Chapter 155: So You Even Have a Child Now?! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

**Chapter 155: So You Even Have a Child Now?!** Leaving “Feather Pen,” Xu Shi felt incredibly elated on his way home. “I’ve never seen you this happy before,” Gu Yi teased, sitting beside him. “Feels like you’re about to jump for joy, Mr. Bastard.” “Really? Maybe,” Xu Shi didn’t deny it. “But hearing stories about my mom, learning she was someone remarkable, it’s something to be happy about, right?” After all, he had been clueless before... He had no channels to learn about her, possibly just some vague memories from his infancy. After his mother passed, his father had always stayed tight-lipped about her. Perhaps the odd distance between father and son had something to do with this. As for Su Lin? Sure, if you asked her, she’d tell you everything she knew, but unfortunately, she didn’t know much either. And it’s not easy to make up stories about something like this... So, hearing his grandfather talk about these things filled Xu Shi with excitement. He even felt as if a long-standing void in his heart was finally being filled. In fact, he couldn’t get enough. If it weren’t for certain things that needed arranging, he might have stayed at “Feather Pen” all day, chatting endlessly with the old man. “That makes sense,” Miss Rabbit nodded. “From the way the old man described her, your mom indeed seemed interesting and perfect.” “At least I have more to think about now, right?” Xu Shi leaned back. “Before, I could only see her photos, but I couldn’t really imagine what she was like. It’s tough to fill in the blanks about something you don’t know, right?” “And also my dad... I miss him a bit, actually,” he said wistfully. Despite their distance, and the fact that they quarreled two out of the three times they met, Xu Shi couldn’t deny that Xu Cheng wasn’t a bad father. He never blamed him for his mother’s death, and although they lacked emotional communication, Xu Shi’s material needs were always met to the best of his father’s ability. Hearing this, Su Lin, sitting in the front, also felt a bit sentimental. The old man treated her and Xu Shi almost the same, never scolding or hitting. In fact, because of their awkward relationship, the old man confided in her even more, which she deeply appreciated. In a sense, the old man was genuinely a good person, perhaps just... not very expressive towards Xu Shi? She remembered his sighs when he spoke of Xu Shi and his requests to her in his final years, and she smiled softly. “You know? Some people describe parents like magical wishing machines,” Xu Shi stated, closing his eyes. “But the kind that aren't very smart. Not strong or all-powerful, but they’ll do everything they can to fulfill your wishes perfectly.” Both his parents from his previous life and this one... It’s unfortunate they’re no longer here. It’s only when they’re gone that one truly begins to cherish them. “Absolutely,” Gu Yi agreed with deep resonance, possibly even more than Xu Shi. After all, Xu Shi’s parents were bigwigs, but her mother wasn’t. Just an ordinary person in Sin City, raising her single-handedly... In a way, she was Xu Shi’s opposite, never knowing who her father was. Whenever she asked, her mother would just call him a heartless bastard. In retrospect, Miss Rabbit couldn’t help but think of her mother as a superhero. “All right, all right. Listening to these stories has made you unlike yourself,” she playfully chided, though her heart held a small moment of tribute. Xu Shi needed the comfort more. So she moved closer, holding Xu Shi's hand, “Didn’t the old man say I resemble your mom? Come on, come on, mommy loves you...” Before she could finish, she caught Xu Shi’s strange look, realizing her words were somewhat inappropriate. “So you’re playing games with Grandpa but could learn to act a bit more, couldn’t you?” Xu Shi shot her a look. Despite having such a great chance to cultivate emotions, Miss Rabbit’s emotional intelligence hadn’t improved—she comforted awkwardly, almost as if taking advantage of him. However, since her intentions were good, he didn’t say much, just flicked her forehead gently. “Ow! That hurt!” “Say nonsense again, and there’ll be more to come,” Xu Shi warned, raising his palm with a deadpan expression. “No next time, sulk on your own. Who’d comfort you?” Gu Yi shrank back, complaining with a timid tone. “Haha, alright,” Xu Shi chuckled. “I know you didn’t mean it that way... Time to talk business. You’re going to be busy soon, so stay alert, okay?” “How so?” Miss Rabbit pouted but nodded, not objecting. She knew Xu Shi had some messes to clean up. Whatever he needed her for, she was ready to handle. “I’ll be coordinating with the Bureau of Investigation soon to establish a security system together,” Xu Shi explained. “You’ll need to come forward as the head of ‘Serpent Ring,’ focus on watching key areas for us.” “...Will the Bureau agree?” Su Lin asked first before Gu Yi could. It sounded reasonable on the surface, but after thinking it over, Su Lin realized the implications were significant. It would expand the ‘Serpent Ring’s reach in the network, potentially affecting the entire Sin City. It sounded light from Xu Shi, but in essence, it was advancement—it’s no problem with just the City Hall or Bureau of Investigation since refusing wasn’t an option, but the other corporations might have issues. Everyone kept to their own; they didn’t interfere with each other’s business. Now Xu Shi was taking on more power. Would others see this as overstepping? It had to be considered. “That depends on whether Director Tang can withstand the pressure,” Xu Shi wasn’t worried, not with their current relationship, unrelated to that. Tang Shuang likely wanted to excel in the current situation, and this olive branch would be appealing. In fact, with the way things were going, ‘Serpent Ring’ had already surpassed others. Even if the other corporate giants noticed, opposition might not be that strong. Whether they opposed or not, Xu Shi was resolved to proceed. Ambition without action is worthless, and doing nothing due to potential resistance isn’t his style. Su