Chapter 111: How Can We Call the Shots Alone? - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 111: How Can We Call the Shots Alone? "Hmm? 'The Forgotten' have sent a message wanting to discuss assimilation with the City of Night's Sin?" Receiving this message from City Hall, Xu Shi furrowed his brow. This was completely different from the original plot. The original storyline should have unfolded with Shen He taking control of most of Sin City—putting so much pressure on "Serpent Circle" that they could not lift their heads. It was during this process that he stumbled upon clues regarding his sister, leading to interactions with this group. It was only after completely resolving his own small boss issues that he faced another challenge, posed by Xie Qingyan, as internal and external threats emerged simultaneously. But now, "The Forgotten" had taken the initiative to reveal themselves, even proposing to become part of the City of Night's Sin—completely reversing the situation. Well then. As expected, just as he had thought, the storyline had been jumbled beyond recognition. Though it made sense—given Shen He's current state, where even he struggled to protect himself, there's hardly any leisure left to handle other matters... It's just that this development came faster than he anticipated. As the saying goes: hadn't he gone looking for them yet, and they instead sought him out first? The message concluded with an invitation from City Hall, hoping the six major conglomerates would come together for a meeting to discuss how to proceed. They were not at liberty to make such decisions on their own. Xu Shi chuckled, instructing Su Lin to dismiss everyone else before projecting his image to City Hall. Meetings within the conglomerates usually required personal attendance, but for gatherings as important as this one, where everyone gathered in unity, remote attendance was preferred—for both convenience and security. Xu Shi was the last to arrive. By the time his projection appeared, the others had already taken their seats. There was Xie Qingyan from "Prism," Wen Shengkui from "Feather Pen." Representing "Shark Tooth" was the old director He Jiayuan himself. Given the current standing of his three children, none were yet qualified to sit at this table. Yet, some representatives from the younger generation were present. From "Imaginary Numbers," the young chairman Qi Maoyang attended in place of Director Qi Kang. This wasn't due to any lack of attention; their family was particularly unique. Despite being father and son, they interacted more like brothers, with rumors even suggesting they had been partners in certain ventures... Due to prior encounters, Xu Shi had dealt with this young chairman Qi several times and knew he was indeed influential. Qi Kang was also very trusting, delegating the major responsibilities to him while he enjoyed a leisurely life elsewhere. Now that's true father-son harmony... Xu Shi blinked, reflecting on the mess within his own company, suddenly feeling life was challenging. Next was Long Tianding, the leader of "Dragon City," clad in resolute silence, gaze fixed intently on Xu Shi's empty seat. Once Xu Shi appeared, his gaze somewhat softened. In addition to the six magnates, there was a sycophantic small old man, slightly hunched, with a perpetual ingratiating smile on his face. This was Yue Chizheng, the Governor of City Hall. Nominally, the highest-ranking official in the City of Night's Sin. Yet judging by his seating and demeanor, his title might impress the average citizen, but in the presence of the six conglomerates, he had to bow his head lower. "Ah, Chairman Xu is here too." Seeing Xu Shi's arrival, Yue Chizheng smiled and greeted with a hand gesture, "Well... shall we begin?" "Yes." Xu Shi merely grunted, not bestowing a direct glance his way. Sitting in such a position, the old man might have faced some challenges, and Xu Shi, with his kind and grand character, should perhaps have shown some sympathy. But he also knew that Lin Wenhua had been involved in unsavory dealings with Yue Chizheng. When targeting Jiang Fengshan, the pressure on Tang Shuang had come from this fellow. Opportunistic scoundrel... the thought of this made Xu Shi lose his goodwill. Still, today wasn't the day to settle accounts, so he didn't dwell on it. With everyone present, they quickly began discussing the issue of "The Forgotten." "The timing of 'The Forgotten' raising such a request indicates that their original living conditions are less than optimistic," Wen Shengkui began the discussion. "It aligns with the data 'Feather Pen' has observed: the pressure exerted by the 'Rust Mist' on the entire area is increasing annually." "Why care if they perish?" He Jiayuan scoffed, his tone noticeably lacking strength. "Who doesn't know what sort of people make up that group? Most are from our six families or previously expelled members of 'Refraction' and 'Heavenly River'... Besides, the City of Night's Sin is only so big, and resources are scarce even for us; how could we manage to care for them?" Young people in the City of Night's Sin might not know much about "The Forgotten," but for the older generation, the conflicts of the past were vivid in their minds. They were mere losers in power struggles, viewed with disdain from the heart. Moreover, you had to be wary; these people might seek help from them now, but who knows if they would bite back later. "That's not quite right." Xie Qingyan's beautiful eyes sparkled. "'The Forgotten' have undergone several generational changes, and the people now are not necessarily the same as those before. It’s not advisable to completely dismiss them." "Flat-out refusing them will help no one if push comes to shove, right?" True enough. When survival becomes a priority for one individual, submission might be their only option. Yet when the survival of an entire group is at stake, they might fight to the death instead of yielding. And "The Forgotten" were not completely malleable, or they wouldn't have persisted until now... Xie Qingyan's consideration was indeed reasonable. "I agree; we could at least attempt contact," Long Tianding concurred. "Of course, it depends on what they can offer… Governor Yue, have they mentioned anything specific to you?" "Oh, the messengers only hinted at providing unexpected benefits to the City of Night's Sin," Yue Chizheng laughed apologetically. "Perhaps we really should follow the suggestions of Director Xie and Director Long and make contact first." No one reveals all their cards upfront, especially a vulnerable group like "The Forgotten," who would tread cautiously. "Then let's make contact." Qi Maoyang smiled. "Whatever you decide, I’m fine with it, and I'm sure my father would feel the same… What about you, Chairman Xu? You've been quiet; what's your take?" "Me?" Prompted by Qi Maoyang's query, Xu Shi finally returned to focus. "Contact, of course. We should see what they can offer, as Qingyan advised, before making any decisions." "However." Suddenly, Xu Shi shifted his tone. "I believe, considering this matter affects the entire City of Night's Sin, us discussing it here alone doesn't seem quite right." "Why not let the whole city express their opinions, eh?"