Chapter 158: Is This Also Part of Your Scheme? - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 158: Was This Also Part of Your Plan? Driving Xu Shi out of the car might have been the most presumptuous thing Su Lin had done in her twenty-plus years of service to the Xu family. She thought she might have gone mad. How could she do such a thing? Upon arriving home, regret consumed her. Why hadn't she remained calm? She was also somewhat afraid... Mostly afraid that the young master might distance himself from her. He was no longer short of company now. Their relationship was no longer that of an ordinary master and servant; it was in a strange limbo, which further unsettled her. Consequently, she hastened to find ways to make amends amidst her regret. "Young Master, here's your breakfast. Does it suit your taste?" "Young Master, is there anything you need me to do? Just say the word." "Young Master..." Watching her excessively attentive behavior towards Xu Shi, both Gu Yi and Xia Wu You, who lived under the same roof, found it odd. What's going on? They had found out that their fruitless pursuit last night was because Xu Shi had taken Su Lin out. But what they did was still a mystery, leaving the two women baffled. After all, they've never seen Director Su behave like this—Despite always treating them as master and servant, those familiar with them knew Xu Shi and Su Lin's relationship was more like family. Usually, they were respectful and courteous, with Su Lin sometimes even teasing Xu Shi. This fawning demeanor was definitely out of character! Hmm... The slight displeasure they felt about Xu Shi being taken away faded significantly, replaced by a strong curiosity and a desire to dig deeper. However, it wasn't something they could easily ask about... Who would have thought they would also get unknowingly roped into this. "It's alright, there's nothing for you to worry about. Just carry on as you usually do." Xu Shi downed his coffee in one gulp, glancing sideways at Su Lin with a smile. Ha, now she realizes her mistake? Where was that bold spirit when you left me behind? Of course, he wasn't truly angry; there was a reason for it after all... In fact, he quite understood Su Lin. It was akin to having one's cherished study materials discovered—frankly, it's socially mortifying; having no reaction would be abnormal. But understanding aside, there's no harm in teasing her. After all, abandoning your young master on the road at night, even if it's only five minutes from home, isn't very obedient. So he displayed this demeanor, perfectly capturing a "Oh, how could you be wrong?" attitude, teeming with irony. Gotta hand it to the KPL series for teaching him well. "...Okay." Predictably, seeing the young master's nonchalant attitude, Director Su grew even more anxious. Even if you scolded me, I'd feel better than this uncertain feeling. But there was little she could say, having been at fault first. She couldn't very well force the young master to forgive her, could she? That's not something she could do. Hence, she gingerly took her leave, finding an excuse to run off to work. When you don't know what to do, sometimes hiding is best. Out of sight, out of mind. “Wow, Xu Shi-ge is such a big meanie.” Whether it was Su Lin or Xia Wu You, they all had to go to work eventually, even Gu Yi had to make an appearance at the inspection bureau due to an agreement. Soon enough, the big house was left with just Xu Shi and Xia Ke An — with the latter as a free black sheep, and the former choosing whether to go or not freely. “What nonsense are you spouting?” Xu Shi grabbed the collar of the white-haired little girl, unapologetically pulling her into his embrace for a messy cuddle. "It’s true!" Xia Ke An feigned a struggle before speaking the truth, "You must have done something to wrong Sister Su Lin, and now you're bullying her instead." "...Say it again and I'll spank you." Unmasked, Xu Shi chose to cover up his guilty conscience with nonchalance. Damn it, the little troublemaker gets it? Especially since Xia Ke An barely knew Su Lin, probably only exchanged a few words… And yet you managed to hit the nail on the head? "Hehe, so I was right?" The little lady tilted her head back, her tone filled with pride. "I somewhat recall Sister Su Lin from over ten years ago. Back then, she