Chapter 180: Just Say Whether You Did It or Not - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

### Chapter 180: Just Say Whether You Did It or Not Oh dear. How did I forget our adorable little assassin sister? Xu Shi knocked himself on the head, thinking maybe he truly needed to tone it down lately? His memory was slipping. But Xia Wuyou was just so cute. Last night, she actually wore cat ears and a cat tail, and pretended to be a kitten much more convincingly than that brat Gu Yi... Is this the fabled dilemma of choosing between a fish and a bear's paw? Fortunately, he had arranged everything in advance, so the impact wasn't too severe. "Is Miss Lin Yue suggesting I return your sister to you right now?" He leaned on the table with one hand, speaking unhurriedly. "Of course, no more nonsense!" Lin Yue had no patience for pleasantries and her tone was filled with dissatisfaction, "I don’t want to delay any further, make it today." "Oh, well alright then." Xu Shi expressed understanding, "But I'm busy today. You'll have to come to 'Serpent Ring' to pick her up yourself. Is that okay?" "Fine, it's a deal." "I'll be waiting for you then. You can rest assured and come alone." Xu Shi chuckled, "However... while I'm willing to release her, whether Miss Lin Xing wants to go back with you is another matter." "What? Clarify what you mean!" Lin Yue was stunned, but before she could react, the connection was cut off. What did he mean? What did he mean by her sister not wanting to return with her? How could she possibly be unwilling... unless?! Could it be that devil Xu Shi failed to keep his promise and did something to her sister... Lin Yue wasn't a naive little girl. Taking into account Xu Shi's character, it was hard not to imagine all sorts of scenarios. Damn it! Even the slightest related image surfacing in her mind fueled her suppressed anger, and she unconsciously slammed her fist heavily onto the table, shattering it completely. "What happened, Leader Yue?" Hearing the commotion from outside, her subordinates hurriedly knocked and inquired. "…It's nothing, just a slip of the hand." Lin Yue took a moment to calm down, exhaling deeply. Calm down, calm down. Anger solves nothing. Perhaps he was merely using these words to confuse her? It wouldn't be the first time he'd done so... making her lose her rationality, falling into the trap he'd set... The more it was like this, the less she could afford to lose her composure. Besides, no matter the circumstances, she was determined to bring her sister back. Wild guesses were meaningless until she saw with her own eyes. Sigh. After drinking some water to restore her mood, Lin Yue donned her coat, shook her head, and prepared to set off. "I'm going out for a while. Continue handling the matters of Sin City as previously planned." Before leaving, she made sure to remind a few trusted aides. "Leader Yue, are you… oh." These were all seasoned veterans of 'Sparks,' who had fought alongside Lin Yue from the beginning. While Lin Xing's situation hadn't been leaked, the core members were aware. Coupling this with the leader's recent actions, they could more or less guess what was happening. "Do you need us to send a few people with you? For backup." "…No need, just take care of things here." Lin Yue shook her head after some thought, "I can handle it alone." The truth was, whether or not to bring people didn't matter much; bringing a few people wouldn't change anything... even if 'Sparks' mobilized to full capacity, so what? Could they really rival 'Serpent Ring'? Even 'Dragon City' couldn't manage that. "Then… be sure to stay safe and be careful." Seeing that she was firm, they didn’t press further. "Mm, I understand, don’t worry." Lin Yue forced a smile. This should've been a joyous matter; after all, 'Sparks' had greatly benefited amid the chaos—though the city hall had sent people to negotiate related matters, by then the various assets ‘Dragon City’ had left behind were already divided up. Given the current momentum of 'Sparks,' it was undoubtedly the most thriving gang in Sin City, surpassing even the likes of 'White Iron' and 'Long Blade.' The other gangs were even less of a concern. But unfortunately, all this came at the cost of betraying Shen He... Ultimately, Lin Yue had yet to reach Xia Wuyou's level of detachment, where she could completely disregard the person she once followed; it was an upsetting situation no matter what. And coupled with Xu Shi's earlier words... every good thing turned sour. Lin Yue moved swiftly, and before long, reached the headquarters of 'Serpent Ring.' This was her second time here; in fact, it was her second time setting foot in Night City. The last visit hadn’t been pleasant with her mind preoccupied. Lin Yue bit her lip and walked in with large strides. "Long time no see, Miss Lin Yue." Su Lin was already waiting at the reception, courteously greeting her. "...Take me to see him." Lin