Chapter 179: Three-Pronged Approach, Aiming for Complete Corruption in One Go! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 179: Three-Pronged Approach, Aiming for Complete Corruption in One Go! As Xu Shi had mentioned, Shen Qin possessed a very strong will. However, no matter how strong, she might not be able to endure the current situation... Her only family member had just died right before her eyes, and while the body was still warm, the murderer was already openly planning how to deal with her. And this method of 'dealing' with her—transforming her to the extent of a doll? What would become of herself then? Regardless, she didn't have the courage to delve deeper into that thought. Just accepting it was one thing; after all, Xu Shi was a demon through and through... But why were the girls around her also so enthusiastic? Couldn't they muster even a shred of humanity among the four of them? Jiang Chengcheng was certainly enthusiastic, even a bit excited upon hearing Xu Shi's plan. "Absolute obedience... That's a tough task." She thought seriously for a moment and immediately brainstormed for Xu Shi, "Whatever you mentioned isn't enough. If you want her to reach that level, you might need to increase the dosage." "For instance?" Xu Shi humbly asked, you are the expert, after all. "For instance, you could consider persona eradication? This method is quite mainstream among the current combat teams." Jiang Chengcheng squinted as she continued, “Converting the brain into a mechanized entity, transforming the individual into a mere war machine…” "That's not feasible." Xu Shi immediately rejected the notion, saying, "Mainly because it sounds too boring." Wouldn't that just render her like Lin Xing, who only reacts when being prodded? "How about using physical methods then?" Jiang Chengcheng understood that such an approach would be below Xu Shi's standards. "For instance, you could enhance sensitivity by a thousand times or make it spread throughout the body, and then you could... Of course, this would mean you might need to exert yourself a bit since you'd have to personally intervene." "Also no." Xu Shi shook his head again; poisonings like that were tasks meant for another realm—it was unethical to step out of line. "So, what do you propose, then?" Jiang Chengcheng crossed her arms. "If it really doesn't work, why don't you take some time to think about it? Customizable plans work too, but… I want a reward." "Alright, alright. It seems like that’s the only way." Xu Shi mused; indeed, Shen Qin's case was special, so a bit more consideration was warranted. Hoping for reconciliation between her and himself was impossible, but neither could he ruin her inherent integrity—after all, she was the first successful case of an ability transplant. Anyone would find this contradictory subject rather tricky. If push comes to shove, we can still return to the exploratory phase and look for tailored solutions there—surely, there's one that suits her... While Xu Shi's flexible ethical boundaries wavered slightly, he was more astonished by Jiang Chengcheng's ease with this matter. It's understandable if I've seen countless works in a past life, but how could you spout such plans so effortlessly? Could it be you were truly involved in transforming people into dolls? In reality, she hadn't been—but was close enough. Transformation into dolls was merely a branch of human transformation, differing primarily in degree from combat-grade transformations. Essentially, both were fields relatively disregarding ethics. It's rumored that some professors at advanced institutions even have students use simpler doll transformations as practical assignments... Along with her endless little gimmicks, who knows what kind of depraved ideas were lurking in this girl's head. No matter how many there were, what mattered was that Shen Qin listened with increasing despair. Regardless of the type of transformation, she absolutely refused to accept it, especially if it meant serving Xu Shi—it was out of the question! Rather than let him succeed, wouldn't it be better to end it all herself? Thinking this, she didn't hesitate for an instant, stumbled to her feet, and rushed towards the wall beside her. Xia Wuyou, quick as a flash, darted behind her and delivered a swift, clean karate chop. She might not be as adept with sedatives as Su Lin, but this method was just as effective. The poor Miss Shen Qin let out a low groan and fainted. "... Better tie her up for now, I'll leave it to you, Chengcheng?" Xu Shi clicked his tongue, "After all, she can't die. If she does, I'll punish you." “Oh~ How will you punish me then?” Jiang Chengcheng teased back. “Go, go, have some decorum, I don't mean that kind of punishment.” Xu Shi, slightly exasperated, flicked her on the forehead. Jiang Chengcheng, mockingly upset, went over to cling to Su Lin, crying about it. "Let's go, let's head back." Not long after, professionals came to handle the