that I like my brother. Even if we're not blood-related siblings, it's fine if he doesn't want us to continue this relationship."

"After all, being my brother's sister is the luckiest thing for me."

Here we have to marvel at the power of "entropy of evil thoughts," especially for Shen Qin, who has also undergone some kind of transformation—to be fair, her closed loop should be more stable than others, so it is not surprising that she said such a thing.

I wonder if little Shen He, if he knew this from beyond the grave, would be so angry that he would come back to life upon hearing that his sister had recognized a thief as her brother.

Oh, Shen Qin has no memory of him anymore? That's alright then.

"But, in any case, you two... need to reach a conclusion, right?"

Lin Yue chimed in, whispering a few words to Xu Shi, "Actually, Shen Qin is very similar to me in the past... I know how she feels inside."

"So...Master?"

Xu Shi blinked and glanced at the three girls.

So you guys were all in cahoots all along, huh?

What I'm eating isn't food, it's a trap!

He knew that Lin Yue and Tang Shuang had a good relationship—after he left, the two, one in black and one in white, had developed a comradeship through long-term cooperation, and it was perfectly normal for them to whisper to each other in private.

But with Shen Qin... it might really be as Lin Yue said, their experiences are somewhat similar, both being the type who "returned from the wrong path".

Seeing Shen Qin being neglected and looking so wronged all by herself, it's hard not to feel some pity.

Xu Shi wasn't exactly a hesitant person, but he had to admit that after the internal strife in Night City ended and his perspective broadened, many of his thoughts did indeed change.

Otherwise, given his past personality, no matter what Shen Qin's status was, he would only have eight words for her.

If you do not comply with the law, you will be fined 50.

"...So, that's what you think too, Xiao Qin?"

After a moment's thought, he politely asked the person involved for their opinion.

"I've said it before, as long as my brother is willing, he can treat me however he wants."

The younger sister said cautiously, "Don't even mention my body, even if... I were asked to die, I would do it."

Mr. Xu was greatly shocked. How did it suddenly rise to such a noble level?

Looking at Shen Qin again, the young girl's eyes were slightly red, as if she had made a huge decision to say those words.

Her pitiful appearance is indeed endearing—as long as she doesn't go crazy with her powers, Shen Qin usually looks like a typical sickly beauty. With this expression and what she says, who else could be a white lotus if not her?

Of course, no one likes a "white lotus" (a seemingly innocent but actually manipulative woman), but it's a different story if you know that what she says is the truth. The influence of her abilities is undeniable; even if she occasionally sells tea, it's just a little trick to fulfill her wishes.

"Then prove it to me."

Xu Shi laughed, as if he had reverted to his former wicked and dissolute self.

Or perhaps, this thing's nature has never changed.

Shen Qin knew what he meant, and without the slightest hesitation, she reached for her belt.

She certainly hoped for this outcome, and was even somewhat impatient for it.

"Ha, so this is a happy ending for everyone, right?"

Tang Shuang seemed quite pleased with the outcome, and walked up behind Shen Qin with a smile, "So, are you happy now?"

"Um... thank you, Sister Tang."

Shen Qin nodded vigorously, her gratitude evident in her expression.

Before her memories were reshaped, she might have been a little more assertive with her older brother Shen He, but now she is much more restrained when facing Xu Shi.

Because in her memory, she knew that she and Xu Shi were "non-biological siblings," so she dared not reveal any extra feelings—her brother was certainly good to her, but if she really took things further because of this, and then received the answer "I only see you as a sister," she wouldn't know how to handle herself.

Coupled with Xu Shi's cold attitude during this period, she became even more timid.

It's no exaggeration to say that if Tang Shuang hadn't pulled this stunt today, she might have continued to maintain this ambiguous relationship with Xu Shi.

Therefore, it would be a lie to say I'm not grateful.

But just as she was about to say something more, her sister Tang grabbed her hand.

"I'm happy, but you're not the star of the show tonight."

Governor Tang said in a light tone, "I have to go first. Some people haven't fulfilled their promises to me yet."

"right?"

She looked at Xu Shi.

Xu Shi coughed lightly.

Of course he knew that Tang Shuang was referring to the "I'll do xx when I get back" promise she made before they went to sea, and he wasn't the type of person to renege on his promises.

But with Shen Qin's groundwork laid beforehand, and now she's bringing this up again, what does that mean? Are you planning to be together with her?

