Chapter 114: The Case is Solved, Turns Out Everyone's a Tsundere! - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

## Chapter 114: The Case is Solved, Turns Out Everyone's a Tsundere! "Damn it! The City of Night's Sins has gone too far!" In the temporary outpost of the "Forgotten" outside the city, upon seeing the reports about them, a robust man in a black robe couldn't help but curse out loud. His arms and half of his face had undergone bizarre mechanical modifications, the iron-blue components exposed and now slightly reddened, clearly indicating how infuriated he was. "They haven’t even seen us, yet they say those things. Who knows what they'll dare say next?" "Calm down, they're not entirely wrong." The slender man next to him chuckled, seemingly unconcerned, even jesting, "They say we're mutants, and Zhao Yuan, don't you just fit that description?" "Bullshit! Whose side are you on, Song Chen?" Zhao Yuan, upon hearing this, was fuming and poised to brawl, "Or are you tired of living and want to fight me first?!" "Oh no, I don't fight with mutants." Hearing these words, Song Chen laughed even more heartily, "Jiu Min, the Shrimp Head guy wants to fight!" "You!" "Enough, both of you, let's settle down." Seeing the two were really about to start a fight, Shen Qin, who had been silent, finally spoke up to mediate. "The urgent task is to negotiate conditions with the City of Night's Sins, let's put other issues aside for now." Truth be told. The anger in her heart was no less than that of Song Chen and Zhao Yuan. After all, compared to her time in the City of Night's Sins, her years with the "Forgotten" were longer, and she had a deeper connection here. Furthermore, given her brother's affair, Shen Qin was arguably even more distressed than them. But she saw everything clearly. This explosive situation right before negotiations was undoubtedly a deliberate move by someone. The aim was simple: to give the "Forgotten" a stark warning. Naturally, they felt the need to swallow their pride to return to the City of Night's Sins. Amidst rising public resentment, their position would worsen. And at this critical moment, if internal issues arose within the "Forgotten," it would only fulfill other's wishes, as the City of Night's Sins hoped they would fall into chaos. The three leaders of the "Forgotten," once independent and often at odds over the years, knew now wasn’t the time for discord. They needed to stick together; any disagreement could wait until they gained a stable foothold. With Shen Qin's intervention, Song Chen and Zhao Yuan gradually hesitated to proceed. “Let’s get ready. The meeting time is today, and we don’t want to make a fool of ourselves,” Shen Qin sighed, removing her black robe and switching to a wine-red trench coat. After adjusting, the three, along with a few trusted followers, set off towards the City of Night’s Sins. The city hall had already dispatched someone to receive them, with Inspection Chief Tang Shuang waiting outside. "You must be from the 'Forgotten'?" Chief Tang Shuang observed Shen Qin and her companions with a neutral expression. "I am Tang Shuang, the Inspection Chief, assigned to escort you into the city." “Thank you, Chief Tang,” Shen Qin blinked and then smiled, maintaining a courteous demeanor. However, upon boarding the vehicle and seeing the slogans along the route that were yet to be cleared, her face inevitably darkened. ["Forgotten, Get Out!"]["Night City is for the People of Night City!"] Tension mounted. Her fists clenched involuntarily. Shen Qin bit her lip, feeling a profound sense of humiliation. City Hall. To welcome the "Forgotten," some arrangements were made here. In the reception room, Xu Shi had already arrived. For such an occasion, being there in person rather than via hologram was necessary, or it would seem discourteous. At that moment, he was chatting and laughing with Qi Maoyang. One must admit, Xu Shi admired this "Virtual" company junior. He knew how to stir up public opinion effectively. The reports about the "Forgotten" barely touched on concrete points; most were mere rumors, with the interview with the "Prism" lacking substance as well. Yet the impact was surprisingly successful. Besides the insider arranged by Qi Maoyang, Xu Shi hadn’t heard a single good word about the "Forgotten." Qi Maoyang craftily refrained from deleting any posts, allowing the public sentiment to ferment to the fullest before the official negotiations. He even conducted numerous supposed public opinion polls for obvious ends. Oddly enough, despite the online negativity surrounding the matter, these polls showed a 92% support for the "Forgotten" joining them. Ah, everyone turned out to be tsundere, huh? Vocal about their disdain, but truthfully supportive. Although public opinion polls didn’t greatly affect their final decision. The thought amused Xu Shi. Qi Maoyang laughed as well. Their earlier worries seemed unnecessary. After all the manipulations, the main blame from both Night City residents and the "Forgotten" was directed at City Hall, with "Virtual" taking a backseat. Nonetheless, Xu Shi never really considered including City Hall in his calculations. "Virtual’s" so-called impact was minor compared to other corporations. Regardless, he had already gained the advantage. The first batch of low-cost weapons from the "Serpent Ring" had reached him, with performance and power unmatched by the previous generations. Other corporations were also gradually offering concessions. With this alone, he had already profited. "Shall we drink to that, Director Xu? Water in place of wine?" With such thoughts, Qi Maoyang raised his cup. "We’ll be relying on your support in the future." He knew when to seize moments. The "Serpent Ring" was no longer declining as it was months prior. The "Overlimit Plan" allowed them to regain their hegemonic status. Xu Shi demonstrated a higher level of skill than before. Even though that previous meeting seemed like a discussion among the six major corporations and City Hall, in reality, the actual course was led by him... Under such circumstances, being closer to him was advantageous for "Virtual." This had always been their way of survival. "Mutual assistance. Your words are too kind, Young Master Qi." Xu Shi raised his glass, with a mutual understanding that sparked a shared smile between them. Just then. The reception room door opened, and Tang Shuang led the "Forgotten" inside. Almost immediately. Xu Shi’s eyes met Shen Qin's, clad in a wine-red trench coat. “This… is Xu Shi?” Shen Qin instantly recognized this enemy of her brother, and mixed feelings arose, accompanied by an inexplicable oppressive sensation. (End of Chapter)