aftermath, and Xu Shi stretched before preparing to leave. "Um, I..." Behind him, Xia Wuyou tugged at his sleeve, hesitant to speak. "Hm?" Xu Shi paused, "What's wrong?" “Well, how about grabbing a meal together later? My treat.” The timid Xia Meow proposed, “I just realized I never properly thanked you since Auntie was discharged…” A complete excuse, indeed. Her words were true—in a way, Xia Wuyou really hadn’t officially thanked Xu Shi. If you consider how she offered herself to him, it is a form of gratitude, but after all, they’re still human—'Human Being' as it were. It seemed only polite to go beyond that stage; inviting someone for a meal has always been a universally accepted gesture of thanks. However, the timing of her invitation gave it a different flavor altogether, wasn’t her ultimate goal to spend time alone with Xu Shi? Maybe she was touched by Xu Shi's earlier actions; in any case, she appreciated it immensely. Of course, deep down, everyone knew they weren't just going to eat... who knows what they might end up ‘eating’... Tsk, and here I thought there was going to be some kind of reward, yet plans have swiftly changed? (Accusation) Xia Wuyou felt a mix of shame and happiness. She didn’t want to admit another truth: that Xu Shi hadn't sought her out lately, and she, too, was feeling a bit... Xu Shi appeared unbothered, thick-skinned as he accepted, “If it drains an entire month's salary of yours, don’t come crying to me if there’s no rent money.” “Could the gracious landlord truly bear to let a tenant sleep on the streets?” Xia Meow was entirely immune to this threat. Oh, do pamper her then. Xu Shi chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist as they left in affectionate company. "Sigh, what a scoundrel, only caring about people when he needs them." Jiang Chengcheng quipped, but she was unfazed; after all, she had just had her share of Xu Shi not long ago. “So Alin, would you like to grab a meal too? It’s been a while since we sisters had a good chat.” “Ah… Sure.” Su Lin, appearing slightly distracted, took a while to respond, then nodded with a strained smile. “What’s going on, Alin?” Such a lapse certainly didn't escape Jiang Chengcheng’s attention, sparking her curiosity. It couldn't be that seeing blood made her queasy, right? Just kidding, who do you think Su Lin is…? No, that’s not it. Jiang Chengcheng scrutinized her up and down, finally hitting Su Lin’s soft spot, “Could it be… you’re jealous?” “I… what nonsense are you spouting, Chengcheng?” Su Lin's face turned scarlet as she vehemently denied it. "I'm talking nonsense? Your expression gives you away." Jiang Chengcheng pressed on mercilessly, "I thought you would’ve been used to this by now... It’s alright, after all, you live under the same roof, you’re practically old married couples. Even if there’s no novelty, using a few little tricks should resolve it, right?" "Old..." This comment was, in itself, fine, but it only made Su Lin more embarrassed, she couldn’t even raise her head. "What, did I… did I say something wrong?" Jiang Chengcheng grew more puzzled, unsure of what to do. Isn’t this just a normal way of interacting? Why the shyness… Wait. Having been close friends for years, Jiang Chengcheng suddenly realized a possible truth. “Alin, could it be that you and Xu Shi have never… done that?” “...Um.” There were just the two of them there; Su Lin decided not to keep it from her any longer, answering in a low voice, face as red as if it might drip blood. Upon receiving confirmation, Jiang Chengcheng felt like she’d been struck by lightning. She swore she hadn’t known about this. My goodness, who would’ve thought? Her best friend was so attractive, Xu Shi was a notorious philanderer, they had grown up together, and yet you’re telling me they’d never been intimate? What kind of fantastical storyline was this?! No one would believe it if it were told! She finally understood why Su Lin had such feelings; of course, she would feel this way. Naturally, the things not gained would stir jealousy when snatched up by others. But with Su Lin’s nature, it wasn’t in her to make this clear with words—she was too familiar with Xu Shi. In the end, it developed into this, witnessing him frolic with others while she brooded in solitude, biting on her handkerchief. “You…” Jiang Chengcheng was at a loss for words. “...It’s alright.” Su Lin, having long since come to terms with her situation, lightly patted her cheeks. “Where shall we eat? This one’s on me.” "What are you going to eat?!" Looking at her best friend, Jiang Chengcheng felt a deep sense of frustration, wishing she could drill a few holes into Su Lin’s head to help her wise up. “Are you planning to keep things like this forever?” “This way… isn’t so bad, right?” Su Lin replied hesitantly, unsure of what to do. “Really? Well, if you think so, then just spend a lifetime like this.” Jiang Chengcheng was exasperated, turning to leave in a huff. "I'm going, you