Mr. Xu felt he couldn't handle something so exciting.

The reason is simple: I haven't experienced it before... Oh, you have, then it's alright.

Oh, you've experienced this more than once? Then it's even less of a problem.

Without that concern, he found Tang Shuang quite interesting.

The whole drama that unfolded tonight left him with a rather complicated feeling.

It's like... Tang Shuang is also trying hard to become the first wife.

This wasn't the first time he'd experienced something like this, and it wasn't unheard of before, but the fate of the previous woman surnamed Xie, who wished to remain anonymous, seemed somewhat plausible...

But Tang Shuang is quite different. Despite her gentle and soft nature, she can still manage to balance both aspects. It can only be said that she has not been the director of the inspection bureau for so many years. She is not as stubborn as people imagine.

However, this was just him overthinking things. The truth is that Governor Tang had no desire to compete with anyone, let alone with Su Lin. She still remembers that she seemed to have played a rather awkward role in Xu Shi and Su Lin's relationship, and sometimes she even felt a little guilty about it.

For her, being able to stay with the person she loves forever is the best thing.

To be fair, she's actually a bit Platonic, which was evident when she went to the Hualan Empire... If she really wanted to fulfill any promises, wouldn't six months be enough for her to squander? It's just that there were many other important things to do at the time, so this matter was put on hold.

Now that I'm back in the City of Night Sin, and my heart has settled down, it's time to revisit the old stories.

Even the matter of being with Xu Shi was more like an obsession for her—since she had said so, it was absolutely impossible not to do it. Wasn't this also a way of expressing love? Having feelings without love always seemed a bit empty.

However, even so, her help to Shen Qin wasn't entirely selfless.

As for the reason... isn't it because that scoundrel Xu Shi has too many girls around him? Sometimes it makes her feel a little insecure.

However, if one finds some people to form a clique, it seems that this unnecessary worry can be effectively alleviated.

The same applies to other people as well. For example, Su Lin and Gu Yi have a better relationship, and Jiang Chengcheng and Xia Wuyou are like best friends.

In short, while speaking, Tang Shuang had already unleashed her ultimate attack on Xu Shi.

Elbow, follow me into the house!

This was actually the first time Xu Shi had been so open with her, and for a moment he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Like Xia Xiaomao, whom she knew well from the start, Tang Shuang, as a front-line combatant, also had a standard fit physique. Not to mention abs and V-lines, her back was clearly defined, and her slender and fit body contained explosive, top-notch power.

Even though she no longer has to work on the front lines, the marks of the years cannot be erased, and she has not become complacent.

"What, have you never seen a girl before?"

Seeing him staring intently, Governor Tang found it a little amusing. Anyone who didn't know better would think he was some innocent, naive young man.

Xu Shi remained silent, only reaching out to touch the scars on her body, his expression becoming somewhat complicated.

Compared to Xia Wuyou, her body was even more mottled—this was the difference between the conglomerate's field operations department and the investigation bureau. The former was well-equipped, and many of its missions were not as risky. They were all from the conglomerate, and they would run into each other all the time. Unless it was a life-or-death struggle, who would risk their life for you for no reason?

But the Inspection Bureau is different. For many years, it has been a neglected department. Not only do conglomerates treat them like dogs, but the gangs in Sin City are also bolder in front of them.

Especially for someone like Tang Shuang, who rose through the ranks from the bottom, she inevitably had to deal with street thugs every day, and getting blood and injuries was unavoidable.

"...How about we get surgery to remove it?"

Mr. Xu sighed and said, "Or perhaps I remember there's a special medicine for 'snake rings' that can be applied and restored to its original state."

"No need for that, it's just a minor injury."

Tang Shuang didn't care about it and could even joke with him, "Keeping it won't make any difference. What, you're not going to find fault with me because of this, are you?"

"Yeah, I just don't like how it looks."

Xu Shi nodded in agreement, but his tone was tinged with displeasure.

"Oh, okay, okay."

Tang Shuang smiled. She knew that Xu Shi's sudden childish tantrum was actually because he felt sorry for her. She teased him, but she still chose to listen to him.

"Anyway, Chairman Xu holds a high position and wields great power, so I'll listen to you."

"Even if it's higher, it can't be higher than Governor Tang's."

Xu Shi snorted, then lifted her chin and kissed her.