Yue pursed her lips, feeling a complex mix of emotions towards Xu Shi, which transferred to Su Lin too—after all, she had witnessed all those times Xu Shi humiliated her. She especially couldn’t forget Su Lin’s eager gaze the first time that devil tortured her. Hmph, all cut from the same cloth. "No rush." Su Lin shook her head, expressionless, "Please follow me for a security check first." "What? ...Fine." Already impatient, Lin Yue almost cursed at the request, but she had no choice but to comply while under their roof. The security check was meticulous; they confiscated her gun and dagger, and Su Lin, citing safety, personally searched her again. "Is all this really necessary?!" Though both were women, Lin Yue felt humiliated by the intrusion and finally yelled. "This is standard procedure, please understand, Miss Lin." Su Lin rolled her eyes. As if she'd enjoy this without Xu Shi's orders? "If you can’t accept it, you’re free to leave now." "Wouldn't that play right into your hands?" Lin Yue did not want unforeseen complications, so she gritted her teeth, enduring the discomfort. After going around in circles to complete the 'procedures,' Su Lin finally led her to Xu Shi. "The young master is inside; you can discuss with him yourself." At the door, Su Lin left her with these words and departed. The door was ajar, not fully closed, but Lin Yue's hand hovered, hesitating to push it. This didn’t seem like his office? Even with her memory blurred before, she remembered enough to notice this place resembled a prison. What was he planning by meeting here? After much hesitation, she cautiously pushed the door open and peeked inside. Xu Shi was indeed sitting inside, though the dim lighting cast a shadowy veil, revealing only his faintly smiling face. "…I’m here. Where's my sister?" Without further hesitation, Lin Yue stepped inside. "Oh, you mean Miss Lin Xing?" Under the lighting, Xu Shi's smile seemed even more sinister. "She's... right here." With a snap of his fingers, the room's lights suddenly brightened, blinding Lin Yue momentarily. Simultaneously, the door behind her slammed shut. Then, Lin Yue was greeted by a scene that ignited a burning fury within her. Earlier, obscured by the lighting, she hadn’t seen her, but Lin Xing was indeed by Xu Shi's side. Only, she wasn't standing. She was draped over his legs in an extremely intimate pose. Her attire was incredibly revealing—Lin Yue swore the sex dolls from District Six didn’t dress so provocatively! And what was with that collar around her neck? "This, you two..." Lin Yue was too shocked to form words. "Go on, greet your dear sister." Xu Shi tugged at the leash teasingly. "Uh… Sis… hello…” For some reason, Lin Xing’s voice was breathy, her face flushed unnaturally as she awkwardly greeted her sister. "Mind your manners. Greet her properly." Xu Shi frowned, patting her back, “She came specifically to take you back, so tidy up and go with her.” “Mmn…?” Lin Xing responded sluggishly, as if intoxicated, then fiercely shook her head, “I don’t want to go back… I want to stay here…” “Lin Xing! What’s happening to you?!” Lin Yue shouted anxiously, “It’s me, your sister! What are you saying?!” "I, I know…” Lin Xing wore a fawning smile on her face, "Sorry, Sister, but I’d rather stay here with Lord Xu Shi than return to 'Sparks.'" "Because, well, I've become someone who can't live without him..." As she spoke, she nuzzled against Xu Shi’s leg, adopting the demeanor of an obedient puppy. "…Xu Shi! You bastard, I’ll kill you!" Seeing her beloved sister in such a state, Lin Yue could no longer control herself. She growled lowly and rushed at him. She had considered that something like this might happen, but thinking about it and actually seeing it were two very different experiences. He had promised not to touch her! Lin Yue had even gone so far as to hand over Shen He to this demon for this very promise! This was never the outcome she wanted to see! Though Lin Yue was intent on killing him, Xu Shi remained composed, simply releasing the leash in his hand. "Go ahead, and help your sister calm down." "Okay~" Lin Xing stood up and swiftly, effortlessly subdued Lin Yue. "Sorry, Sister, but this is an order from Lord Xu Shi, and I must obey~" The truth was, Lin Yue was no match for her sister; Lin Xing had undergone battle-grade modifications, especially with Jiang Chengcheng’s personal handiwork, making her combat abilities top-notch. Otherwise, how could she handle the territorial wars in Sin City so effortlessly? Additionally, Lin Yue was unarmed, and her camouflage ability didn’t offer much combat advantage. More critically, her mind was in disarray. This alone was enough to seal her fate. "Xu Shi, you broke your promise!" Forced to her knees by her dear sister, Lin Yue screamed in despair, "We had a deal; as long as I followed your orders, you'd spare her!" "When have I ever broken my promise?" Xu Shi crossed his legs with