just stay in your happy place." “... Hey, hey, hey, don’t—” Su Lin quickly grabbed Jiang Chengcheng as if clutching at a lifeline. "So tell me, Chengcheng, what should I do..." “Alright... come on, sit down. I'll help analyze this for you.” Jiang Chengcheng wouldn't abandon her in time of need; with others, maybe, but not her best friend. So she led Su Lin to a chair in the detention room. Hard to believe that just thirty minutes ago, there was a deadly incident, and now it was being turned into a classroom. “First of all, let’s confirm one thing, okay.” Jiang Chengcheng cleared her throat. “Alin, you do like Xu Shi, right?” Su Lin nodded bashfully. There was really no need to ask; the answer was clear. Why else would she end up in such a state if not for love? "Well, since you like him, then go after him!" Jiang Chengcheng advised earnestly, “Keeping it bottled up inside, what’s the point?” “Listen to me, you could learn from Xia Wuyou. Invite him out for a meal, just the two of you.” “What’s wrong with just eating at home?” Su Lin wondered, “I really don’t often go out to eat with the young master, I’m used to it…” “It’s the unfamiliarity that’s the point here.” Jiang Chengcheng rubbed her forehead, wondering how her usually clever friend becomes clueless in these matters. "Between you and him, nothing is missing, except the thrill of novelty. That’s why you need to create a different kind of atmosphere.” This was the most common strategy; enticing someone out for a meal is the best way to gradually build things up, just as Xia Wuyou had done and just as she had herself. “Change your look as well. Dress a bit sexier, more revealing, definitely different from your usual style, got it?” Certainly, Su Lin was indeed a beauty, but wearing the same office attire every day, never switching from black stockings to flesh-colored ones, no matter how beautiful, one would tire of it eventually. What you need is variety! “Mm, mm, mm.” Su Lin listened attentively, taking out her notes to write everything down, “So where would be a good place to meet? 'Babylon'? 'Lattice'? Or...” “That’s not important, as long as the atmosphere is right.” Jiang Chengcheng waved her hand dismissively, “Also, be mindful of what you eat, okay? Picking out special ingredients is really necessary, like kidney, oysters, leeks, lamb —sure, you could drink a bit, or maybe some goji berry water…” “We should utilize a three-pronged approach to aim for one complete strike! Once his beastly nature is unleashed, everything will fall into place naturally, and you won't need to worry anymore!” Indeed, between Su Lin and Xu Shi there wasn't anything missing, save for breaking that one critical barrier. Once that’s done, everything else can be easily resolved. “Alright, I’ll give it a try...” Seeing Su Lin’s energetic demeanor made her somewhat eager to attempt it. She still harbored some concern, “Chengcheng, you've only talked about my part. But what if the young master isn’t interested in me in that way—isn’t that bad?” “How would you know if you don’t try?” Jiang Chengcheng rolled her eyes, “Remember this, Alin: if you try, there’s a fifty percent chance of failure. If you don’t try at all, that chance of failure remains at one hundred percent.” Though she knew that Xu Shi probably had some interest in Su Lin, as she’s heard her best friend complain about how he teasingly flirts with her. This was a good sign. As for why they were still stuck... Familiarity was both their problem, and Xu Shi was known to be a rascal who seemed less inclined to take initiative in such matters. “That’s true.” Su Lin found the logic sound, “Well, then I'll give it my all?” "You'll succeed for sure." Jiang Chengcheng patted her shoulder reassuringly, “If you don’t succeed, don’t come back to see me.” “...Thanks for the good omen.” Finally, a smile broke on Su Lin’s face as she left in a rush. It seemed she hadn’t been this eager even when handling work-related tasks. Watching her leave, Jiang Chengcheng couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. Well, who knew Su Lin had this side to her. ...Wait a second, did she forget something? “You won't be able to meet him for dinner today either! Weren’t you supposed to treat me?” Hmph, putting romance before friendship! ... Not to delve into how Director Su would manage to invite her young master out for a meal, though it might not be easy. Because lately, many people have been seeking him out. The following morning, just as Xu Shi arrived at the office, barely had his seat warmed before he realized his desk phone was relentlessly ringing. The calls were still coming in. Seeing the caller's number, Xu Shi paused, an amused expression flickering across his face. "Hello?" He answered leisurely, seeming set to chat away during work hours. Unfortunately, the caller wasn't in the mood, their tone urgent and cold. “I’ve done everything you asked. When will you release my sister?” (End of Chapter)