Lin didn’t comment further, intrigued by Xu Shi's confidence, even with the Bureau of Investigation. As for Gu Yi, her concerns lay elsewhere. “Me working with the Bureau... was it the one at the banquet?” No way! Until now, Miss Rabbit felt an irrational fear of the Bureau, even under Xu Shi’s shelter. Having a guilty conscience does that. She had heard of seasoned veterans being co-opted by City Hall... but she hadn’t gone through it herself. Imagining working closely with Bureau authorities felt overwhelming. However, upon recalling her undiscovered status, she reassured herself—no surprises should occur... Come on, little Gu Yi, you can do it! Encouraging herself internally, the car just then pulled to a stop. “So, once we’re back, should we...” Relaxed after calming herself, Miss Rabbit sighed deeply, snuggling Xu Shi’s arm, speaking softly. Upon reflection, playing games with the old man was genuinely enjoyable, but certain things simply couldn't be replaced by them. Having not seen her in such a long time, Xu Shi had naturally been thinking about her. Even if it was just to hear a meow like a kitten, right? At the time, it felt embarrassing, but in hindsight, it was kind of fun... However, before Xu Shi could respond, the door swung open. “Ah, is Xu Shi-gege back?” A little head with white hair peeked in, greeting with a smile, “Should I say welcome home... Oh?” Seeing Gu Yi’s affectionate gesture towards Xu Shi, Xia Ke'An paused, stunned. “Oh?” Gu Yi echoed, also suddenly at a loss as she stared blankly at the white-haired young girl. Then she blinked. Then she looked at Xu Shi. “So... I’ve been away for just over two weeks, and you already have a child?!” Miss Rabbit snapped back to reality, emitting a groundhog-like scream. ... Ten minutes later. The individuals sitting on the sofa finally cleared up the situation. This explanation, however, was directed just at Gu Yi and Xia Wu You—they truly didn’t know the other was also living at Xu Shi’s place. Given that Gu Yi had been staying at “Feather Pen” and the little black rabbit mainly resided in the basement, it was hard to notice her presence in the house. Interestingly, both of them were aware of each other’s existence, as they were colleagues at the company... Making Xu Shi really seem like a jerk, leveraging his position to take advantage of his female subordinates, wasn’t he? The kicker was, he not only brought them home but also ensured they would crash into each other, yikes… “So, how do you find moving in?” The person in question, as always, maintained a thick skin, showing not an ounce of embarrassment at the scenario, nonchalantly inquiring, as if it had nothing to do with him. He had never been one to hide or hold back in this regard. The world was small, after all. He had intended to let everyone get familiar first, but who knew it would start with such a humorous twist. “…It’s fine, I suppose?” Xia Wu You pouted. What could she say to that? Initially, she thought only Su Lin was around besides herself, but there was also Gu Yi? This, this... She had even chosen a room close to Xu Shi’s deliberately. Nonetheless, she composed herself quickly. To be fair, Xia Wu You wasn’t unprepared for this. How could someone like Xu Shi be exclusive to her, right? In her understanding, at least Director Su was still in the picture. With this thought, whether it was one or two seemed... not that significant? “So, we’re roommates now? Chief Gu?” Reflecting on this, she sighed internally, extending her hand towards Miss Rabbit. “Haha, seems so.” Gu Yi awkwardly shook hands, sharing a similar sentiment to Xia Wu You. So Xu Shi really was a big jerk, wasn’t he? Bringing others back, hmph! Now she regretted choosing the basement earlier, forgetting her original reason for doing so. Unfortunately, the best spots were already occupied by Xia Wu You, leaving her slightly irritated. “Let’s get along well, then, Chief Xia.” Miss Rabbit said spitefully with a forced smile. “It’s Chief Guo.” Xia Wu You replied with a smile, casually correcting her. On the surface, the two seemed amicable enough, but some tensions couldn’t be resolved with a handshake. Each had their own silent determination… Xu Shi watched, amused. Was this a power play through job titles? Since Xia Wu You didn’t seem particularly hung up on being exclusive with him, this remark was likely more of a territory strategy for the uninformed Gu Yi. Oh, how childish of them. Unconcerned about being caught in a love web, Xu Shi only found it entertaining. Come to think of it, weren’t these girls supposed to be Shen He’s wings originally? Perhaps this is what it looked like when they gathered together... Was he finally experiencing the protagonist’s treatment? Ah, isn’t this also a kind of correction to the world line? “Xu Shi-ge is such a player,” Xia Ke'An commented, extending a slice of cut watermelon, her tone tinged with slight dissatisfaction. Of course, she was Xia Wu You’s aunt and naturally took her niece’s side. She might cause some mischief between the couple herself, but others were another matter, regardless of who came first. “So, no one’s going to address this little squirt?” Miss Rabbit pointed at the white-haired girl, “What could a little one know? Stop saying nonsense.” “Who’s a little squirt?” Xia Ke'An retorted, glaring, “I’m old enough to be your mother, you know?” “But you…” Gu Yi gestured, her face filled with disdain and ridicule. Enough already. It’s rare for her to find someone smaller than herself, so she had to relish it, right? Regardless of actual age, she looked tiny anyway. In fact, Xia Ke'An’s adorable, almost doll-like appearance made her quite likable, “Come on now, let big sis hug you?” Xia Ke'An was not having it and childishly bit her. “...Are you a dog?” Miss Rabbit was taken aback, immediately retaliating. Soon, the two were playfully roughhousing. Xu Shi spectated, amused by it all. Xia Wu You, resigned, covered her face, wishing a hole would open up to bury her immature aunt. Oh? Did someone forget? “…I’ll make dinner.” Director Su, watching everything patiently, finally spoke, though her voice carried a note of gritted teeth. (End of Chapter)