was just a bodyguard of your family, right? I saw her several times around your father." "Though she was a bit awkward then, probably because she was just starting? She kind of resembles how she is now." “Seems so?” Xu Shi thought about it, finding Xia Ke An's words of little fault. When he was first adopted by the Xu family, Su Lin was indeed a bit timid, always double-checking everything, afraid of making a mistake that would get her kicked out. Whether at home in her maid form or outside as a bodyguard, it was the same; she gradually improved over time. But now it seemed like she regressed to her old self… Ironically, his attitude shifted drastically. As a kid, seeing her so cautious, Xu couldn't help but feel sorry for her, often hinting to his dad. Naturally, with Xu Cheng's nature, he wasn't hard on her. Sadly, sly boys grow up to become adept at manipulation, using such traits to their advantage. It’s said people get worse with age, tsk tsk tsk. “Be nicer to her.” The little girl with white hair urged sincerely, “I have never seen a household member more dedicated than Sister Su Lin.” "You think I need your guidance?" Xu Shi pinched her nose, chuckling at the fact that she's suddenly an 'elder sister'? Could pretending to be young really become addictive... “Hmph.” Xia Ke An attempted to grab his ear in retaliation, but failing miserably, switched the subject with a sulky face, “But what did you two do that night? Tell me, okay?” "Wanna hear? Call me daddy." "Daddy." "屮." Xu Shi was stunned by the lady's audacity, calling without a stutter? Women's curiosity indeed knows no bounds… However, there was no harm in telling her. He then cuddled Xia Ke An, recounting the night's events. "I see." The white-haired little one pondered, nodding thoughtfully, "You're quite a schemer... Were you always expecting this day?" “Perhaps?” Xu Shi neither confirmed nor denied. Cultivating Lin Yue was not solely for entertainment; at the right time, she would be a valuable chess piece. Now, hasn’t she proven useful? With the dual control of "Entropy of Malice Increase" and "Victim's Will Implantation," he wasn’t worried about the target acting up; he had complete control. "Facing off against you must be frightening." Xia Ke An sighed, especially in imagining those misled victims; she almost felt sorry for them... “Come on, fake tears for who?” Xu Shi joked, "C'mon, we're not going to the office today. Daddy will take you out for fun." "Daddy? You're the elder brother." Xia Ke An blinked, innocently correcting him. "Said it just now and denying already?" Xu Shi playfully flicked her forehead; taking back one's words doesn’t work here. "Did I? Never said that." The grown lady vehemently denied. Then in the next second, Xu Shi picked her up and hung her on the clothesline in the yard. “Let me down!” The white-haired girl shouted, “Didn’t you say you're taking me out for fun?” “Isn't this outside?” Xu Shi grinned mischievously, “Have fun by yourself!” “Humph!” Xia Ke An was on the verge of tears, what a petty bad man! ... Meanwhile. While Xu Shi was fooling around, Lin Yue in the Sinner City felt like time was crawling. How could she be at ease? With her sister in Xu Shi’s hands, unease only grew. Even though they had struck a deal and he promised no harm would come to Lin Xing, she couldn’t rest easy. "Leader Yue." A subordinate quietly called her, witnessing the whole thing before. It was one of the witnesses from that time. He had an idea of what transpired, but wouldn't speak of it—it hadn't been ordered repeatedly by Lin Yue, nor did he intend to betray the Lin sisters. The fact was, "Spark" now had more hearts than ever willing to follow them. "What is it?" Lin Yue collected herself, shaking away her thoughts. "It's like this, a few people outside wish to see you in person." "...Let them in." Lin Yue paused, nodding in assent. Shortly after, several individuals cloaked in black were ushered in. The man leading them pulled back his hood, revealing himself as Shen He. "Leader Shen... Shen He?" Lin Yue's heart tightened as she spoke. So it really was him? Although she had anticipated this, seeing him in person brought about some mixed emotions—mostly marveling at Xu Shi’s meticulousness. Things unfolded just as Xu Shi had said, without any deviation. "It's me. Long time no see, Lin