a nonchalant wave of his hands, "I didn’t stop her from not going with you, now did I? I already warned you that she might not be willing to go back." "But you turned her into this!" Lin Yue struggled violently, straining to look up at Lin Xing, "Lin Xing, wake up! Let me go!" "It’d be better if you behaved, Sister~" Lin Xing remained unmoved, a hint of indifference in her gaze. It was this indifference that rendered Lin Yue's mind blank. She had never seen such an expression from her sister, feeling as if the person she once knew had suddenly become a stranger... Or perhaps, that which she cherished most had been shattered once again. "Why... why does it have to be this way?" For a moment, she was at a loss, her strength drained, tears flowing uncontrollably. "Why?" Xu Shi stood with a smile, walking over to help her up. "Because... this is how things have always been." He and Lin Xing spoke in unison, "I didn’t force a change; you just never changed anything." "?" Lin Yue looked up, bewildered, at these two people flanking her, her mind a whirl. "Don't you understand yet, Miss Lin Yue?" Xu Shi gently wiped her tears, "This good sister of yours was sent by me to assist you." "From the very beginning, it’s been this way." Lin Xing smiled sweetly, helping adjust Lin Yue’s clothes. "This..." It felt as if a thunderbolt exploded in Lin Yue’s mind. Despite being struck by this revelation, she hadn't lost her ability to think. Seeing this unfold, in her daze, she began to understand. This wasn’t an ordinary case of planting a spy. It was clear they were the same entity—more specifically, Xu Shi had been controlling Lin Xing from the start, accompanying her step by step to her current position. It wasn’t an uncommon technology, nothing to be surprised about. What truly confirmed this to her was the sudden recollection of Lin Xing's mannerisms resembling Xu Shi’s when they first met. Back then, she'd actually had her doubts, but over time, those thoughts faded... Looking back, she realized if this were true, witnessing Lin Xing's transformation and torture while she herself was trapped—it must have all been orchestrated by him from the start? From then on, everything had been predetermined. She had always been within Xu Shi's control, never once straying. "...So it seems you've figured it all out?" Xu Shi looked at her with a satisfied smile. "You... you broke your word. You said... that one day I'd have my chance for revenge..." Lin Yue stammered, her voice losing its strength. "The promise didn't include preventing me from placing someone by your side, now did it?" Xu Shi stated earnestly. "Besides, let's be honest, without my help, do you think you'd be where you are now?" The little assassin fell silent. It was a truth she didn't want to admit—the rise of 'Sparks' under her leadership only began after Lin Xing's arrival. Before that, it was a struggle even to survive with just a dozen people and a handful of firearms. That's why she held a special affection for Lin Xing, initially relying on her, which gradually evolved into familial-like feelings. But if Lin Xing was Xu Shi’s puppet, to whom should her feelings belong? To her sister? Or to this demon in front of her? In her confusion, she suddenly felt that perhaps he wasn’t so detestable after all… In fact, her hatred for him always faded unconsciously, no matter how strong it was. This was his power, and alarmingly, she had grown accustomed to it. "Then, why are you telling me all this now?" Lin Yue hugged her arms, voice trembling slightly. "It’s not what I want, but what you want." Xu Shi waggled a finger. "The choice remains yours. You can leave now, bringing Lin Xing with you if you wish, or do whatever you please; it makes no difference to me." What... do I want? It seemed a question Lin Yue had never contemplated. It only dawned on her now after Xu Shi's mention. Upon soul-searching, parsing through her emotions, she discovered that the strongest feelings within her were... ■ Desire and submission. This seemed strange, but upon further reflection, it made perfect sense—she had long harbored a twisted craving to be bullied by Xu Shi, having spent countless nights feeling this way. Leaving aside whether Xu Shi had intentionally guided her through Lin Xing, ask yourself if it happened or not. Compounded with the suppressed emotions over time and Su Lin’s provocative behavior earlier... anything else would be surprising. Or perhaps it was a form of escape, for it seemed she had abandoned Shen He for Xu Shi, hadn’t she? No matter how much she refused to admit it, that was the truth. Which means, in hindsight, she had already succumbed subtly, wasn’t she? Thus. Realizing this, Lin Yue knelt down. At the same time, the shackles in her heart shattered. "…Master." The word slipped from her lips without any shame, instead bringing a sense of relief. "Entropy of Malice," the closed loop was completed. (End of Chapter)