Yue." Shen He appeared much wearier than before; he didn't seem downtrodden, but the youthful vigor he once had was long gone. Seeing Lin Yue seated at the head of the table, he too felt a bit wistful—he had heard rumors about her rise but found it hard to believe. After all, it didn’t match with the Lin Yue he had known. But now, seeing it with his own eyes, he had to admit that after his departure, the new leader of the Sixth District had shed her former naivety, now possessing the aura of true leadership. "...Where have you been all this time? Why was it so difficult to find you?" Offering him a seat, Lin Yue couldn’t help but ask. "I've been...just scraping by." Shen He chuckled self-deprecatingly, feeling inexplicably uncomfortable. Last time, he left the Sixth District in anger because he couldn't bear to stay. Yet, just a few months later, here she was as the leader, and he, on the other hand, had come with a request for help. "So, what brings you to me?" Lin Yue didn't press further, but she noticed an unspoken gulf had formed between them. Her past admiration had evaporated, making this reunion strangely indifferent. Conversation felt stilted, as though they were strangers now. "I'm here to ask for your help." Shen He also sensed the awkwardness lingering in the air. Feeling slightly embarrassed, he offered a smile and got straight to the point. "You know what happened to me is entirely thanks to Xu Shi." He continued, "Fortunately, I finally found a chance... Would you stand with me, Lin Yue?" "Tell me your plan." Lin Yue didn't immediately agree, opting to probe further instead. With the defeat of the original "Spark" and Lin Xing's capture, she was cautious, realizing how formidable Xu Shi was. But Shen He seemed confident... Perhaps that's why Xu Shi had spoken to her earlier? Given his nature, he wouldn't leave any detail unchecked in such a scenario. And she couldn't deny that being watched so closely was wearing on her... Wait! She startled herself with her own thoughts. It's one thing to be reluctantly aligned with Xu Shi, but why was she considering things from his perspective too? “I’m not fighting alone, Lin Yue.” Shen He, not noticing her internal struggle, continued to explain his plan. From Shen He’s lips, Lin Yue learned of his plot. Indeed, Shen He had gathered quite a few allies—himself, Lin Wen Hua from "Serpent's Ring," the half-hearted support of Long Tian Ding, and to her surprise, one of the three leaders of “The Forgotten” was his sister? She had known him to have a sister, but this bit about her identity was news to Lin Yue. Their plan was straightforward: exploit a riot for an inside-outside assault to decapitate Xu Shi. According to Shen He, even those encamped outside the city, as well as part of “The Forgotten” within, were willing to join. This approach was reminiscent of the strategy used to rescue Luo Zhi Kang—in situations of being outnumbered, diversion tactics were still the most effective. Crucially, Shen He’s current strength was not less than before, possibly even greater, theoretically enhancing their chances. “A city-wide riot… What do you need from me?” Lin Yue expressed admiration at the audacity of Shen He's plan, but was simultaneously disappointed. Their estrangement had begun because Shen He had once aligned himself with Zhang Shi Jun—something completely opposite to what Lin Yue imagined. And now, would he go to such lengths for revenge? She didn't need to think twice to realize what a city-wide riot would entail. Previously they had discussed toppling the corporate rule for the betterment of Night Sinners City… What she was hearing now lacked that altruistic essence. There was no denying it—the man before her had changed significantly. Lin Yue found it hard to accept, yet she also felt empathic—like Shen He’s outlook had been warped by Xu Shi’s machinations. Truth be told, hadn’t she almost succumbed to the same fate? “Join us, it’s simple.” Shen He looked at her, “Every bit of strength counts, and I cannot trust Long Tian Ding, so I need you.” The way he looked at her caused a fleeting moment of hesitation within Lin Yue. But she soon gathered her thoughts, letting out a long sigh. Xu Shi had told her, "You know what you must do," but he didn't expect her outright refusal. Rather. "...Alright, I agree." (End of chapter)